The Trial

The Trial has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 37 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Kyle MacLachlan's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Trial earns its spot. The plotting gives The Trial its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. Joseph K. Awakes one morning, to find two strange men in his room, telling him he has been arrested. Joseph is not told what he is charged with, and despite being "arrested," is allowed to remain free and go to work. Kyle MacLachlan and Anthony Hopkins lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1993. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The Trial passes that test consistently. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Viewers who think they have seen every crime drama tend to find The Trial proves them wrong. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Kyle MacLachlan anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.