Trial & Error (2017)

Overview

Trial & Error is an American comedy-crime series shot in mockumentary format that began airing in 2017. The show presents absurd humor within the framework of a realistic courtroom drama, offering viewers an unusual genre blend. The story, which revolves around a young, idealistic lawyer who moves from New York to a small town to defend an inexplicable murder case, stands out both for the quirkiness of its characters and the unexpected twists in its plot. The documentary-style filming technique allows characters to speak directly to the camera (talking head interviews), which both heightens the comedic moments and lends the story a mock sense of reality. The show built a small but loyal following thanks to positive reviews for its first season, and continued into a second season with a different case and new characters.

Produced by Jeff Astrof, the series maintained high production quality while offering a fast-paced narrative to viewers through its short season structure (13-episode seasons). The cast includes names such as Nicholas D'Agosto, John Lithgow, Jayma Mays, Sherri Shepherd, and Steven Boyer. John Lithgow's performance, in particular, stands out as one of the show's most memorable elements.

Plot

The story begins when Josh Segal, a young lawyer working at a major law firm in New York, is sent to a fictional and rather bizarre Southern town called East Peck. Josh's task is to prove the innocence of Larry Henderson, one of the town's leading businessmen, in the murder of his wife. However, upon arriving in town, Josh must contend with strange characters, unconventional legal processes, and illogical clues. The town's own peculiar rules, odd traditions, and unexpected coincidences make solving the case increasingly difficult.

The series takes the classic "murder mystery" formula and turns it completely on its head; every clue that starts out seriously ends up turning into a ridiculous explanation. The stories of the assistant lawyers and detectives working alongside Josh, the strange backgrounds of the supporting characters, and the town's mysterious atmosphere add layer upon layer of richness to the plot. Viewers start out feeling like they're watching a real crime documentary, only to gradually realize that this feeling is a deliberate parody.

Why Watch It?

Trial & Error offers a fresh perspective on television comedy in terms of both genre blending and narrative style. Combining the crime documentary format with humor, the production lets viewers experience a familiar structure in an unexpected way. The characters' absurd behavior, the cleverly constructed joke structure of the script, and the actors' natural comedic timing create a rhythm that keeps you smiling throughout.

The character of Larry Henderson, played by John Lithgow, is one of the show's strongest assets; both endearing and unsettling, this character makes the viewer constantly question whether he's guilty or not. Additionally, the show's short episode lengths and brisk pace move the story forward without boring the viewer. The witty approach that references true crime documentaries becomes even more meaningful in an era when this genre has become popular.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Trial & Error is a highly enjoyable choice for viewers who love the mockumentary style and are familiar with the narrative techniques of shows like "The Office" or "Parks and Recreation." It's also an ideal production for those interested in true crime documentaries but who want to experience the genre in a lighter, funnier way. Fans of absurd humor, character-driven comedy, and surprising plotlines will find plenty to enjoy in this show.

For viewers seeking heavy drama or realistic crime narratives, the show may not meet expectations, since the priority here is laughter, not tension. It's also a good choice for those looking for a quick, binge-friendly production with short episodes.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 1. The creative and effective use of the mockumentary format gives viewers a sense of freshness. 2. The strong performances of the cast, especially John Lithgow, make the characters unforgettable. 3. The short, dense episode structure keeps the story flowing smoothly and engagingly.

Cons: 1. The repetitive nature of some jokes may cause a slight decline in originality in the second season. 2. The absurd humor style may not appeal to every viewer's taste.

Genre and Tone

The series has a hybrid tone that combines comedy and crime drama. The mockumentary format directly reveals the characters' inner worlds to the viewer while also treating the tension elements of the plot in a parodic manner. The tone is generally light, witty, and sometimes carries a nonsensical absurdity, while the presence of an actual murder case in the background adds a subtle layer of tension to the story. This balance is one of the show's most distinctive qualities, as viewers find themselves laughing while still following along to find out "what really happened?"

Runtime and Viewing Experience

Each episode runs approximately 21-22 minutes, making the show quick and easy to watch. Consisting of a total of 20 episodes across two seasons, the production offers a compact viewing experience that can easily be finished within a weekend. The short episode length allows the story to move quickly without disrupting the comedic rhythm, letting viewers move from one episode to the next without getting bored. In terms of format, it's highly suited for binge-watching.

Similar Productions

• The Office (American version)

• Parks and Recreation

• Brooklyn Nine-Nine

• American Vandal

• Documentary Now!

• Arrested Development

Final Assessment

Although short-lived, Trial & Error is a memorable production that stands out as a distinct voice in television comedy. Its bold approach of blending the mockumentary format with crime drama offers a satisfying experience for both genre enthusiasts and viewers looking for light comedy. John Lithgow's unforgettable performance and the script's cleverly constructed absurd humor are the key elements that make the show worth watching. With its short but dense two-season structure, Trial & Error, which offers viewers a storytelling experience that both makes them laugh and keeps them intrigued, stands as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.