I saw the Afghanistan episode in the first series and thought that was so poor I didn't bother with any of the others in that series... I wouldn't have bothered with this series either. But, I was rather intrigued by the transvestite story with Sean Bean and gave that a go... It wasn't pefect. But, I rather enjoyed it. So, as I do like John Bishop and Sheridan Smith, I gave "Stephen's Story" a go last night... I didn't think it was entirely successful... I do have a soft spot for Sheridan Smith. But, I think she's more suited to light / comedy rôles and she struggled to do much with a badly written, two-dimensional character - a fairy tale evil step-mother... John Bishop did as well as he could with another poorly written character - an apparently loving father, who's suddenly insensitive enough to starting flaunting his new sexual partner in front of his recently bereaved sons... I thought the schizophrenia aspects were quite well done. (Though, it's a little depressing that, while the vast majority of schizophrenics are no threat whatsoever to other people, it's the tiny minority who might pose a threat who are almost always portrayed on tele.) But, then, we got the bit tagged on the end that suggested Charlotte might be a poisoner after all... That just cheapened the whole thing and felt like an insult to both schizophrenics and palliative care nurses... It's all very well to leave the audience guessing... In fact, it's good to treat the audience like adults and avoid spelling every little thing out for them. But, the writer should be absolutely certain in his own mind about what's true and what isn't in the little world he's created... In this, I got the distinct impression the writer couldn't make his mind up and was hedging his bets.
Having said all that, I didn't turn it off. So, it must have been engaging enough... Like a lot of drama on tele these days, it would have been considerably better if a little bit more work had been put into the writing.
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sukhideol
12 years ago
Beverley Allitt was an insult to Pediatric nursing, but sadly she still did what she did, so I don't think Charlotte being a possible murderer cheapened the story at all. If anything it made the viewers question whether Stephen's concerns were valid, even though he was schizophrenic.
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GazTruman
12 years ago
This was the worst episode ive seen of 'Accused' from both series. I thought the story was poor, didnt find it gripping at all.
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theNomadz
12 years ago
Sheridan Smith was badly cast in this, like the earlier comment made shes fine but better suited to lighter roles. I'd also rate it as the least rewarding of both series. And the ending did imply that even though he had psychological problems, he could have been right in his actions.
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'Censors tend to do what psychotics do,they confuse reality with illusion' David Cronenberg
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chelseaal
12 years ago
Not the best episode, and as much as I detest Sheridan Smith and John Bishop in their 'normal roles', found they were convincing in this.
I got the impression early on that Sheridans' character was an unsavoury and nasty piece of work, and was convinced she killed the pet dog.........but why did she slink into Stephens room all sultry asking about his sex life? Was she out to have him exposed to the dad as a sex pest if he made a move on her?
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metalgazza
12 years ago
Thats the impression i got. He was clearly looking at her the whole time and i think she noticed on more than one occassion. I think she was hoping for him to make a pass, then cry out and make him look bad.
I would of been too weak and gone in for the touch if she came into my room dressed like that haha.
I Wish IMDB Had A "Like" Button Like On Facebook!!!!
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