Tell-Tale TV Series Premiere Panels: Doubt

Katherine Heigl is back on our television screens once again, this time as Sadie, a defense attorney, on the new CBS drama, Doubt.

Sadie and Albert’s client is on trial for murder, and it wasn’t an easy case before Sadie fell for the client. Now, those feelings could compromise her case and make her life even more complicated.

Doubt also stars Laverne Cox, Dulé Hill, Elliot Gould, and Dreama Walker.

Below, some of our writers share their thoughts on the premiere. You can join the discussion by leaving your thoughts in the comments!

Our panelists are:

• Ashley Bissette Sumerel, editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV
• Cade Taylor, staff writer for Tell-Tale TV
• Allison Nichols, associate editor for Tell-Tale TV

Did you enjoy the premiere?

Allison: It was just okay. There wasn’t anything that grabbed me. The cases weren’t entertaining, and the characters weren’t given enough time to really stand out. It will not be earning a spot on my DVR.

Cade: It wasn’t the best because, in my opinion, it was boring. For a premiere episode, it wasn’t very entertaining and didn’t grab the attention of the audience. I actually fell asleep before the ending the first time I watched it, so I had to give it another go to finish. I’ll give it two more episodes before dropping it.

Ashley: I did. I agree it’s not without its problems, but I found it enjoyable, and I think it has potential. I’m a sucker for shows like this in general, and I think this one had some unique elements.

What’s the show’s biggest problem?

Allison: I haven’t fallen in love with the characters yet, and in a procedural, you need the characters to immediately captivate the audience. No one watches procedurals just for the case of the week; they do it for the characters.

I’m also not really a fan of the “falling for your client storyline.” Is that supposed to make me like Sadie? Because I found the whole ordeal rather boring.

Cade: Instead of focusing on the cases, they should’ve done better at introducing the characters. I also agree with Allison, the “falling for your client” storyline has been done too many times before.

Ashley: The “falling for your client” storyline is definitely weak. If that weren’t the premise, I think the show would have more to offer.

I hope the show winds up going deeper than that. Again, I really do think it has the potential to do so.

Who or what do you want to see more of?

Allison: The relationships between everyone who works at the law firm because that’s the selling point, at least it is to me. Those were my favorite moments.

Also, give me all the Dulé Hill. He was the highlight of the premiere for me.

Cade: I want to see the team connect and interact more. The dynamic between the team makes the entire show. I expected more from Katherine Heigl, if I’m being honest.

Ashley: Laverne Cox, please! I’m a Katherine Heigl fan, so I was excited to see her on another show, but the main reason I wanted to watch was for Laverne Cox.

To go back to what Allison and Cade are saying, I think the opportunity to spend more time with each character is necessary, and I don’t think we got to see enough of Cox or any of the other characters, for that matter.

What was your favorite quote/moment from the premiere?

Allison: I loved Sadie giving Albert the Isaiah speech.

Cade: Honestly, I don’t think I had a favorite part. That sounds bad but the premiere didn’t really stand out for me in any way. If they want viewers to stick around, they need to pick it up, fast.

Ashley: I was struck by Sadie visiting her mom in prison at the end, especially when she pointed out what a great woman Sadie had become.

What did you think of the premiere? Who are what do you want to see more of, and what’s the show’s biggest problem? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Doubt airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on CBS.