Ep 1. Episode 1

Silk is a legal drama television series, created by Peter Moffat, that revolves around the lives of barristers at Shoe Lane Chambers in London. The first episode of Silk starts with the introduction of Martha Costello (Maxine Peake) who is a passionate and driven barrister who wants to be a Queen's Counsel (QC), the highest rank in the legal profession. She is an idealist who believes that justice should be served, even for the most difficult cases.

Martha’s character is established through a series of scenes that show her in court, defending a man accused of stealing a police officer's helmet during a protest. The trial does not go well, but Martha manages to negotiate a better deal for her client. Her passion and commitment to justice are evident in her interactions with the accused, and it is clear that she is a fierce defender of her clients.

Martha is not alone in her fight for justice, as she is joined by her colleague Clive Reader (Rupert Penry-Jones) who is equally formidable, but in a more charismatic manner. He is ambitious and is also vying for the QC position, which puts him in direct competition with Martha. Clive’s approach to the law is different from Martha’s, as he is more pragmatic and believes that winning is more important than being right.

The series delves into the competitive world of barristers, where ambition, ego, and politics play an important role. Martha and Clive's rivalry is not just professional, but personal as well, as they have a history together. The tension between them is palpable, and as they work on a case together, it becomes apparent that they are both capable of pushing each other's buttons.

The case involves defending a former client of Martha's who is now facing a murder charge. The trial has implications not just for the defendant, but also for Martha's career, as she is being evaluated by the QC selection committee. The trial is a testing ground for her, and she has to prove herself worthy of the QC position.

Silk is not just a legal drama, as it also touches upon the personal lives of the barristers. Martha’s struggles as a single mother, juggling her career and family, are highlighted. Her relationship with her son is strained, and she is trying to make amends. Clive’s personal life is also explored, as he faces a crisis when his wife leaves him for a colleague.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as the verdict in the murder trial is about to be announced, with both Martha and Clive watching anxiously in the courtroom. The outcome of the trial will have far-reaching consequences for both of them.

Silk is a well-written and well-acted series that delves into the complex world of the legal profession. It is a character-driven drama that is as much about the personal lives of the barristers as it is about their professional lives. The first episode sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and captivating series that will keep the viewers engaged.