SILK on BBC One (2011 to 2014) United Kingdom. I am coming to this TV series late. It ran for 3 seasons and was a TV ratings hit peaking at 6 million viewers. It averaged 5 million viewers throughout. It ran on PBS Masterpiece in the U.S.
The story is simple. We follow a barrister (lawyer) Martha Costello (Maxine Peake) who strives to become a QC (Queen's Counsel). She is a member of the law firm, "Shoe Lane Chambers." She's given court cases as a defense attorney and a few as a prosecutor.
"Silk" refers to what the female QC wears inside chambers (court-room). Silk gowns.
The law in England and the United States is quite different. All judges and lawyers wear white wigs and black robes in court. Opposing counsel cannot "Object" in court. Only a judge can do that. Plus, evidence is shared from the defense to the prosecution. Not vice versa. The defense suspect sits behind thick glass in court and sometimes above the chambers (court-room).
"Silk" has high-drama outside the court-room. The politics inside the firm is intriguing. I will not give away the sub-plots that run through the story with each season. They all involve Martha and it affects her personally plus professionally. There is also good drama inside the court-room.
I purchased a Blu-Ray copy of the series and it is worth it. Check it out.




