The Trial viewers think Simon Davis is not guilty after episode one

On Sunday night Channel 4 opened its casebook on The Trial: A Murder in the Family, where a real jury – with the aid of a real judge and real lawyers – have to get to the bottom of a fictional murder.

The defendant in the trial is university lecturer Simon Davis (played by Michael Gould), a man accused of killing his ex-wife Carla Davis. In the opening episode, the jury – and viewers at home – were faced with a bag-full of evidence, rummaging through suspicious phone calls, an unexpected pregnancy and an account from a neighbour. 

Here's what we know so far… Which way are you leaning? Is Simon Davis guilty of murdering his wife? #TheTrial pic.twitter.com/W2MjVPW5Vc

— The Trial (@thetrial) May 21, 2017

Did the evidence prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Simon Davis is guilty of murdering his wife?

No, say viewers. At least according to our poll, which suggests 72 per cent of people say they’d need more evidence to convict the defendant.

And that’s the opposite of the impression the show’s jurors gave. Many on Twitter were shocked by their knee-jerk reactions…

Good to know that 90% of the jury have made up their mind about his guilt or innocence before any evidence has been presented ? #thetrial

— Jo (@OnTheJoSlow) May 21, 2017

One of the jurors seems to have decided he was guilty before they'd even finished the first session #TheTrial

— Sam Wilson (@MrSamWilson) May 21, 2017

Especially when some jurors assumed that a “no comment” response to questioning was fully indicative of guilt…

"No comment implies guilt" – no I'm sorry, it doesn't at all. #thetrial

— Nikki G (@nikki___xx) May 21, 2017

Got to use my legal skills whilst watching #TheTrial tonight.. 'no comment' doesn't necessarily mean guilt hunni ??

— Rachel (@rachelmain_x) May 22, 2017

FYI people: a no comment interview is NOT an indication of guilt or something to hide #theTrial #PresumptionOfInnocence

— MsFraudLawyer (@MsFraudLawyer) May 22, 2017

Although some pointed out, as Radio Times did, that the actor who plays Davis is used to playing questionably moral men. Michael Gould played one of Darth Vader’s officers in Star Wars Rogue One.

This bloke is definitely guilty. He’s an imperial officer. #TheTrial pic.twitter.com/pXHCXLbkUY

— Simon from Harlow (@simonfromharlow) May 21, 2017

However, most of last night’s twitterings revolved around what was real and what wasn’t. Many were VERY confused.

#TheTrial I wish they had explained this a little more clearly (what's real / fake) so thickos like me know what's going on……

— andy rosiak (@andyrosiak) May 21, 2017

if one more person says is this real i will commit murder ???????? #TheTrial pic.twitter.com/ZfKiK0KSNG

— Laura B (@laurabarr38) May 21, 2017

Remember, all the jurors, legal professionals and expert witnesses are real. The murder, defendant and all non-professional witnesses are actors.

Crime drama meets real life. Here’s a handy cheat sheet for #TheTrial pic.twitter.com/LEOKfuF89q

— Channel 4 (@Channel4) May 21, 2017

Getting a clearer idea of what's real & what isn't, by having a quick peek on twitter ???? #TheTrial pic.twitter.com/27rstAWlom

— Tina ❄️ (@Tinapeg2) May 21, 2017

Better study that diagram quick: the next episode is on soon…

The Trial: A Murder in the Family continues at 9pm on Channel 4 this Monday