As the episode begins, Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw) speaks with the police. He tells the officer about his affair with Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant). He is bashed. Then, an officer interviews Edna Friendship. She gives the officer a complete description of Norman’s assassin. Before too long, Andrew Newton (Blake Harrison) is taken into custody. After the intro, Jeremy learns about the arrest. He also learns that Newton has agreed to say that everything was a silly mistake. Newton wants 5,000 pounds upon his release. Jeremy is not happy with the way David (Jonathan Hyde) is handling the situation. He believes that they’ll easily link Newton to him. A short time later, Jeremy is bombarded by journalists outside of his home.

He is asked about his relationship with Norman. Thorpe refuses to speak. Meanwhile, Norman learns that the story is in all of the newspapers. Edna believes that Norman might be enjoying it. Jeremy is given copies of Norman’s letters. He is worried that it might be published. Jeremy is forced to explain the situation to his wife. She scolds him for lying to the party. He admits that he dabbled to relief himself. Jeremy is again harassed by the press. He is told that the police have no solid evidence. A construction crew finds more letters to Jeremy. Peter Bessell (Alex Jennings) is tracked down and asked if he is willing to be a witness against Thorpe. He admits that Jeremy is his best friend. He is presented with a letter from Norman to Jeremy’s mother. He also finds letters from Scott to Bessell. Peter is forced to ask for immunity.

Jeremy arrives at the police station with his wife. He is arrested for conspiracy to murder Norman. Jeremy decides to plead not guilty. Jeremy speaks with his team about his chances. Then, the courtroom is prepared for the trial. Jeremy’s team quickly tries to discredit Norman as a liar. The court lifts restrictions. This allows the media to print what happens in court. Thorpe watches the case details on television. Norman does the same. Peter is called to the stand later on. The news report that Peter admits that he saw Jeremy order Norman’s death. Peter admits that he told nobody about it in the past. He also admits to being addicted to a sleeping pill at some point. Norman decides to go out and get drunk with his friend. The following day, Scott is required to take the time.

Scott takes them through the events. He admits he thought he was being sawn in half by Jeremy. The court laughs. Then, he is questioned by Jeremy’s lawyer. Norman admits to having some problems and lying in the past. He explains that he stopped doing wicked things. He is also forced to admit that he lied to police about his relationship with Jeremy at the time. He explains that he protected him, because Jeremy would have been arrested for having a homosexual relationship at the time. Then, he is asked about his friend’s suicide. Norman admits he just wanted his National Insurance card. Norman eventually lashes out and explains that he wants to be heard. He doesn’t care about being paid by the press for interviews. He cries in the bathroom afterwards.

Then, he is proud of his testimony. He plays it up for the press outside. Jeremy’s lawyer admits he is beginning to doubt him. He is worried that the jury will believe Norman. He tells Jeremy not to take the stand. Jeremy doesn’t like the idea. In the end, Jeremy doesn’t take the stand. Then, the judge gives the jury they’re instructions. He bashes Norman in his statement. He takes it easy on Jeremy. Jeremy spends the night in jail as the jury still deliberates. We see that Jeremy has been in many relationships with other men. The jury returns. Jeremy and the others are found not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. He is cleared of all charges. Norman hears it on the radio.

He begins laughing. Meanwhile, Jeremy is congratulated outside. Norman leaves the restaurant and boards the bus. Meanwhile, Jeremy gives a speech to a crowd. Jeremy is told that he is ruined. Thorpe never returns to politics. In 1985, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Marion was forced to care for him for the rest of his life. Bessell never returned to Britain. David Holmes eventually became the manager of a roller-disco in Camden. The judge was ridiculed for his behavior during the trial. Marion Thorpe died in 2014. Jeremy died nine months later. Norman Scott is alive and well. We learn that he now has 11 dogs. He still hasn’t got his National Insurance card.

 

A Very English Scandal Review

A Very English Scandal was satisfying from start to finish. Of course, it was definitely depressing as well. In the end, things happened just like you expected them to. The big shot politician went free. That wasn’t a surprise. The acting throughout was very good. I enjoyed it. Since it is only 3 episodes, you cannot lose. Everyone has three hours to binge. Be sure to check it out. The finale scores an 8.5 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of A Very English Scandal right now.