Burden of Truth (2018–2021) User Reviews

Pretty good show but...

[Bobonthecouch · 7/10 · 31 October 2018]

The story lines are intriguing and the acting is pretty good. I want to give it a higher rating because at the end of each episode I've looked forward to the next one; However, the lack of logic and common sense (particularly in the earlier episodes) as well as continuity issues prevents me from doing so. The yo-yo effect of both main characters' commitment to the case, the unrealistic reactions by some of the characters in some instances and the confusing timeline references distract me from what would otherwise be a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience. I have the season 1 finale to watch yet and I believe the show has been picked up for a second season so I will look forward to that. I hope some of the flaws will be addressed for series 2 but, I also hope the overall look and feel won't be drastically altered. Some shows in the past have been tweaked into nonexistence by network brass and viewer opinions. This first season seemed to be generally headed in the right direction. "Burden of Truth" could have a long run if handled properly.

Addendum: The way I rate shows... I don't usually review anything less than a 7 because 6 would be a failing grade and I won't waste my time watching it. I'm old; I don't know how much time I've got left. Since I probably turned it off before getting even halfway through, it wouldn't be fair to rate or review it. 7 is watchable but I may go a while between episodes since, though somewhat entertaining, there are other shows more interesting or compelling. 8 would be a regular in my lineup. 9 is a must see and probably bingeable. 10 is just the epitome of superbity and headed for my all-time favorites list. I'm adding this to my reviews because it seems there are a lot of binary reactions to pretty much everything these days. I am not a like/unlike kind of guy. I see a lot of grays so if I give something a 10 it doesn't mean the only alternative is a 1.

Interesting premise

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 13 January 2018]

Just watched the first episode and it's interesting without exaggerated sensationalism, well paced and well acted.

Kristin Kreuk is a convincing as a big city corporate lawyer who is by the end of the first episode taking on a mystery illness affecting teenage girls in her small town home town. At first she seems to be on the bad side as she is representing the vaccine maker. But when it turns out one girl gets sick and didn't get the vaccine she is off the hook but decides to help an old friend and possible love interest find the cause of the mystery illness.

It's nice to watch a legal based drama that isn't too far out.

Engaging and Personal

[skpn123 · 8/10 · 29 January 2019]

This is a legal show with a personal touch with difficult themes such as betrayal, loss and abuse but not presented in too heavy a way.

I find the over emotive behaviour that occasionally arise irritating but otherwise an easy to connect with and very watchable series.

Enjoyable to watch

[cherylfentie · 9/10 · 24 April 2018]

Took a couple of episodes to get into it but once I was I enjoyed the series. It was like reading a book that you really get into. It is a mystery about how the girls acquired their strange symptoms, then secrets from the past become uncovered and the characters become real with relationships and emotions. There is a strong cast with great acting. Eagerly anticipating the next episodes!!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

[kristomluver · 9/10 · 9 July 2018]

Okay, I am a HUGE KK fan. I have watched all her stuff and that is why I had to check out Burden Of Truth. When I read the description and heard the creators comparing it to Erin Brockovich, I was super pumped to see this because I loved that movie.

Season 1 is not a high octane thrill ride. It's more of a stroll down the parkway with some mysteries along the way. It takes it's time, BUT, give the material, I think it was quite appropriate in doing so.

There are some odd story lines that weren't needed or weren't properly inserted into the show, but it still delivered entertainment wise.

As the lead, Kristin holds her own, and Peter Mooney is a fantastic co-star! The two play wonderfully off each other. Supporting cast rounds out the body of the show quite nicely.

Would I recommend Burden? ....I sure would! Some writing issues, but overall, the story was interesting, acting was on point and the cinematography was absolutely wonderful!

I am very excited for Season 2!

Loved season 1, 2 not so much.

[emmaandersson-84973 · 6/10 · 8 March 2019]

I really enjoyed season one alot. But unfortunately two characters in season two are for me so annoying that it makes me not enjoy it as much. The characters are the girl accused and her friend. But mostly the accused one. I don't know if it is all because of the writing or direction she got. But she just looks too dumb, acts too stupid for it to feel ok for me. Worst is her whole mimicing and pouting vibe, that looks too much and not at all well played. I'd give season one an 8 but since the second season has the issues I don't like with the acting/writing of the accused, I can only give it a 6 as a whole.

Hook it to my veins!!

[pegaholic · 10/10 · 19 March 2018]

This is what more Canadian TV should be like! The story is well delivered by the strong cast. The locations are beautiful - it's nice to see a show that actually had real scenes outside rather than always in a studio. I can't wait for more!

Interesting story with awful stale acting

[aliases-53334 · 6/10 · 30 May 2018]

I know Kristin can act since she was great on Smallville so can't help but blaming the series for being bad and causing bad chemistry and the bad script on the stale awkward acting and strange dialogues. For a short mini series this is very slow paced and feels coerced.

Won me over

[poetikat46 · 10/10 · 6 April 2018]

It took a few episodes to settle in to this, but I got totally hooked! Kristin Kreuk is a fine actress and I liked the character of Joanna. Alex Carter ( I loved him in Black Harbour) boy, can he do a good nasty b-tard! Good plot with characters you can actually care about. Give me more!

Changed my rating to 10/10t

3 seasons are good, the 4th lost its spice!

[redeem_er · 6/10 · 19 March 2021]

Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are great, but season 4 is boring and the show lost its touch since.

Timely & Thought Provoking

[clarkj-565-161336 · 9/10 · 6 April 2018]

I don't watch a lot of television, but I was hooked on this show from the beginning. First of all it is Canadian, and it deals with many issues that face us all on a day to day basis. The central theme of our environment being poisoned is very important. Every day some new toxin enters our water supply. Our governments seem powerless to deal with these issues, although they are starting. The series has aspects that appeal to both young people and the older generation. The Millwood teens look forward to university careers in the big city, but tragedy intervenes. They each deal with their issues differently. Being a small town, we see all sorts of social interactions and problems brought out into the light of day. I thought the acting was really sincere and the writing excellent. The final episode is very cathartic, Joanna's dad is a type of lawyer that gives the profession a bad name, and that's putting it mildly.

Wait, wait, oh just another one

[randy-28874 · 6 April 2018]

So, I watched the whole series. I waited when an episode didn't appear and found it the next week. Not only did the episodes drag on, but the series, by missing air dates, dragged it on too.

I was expecting brilliance in the courtroom. Okay that didn't happen. Well then maybe romance par excellence, might be the theme. Well, no that didn't happen either. So what is this show?

Well, it is about a lawyer we goes up against her dad's firm: a firm for which she worked, until she grew a conscience (maybe). She is suppose to be a brilliant lawyer, everyone said so. As a rule she just runs away, comes back, and gets blind sided by daddy at every turn. Then somehow, because daddy's past has people who hate him, they give the 'brilliant lawyer' evidence which daughter dearest uses to blackmail daddy into settling a case she couldn't win legitimately.

Really? How repugnant can you get. She isn't a good lawyer, she isn't a good daughter, and she simply stumbles upon evidence which she uses to blackmail her dad so he will settle. I kept watching because I couldn't believe that her brilliance in court wouldn't shine through in the end. Shame on me. This is just a mediocre, badly written, drama about nothing, using the promise of a court battle to keep us from watching something else.

So so...

[Fio67 · 7/10 · 9 September 2020]

Am I the only one who does not get why is whole story centered around Joanna Chang/Hanley? I mean, in Season 3, we have Crawford-Cheng Law Firm in which one of the partners (Billy) is errand boy, or in the best case law clerk and omniscient Joanna is the star. It is always about her and her problems, never about him. She had horrible father, but he was going through turbulent childhood as well (his father was not role model to put it mildly).

Since this got many positive reviews.....

[DunkelheitVZ · 5/10 · 8 December 2020]

... I took a look at this, because I love shows with lawyers involved.

But honestly, this show is predictable, bland, walks on beaten paths and the acting is everything but strong. Or is Kirsten Kreuks portrayal of a lawyer really a realistic depiction for you?

Where do all the positive ratings from? This show is by no means bad, but it is the definition of average, hence the 5 points rating.

Well written and decently actedd

[fools-409-55281 · 10/10 · 1 April 2018]

For being filmed in small town Manitoba and using many locals for numerous roles; it is surprisingly well done.

Great story and even touches on some taboo topics to do with white vs indigenous history in Canadian Prairies

Kristin Kreuk is amazing!

[Brycemesser · 9/10 · 12 August 2018]

Ms. Kreuk could read the phone book and still find a way to give it depth and power. Thankfully Burden of Truth gives her more compelling material, though sometimes only slightly.

The major downside of this series is that the story has been done many times before, big-city lawyer goes back to her small town and ends up getting wrapped into a mystery and staying. It's the plot of two dozen Hallmark movies and each time pretty much feels the same. The saving grace of the series is that the writing can pretty good, even if it's a play on old themes, and is performed to perfection by the cast. Ms. Kreuk consistently delivers incomparable performances in anything she's in, and Burden of Truth is no different. The show is easily worth watching for her alone.

Have only watched Season 1.

[miller-b · 6/10 · 5 September 2020]

I find it average at best. It would get a 7/10 from me if not for the awful, eye-rolling music that plays at the end of each episode.

The storyline isn't anything new but the plot is enjoyable to follow and the acting is quite good. Have never been a KK fan going back to Smallville so will have to disagree with those that find her excellent in the series.

Hoping Season 2 builds on this one.

First-class legal thriller mini-series

[contact-562-20249 · 10/10 · 19 August 2018]

Burden of Truth is a first-class legal thriller mini-series. It is one of the most-engaging legal mini-series ever produced. Reminiscent of the intensity of the 1960s series The Defenders.

A lawyer is sent to a small Canadian town to resolve claims a client's drug might be causing local girls to get sick. That starts her on a quest to find the cause of the illness.

Great script and top-notch acting by Kristin Kreuk and Peter Mooney in the lead roles.

Intrigue. Romance. Danger. Sleazy lawyers. Corrupt police and politicians. Family feuding and secrets. Can't ask for more!

INACCURACY

[mike-83422 · 21 February 2019]

Much as I enjoy this show, it rankles big time that the writers insist in having judges referred to as "Your Majesty" . In no English speaking court in the world, let alone in Canada, is the judge referred to as "Your Majesty". There is actually a government of Canada website that provides the appropriate terms of address for all judicial positions in Canada. Please make the effort to check it out.

I like the show.

[allenctroutman · 7/10 · 28 February 2021]

Fun cast. But why is she such a.... I like the stories and the big reveal is nicely paced out.

Brilliant script and authentic legal drama

[naraidong · 10/10 · 16 August 2018]

This show had a strong plot and had a very logical and natural flow. The progress of the legal case was portrayed in a very believable and authentic manner. The show also explored relationships and character development really well. (Like how Joanna, as ruthless as she may have been as a lawyer, chose to change for the better. Same thing for Alan.) More than anything, I was surprised by Kristin Kreuk's performance. I remembered her from Smallville but I never expected that she would fit right into the character of an aggressive, strategic, proficient, but humanistic city lawyer. Two thumbs up for overall directing, script, and performances of the actors and actresses.

Watchable

[poppyc · 7/10 · 19 June 2019]

Season 1 is okay. It's watchable. Season 2 is just brainless liberal claptrap. Not worth watching.

Season 2 even better than 1

[msanig · 9/10 · 28 February 2019]

Whilst season one started slowly it really warmed up as it went along with the ending leaving me wanting so much more. I have just watched the last episode of season two which I thought was even better with a an ending that wasn't totally predictable.

The acting has become very watchable and the main characters very likeable in whom we can become really invested.

I really hope that there will be a Season 3.

Potential is there but is off

[colindwhitton · 6/10 · 8 November 2020]

The show has great potential but it lacks in the writing. The acting is good. However, I would suggest where they struggle is in writing the scripts. If you compare this to an American drama series I believe the show lacks research. Some stuff that happens in this show would never happen in the real world. Yes, it is fictional but some stuff is so far fetched that it is irritating.

Slow and nothing remarkable but the worst is the acting of Kristin Kreuk

[ACA13 · 5/10 · 23 July 2020]

Kristin Kreuk acting is way too strong, she is always frowning, tense or angry. Her voice always troubled. It got really tedious.

The plots are just OK, too slow and a bit boring, no twist. Season 2 deals with 2 plots...why?