Fine musings

On why you should watch Garrow’s Law

mswyrr:

followingyourbliss:

cyrillah:

Lately, this blog has been filled with images from Garrow’s Law, a period drama based on 18th century court cases from the Old Bailey. I haven’t had a chance to write about it, but I have just finished watching the second season and I cannot be silent any longer.

Simply put: this drama is pure gold. I have been watching period dramas since I was about 9 or 10 and this is one of the best I have seen. Period. I should not have been shocked that it isn’t that well known here (in the States and especially on tumblr), but I was. After all, the first season aired only in 2009 and not in the ’70s (which I’d have found easier to understand). It really is outstanding in every respect: it’s got engaging storylines, well-drawn characters, and compelling acting.

Each episode deals with one or two major cases that highlight the inequalities in 18th century Britain. Examples include theft of goods, teenage pregnancy, veteran welfare, and accusations of treason. More importantly, however, are the cases dealing with families, which provide a lens to view relationships not only between the plaintiffs and defendants, but those connected to them in some way—namely the lawyer, members of the jury, and other court room visitors.

The main character, William Garrow (a real-life reformer of English criminal law, executed brilliantly by Andrew Buchan) fights against the unjust rules that discriminate against the poor and otherwise disadvantaged in society. Argumentative, often asinine, impatient, but always sincere, he gives voice to victims who are unable to speak for themselves. By doing so, he paves the way for the notion of “innocent until proven guilty”, a fact we take for granted nowadays. His methods are unconventional and his manners not always understood, for he runs into conflicts with his mentor, John Southouse (played by Alun Armstrong) and Lady Sarah Hill (played by Lyndsey Marshal).

It appears that Garrow cannot escape the law, even outside the court room. His personal life essentially becomes a trial as his attachment to Lady Sarah grows. For her part, Lady Sarah makes for an equally interesting character. For once, I am not sure what to do with her—in a good way! She is not quite an enigma, but just very different from many of the heroines portrayed in books and TV. She doesn’t fit a familiar mould: she is neither a damsel in distress nor the sole captain of her fate. If anything, there is much of the “masculine” in Sarah, in a wealthy married woman, as much as there is of the “feminine” in Garrow, in a young(er) barrister working with the underclass. This gender-bending as their relationship unfolds is alone worth watching.

And last but not least, the writing is fantastic. If I had the time, I would like to just listen to it on tape, soak in the language with its nuances, its play on words and imagery. Yes, the style alludes to that from the past, but is never hard to decipher, for Tony Marchant’s clever (and delightful) adaptation makes it surprisingly modern. Moreover, the stories have a very contemporary feel to them, which makes it easier for viewers to relate, empathize, and ultimately understand not just inequalities but triumphs, to not merely appreciate the past (or a portrayal thereof) but to look ahead to better times. And that, after all is what Garrow’s law is all about.

I highly recommend watching this show. There are only 12 episodes in total and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

I am so pleased to see your enjoyment! Thank you for writing such a beautiful post. :)

It so pleasing to find someone new coming to Garrow’s Law, being so impressed and recognising all its qualities.  You are justifying my obsession!!! Thank you!

cyrillah asked: Thank you for reblogging my Garrow's Law pictures :). Also, I hope it's okay if I modified my latest image with your quote. I wanted to add that in last night, but I couldn't hear what Garrow said properly on the DVD.

Please feel free! The glory of tumblr is being able to edit! btw I have at least 7 of your posts queued for http://andrew-buchan-fansite.tumblr.com/ (often with my edits). However, I do like to post the range of Andrew’s work, so they will only be revealed over time.

So far you’ve managed to post some scenes which were on my to-do list as well as some which have been covered previously. Hence some will appear in my blog (because I can’t resist) while others will be in ABF (& some in both!!) Thank you!