What? THE WHOLE TRUTH employs a unique alternating narrative structure that chronicles the way a case is built from the perspectives of both the defense and the prosecution. Portraying each side equally keeps the audience guessing – shifting allegiances and opinions on guilt or innocence until the final scene.  Kathryn Peale, the product of a New England background and a sheriff father, is a Deputy Bureau Chief in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Jimmy Brogan, born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen and a friend of Kathryn’s since their days at Yale Law School, is one of New York’s rising criminal defense attorney stars. With the support of their respective teams, these two evenly matched legal aces will square off each week. The pilot episode centers on a high school history teacher and family man who’s arrested for the rape and murder of a female student.  Aiding Kathryn in the prosecution is the DA’s Bureau Chief Terrence “Edge” Edgecomb and Chad Griffin, a very junior ADA and a total player. Over at Jimmy’s firm, his defense team includes Alejo Salazar, Jimmy’s faithful and extremely competent second, and Lena Boudreaux, a recent hire angling to be Jimmy’s second on the murder case.  Creating two different stories from the same set of facts, this up-close, behind-the-scenes look at the legal process mirrors the excitement of a great championship match. Ultimately, it becomes evident that innocence and guilt have nothing to do with the truth – the only thing that matters at the end of every trial is what the jury believes.

Who? Stars Maura Tierney as Peale, Rob Morrow as Brogan, Eamonn Walker as Edge, Sean Wing as Griffin, Anthony Ruivivar as Salazar, and Christine Adams as Boudreaux.  Produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Warner Bros. Television, “The Whole Truth” is executive-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (the “CSI” series), Jonathan Littman (the “CSI” series) and Ed Zuckerman (“Law & Order”). Tom Donaghy (“Without a Trace”) and KristieAnne Reed (“Dark Blue”) are co-executive producers. Donaghy wrote the pilot, which was directed by Alex Graves (“Fringe”), who also executive-produced it. Also working on the series will be legal consultant Elizabeth Rosen-Mayer, a former Manhattan defense attorney and law professor, and staff writer Kevin Hynes, a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney and criminal defense attorney.

Where/When? ABC, 10/9c Wednesdays, after ABC’s comedy block.

Why (Why Not)? I love Maura Tierney and Rob Morrow.  I think that they have a great relationship on screen as opposing counsel.  I don’t love their show, however.  I don’t really dislike the show either, so that’s something.  It’s not a bad idea, telling both sides of the same story, and I liked it when BOOMTOWN did it years ago.  There’s something rushed and unfinished feeling about the pilot that didn’t sit well.  The second episode is more settled and seems like they’re getting into a groove, so it definitely has potential, but I don’t think I’m going to race home Wednesday nights to tune into this one.

How? DVR and watch after THE DEFENDERS.