If you’re missing Shetland’s no-nonsense DI Ruth Calder, played by Ashley Jensen, and have a DI Alec Hardy-shaped void in your television schedule since Broadchurch’s finale, we have the perfect antidote. The Escape Artist brings our favourite aforementioned TV detectives together, but this time they’re stopping criminals in a different way – from inside the courtroom. It’s an outstanding drama you’ll want to watch on repeat.
The three-part legal thriller is a must-watch for Shetland fans and introduces us to Will Burton (David Tennant), a charming defence barrister who’s never lost a case, and his supportive wife, Kate (Ashley Jensen). But when he exonerates the prime suspect in a murder case, nothing can prepare the couple for the sinister fallout when the killer strikes again.
Intrigued? With the drama available to watch now on ITVX, here’s everything you need to know about The Escape Artist, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Escape Artist about?
The three-part mini series The Escape Artist, which first aired on the BBC in 2013, tells the story of Will Burton (David Tennant), a talented defence barrister who’s become renowned for being able to win whatever case comes his way, exonerating his clients out of tight legal corners. His no-lose streak has earned him the title of the eponymous ‘the escape artist’.
Standing by his side is his loyal wife, Kate (Ashley Jensen), and they’re the perfect couple, with a beautiful London flat and a country cottage where they spend weekends with their son and dog.
However, the perfection is soon irrevocably punctured. When Will acquits Liam Foyle (Toby Kebbell), the prime suspect in a chilling murder case, on a technicality, he faces unprecedented consequences. During the trial, he manages to rile up his client, who goes on a wily pursuit for revenge – which, we warn, is nothing short of terrifying!
The end result of his malevolent spree leaves Will on the other side of the courtroom, facing Liam again. Standing in the defence dock is his long-time professional rival, Maggie Gardner (Sophie Okonedo), and he’s forced to come up against his own conscience.
Ashley Jensen opened up about her longstanding friendship with David Tennant. ‘David and I knew each other from 20 years ago. We did theatre together in Scotland and then worked in theatre together 10 years later,’ she told the BBC. ‘We’ve kept in touch throughout that time, which helps when you’re playing a married couple that need to be so familiar with each other. I think there are a lot of women that would be slightly jealous of my bedroom scenes with David Tennant, but it’s all part of the job!’ she added.
Who’s in the cast of The Escape Artist?
The cast of The Escape Artist includes:
- David Tennant (Gracepoint, Broadchurch) as Will Burton
- Toby Kebbell (Black Mirror) as Liam Foyle
- Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses) as Maggie Gardner
- Ashley Jensen (Shetland) as Kate Burton
- Brid Brennan (Hope Street) as Mary
- Kate Dickie (Dept. Q) as Jenny
- Monica Dolan (Sherwood) as Eileen Morris
- Tony Gardner (Last Tango In Halifax) as Trevor Harris
- Anton Lesser (Endeavour) as Richard Mayfield QC
- Roy Marsden (Silent Witness) as Peter Simkins
- Alistair Petrie (The Night Manager) as Julian Fowkes QC
- Patrick Ryecart (The Crown) as Gavin de Souza QC
- Stephen Wight (The Chelsea Detective) as Danny Monk
- Gus Barry (Silent Witness) as Jamie Burton
Is The Escape Artist any good?
Yes it’s rare we get to see a thriller set in the legal world and, as well as its pacy plotline, The Escape Artist made us truly reflect on the British justice system and what we would do in the shoes of a defence lawyer. It’s as compelling as it is petrifying in places – one particular bathtub scene had us hiding behind a pillow in fear! David Tennant’s performance is spellbinding, and Ashley Jensen is equally as enchanting as his loyal partner.
How can I watch The Escape Artist?
You can watch the Escape Artist now on Netflix and ITVX.
What other Ashley Jensen dramas can I watch now?
If you’re after a lighter but equally compelling drama, we’d recommend Ashley Jensen’s portrayal of an amateur sleuth in Agatha Raisin. The cosy crime series is based on MC Beaton novels and stars Ashley as a PR executive who’s just moved to the Cotswolds. But the bucolic dream is interrupted when she finds herself a suspect in a murder case, meaning she must solve the mystery herself to clear her name. You can watch Agatha Raisin now on Acorn TV via Prime Video. For some respite from crime, Ashley Jensen stars in the romantic comedy Catastrophe as Sharon Horgan’s frenemy. The drama revolves around Sharon and Rob (Rob Delaney) having a one-night-stand and getting pregnant – and the pair having to navigate becoming parents in a very new relationship. You can watch Catastrophe now on Disney+.
