Accused Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Robyn’s Story
Trigger warning for anti-queer rhetoric and domestic violence.
On Accused Season 1 Episode 5, “Robyn’s Story,” we are finally given the joy we deserve after four dark episodes.
Starring J. Harrison Ghee as Kevin, a drag performer who falls into a relationship with the wrong man, “Robyn’s Story” comes out (pun intended) as the best episode of the series thus far.
Only knowing him for 40-ish minutes, Ghee is profound in playing Kevin, who is multi-faceted and always true to himself.
Even when he’s in danger or knows how fragile his plan is, Kevin gives everything his all.
Around discussions of growing up queer in a place you don’t feel you belong, this episode presents bright colors, smiles, and masks you can wear to escape your troubles.
This episode is partially weighed down by Chris Coy’s character, Jamie. But for every misstep Jamie makes, Kevin is right there to make everyone — Jamie, himself, and the audience — feel safe and wanted, even if they don’t deserve it.
Daniel Pearle pens a fantastic episode infused with love, visibility, and even incredible thrills.
The episode presents as a love story, but we’re granted twist after twist. You can’t stop watching because you care about the characters and need to know what happens next.
It’s exciting and distressing, making it a good episode instead of just being about a queer person.
There is still romance, and it’s devastating because Kevin’s story is something we can all relate to. Whether it is a partner hiding a spouse or being cheated on, heartbreak is universal. It doesn’t divide based on gender.
The best media pieces are those you can tell were made with love, and “Robyn’s Story” is no different.
Directed by queer icon Billy Porter, this episode shines as the strongest in writing and character work.
So often, queer characters aren’t allowed to live up to their full potential, as they’re struck down or killed before they get the chance. This fact is highlighted in an unfortunate noticeable trend coined the “bury your gays” trope.
Knowing this, Porter, Pearle, and Ghee presented us with a case where we can see queer people thrive in the most surprising circumstances.
Given the episode surrounds a queer Black person, the show’s first happy ending is not lost on me — it, along with the rest of the heart-racing season, presents a case for Accused to be one of 2023’s best new shows.
Stray Thoughts
- Kristen Connolly, we will get you a role on a show where you’re the main character who doesn’t die!
- I will pay out of pocket for every actor on “Robyn’s Story” to never use a Boston accent again.
- This episode made me realize that I miss Pose so desperately.
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What did you think of this episode of Accused? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Accused airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX.
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Laura Wanberg
Laura is a homebody who loves everything about TV. Some of her favorite shows include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Parks and Recreation, and The Morning Show. With her ever-growing list of new shows to watch and books to read, her favorite thing to do is to cuddle up with her cat and get lost in someone else's world.