Garrow's Law

Sunday 15 November
9.00-10.00pm BBC ONE

Lady Sarah Hill (Lyndsey Marshal)

confronts William Garrow (Andrew Buchan)

After more derision from Silvester, Garrow is spurred on to defend Edgar Cole, who is accused of raping a servant, as the legal drama co-created by Tony Marchant continues.

Garrow controversially wins and Cole is acquitted, much to the disappointment of Lady Sarah, who believes that Garrow only agreed to defend Cole to show off his legal skills. After the trial, Lady Sarah confronts Garrow but Silvester interrupts and senses the intimacy between them. His insinuation offends Garrow and he challenges Silvester to a duel to defend Lady Sarah’s honour.

Southouse is furious with Garrow for challenging Silvester but agrees to be Garrow’s second. They meet Silvester and his second, George Hervey, at dawn for the showdown. Garrow wins the right to shoot first but decides to shoot into the ground. Southouse is relieved but Silvester insists on taking his turn to teach Garrow a lesson, shooting him in the arm.

Sir Arthur is keen to learn the result of the duel and passes on the news that Garrow has been shot to Lady Sarah. Her reaction causes him to question her fidelity. Lady Sarah visits Garrow and admits her feelings. They kiss for the first time but, later, she tells him she must remain true to her husband.

Garrow’s injury is not serious and he is soon back in court and up against his old nemesis, thief-taker Edward Forrester. Garrow is defending Tom and Phebe, who are accused of stealing from a shop owned by Katharine Stanton, on the orders of Forrester. Katherine’s grandson, Dan, gave chase to the thieves but ran into Forrester, who beat Dan up. Dan dies and Tom and Phebe are accused of killing him.

Garrow is eager to cross-examine Forrester again but, as Southouse points out, recent distractions have left him ill-prepared. Forrester manages to humiliate him again. At dinner, Garrow subtly suggests to Judge Varley that some thief-takers like Forrester commit perjury in order to make more money for securing convictions.

Later, Forrester, is arrested for perjury. Tom and Phebe are sentenced to transportation and Forrester is sentenced to two hours in the stocks.

Meanwhile, Southouse guesses the reason for the duel and is angry and disappointed with Garrow. They argue and Southouse suggests they end their association. Stubbornly, Garrow agrees.

The cast includes Andrew Buchan as William Garrow, Lyndsey Marshal as Lady Sarah Hill, Aidan McArdle as Silvester, Alun Armstrong as Southouse, Rupert Graves as Sir Arthur Hill and Steven Waddington as Forrester.