When Accused premiered on FOX, it quickly became a hit, standing out by refusing to conform to the expectations of typical network TV. The show maintained the intense and bold storytelling of its British predecessor throughout the first season, with actors delivering powerful performances.
Season 2 picks up right where it left off, opening with an episode that’s sure to spark debate, tackling complex themes and leaving viewers questioning different aspects of the story.
Episode 1: “Lorraine’s Story” Delivers a Complex Narrative
The first episode of Season 2, titled “Lorraine’s Story,” focuses on a woman who claims to be a psychic medium but ends up facing fraud charges when one of her visions fails to come true. The episode invites viewers to question whether Lorraine Howell truly has psychic abilities or if she’s deceiving others.
At the heart of the episode is the unraveling of an already broken family, which Lorraine’s actions further complicate. The story is intense and unsettling, leaving no clear answers, which is a hallmark of why Accused remains one of television’s best dramas.
Felicity Huffman Shines in the Season 2 Premiere
One of the reasons Accused has become a top anthology series is the exceptional care put into its production, especially when it comes to casting. Showrunner Howard Gordon and his team have chosen actors who can handle difficult narratives with subtlety, and this episode is no exception.
In “Lorraine’s Story,” Felicity Huffman plays the central role of Lorraine Howell. Her portrayal of the psychic medium adds depth to the episode, especially given Huffman’s own past legal troubles. This blend of life and art brings an extra layer of intrigue to her performance.
Viewers may find themselves questioning whether Lorraine can be trusted, a dilemma made more complicated by Huffman’s portrayal. In one particularly emotional scene, Lorraine breaks down over the losses in her life, and Huffman taps into raw emotions that feel authentic, perhaps due to her personal experiences.
The Unfolding of Lorraine’s Vision
In the episode, Lorraine claims to have psychic visions about missing children and sees a news report about a boy named Rory Conley, whose parents, Frank and Melissa, are still searching for him a year after his disappearance. Despite warnings from her husband, played by Huffman’s real-life partner William H. Macy, Lorraine contacts the police with a tip.
She ends up staying with the Conleys, hoping for another vision that could help bring Rory back. But the vision never comes, and Lorraine is charged with fraud after extracting a significant amount of money from the family over two months, under the guise of needing funds to pay off debts.
The Question of Trust: Psychic or Fraud?
Huffman portrays Lorraine with an awkward sincerity that makes viewers wonder if she genuinely believes in her psychic abilities or if she’s a calculated scam artist. The prosecutor suggests that Lorraine may have even deceived herself into believing in her powers.
The decision to focus the episode on an alleged psychic is where much of the controversy arises. Audiences will likely debate whether Lorraine truly has a “gift,” if she’s consciously committing fraud, or if she has created this psychic persona as a way to cope with her own struggles. Each viewer’s interpretation may differ based on their personal beliefs.
A Character Shaped by Layers of Complexity
Accused skillfully presents evidence that could support all sides of the argument. Lorraine is credited with helping find a missing girl in Nevada back in 2007, but the detective who worked that case is revealed to be unreliable during her trial. Additionally, Lorraine has financial motives, but the episode also shows her deep need for human connection.
The Season 2 premiere introduces a multifaceted character portrayed by Felicity Huffman, whose performance is exactly what the complex story demands. With “Lorraine’s Story,” Accused continues to prove itself as one of the most compelling dramas on television.
