This BBC series—think: period Perry Mason with a romantic subplot added to the courtroom theatrics—is based on the career of William Garrow (1760–1840), a barrister who developed innovative tactics to win acquittals. Coiner of the phrase “innocent until proven guilty,” Garrow pioneered aggressive cross-examination techniques while taking advantage of legal loopholes to outwit smug judges overseeing an entrenched system that prized quick convictions and summary executions. Originally aired in 2009, these four initial episodes—based on actual cases—present Garrow (Andrew Buchan) as a steely crusader against injustice. Also on hand are an avuncular mentor, John Southouse (Alun Armstrong); a romantic interest in the liberal-minded (and married) noblewoman Lady Sarah Hill (Lyndsey Marshal), who supports Garrow's cause, much to the chagrin of her well-connected husband, Sir Arthur Hill (Rupert Graves); and snooty prosecutor Silvester (Aidan McArdle), with whom Garrow even fights a duel. The first three segments revolve around unpopular defendants—a maid accused of killing her newborn, a man believed to have attacked numerous women, and an employer charged with raping his servant—while the fourth finds Garrow defending a man accused of sedition for advocating political reform in England while the French Revolution rages. Cannily written, well acted, and beautifully produced, Garrow's Law is an entertaining series that is even somewhat instructive about the genesis of the Anglo-American legal process. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette, a photo gallery, cast filmographies, and a text bio of Garrow. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Garrow's Law: Series 1
Acorn, 2 discs, 240 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 Volume 26, Issue 2
Garrow's Law: Series 1
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