Secrets and Lies

Network: ABC
Episodes: 20 (hour)
Seasons: Two

TV show dates: March 1, 2015 — December 4, 2016
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Juliette Lewis, Ryan Phillippe, KaDee Strickland, Natalie Martinez, Dan Fogler, Indiana Evans, Belle Shouse, Michael Ealy, Jordana Brewster, Mekia Cox, Kenny Johnson, and Terry O’Quinn.

TV show description:      
Based on the Australian TV series called Secrets & Lies, this drama series tackles a different case each season. The first season revolves around a man who goes from being a Good Samaritan to a murder suspect.

Ben Crawford (Ryan Phillippe) is a handsome and decent family man who works as a house painter. He discovers the body of his neighbor’s young son, Tom Murphy, in the woods. He soon becomes a suspect in Tom’s murder and his life is turned upside down. In trying to clear his name, it is Ben who peels back the layers of these suburbanites’ lives in their quiet cul de sac, revealing their dirty little deceptions and all-too-crowded closets that are overflowing with skeletons.

Prior to his discovery, Ben had his normal share of parenting problems with his teenage daughter, Natalie (Indiana Evans), and smart-as-a-whip 12-year-old daughter, Abby (Belle Shouse). These are in addition to the usual marital struggles, which have lately come to a head. Ben’s wife is Christy (KaDee Strickland), a local realtor who he’s been with since they were both 19 years old.

Christy finds her feelings for Ben complicated by his deadly discovery and the relentless police and media attention on their family. Natalie is a typical 16-year-old with an attitude. She’s upset by Tom’s death, a little boy she used to babysit. And Abby, who is bothered by the state of her family and is fiercely loyal to her dad, is deeply concerned but hides her feelings.

The one person Ben can unload on is his childhood friend, Dave Lindsey (Dan Fogler), who’s also a tenant in the Crawford’s guest house. He lives a cheerfully irresponsible life, but is basically a good guy who’s very supportive of Ben and the girls.

Four-year-old Tom’s mother is Jess Murphy (Natalie Martinez). A woman who has suffered her own indignations in a broken marriage and is crushed by her son’s death.

Is Ben innocent or guilty? He is fighting to keep his marriage, kids, job and reputation — while barely clinging to his sanity. As the investigation progresses, the close knit community starts to come apart at the seams, unraveling until the case’s conclusion.

Heading the investigation is the unflappable and formidable Detective Andrea Cornell (Juliette Lewis). She’s always the smartest person in the room . But that isn’t to say that she isn’t hiding something. Unfortunately for Ben, once she has a suspect in her crosshairs, she doesn’t let go.

In season two, Cornell is investigating a new murder case. Smart and educated, Eric Warner (Michael Ealy) is attending a party to honor his dad as he passes over the reins of the family company. Tragedy strikes when Eric’s wife, Kate (Jordana Brewster), is found dead. Life, as he knows it, is over. Cornell immediately puts the grieving husband in her crosshairs. As Eric battles to prove his innocence and save the family’s company, he discovers that his beloved Kate and the rest of his family are not who they appeared to be.

What do you think? Do you like the Secrets and Lies TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a third season?