This is uncomfortable television about uncomfortable topics. And we could use more of it.... This way of constantly upending the viewers' own preconceptions saves the show when it seems a bit too preachy and on-the-nose. Television too often gets teenagers wrong--too perfect, too whiny, or too bratty--but the young actors here offer nuanced portrayals.

Like the first season, there’s a “Crash”-like flavor to the storytelling, but it feels more organic this time around.... Excellent, all around.

These four episodes are plainly terrific, both as entertainment and wire-crossing social commentary, and bracing proof that Ridley is one of the boldest, brainiest provocateurs working on television right now.

The adults' heated conversations can feel more like textbook debates than natural dialogue. But the acting is phenomenal. [8/15 Jan 2016, p.97]

Through four episodes, the new season of American Crime is another tantalizing dip into a dozen intellectual pots and once again, this is both enriching and frustrating, though more of the former than the latter.

While these character traits represent the real heart of the story, there are times you feel that Ridley is making an instructional film for a corporate HR department. On paper, it’s good for him to break away from stereotyping, but he does it with such obviousness, he almost undermines the power of his story and of the show’s extraordinary performances.

Even if some moments ring true, too many deafening blows make the show's only impact comparable to blunt force trauma. American Crime has never met a bad choice it can't find a way to justify, and worse yet, it uses the worst moments as hooks to lure viewers to the next episode.

Definitely the best moments that TV was able to produce in recent months. The writing is remarkable. The actors are superb. Compelling, concerning, fascinating. I am in awe.

I was really drawn to the first season of "American Crime" for its writing, performances, and haunting portrayals of some of the deep issues in this country. By contrast, the pilot for the second season of the anthology series started a little slow. This feels more "ripped from the headlines" than drawn from the passion of the writers. And by contrast, to me, it's just been OK.

This series and this season specifically could have been a lot better than it was. While, it is not necessary to have a definitive resolution to the actual crime. The way this finale was crafted seems disingenuous. The major plot has been exploitative to homosexual people. This season exploited male on male **** to be shocking and get viewers. After it did not do a very good job showing the fallout that comes from this accusation beyond the 5th episode. The whole school shooting aspect of this season bogged it down in convoluted plot lines. Male on male ****( and female **** victims) victims rarely use violence. The main problem with **** is how it destroys the victim because they tend to internalize the act. The idea of showing a host of other hot-button issues in 10 hours "buried the lead." I really feel that the stories told would only be shocking to white, middle-aged, straight people. Most of the groups represented in this season already know the truth about what is going on in school and the community at large, so for me this show really only seems to be a way to make this segment of the population aware of what others see everyday. I guess this show is not really for those who check the non white or other boxes.

After watching the first season in a marathon, watched the first episode and liked where they seem to be going with this one. The lead actors playing different roles in a different city in a different storyline would only work if they were great with a great production team, this is both of those things. Waiting the long 6 months before I get episode 2 eagerly.

I accidentally wrote this review for Season 1 (which I found pretty good actually). But HATE Season 2. It completely ran out of air around episode 5. Then all the other problems with it--unconvincing dialogue, contrived reactions, over-weaning earnestness--became completely unbearable. It was like they wanted to pack as many social issues into the show as they could. Every conversation is one note: intense and fierce and outraged. It wears thin. Actors do their best. It's technically very well done. But the writing is a disaster.