When I was in junior high, I was part of a debate team that had to discuss whether juveniles convicted of a felony crime should be prosecuted as adults in court. My debate moderator, Mrs. Hallen, asked all of the debate team members to decide which stance they would be on, affirmative (to prosecute as adults) or negative (to prosecute as juveniles.) As soon as each member decided, Mrs. Hallen, brilliantly put each of us on the opposite team; we had to learn to argue the side we did not agree with. Immediately, debate team members learned there was more than one side to each case and story. We learned that a final verdict could not be made until both sides, whether pro or negative, were heard to create a reasonable decision.
ABC’s new legal series, “The Whole Truth”, has a unique approach to the procedural court room drama because it provides the viewer with ALL angles of the story and despite the Jury’s verdict, the ‘whole truth’ about the case is revealed at the end. Viewers can watch a case from the prosecution with the focus on Kathryn Peale (Maura Tierney) as the Deputy Bureau Chief in the New York State District Attorney’s office and from the standpoint of one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in New York, Jimmy Brogan (Rob Morrow).
What Mrs. Hallen taught all debate team members about being able to argue for the defense and prosecution is constantly shown on “The Whole Truth”. When featuring the prosecution side, viewers see all meticulous details the prosecution has to uncover to try to secure a conviction. While watching the defense team, viewers can see how the defense is rapidly digging for strategies to defend their client. The same criminal case is shown in all vantage points, including the jury’s verdict. At the end, the entire “whole truth” about the case is revealed, regardless if the jury’s verdict was actually right or wrong. As audience being able to see the case be debated from both the prosecution and defense, a viewer can create their own assessment to what the verdict will be. Sometimes, the ultimate truth will not necessarily be the same as the final verdict from the jury.
“The Whole Truth” is produced by the uber-talented, Jerry Bruckheimer, (Pirates of the Caribbean, Armageddon) and is on ABC every Wednesday at 10PM EST/9PM CT. “The Whole Truth” will create questions to arise about the legal system, jury verdicts, and what you truly believe to be wrong or right so leave a comment with your thoughts.
I used to be part of a debate team in high school too. Great memories and I like how you compared the show to the debate team.
I’m interested in watching the show after reading your posts abou it. Sound like a more unique legal drama series. Thanks!