Mark Mitchinson stars as real-life New Zealand lawyer Mike Bungay—a controversial barrister who defied the staid tradition of the legal profession in a high-profile career that was marked by courtroom theatrics and a self-destructive private life—in this witty and entertaining five-part 2017 series based on the titular 1997 book by Ronda Bungay (who married Mike in 1983). The show follows Bungay from his troubled working-class origins in England to his unconventional introduction to law school (apparently chosen by coin toss), and on to his rise to fame when he defended the first and (to date) only man accused of espionage in New Zealand, in 1975. Mitchinson brings to Bungay a mix of scrappy underdog defiance and professional confidence—the rebel lawyer taking on the establishment with legal acumen and flamboyant tactics. Bungay is captivating and entertaining, but also completely self-absorbed, an alcoholic constantly getting into scraps, flagrantly cheating on his wives and lovers, and brazenly thumbing his nose at the legal system that made his career (for instance, Bungay registered his car in the name of his dog to avoid parking and speeding tickets). The series ends midway through his career (and before his marriage to Ronda), leaving the door open for a second series. Likely to appeal to fans of offbeat British and Australian crime dramas, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Dear Murderer: Series 1
RLJ, 2 discs, 233 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 Volume 33, Issue 5
Dear Murderer: Series 1
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