David Tennant
Sophie Okonedo
Toby Kebbell
Ashley Jensen
Jeany Spark
Tony Gardner

Created by:
David Wolstencroft

Miniseries
2014 (U.S.)
Drama, Thriller
PBS
TV-PG

“Masterpiece Mystery!: The Escape Artist” is a three-part miniseries that airs in two parts on PBS in the States. It rests largely on the shoulders of David Tennant (from BBC’s “Broadchurch”) as barrister Will Burton, who’s referenced in the title and who has never lost a case. But Will finds that the tables are turned after he represents a particularly cunning criminal named Liam Foyle: Is Foyle a different kind of escape artist? Sophie Okonedo gives a supporting turn as rival barrister Maggie Gardner (she’s ranked number two behind Burton), who must defend Foyle after he’s charged with killing Burton’s wife.

“The Escape Artist” starts off one way, then turns into something else during and after Burton’s defense of Foyle. This miniseries takes off at that point (the exposition’s well-executed, though). It ratchets up the suspense and tension almost out of nowhere. The steady pace really pays off at that point, and the editing is tight (especially the cutting from one scene to the next).

Like BBC’s “The Fall,” we know who did it: Well, we’re pretty sure of who did it, at least, because Foyle is shown at the scene of the crime and follows Burton’s son in a scene later on. But, unlike “The Fall,” what “it” is isn’t clear at the beginning. You won’t see it coming (unless you know to look for it); though, when it does come, it won’t be a shock.

Also, in this series, Foyle isn’t presented as a regular guy in any way. So, unlike with the murderer in “The Fall,” we don’t have a connection with Foyle; we want him to pay for his crimes. There’s no ambiguity here.

“The Escape Artist” features acting that’s absolutely top-notch (led by Tennant) and writing that’s thoroughly professional. While it doesn’t break new ground, it does execute its beats with finesse. It has a precision and an aesthetic that are typical of many solidly produced British TV series. The camerawork is a great example of that precision: It moves when needed (panning, alternating between closing-in slightly and closing-in severely, and following the action), and it stays still when movement isn’t needed.

I look forward to the remaining part of “The Escape Artist,” because the first part is surprisingly engrossing after the exposition’s out of the way. …

I enjoyed the second part of “The Escape Artist,” as well. Some people may not like the way that it ends, but that kind of stuff doesn’t bother me … well, not most of the time. Just be sure to pay attention.

Verdict: Very Good

About: (Source: escapeartist)

David Tennant (Doctor Who) stars as brilliant defense lawyer Will Burton, who has a storybook family and a potent nickname, “The Escape Artist,” for his ability to spring the obviously guilty. “Everybody deserves a defense,” Burton boasts, but Liam Foyle (Toby Kebbell), a reclusive bird lover, is about to strain that assertion.

Foyle has been charged with a gruesome killing, leaving Will to search for a weak link in the seemingly ironclad evidence against Liam. In the ensuing legal battle, the wheels of justice turn much as Will 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.

Written by David Wolstencroft (Spooks), this gripping legal thriller costars Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) as the hero’s rival, along with a courtroom full of ambitious attorneys and one very unnerving defendant.