Nitrate

Silk

  • 2011–2014
  • 3 seasons
  • Drama
  • 7.5

Passionate defence barrister Martha Costello faces challenging cases and surprising clients, which test her faith in the criminal justice system. Gifted colleague Clive Reader is called to the bar with her. They work hard with pupils, Nick Slade and Niamh Cranitch, but ultimately only one can eventually be taken on as a member of chambers.

Episodes

6 episodes
  1. 1The Bitter End

    60 minFeb 22, 2011

    Having just won an important case, Martha Costello 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, she 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?

  2. 2High and Dry

    60 minMar 1, 2011

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

  3. 3Close Quarters

    60 minMar 8, 2011

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

  4. 4Touch and Go

    60 minMar 15, 2011

    Costello 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. Meanwhile, Reader receives some astonishing news which could change not only his personal life, but life at chambers for everyone.

  5. 5All Plain Sailing

    60 minMar 22, 2011

    Costello 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 Zeigler. Meanwhile, Slade takes on his first major case, and both Costello and Reader have their Silk interviews. Will Costello be able to ensure the teacher a fair trial at the same time as succeeding in her interview?

  6. 6Three Sheets to the Wind

    60 minMar 29, 2011

    Costello 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, she must remain focused on the trial as both personal and private pressures escalate. Meanwhile, it's decision time for the pupils, and the fate of chambers hangs in the balance.

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Availability from JustWatch, via TMDB. Full listing for United States

Series cast

Maxine PeakeMartha Costello QC18 episodes
Rupert Penry-JonesClive Reader QC18 episodes
Neil StukeBilly Lamb18 episodes
Theo Barklem-BiggsJake Milner18 episodes
John MacmillanJohn Bright18 episodes
Alex JenningsAlan Cowdrey QC13 episodes
Frances BarberCaroline Warwick QC12 episodes
Amy WrenBethany Brassington12 episodes
Phil DavisMicky Joy7 episodes
Tom HughesNick Slade6 episodes
Natalie DormerNiamh Cranitch6 episodes
Nina SosanyaKate Brockman6 episodes
Miranda RaisonHarriet Hammond6 episodes
Indira VarmaGeorge Duggan6 episodes
Jamie DispiritoJimmy Johnson6 episodes
Jessica HenwickAmy Lang5 episodes
Kirsty BushellNicola5 episodes
Shanaya RafaatFatima Ali4 episodes

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