Silk is a British television series, which airs on BBC One. The first season began on February 22, 2011 and I am just now getting around to watching it. Late again, but I knew I had to watch Silk, due to the cast, which includes Tom Hughes and Rupert Penry-Jones. Of course, the main star of the show is Maxine Peake, who plays Martha Costello. Martha is a great barrister, but she shows a lot of compassion.

When the series first begins, Martha and Clive Reader (Rupert Penry-Jones) are given pupils. Martha receives Nick Slade (Tom Hughes) and Niamh Cranitch (Natalie Dormer) goes to Clive Reader. The later wind up making quite the couple, but the relationship between Nick and Martha is far more interesting.

Although the courtroom battles are fierce and hotly contested, the political wars at the group’s chambers, Shoe Lane, is even more hectic. Billy Lamb (Neil Stuke) runs the show, but some of the others want him out and they’ll do anything possible to see to it. During the first season, Martha gets a few intriguing clients including, Gary Rush (Paul Hilton) and Mark Draper (Reece Noi). Gary is a career criminal type that cannot seem to take his mind off of Martha. The latter is a rent boy, who gets in trouble for cottaging, before he turns to harder crime. Of course, I won’t spoil all of the juicy details.

Overall, the courtroom drama is excellent. The characters are compelling and the court trials are fairly realistic. I am sure things are sped up for the sake of television, but this only helps the show feel more exciting. I tremendously enjoyed each of the actors and actresses, especially Maxine Peake, Rupert Penry-Jones and Tom Hughes. Unfortunately, the later seems to disappear after the first season.

I like Silk, although it is a little slow at times. I supposed I’d give it an 8 out of 10! It is definitely worth a watch, if you like courtroom thrillers. Can’t wait to watch season 2. I just hope it is just as good, despite the lack of Hughes and Dormer.