Garrow’s Law episode synopses
Synopses for the new series of Garrow's Law on BBC One.
Episode 1
TX: Sunday 13 November, 9pm, BBC One and BBC One HD
The opening episode of Garrow’s Law, written and co-created by Tony Marchant, sees William Garrow return to the Bailey, risking his reputation to defend James Hadfield, who is on trial for High Treason for attempting to assassinate King George III. Based on a true story, Garrow attempts to change British law forever.
Garrow agrees to meet Hadfield at Newgate, but finds his defence perplexing. Hadfield is convinced that God has spoken to him. He insists that he did not want to kill the King, but rather wanted himself to be killed by an outraged patriotic crowd. Is he a madman or an assassin? Eighteenth century law does not permit a man to be mad sometimes.
Convinced of Hadfield’s insanity, Garrow risks a defence which seeks to change the law. But in a country where the King himself seems completely lunatic sometimes, it is a defence which threatens the Establishment or is an assault on George III himself?
Now living in an ‘irregular’ relationship with Lady Sarah Hill, Garrow finds himself ostracised and impoverished. He must deal with the competing demands of domestic happiness and professional integrity.
Meanwhile, separated from her husband, Sir Arthur Hill, Southouse informs Sarah that she has no independent rights of her own. She is determined to be reunited with her son and commits a desperate act to try to get him back. But is it an act that provokes her estranged husband? What will be the implications for her and Garrow?
Episode 2
TX: Sunday 20th November, 9pm, BBC One and BBC One HD
Spitalfield silk-weavers, Quinn and Foley, are accused of feloniously destroying silk looms in an act of industrial sabotage. However, their defence is perilously thin and the evidence is strongly against them. A bored and disillusioned Garrow is looking for a case that will challenge and engage his restless mind and he must persuade a sceptical jury of their innocence.
When one of the defendants turns Kings Evidence against his friend, love and loyalty compete with fear and death in the eighteenth century courthouse. Garrow is conflicted – are his clients innocent or guilty? And do they deserve the noose?
Meanwhile, John Southouse is furious. He regards Lady Sarah’s attempt to get custody of Samuel as misguided, futile and ruinous. The creditors are at Garrow’s door and Southouse believes Sarah’s obsession with Samuel is an indulgent distraction. But Southouse’s own life is about to be turned upside down when he is diagnosed with Typhus (“gaol-fever”) and his prognosis is uncertain.