Accused Season 2, Episode 6, titled “Val’s Story,” seeks to shake up the familiar formula of the anthology series with some bold narrative choices. While trying to inject fresh perspectives, the episode stumbles, particularly during its concluding moments—a letdown considering the show’s reputation for gripping storytelling.
At the center of this episode is Cobie Smulders, famed for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and How I Met Your Mother. She steps back onto the screen to embody Val Pearce, a single mother who is juggling financial hardships alongside deep personal struggles. Smulders captures Val’s vulnerability and strength with impressive nuance, making the character’s desperation and resolve palpable. The tension mounts as Val finds herself wrongly accused of murdering her ex-husband, Trey, propelling the plot and her struggle for vindication.
Joining Smulders is Dina Shihabi, who portrays Jordan, Trey’s new wife. Shihabi’s performance adds complexity as she embodies not just the new spouse but also someone who shares Val's traumatic history—both women have suffered at the hands of the same man. The dynamic between Val and Jordan is refreshing, subverting the common trope of the ex-wife versus the new wife as they form a bond founded on mutual respect and shared trauma. Their relationship enhances the depth of the episode and provides emotional resonance, making what could be simple conflict something much more relatable.
Despite the strong performances of Smulders and Shihabi, the episode falters with its supporting characters. Shawn Doyle plays Patrick, the prosecuting attorney, and though he delivers his lines with gravitas, the character lacks significant development, falling flat as little more than the formulaic antagonist. Similarly, Eric Johnson’s portrayal of Trey feels one-dimensional; his role as the villain does not offer the complexity needed to provoke meaningful engagement with the audience.
The most ambitious aspect of “Val’s Story” is its departure from the series’ usual courtroom drama format. Instead of focusing solely on legal battles, it shifts to Val’s desperate race to secure her own freedom and manipulate the system to help clear Jordan’s name. While this choice brings suspense, it also places the episode outside the reflective and thought-provoking territory typically associated with Accused. The moral ambiguities presented here come off as artificial, diluting the core thematic explorations of justice the show is known for.
What continues to make Accused standout is its role as a conversation starter, often prompting viewers to ponder the nuances of morality and humanity. Unfortunately, “Val’s Story” opts for closure over complexity, arranging its plot for neat resolutions rather than allowing for discussion or debate. This diverges from more impactful episodes, such as Season 1’s “Morgan’s Story,” which grappled with serious issues of abuse and injustice more effectively. The latest episode, rather than provoking deep thought, settles for surface-level drama and entertainment, missing what makes the series truly compelling.
Smulders’ talents may shine brightly, and the interplay between Val and Jordan provides engaging moments. But the episode’s resolution, meant to evoke feelings of triumph, feels misplaced. The finale attempts to give the audience satisfaction but overlooks the intricacies of the justice system, which Accused usually presents with such reverence.
With strong performances at the forefront and rich character dynamics, “Val’s Story” promises much but falls short of its potential. It is entertaining at moments, yet misses the mark by leaning too far toward traditional crime drama tropes, posing the question: can this series reclaim its bold narrative spirit, or will it continue to veer off course?