Showtrial season two review – this outrageous legal drama sucks you straight back in
Even though it was a bit ridiculous, I really enjoyed the first season of Showtrial. It tackled the death of a working-class student at an elite university, using that premise to dive into issues of privilege and justice in the British legal system. The audience responded positively as well; it was bold and entertaining, perfect for a Sunday night, like a bestselling novel adapted into a TV series. It spun around plausibility but kept you engaged with its constant surprises. Now, it’s back for a second season, featuring even bigger stars and the same over-the-top style. Once again, I found myself drawn in, even though I found myself raising an eyebrow at various moments throughout its five episodes.
In this edition, the piece pulls together various topics, including climate activism strategies, inappropriate police group chats on WhatsApp, and online conspiracy theories. While it may seem like it's juggling too many themes, the storyline is engaging and highlights the underlying class struggles in British society. The narrative shifts from Bristol to Brighton, exploring the legal proceedings surrounding a notable murder charge against an active police officer, drawing readers into another compelling narrative of division and social hierarchy.
Marcus Calderwood, portrayed by Barney Fishwick, is a rich founder of the activist organization Stop Climate Genocide, which has gained numerous foes due to its disruptive protests. He meets a tragic fate when he is knocked off his bike and left to die in a ditch. In his final moments, he manages to tell a paramedic that a police officer is responsible for deliberately forcing him off the road. Michael Socha gives a standout performance as PC Justin Mitchell, initially referred to as Officer X, who insists he had no role in Calderwood's death. However, his actions raise suspicion, hinting that he may be hiding something. Mitchell comes across as arrogant and charming, but more importantly, he is a seasoned insider who knows the ins and outs of the system after serving on the front lines. He skillfully navigates the questioning from his superiors and maintains a surprisingly upbeat demeanor, despite the overwhelming circumstantial evidence that seems to implicate him.
The key point to note is that the evidence at this stage is mostly circumstantial. Unlike typical crime dramas, "Showtrial" delves into the intricate details of the case. Mitchell seeks the help of defense lawyer Sam Malik (played by Adeel Akhtar, who perfectly portrays a thoughtful and somewhat gloomy character). Malik has a reputation for successfully defending clients who are difficult and often facing serious charges. Although Mitchell is driven by a strong sense of justice, he feels disillusioned with the system. He realizes he needs “the most annoyingly persistent little twat you’ll ever meet” to defend him. The series frequently explores the issue of due process, as Malik insists that everyone, no matter how despicable, deserves a defense. He emphasizes values like “reason, logic, and basic morality” to his son, who in turn argues that these principles seem outdated in today's society, which is quick to outrage.
The acting is impressive—often even better than the script itself. Each character carries a heavy load of personal struggles alongside their job-related challenges, which makes it feel like there’s some unnecessary excess that could be cut down. For instance, Malik suffers from insomnia and significant mental health issues, while Leila Hassoun-Kenny (played by Nathalie Armin), from the Crown Prosecution Service, deals with a demanding half-sister and a mother who is a somewhat notable academic and French Marxist philosopher. Who among us can't see ourselves in that? However, the storyline does have a few gaps in its ambitious mix of challenges.
It feels like you're being hit with a string of opinion pieces. The arguments presented are quite sweeping as well; for instance, wealthy individuals are portrayed as supporters of the climate crisis, while down-to-earth police officers are depicted as sexist heavy drinkers. One climate activist even refers to the Guardian as “fake allies,” which certainly doesn't help its reputation. There’s a complicated, possibly insincere reason provided for Mitchell's dislike of Stop Climate Genocide, suggesting that the protesters blocked ambulances—despite the fact that even the controversial group Just Stop Oil claims to have a policy allowing emergency vehicles to pass. Then, the explanation shifts to a more confusing narrative about an inexperienced driver on a small road, implying they wouldn't have been there if not for being diverted from the motorway due to a protest. This feels like an overreach in trying to connect the dots.
Regardless, there's much to appreciate about Showtrial. It's an engaging thriller that tackles significant themes; it’s filled with suspense and unexpected turns. The performances by Socha and Akhtar, in particular, make it a captivating viewing experience.
