Garrow's Law

This series is clever and thought-provoking. The period dress and the way that court was conducted are historically accurate and fascinating. As well as the serious cases which are considered, there are the humorous incidents which help to balance the series.

Many British period dramas focus on the upper class folk. This one, by contrast, brings us face to face with the working class, with their appalling living conditions, clothing and poor hygiene.

Our hero is based upon a real-life figure, William Garrow (1760-1840). He is idealistic, trying to make the law work for those who are unable to help themselves and is well sexy in this version. Thanks to him, many of the rights we now take for granted, came to be accepted.

There are just four episodes of this fine series. I hope that the BBC will see fit to make more, as there is a lot more to be said.

When I first heard of Garrow's Law last year, it looked very interesting. I saw all the episodes and loved the series from start to finish. But I was saddened when the series ended as I thought it was one of the better programmes of the year. Deep down, I hoped it would return and be as strong as ever. When I heard it had indeed returned I was overjoyed. I couldn't wait for the beautiful period detail, the clever dialogue and stories, the classic Alun Armstrong moments and of course William Garrow himself. And I was not disappointed.

When Garrow's Law started, it was fascinating, beautifully written and handsome in its detail. When it returned, it was all three of those things and more. The period detail once more is very accurate and eye catching, the lovely scenery and sumptuous costumes are perfectly captured by the skillful photography.

The music is excellent too, often haunting and somewhat poignant too. The direction throughout I have had no problem with either, while the writing is thought-provoking and always clever and the stories and cases also accurate, interesting and well-written. The acting is outstanding I feel. Andrew Buchan is excellent as Garrow, very handsome, idealistic and very intelligent. Lyndsey Marshal is lovely too, delicate and well meaning. But I love Alun Armstrong the most, Armstrong is a wonderful actor I feel and he couldn't have been more perfect as Southouse. Plus there are plenty of classic moments with him, not only in the stories but also in the dialogue and facial expressions.

Overall, Garrow's Law is a wonderful series. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I totally agree with the previous review. A funny and interesting series, with very good acting and, as usual for Acorn productions, a very good portray of the period. The only pity is that it is quite short all in all. I could have watched much more. Can't wait to see season 2. I particularly enjoyed the historical side of it. I had little knowledge on how the anglo-saxon law system evolved. I found I learnt something knew while enjoying the show. I have only one small concern on the veracity of Garrow's opponents, they all seem to be quite inept at law. I wonder if it is accurate and reflects the fact that they've never been challenged before or if it is mostly in the interest of the show.

This series is clever and thought-provoking. The period dress and the way that court was conducted are historically accurate and fascinating. As well as the serious cases which are considered, there are the humorous incidents which help to balance the series.

Many British period dramas focus on the upper class folk. This one, by contrast, brings us face to face with the working class, with their appalling living conditions, clothing and poor hygiene.

Our hero is based upon a real-life figure, William Garrow (1760-1840). He is idealistic, trying to make the law work for those who are unable to help themselves. Thanks to him, many of the rights we now take for granted, came to be accepted.

There are just four episodes of this fine series. I hope that the BBC will see fit to make more, as there is a lot more to be said.

As of November, 2010, I am delighted to report that continuing episodes of Garrow's Law are currently being broacast in the UK!