If there's a great British show that you're not watching, it's Garrow's Law. The show, which premiered on the BBC in 2009, is one of Acorn Media's best titles, alongside the genius Life on Mars and Single-Handed. The series has the unique conceit of being a legal drama set in the late 18th century, and centers upon barrister William Garrow, a real historical figure who coined the term "innocent until proven guilty." The series portrays Garrow as a legal revolutionary who begins to change the way trials are held in England through his new perspective and practice of persuading juries. The second series of the show arrives on DVD from Acorn Media August 2.
Click here for my review of Garrow's Law, Series 1.
To call the series anything but great would be wrong. It's deliberately paced, with both the procedural element and an overarching storyline at perfect balance within each episode. The thread that runs through the entirety of the season, which shows Garrow accused of 'criminal conversation' with another man's wife (Lady Sarah Hill, pictured on the cover alongside Garrow), builds to an emotionally satisfying conclusion at the end of the series. It's a perfectly executed build-up filled with tension, and the resolution just might have you cheering. Series 2, which consists of four episodes, is well worth the money -- though of course you'll want to enjoy series 1 first.
It's a brilliant series that features some superb acting (from Andrew Buchan as Garrow, primarily), great plotting, and if you've not seen it before, you certainly should.
Garrow's Law has been renewed for a third series, which should premiere on the BBC later this year.
