David Tennant *(Broadchurch, Doctor Who) stars as a defense lawyer with a perfect record of courtroom wins and a perfect family to go with it — until things go horribly wrong. Written by thriller master David Wolstencroft (MI-5), The Escape Artist airs on Masterpiece Mystery! in two ... should we say ... nail-biting episodes on Sundays, June 15 and 22, 2014 at 9pm ET on PBS (check local listings).

Co-starring in this legal cliff-hanger are Sophie Okonedo as Tennant's professional nemesis, Ashley Jensen (Extras) as the hero's wife, and Toby Kebbell as an accused murderer who is either a persecuted misfit or a dangerous psychopath.

"If you’re chained up in a safe at the bottom of a shark tank," quips a high-placed barrister in Episode 1, "you call for Houdini." He means his wizard of a colleague, Will Burton (Tennant), ranked as the top young criminal lawyer in the UK and destined for silk — the honor of Queen's Counsel — as soon as he finds the time to apply for it. Will's talent for springing clients who should be behind bars has earned him the nickname, 'the Escape Artist.'

Ranked as second-best barrister is Will's perennial rival, Maggie Gardner (Okonedo), who finds herself out-argued once again on the day that the poll is released, as she sees her latest prosecution case go down in flames to a stirring defense by Will. Lost amid their intellectual one-upmanship is an appreciation for the wrecked lives they are manipulating in their courtroom games.
But that is about to change. Liam Foyle (Kebbell), a reclusive bird lover who is charged with the torture killing of a female medical student. Liam's case file is handed to Will as he is leaving on a holiday with his wife, Kate (Jensen), and their young son, Jamie (Gus Barry). At their idyllic country retreat, Will pores over the gruesome details of the crime, searching for a weak link in the seemingly ironclad evidence against Liam. As usual, he puts his family life on hold for his work.

In the ensuing legal battle, the wheels of justice turn much as he anticipates. But then strange and disturbing things begin to happen. The tables are turned — and then turned again. Will finds himself fighting fervently for a new cause that may end his career — or worse.

"Everyone deserves a defense," he is fond of saying. Little does he know that these words will come back to haunt him.

*Editor's Note —  As our grandson reminds us, the Scottish actor was chosen as the favorite Dr. Who. Tenant, who played the role from 2005-10, gained 56% of the English magazine's RadioTimes.com vote, easily beating closest rival Matt Smith.

We recommend The Guardian's review by Sam Wollaston last fall, which may ... or may not ... entice the viewer:

 It all starts to go wrong when Will agrees to represent Liam Foyle, an oddball bird-lover, sexual deviant and violent psychopath, accused of the brutal torture and killing of a woman. Will gets him off of course, through a technicality and because the judge is an old-school duffer, but this time he has his doubts about whether he's done the right thing, and refuses to shake the man's hand after the trial. Big mistake. If offered, always shake a serial killer's hand, that's the rule. It's certainly what I'll be doing after this. Yes, very nice to meet you too, sir.

Next time we see Foyle's face it's at the window of that country cottage bathroom, you know who is in the tub, and Will's still up in London at a legal thing. Ciao bella, might there be room for one large serial killer? No, it's no joking matter, it's creepy as hell, absolutely terrifying. My girlfriend is so traumatised she can't sleep after watching it. Have a bath, love, it might help you relax … no, that's not helping.

The New York Times:

"In one area, at least, America has a severe trade imbalance with the British. They keep sending us their brainy, urbane leading men — Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Day-Lewis — and receive very little in return.

"David Tennant belongs in that company, of course, but he’s less the thinking woman's crumpet than those peers — more conventionally handsome, for one thing, and also more malleable. His live-wire energy and expressiveness can indicate heroic, romantic gallantry (Doctor Who) or, with the slightest tightening of face and posture, narcissism and psychosis (as in the creepy British TV movie Secret Smile)."

 Note: We've even put in a reserve on Netflix for this movie cited above, though it's along wait.

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