Case, The (BBC-1 2011, Dean Andrews, Caroline Langrishe)

In daytime Legal Drama The Case Tony Powell is accused of murdering his terminally ill partner Saskia Stanley. It’s a crime he vigorously denies, insisting it was a case of assisted suicide. A letter, apparently from Saskia, confirms this but a video tape Tony insists they made together is missing.

Tasked to defend Tony is barrister Sol Ridley. It’s his first murder case and he surprises colleagues by appointing pupil barrister Julie Prior as his junior. In chambers, Julie makes the mistake of crossing swords with formidable fellow barrister Valerie and her card is marked.

Saskia’s family think Tony killed her to get his hands on her money. Her daughter, Jess, isn’t being called for the prosecution, so Tony asks if she’ll speak up for him in court. Jess refuses saying her dad, Neil, would never forgive her. As the trial begins, Neil and son, Dan, give evidence for the prosecution and Tony is clearly feeling the pressure.

At the end of the day, Valerie delights in highlighting a key piece of information that Julie has missed on the case. Angry and frustrated, Sol tells Julie not to let people prove he made the wrong decision choosing her as his junior. As this leads to a more personal conversation, a panicking Tony takes drastic action.

production details
UK / BBC One / 5×45 minute episodes / Broadcast Monday 31 October to Friday 4 November 2011 – Weekdays at 2.15pm

cast
Dean Andrews as Tony
Caroline Langrishe as Saskia
Tristan Gemmill as Sol
Chanel Cresswell as Julie
Ruthie Henshall as Valerie
Michelle Tate as Jess
Connor McIntyre as Neil
Karl Davies as Dan