Trial & Error

Trial & Error is a captivating, comedy series that aired on NBC from 2017-2018, inspired largely by the structure of true-crime documentaries and styled as a parody of acclaimed crime documentaries like "The Staircase" and "Making a Murderer". The show, created by Jeff Astrof and Matt Miller, is presented in the format of a mockumentary and takes a comedic approach towards the typically serious and intense genre of legal drama.

The premise of Trial & Error is centered around a New York lawyer named Josh Segal, played by Nicholas D'Agosto. The show begins with Josh, fresh and ambitious, being dispatched to the strange, small town of East Peck, South Carolina, to handle his first significant case. His objective is defending a local eccentric and societal outcast, poetry professor Larry Henderson, played by John Lithgow, who stands accused of murdering his wife. Larry, charmingly odd yet potentially dangerous, vehemently claims his innocence, insisting his wife died in an accidental fall.

Josh does not operate alone; he assembles a team of East Peck’s most idiosyncratic local misfits to aid him in defense. This quirky team includes an investigator with numerous neurological disorders that make her unable to access facial recognition or express emotions, played by Sherri Shepherd; an unknowledgeable intern looking to gain experience in law, played by Steven Boyer; and a secretary whose prior experience with former employers showcases the worst possible situations, played by Jayma Mays.

As a comedy, the show liberally weaves clownish antics and slapstick elements into its narrative structure. These include the outrageous Southern customs of East Peck residents, Larry's unpredictable behavior, and the bizarre personal quirks of Josh’s team that result from their individual circumstances. However, the humor never loses sight of the central murder trial. The mystery of whether Larry killed his wife persists throughout the first season and maintains suspense alongside the laughter.

The show also raises occasional questions regarding social issues, cultural preconceptions, and legal processes, but it approaches these with playful satire so as not to detract from the overarching comedic tone. The most potent humor stems from the idiosyncrasies of the small town, the outrageous courtroom scenarios, and the seemingly omnipresent eccentricities of its residents. The societal norms in East Peck are humorously bizarre, and its inhabitants are deeply invested in their unique traditions and self-contained way of life. As a result, the series aptly upholds the theme of a stranger navigating through an alien small town that is entirely out of sync with the rest of the world.

In season two, the hilarious misadventures continue with a different client, East Peck’s first lady, portrayed by Kristen Chenoweth, who is standing trial for the murder of her husband. The legal team navigates a precarious minefield of zany circumstances, outrageous town customs, and shocking revelations.

Trial & Error beautifully blends humor with suspense. It juggles these polar opposite genres with adept precision, rendering a series that is funny without compromising intrigue or the fascinating element of suspense inherent in crime stories. The structure of the show - each season chronicling a different case - allows it to refresh its storyline every season while maintaining comedic continuity throughout.

The supporting performances are strong, with D'Agosto brilliantly portraying the overwhelmed yet determined outsider, trying to navigate bizarre local customs while shouldering the gravity of a murder trial. Lithgow flexes his seasoned comedic chops as the bumbling potential killer, and the rest of the ensemble, particularly Shepherd and Boyer, add depth and hilarity to their colorful characters.

In summary, NBC's Trial & Error is a fresh, captivating, and innovative murder mystery that ingeniously combines the arcs of a crime procedural with the cadence and timing of a sitcom. It teeters between comedy and thriller, blending elements of both to create a unique viewing experience. Its nuanced narrative, supported by awkwardly loveable characters and a healthy dose of humor, ensured that this show quickly garnered a cult following. The eccentric town of East Peck invites viewers into its strangely endearing world as they eagerly await the final verdict in each case. Through its mockery of traditional crime thrillers and its skillful execution of situational comedy, Trial & Error masterfully managed to entertain and amuse audiences in equal measure.