The Whole Truth

Review

Common Sense Media says

Clever courtroom drama is best for more mature audiences.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this courtroom drama features mature storylines about sexual assault, drug dealing, and murder. Potentially upsetting images include pictures of corpses, bruises, and bloody wounds; there's also some occasional salty language (mostly words like “hell” and “screwed”), social drinking, and sexual innuendo. Illegal and prescription drugs are often referenced, usually within the context of a case being worked on.

  • Positive messages0
    The series depicts the committment of both sides in the legal process -- both the prosecution and the defense.
  • Positive role models1
    Despite opposing each other in the courtroom, Peale and Brogan respect the law and each other, and both work very hard. The cast is pretty diverse.
  • Violence3
    Suspects bound for trial are often accused of murder and other violent crimes. Images of murder victims and their bruises and bloody wounds. Guns are occasionally visible. Occasional scenes of people pushing and shoving each other. Cases often involve sexual assault of both adult and minor women.
  • Sex3
    Some strong sexual innuendo. Issues like sexual dysfunction and prostitution are sometimes discussed.
  • Language2
    Words like “screwed” and “hell” are sometimes used.
  • Consumerism2
    The Mountain Dew logo is occasionally visible. iPhones and BlackBerries are visible, though their logos aren't obvious.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Alcoholic beverages (wine, hard liquor) are consumed during cocktail hours and with meals. References are made to drugs like marijuana and Viagra.
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What's the story?

THE WHOLE TRUTH examines how a criminal case is built from the point of view of both the prosecution and the defense. Maura Tierney and Rob Morrow star as Kathryn Peale and Jimmy  Brogan, former law school classmates who often find themselves pitted against each other on opposite sides of the courtroom. Peale, a lead New York City prosecutor committed to putting alleged rapists, drug dealers, and murderers in jail, is assisted by Bureau Chief Terrence Edgecomb (Eamonn Walker) and ADAs like the obnoxious Chad Griffin (Sean Wing). Meanwhile, the quick-talking Brogan does what he can to defend these same alleged criminals from being convicted. Helping him fight for his clients are Alejo Salazar (Anthony Ruivivar) and an ambitious new hire, Lena Boudreaux (Christine Adams). Both sides must work with the same set of facts and navigate the legal process to make sure that they convince the jury of the suspect's guilt or innocence.

Is it any good?

 

This clever, well-written series follows each case by alternating points of view on the same story to reflect the different approaches and tactics employed by the defense and the prosecution. And the friendly rivarly between the two main attorneys creates a dramatic tension that's both interesting and entertaining.

Like most shows of this type, The Whole Truth contains its fair share of mature plotlines and violent images. Although these topics are offered within a specific context, they're not age-appropriate for younger viewers. But mature fans of sophisticated crime and/or legal dramas will thoroughly enjoy it.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the legal system. What's the difference between a prosecutor and a defense attorney? How are both sides typically portrayed in the media? Do you think that's realistic?

  • What are some existing stereotypes
    about lawyers? Why do you think they exist? Does the way the media
    depicts lawyers reinforce or contradict these stereotypes?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:ABC
Cast:Anthony Ruivivar, Maura Tierney, Rob Morrow
Genre:Drama
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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