Escape Artist

Escape Artist is an engaging three-part mini-series drama that aired on BBC One in 2013, featuring some of the finest actors in the world of television including David Tennant, Toby Kebbell, Sophie Okonedo, and Ashley Jensen. As the title suggests, the show's narrative revolves around the theme of escaping; an entangled web of suspense, tension, and deception unfolds as the protagonist's professional role dangerously overlaps with his personal life.

David Tennant, lauded for his performance in "Doctor Who," plays the main role of Will Burton, a skilled and highly sought-after junior barrister. His immense talent lies in his ability to acquit people from legal charges which earned him the nickname "The Escape Artist" in legal circles. Will’s strong belief in the fundamental principle of the law - that everyone is entitled to a defense - is tested when his professional life begins to crossover into his personal one.

Toby Kebbell gives a compelling performance as the eerie and manipulating character, Liam Foyle, a man who is the defendant in a high-profile and grisly murder case. Will Burton is tasked with defending him despite facing a personal moral dilemma. Kebbell's portrayal of the character's unsettling nature perfectly balances Tennant's noble and charismatic persona.

Sophie Okonedo, an Oscar nominee, plays the role of Maggie Gardner, Will's peer and rival in their profession who is always playing second-best to his brilliant defence skill. Maggie's desperate ambition for recognition and advancement in her career is portrayed with utter perfection and adds complexity to the storyline.

Ashley Jensen, widely recognized for her roles in Extras and Ugly Betty, portrays Kate Burton, Will’s wife. She delivers a splendid performance as a concerned wife, a romantic partner, and a strong supportive pillar for her husband in testing times.

The show's premise focuses on Will’s moral and ethical journey in the world of law where lines between the guilty and the innocent can blur, leaving one to question the sanctity and power of the legal system. Will's ability to unravel hard cases and set free potentially guilty individuals sets motion to a dangerous series of events that begin to turn his life upside down.

Throughout the series, the viewers are taken on an exhilarating ride of harsh realities, moral uncertainties, and unexpected twists. The script is laced with thick tension and every episode ends on a high-anxiety climax, leaving the audience eager for more. The world of law and moral judgment is thoroughly explored bringing in an interesting perspective about the role of defence lawyers who passionately do their job, sometimes at great personal cost.

Escape Artist is known for its tight narrative style that keeps the viewers captivated. The brilliant performances of the cast further enhance the overall quality of the drama. Tennant presents another deep and intricate character portrayal, showing versatility and depth in his acting abilities.

The production comprises beautiful cinematography, setting up a mood congruent with the theme of the show. Its detailed shots, paired with impeccable direction and an engaging soundtrack, greatly heightens the aura of tension and suspense. The urban city scenes, courtrooms, prison cells, and plush legal offices all paint a vivid contrasting picture, symbolic of the shifting moral ground on which the characters stand.

Overall, Escape Artist on BBC One is a gripping legal drama that moves beyond courtroom proceedings to delve deeper into the human facets of law practitioners. Showcasing the stunning performances of the cast and an exhilarating storyline, this mini-series is a must-watch for fans of criminal and legal dramas imbued with ethical questions. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of legal machinations, where every action has a consequence and nobody, including the seemingly infallible escape artist, can truly escape justice.