The Escape Artist

David Tennant continues his impressive post–Doctor Who run of appearances in British dramas with this three-part made-for-TV thriller, starring as Will Burton, a brilliant London barrister who is so successful at defending his clients that he's earned the nickname “The Escape Artist.” This moniker comes back to haunt him when he frees diabolical murder suspect Liam Foyle (Toby Kebbell) on a technicality, and Foyle then kills Burton's wife, Kate (Ashley Jensen). Rival attorney Maggie Gardner (Sophie Okonedo) takes up Foyle's defense in the new trial. A mix of mystery and courtroom drama, the miniseries pivots on legal details specific to British law that may well be unfamiliar to American viewers, but they add intrigue to the plot. Burton is legally barred from contact with the prosecutor because he is a witness in the case—a situation that Foyle specifically engineered—so Burton must covertly investigate and also advise the attorney who is seeking to put Foyle behind bars once and for all. Ultimately, this becomes a battle of minds as Burton tries to outsmart Foyle and protect his son (Gus Barry). While there aren't many likeable characters here, Tennant's Will is interesting if also enigmatic. While it aired in the U.S. on PBS's Masterpiece Mystery!, this release features the slightly longer British edition, as well as extras including interviews with Tennant and creator-writer David Wolstencroft. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)