Watch The Advocates

The Advocates is a British legal drama series that aired on Amazon Addon from 1991 to 1992. The show revolves around the professional and personal lives of two lawyers, Harry Fordyce and Barbara Douglas, played by Ewan Stewart and Isla Blair, respectively. These two lawyers work for a Glasgow-based law firm and are known for vigorously defending their clients, no matter how challenging the case may be.

Harry is a passionate and tenacious defense lawyer who is willing to go the extra mile for his clients. Barbara is his counterpart who proves to be an equally formidable lawyer. She is a political activist who uses her skills in the courtroom to fight for social justice. Despite the differences in their personalities and approaches, they have a deep respect for each other and work together seamlessly to come up with creative legal strategies to help their clients.

Throughout the series, Harry and Barbara handle a range of cases, from defending a doctor accused of assisted suicide to representing a teenage boy accused of stealing a car. The show also addresses some social issues such as homelessness, class discrimination and social disadvantage. These cases put their beliefs and principles to the test and force them to confront difficult moral questions.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Advocates is the personal lives of the characters. Harry is a single father trying to raise his teenage daughter while juggling his demanding job. Barbara is juggling her responsibilities as a lawyer and politics while dealing with her personal life. Her estranged husband, a prominent politician, frequently causes her problems.

The show does an excellent job of developing the relationship between the two main characters. Despite their somewhat opposite views, they form a strong bond, and their respect for each other becomes palpable. Their friendship slowly blossoms over the series, and they become each other's support system in and out of the courtroom. Other characters in the show also add color, including Harry's charming secretary, Joyce, and his teenage daughter, Donna.

The show's production value is adequate, capturing the mood and feel of a Scottish law firm. It is interesting to note that the show was aired live, giving it a unique quality, which may be hard to notice today in the era of streaming services. Nonetheless, the acting is strong, and the show is well written, highlighting the legal system's complexities and moral questions faced by the justice system.

The Advocates, while a legal drama, manages to steer away from the genre's typical cliches of predictable courtroom theatrics or the heroic lawyer saving the day. The show does, however, provide a glimpse of the challenges that defense lawyers face, including their clients' emotional turmoil, the stress of preparation, and long hours. It gives a realistic portrayal of the struggles that criminal attorneys endure on a daily basis.

In conclusion, The Advocates is an engaging and thought-provoking legal drama series that combines courtroom drama with character development. Ewan Stewart and Isla Blair deliver excellent performances, bringing their characters to life and building a friendship that is both believable and fun. The show is well written, with complex and challenging cases that keep the audience on their toes. It is an excellent series to watch if you enjoy legal dramas that delve into the intricacies of the justice system.