Accused Season 1 Episode 13 Review: Samir’s Story
Accused seems to be losing its audience’s attention as the season goes on. On Accused Season 1 Episode 13, “Samir’s Story,” what stands out is how uncomfortable the plot makes female viewers feel.
Throughout the season, the show has tried to portray different stories that would keep us as viewers on the edge of our seats. However, it feels as if every story drags on and the episodes are longer than they should be.
During “Samir’s Story,” women are reminded of the dangers of meeting strangers on the street or after using a riding app. Samir isn’t a likable character, and in the end we’re happy he is convicted.
There is one thing Accused does that must be highlighted. On every episode, they manage to trick the audience into believing they know exactly what is about to happen only to completely turn things around.
On “Samir’s Story,” there is a long list of clues and possible people he could have murdered. From the beginning, we know he is on trial for something he claims to have been an accident that ended up with someone dying.
The fight with Samir’s boss, the disagreement with Alice’s boyfriend, Alice making up with her ex, and the argument with his mom all lead us to believe one of them must be the victim.
The doubting and second guessing are the only exciting emotions this episode makes us feel. If the story had a faster pace, it might be easier to connect with it and want to see more.
However, everything in the episode happens slowly and it is easy for the audience to lose interest and focus on something else. Even by taking our eyes away from the screen for a few minutes, we will still know what is going on.
What stands out the most for female viewers on “Samir’s Story” is how uncomfortable it makes us feel. The fear of being stalked, watched, or even attacked by a stranger is very real, and Samir makes it all happen for Alice.
From the moment he finds Alice’s phone and offers to pick her up at the airport, we know Samir isn’t good news. This is particularly true because we have already seen he is on trial for a crime.
Even though Accused Season 1 Episode 13, “Samir’s Story,” has a plot twist in which it is Alice’s boyfriend who dies, we fear for her life throughout the entire episode.
The point of the show is to highlight these crime stories, proving how different they can be and how at times the wrong person gets convicted. However, this time around, we are happy to see Samir sentenced for murder.
If nothing exciting will happen on the episode, it will be at least rewarding to see the criminal behind bars.
With only two episodes left on Accused Season 1, we hope the next stories will pick up and make the season worthwhile. We know the tricks and plot twists will continue, but can those be enough to make this a memorable season?
If the next episode goes at the same pace as “Samir’s Story,” viewers will be just as bored. There has to be more intriguing and less predictable stories, and more likable characters for us to feel connected to the episode or to want to root for any of the characters.
Even though we fear for Alice’s safety, there is nothing that stands out in her character to make us want to see more of her — we just want her to stay alive.
Hopefully Accused Season 1 Episode 14, “Jessie’s Story,” will bring a more entertaining story to the screen.
—
What did you think of this episode of Accused? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Accused airs Tuesday at 9/8c on FOX.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Lara Rosales
By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature known as a Media Relations Expert. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Eulalie Magazine, Geek Girl Authority, W Spotlight, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.