We love topical drama at Felix and ITV’s new Monday night thriller fits the bill perfectly. “Fearless” tells the story of human rights lawyer Emma Banville as she gets sucked into an international conspiracy. It follows a well-trodden path, with writer Patrick Harbinson drawing on his previous work on “Homeland” and “24” to weave a complex web of intrigue.
In Fearless, Emma Banville, played by Helen McCrory, is a notorious champion of lost causes. She takes on the case of Kevin Russell (Sam Swainsbury), a convicted child murderer. Despite having spent 14 years in prison he is adamant that he is innocent. Banville comes into direct conflict with the victim’s family, who are still struggling to come to terms with their loss.
The tenacious lawyer shares her house with partner Steve, played by John Bishop in a rare departure from stand-up comedy. The couple are hoping to adopt a child but the process is complicated by the presence of another house guest. Miriam Attah (Karima McAdams), is the wife of a Syrian refugee, who happens to be a person of interest to the authorities.
Emma’s choice of client puts her in great danger, especially when her house is raided by counter-terrorism forces. The unit is led by DCS Olivia Greenwood (Munmi Mosaka), who happens to be the original investigating officer in the case against Kevin Russell. The plot thickens very quickly as US intelligence gets involved.
Retired politician Sir Alastair McKinnon (Sir Michael Gambon) is also dragged into the intrigue as a 14-year-old cover-up threatens to unravel. Also involved is the local MP Matthew Wild, played by Jamie Bamber.
The crime for which Russell was convicted, the murder of schoolgirl Linda Simms, took place near a US Air Force base in Norfolk. Banville’s investigations take her close to the base, as she begins to suspect darker political forces are at work. Helen McCrory is convincing as the lawyer. Emma Banville is a complex character, dealing with her own personal demons as well as the problems caused by her caseload.
She is ruthless at times but McCrory deals cleverly with her character’s sensitive side. Her quest to adopt a child is completely at odds with the circumstances surrounding her working relationships and as the series progresses, it seems her dream will never be fulfilled.
Patrick Harbinson has written a story that is particularly relevant to current events in the real world. Filming took place either side of the US presidential election and the recurring themes of fake news, cover-ups and miscarriage of justice resonate with real life events. The result is a powerful and gripping drama with many twists. The law and International politics collide, with dramatic consequences for all involved. This is a thriller with real bite, drawing on many of the issues affecting today’s world.
Enjoy Fearless..
by Ian Hine
The post What’s On TV: Another ‘Fearless’ Drama From ITV appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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