Fearless (2017)

Fearless is a thrilling British crime drama series that originally aired on ITV in the United Kingdom before getting a worldwide release on Amazon Prime Video. Premiering in 2017, Fearless is the brainchild of Patrick Harbinson, renowned for his work on notable series such as Homeland and 24. Tugging at the heartstrings of the viewers, while offering intense nail-biting moments, Fearless takes the audience on an unpredictable journey.

The protagonist of Fearless, Emma Banville, is portrayed by the versatile Helen McCrory, who brings an incredible mix of fierceness and vulnerability to the character. Emma Banville is a human rights lawyer known for her tenacity, willingness to handle controversial cases, and devotion to uncovering the truth. She believes in fighting for the wronged, the forgotten, and the innocent. Her character's determination resonating with many viewers, as she refuses to be bulldozed by bureaucracy and overly authoritative figures.

The main plot of Fearless revolves around Emma's latest case, defending Kevin Russell, a man wrongly accused and convicted of the murder of a schoolgirl 14 years ago. As Emma delves deeper into her investigation to exonerate him, she discovers potent forces willing to go to extraordinary lengths to keep the truth under wraps. Simultaneously, Emma's personal life is dissected, providing a comprehensive look at her struggles and the hefty emotional toll her job often demands.

Fearless indeed delivers the stark reality behind many such cases where external forces manipulate evidence for their gain, and the life of an innocent person is caught in the crossfire, pushed into obscurity. The series paints a vivid picture of this dark side of the justice system, against the backdrop of politically charged, post-Brexit Britain. The storytelling is skillful, intertwining multiple story threads, gradually revealing their interconnectedness as the series unfolds.

The ensemble cast of Fearless further elevates the show. Apart from Helen McCrory, the series boasts an excellent array of talented actors like Michael Gambon (known for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series), Wunmi Mosaku, Jonathan Forbes, Sam Swainsbury, and Robin Weigert. Each provides a heartfelt performance, adding depth to the characters and pushing the narrative forward in imaginative ways.

At its essence, Fearless is a gripping legal thriller with political overtones and a human story at its core. The series gives the audience a subtle yet powerful insight into the world of law, politics, power, and media, and how they intertwine to shape tragedies. The series doesn't shy away from exposing the harsh realities of the justice system and the often devastating consequences of political agendas.

With just six episodes in the first season, Fearless is a tightly knit, fast-paced drama filled with suspense. Each episode offers an intricate plot that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats—simultaneously drawing them into the protagonist's life and her insatiable quest for justice. The televised drama strikes a balance between being a high-stakes courtroom drama and a character-driven narrative.

Fearless visually offers a cinematic feel and expertly captures the essence of its locale. The direction is top-notch, with locations used to great effect to mirror the story’s different dimensions. The series is an atmospheric, well-produced drama giving a real sense of place and mood.

The music score, composed by Ruth Barrett, who has also worked on the popular series Victoria, contributes greatly to the suspenseful atmosphere of Fearless. The music subtly underscores the adversities faced by the characters contributing to the overall emotional and dramatic impact.

Overall, Fearless is a compelling mix of personal and professional drama, mystery, and suspense against a politically charged backdrop. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate a well-crafted, intelligent, and suspenseful legal drama. There is a remarkable humanism at the core of the series that distinguishes it from many other shows in the same genre. Fearless is not just a legal series; it is a reminder of the potential human cost of justice and of the brave crusaders battling against all odds in the name of truth.