Showtrial, series 2, BBC One, review: superb performances shine through an overstuffed plot

Making a judgment about Showtrial (BBC One) can be challenging. If you’re looking for a legal drama that captivates you through energetic performances and a plot full of unexpected turns, then this second installment of Ben Richards's cleverly crafted series excels in every way.

If you prefer to avoid crime tales that force in every current issue to the point of overwhelming the narrative, then Showtrial definitely fits that description. If I were on the jury for this trial, I’d probably be the one dragging things out for three weeks, pushing for a split decision.

Let’s kick things off with the highlights. Michael Socha delivers an outstanding performance as PC Justin Mitchell, a complex character who might be grappling with PTSD. He finds himself facing accusations of murdering Marcus Calderwood, a well-known climate activist with whom he has a personal grudge.

Mitchell blames Calderwood for the protests that obstructed ambulance access, which he believes were directly responsible for the fatal accident involving a pregnant young woman. He witnessed her passing while attempting to assist her.

It's an incredibly gripping moment, and Socha, with a face reflecting his inner turmoil and confusion, hides his profound pain behind a facade of cocky humor, keeping us engaged. The true brilliance of Showtrial emerges in his interactions with Adeel Akhtar's character, Sam Malik, the lawyer who bravely tackles Mitchell's nearly hopeless case. Their dynamic, with Socha's vibrant energy contrasting sharply with Akhtar's twitchy, sleep-deprived demeanor, showcases a remarkable display of acting synergy.

It would be fantastic to see Socha team up with Joe Gilgun from Brassic in a crime drama. Both actors have a vibrant energy when they perform, giving off a raw, unpredictable vibe that suggests they could go off script at any second. They would make an amazing pair as brothers on screen – you heard it here first!

On the downside, whenever the story strays from the central event—something it tends to do quite often—Showtrial loses its momentum. Issues like climate change, police corruption, international drug trafficking, and even sibling conflicts are crammed into a plot that becomes overloaded and ultimately reaches a dead end instead of building up to an exciting climax.

This version of Showtrial shifts from being a mystery about "who did it" to exploring "why it happened." In the climax, there’s an effort to resolve numerous storylines, but it feels forced, leading to missed opportunities for impact. While Socha and Akhtar bring their usual intensity, the conclusion falls flat when it could have delivered a real punch.

Keep an eye out for Socha; she delivers a top-notch performance in an otherwise average production.