TV series

Silk

Name: Silk
Released: 2011
Cast: Maxine Peake, Rupert Penry-Jones, Neil Stuke, Theo Barklem-Biggs, John Macmillan

2011–2014· 3 seasons· 60 min episodes★ 7.5Ended

On BBC One — From BBC

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Synopsis

Passionate defence barrister Martha Costello faces challenging cases and surprising clients, which test her faith in the criminal justice system. Gifted colleague Clive Reader is called to the bar with her. They work hard with pupils, Nick Slade and Niamh Cranitch, but ultimately only one can eventually be taken on as a member of chambers.

Themes

legal drama legal

Episodes

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E1 The Bitter EndNext upFeb 22, 2011 · 60 min
Synopsis
Having just won an important case, Martha Costello is given two new cases for the next day, with a chance of getting a good reference for her Silk application. Under huge time pressure, she has to prepare overnight. But will she be able to satisfy both the personal and the professional demands placed on her? Or will she be forced to sacrifice one case in order to win the other?
Guest stars: Paul Hilton (Gary Rush), Owen Teale (Brian Frogett), William Chubb (HHJ Briscoe), Iain Mitchell (HHJ Ladd), Peter Vaughan (Michael Dodd), Sutara Gayle (Phoebe Richards), Christianne Oliveira (Mercedes Cordoba), Gerard Horan (DS Scarrow)
E2 High and DryMar 1, 2011 · 60 min
Synopsis
In an effort to boost her application, Costello accepts a rape case, against her better judgement. Even worse, Reader is prosecuting her client and delights in riling Costello. As the case draws to a close, Costello begins to realise that things aren't always black and white, especially when she makes a startling discovery.
Guest stars: Paul Hilton (Gary Rush), Pip Torrens (HHJ Makin), Sian Brooke (Annie Laidlaw), John Light (Alan Bradley), Kerry Godliman (PC Wendy Banks), Jack James (Steve Clarke), Buffy Davis (Dr Arnold), Jane Lucas (District Judge)
E3 Close QuartersMar 8, 2011 · 60 min
Synopsis
Costello defends a vulnerable teenager and the pupils are given their first opportunity to stand up in court, taking on a low-level magistrates' case. However, as the cases progress, both Costello and protégé Nick Slade find themselves in challenging positions. Can Costello defend her client without endangering not only her Silk application, but also her career?
Guest stars: Reece Noi (Mark Draper), Adrian Schiller (Noah Zeigler), Will Keen (Michael Connolly), Aden Gillett (HHJ Donovan), Mark Flitton (Steve Crocker), Alison Newman (Sue Crocker), Rupert Wickham (Andrew Wiles), Penelope McGhie (Andrea Wiles)
E4 Touch and GoMar 15, 2011 · 60 min
Synopsis
Costello is forced to defend a police officer accused of racism at the police tribunal, at the same time as trying to get bail for another client. In the meantime, pressure increases on the pupils as the tenancy deadline draws near. Meanwhile, Reader receives some astonishing news which could change not only his personal life, but life at chambers for everyone.
Guest stars: Reece Noi (Mark Draper), Adrian Schiller (Noah Zeigler), Dorian Lough (Keith Wearing), Syreeta Kumar (PS Rachna Ali), Peter Wight (Alan Carruthers), Philip Bretherton (Fred Haig), Ariyon Bakare (Peter Antwi), Aaron Shosanya (Ben Samways)
E5 All Plain SailingMar 22, 2011 · 60 min
Synopsis
Costello prosecutes a teacher accused of assaulting a pupil, but believes he is on too serious a charge and is not being properly defended by her colleague Noah Zeigler. Meanwhile, Slade takes on his first major case, and both Costello and Reader have their Silk interviews. Will Costello be able to ensure the teacher a fair trial at the same time as succeeding in her interview?
Guest stars: Paul Hilton (Gary Rush), Pip Torrens (HHJ Makin), Adrian Schiller (Noah Zeigler), Paul Ready (Tony Paddick), Fenella Woolgar (Wendy Ford), Ryan Hayward (Anthony Hartcliffe), Lauren Rose Crace (Lindsay Moxham), Shannon Tarbet (Amy)
E6 Three Sheets to the WindMar 29, 2011 · 60 min
Synopsis
Costello takes on the biggest case of her life, defending Mark Draper, a repeat offender on a murder charge at the Old Bailey. However, when the case starts to fall apart, she must remain focused on the trial as both personal and private pressures escalate. Meanwhile, it's decision time for the pupils, and the fate of chambers hangs in the balance.
Guest stars: Alex Jennings (Alan Cowdrey QC), Paul Hilton (Gary Rush), Reece Noi (Mark Draper), Will Keen (Michael Connolly), Owen Teale (Brian Frogett), Laura Greenwood (Emma), Adrian Dunbar (Joe Gillespie QC), Brodie Ross (John Guthrie)