The opening scene of Devil’s Advocate (2023) is a courtroom showdown, where defense lawyer Ali Kakouli stands alone against a sea of public outrage. His client? A high-profile footballer accused of murdering his wife. The premise alone is explosive—Kuwait City’s legal and social tensions laid bare in real time.

The series crafts a drama that leans hard into its moral dilemma: can justice coexist with popular sentiment? Kakouli’s performance as the determined lawyer is the series’ anchor, grounding the chaos of public opinion in quiet, relentless conviction. The courtroom scenes crackle with tension, particularly when Kakouli dismantles witness testimonies with surgical precision. A standout moment comes when he exposes a key contradiction in the prosecution’s case—a flaw so glaring that even the judge pauses.

But where Devil’s Advocate excels in its legal maneuvering, it stumbles in pacing. The series struggles to balance its courtroom drama with the personal lives of its characters. Subplots involving supporting cast members like Haya Abdulsalam and Noor Aldulaimi feel underdeveloped, their arcs sidelined by the main narrative’s relentless focus on Kakouli’s crusade.

The series also misses an opportunity to delve deeper into Kuwaiti society—its cultural nuances, its class divisions—and instead settles for broad strokes. This is a missed chance to add layers of authenticity and depth, particularly in a story that hinges on societal tensions. The production values are solid but unspectacular. The courtroom set is functional, though some exterior shots of Kuwait City lack the grit and authenticity that could have elevated the story’s stakes.

The soundtrack, too, is unremarkable, opting for generic tension-building cues rather than anything memorable. Yet, despite these shortcomings, Devil’s Advocate succeeds where it matters most: in its central performance and its core premise. Kakouli’s portrayal of a lawyer walking a tightrope between justice and public pressure is compelling, and the moral dilemma at the heart of the story keeps viewers engaged.

The series draws comparisons to the 1997 film Devil’s Advocate, which explored similar themes of morality and ambition. However, where the film leaned into supernatural horror and grand theatrics, this series stays firmly rooted in grounded drama. This is a more subdued, realistic take on the concept, which works in its favor but also limits its scope.

Devil’s Advocate (2023) is for viewers who enjoy legal dramas with a strong moral core. Fans of shows like The Good Fight or Goliath will find familiar territory here, though the series lacks the sharp wit and social commentary that define those shows. The performances are solid across the board, but it’s Kakouli who carries the weight of the narrative.

The supporting cast, including Mohammad Al-Dosari, Nouf Al Sultan, and Hasan Ibrahim, deliver capable performances, but their characters are often overshadowed by Kakouli’s dominant presence. This imbalance is a shame, as some of these actors have the potential to add more depth to the story if given the chance.

One of the series’ strengths is its exploration of the concept of playing devil’s advocate—a phrase that originated from the Catholic Church’s practice of appointing an advocate for the devil in canonization trials. In Devil’s Advocate (2023), this idea is translated into a modern legal context, where Kakouli’s role as defense lawyer forces him to challenge societal norms and popular opinion.

The series also touches on themes of loyalty and betrayal, particularly in the relationship between Kakouli and his client. The footballer, played by Mohammad Al-Dosari, is a complex figure—charismatic yet enigmatic, sympathetic yet suspect. This duality adds an intriguing layer to the story, as viewers are left questioning who to root for.

Despite its flaws, Devil’s Advocate (2023) is a compelling watch. It’s not groundbreaking, nor is it particularly innovative, but it delivers a solid legal drama with a strong central performance. The series’ exploration of morality and justice is timely and relevant, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre.

In the end, Devil’s Advocate (2023) is a series that will appeal to fans of legal dramas who enjoy a good moral dilemma. It’s not perfect, but it’s engaging enough to keep viewers hooked until the final episode.