Silk

Silk

2011
7.6
3 Seasons
Drama

Silk is a British television drama series produced by the BBC and first shown in 2011. Written by Peter Moffat, the series follows a set of barristers, and what they do to attain the rank of Queen's Counsel, known as "taking silk."

Season

Episodes

Episode 1
Ep 1

The Bitter End

Having just won an important case, Martha is given two new cases for the next day, with a chance of getting a good reference for her Silk application. Under huge time pressure, Martha has to prepare overnight. But will she be able to satisfy both the personal and the professional demands placed on her? Or will she be forced to sacrifice one case in order to win the other?

Episode 2
Ep 2

High and Dry

In an effort to boost her Silk application, Martha accepts a rape case, against her better judgement. Even worse, Clive is prosecuting her client and delights in riling Martha. As the case draws to a close, Martha begins to realise that things are not always black and white, especially when she makes a startling discovery.

Episode 3
Ep 3

Close Quarters

Martha defends a vulnerable teenager and the pupils are given their first opportunity to stand up in court, taking on a low-level magistrates' court case. However, as the cases progress, both Martha and Nick find themselves in challenging positions. Can Martha save her client without endangering not only her silk application, but also her career?

Episode 4
Ep 4

Touch and Go

Martha is forced to defend a police officer accused of racism at the police tribunal, at the same time as trying to get bail for another client. In the meantime, pressure increases on the pupils as the tenancy deadline draws near. And Clive receives some astonishing news which could change not only his personal life, but life at chambers for everyone.

Episode 5
Ep 5

All Plain Sailing

Martha prosecutes a teacher accused of assaulting a pupil, but believes he is on too serious a charge and is not being properly defended by her colleague, Noah. Meanwhile, Nick takes on his first major case, and both Martha and Clive have their Silk interviews. Will Martha be able to ensure a fair trial for the teacher at the same time as succeeding in her interview?

Episode 6
Ep 6

Three Sheets to the Wind

Martha takes on the biggest case of her life, defending Mark Draper, a repeat offender on a murder charge at the Old Bailey. However, when the case starts to fall apart, Martha must try to remain focused on the trial as both personal and private pressures escalate. Meanwhile, it is decision time for the pupils, and the fate of chambers hangs in the balance.

Cast

Maxine Peake

Maxine Peake

Martha Costello

Rupert Penry-Jones

Rupert Penry-Jones

Clive Reader

Neil Stuke

Neil Stuke

Billy Lamb

Alex Jennings

Alex Jennings

Alan Cowdrey

Frances Barber

Frances Barber

Caroline Warwick

John Macmillan

John Macmillan

John Bright

Theo Barklem-Biggs

Theo Barklem-Biggs

Jake Milner

Amy Wren

Amy Wren

Bethany Brassington

Miranda Raison

Miranda Raison

Harriet Hammond

Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick

Amy Lang