Justice: Trial For Murder (ITV 17 May 1974, with Lynn Farleigh)

In Trial For Murder, the opening episode of the third and final season of Justice, Harriet is defending Muriel Parker who has been accused of deliberating killer her much older husband. It seems that Muriel had deliberately given her husband food that would interfere with his medication leading to a fatal stroke. Harriet is sure Muriel is innocent but then learns that she has been having an affair.

Anthony Valentine has arrived as new season regular James Eliot. He is a rising star on the lawyer scene and has been personally invited to join the chambers by Sir John who is conspicuous by his absence. It’s claimed that he is up in Scotland on business. Anthony Valentine arrives as new series 3 regular James Eliot.

Almost immediately Bill gets off on the wrong foot with James. Bill is very upset about the fact that James takes Harriet’s parking spot outside the chambers. James makes it clear in no uncertain terms where Bill actually stands in the pecking order where the chambers is concerned.

In true Justice style Harriet finds herself going up against James who is prosecuting for the crown.

Season 3 continues the Moody-Peterson relationship pretty much where it left off, Moody is still living in the north and travelling down to see Harriet whenever he can. Harriet and James discuss tactics over dinner.

There are a few changes for the third season, a brand new title sequence (same theme tune) and the departure of Sir John. He is still supposed to be around and was talked about in this episode but obviously not seen.

Valentine had previously appeared in season 2 episode You Didn’t Pay For Justice, on that occasion he was on the other side of the law.

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 17 May 1974

Writer: David Ambrose / Production Design: Eric Shedden / Director: John Frankau

Series: Justice Season 3 Episode 1

cast
Margaret Lockwood as Harriet Peterson
John Stone as Ian Moody
John Bryans as Bill
Anthony Valentine as James Eliot
Rosie Collins as Rosie
Lynn Farleigh as Muriel Parker
Geoffrey Bayldon as Dr Lomax
Alan Bennion as Dr Green
Arthur Hewlett as Judge
Anne Dyson as Mrs Glover
John Woodnutt as Detective Inspector Collins
Jeremy Young as Ronnie Manners
Robert Raglan as Simpson