Watch The Defence

The Defence is a gripping legal drama produced by PBS Masterpiece that explores the Polish legal system and one woman's struggle for justice. The show stars Magdalena Cielecka as Aleksandra Siemieniec, a top defense lawyer who has made a career out of defending the most heinous criminals imaginable. In the first episode, we see Aleksandra facing her toughest challenge yet when she is hired to defend a man accused of murdering his wife and young daughter.

As the show progresses, we see the case become increasingly complex as Aleksandra and her team uncover evidence that suggests the accused is innocent. However, the prosecution is relentless and determined to secure a conviction, even if it means ignoring crucial facts and evidence. Caught between the demands of the court and the pressures of her own conscience, Aleksandra must use all her skills to defend her client, even as she confronts the limits of her own morality.

The Defence is a masterclass in acting, with Magdalena Cielecka delivering an outstanding performance as the conflicted and driven Aleksandra. She is joined by a talented cast that includes Filip Plawiak as her second-in-command, Tomasz Włosok as the prosecuting attorney, and Marcin Czarnik as the accused. Each actor brings their own unique energy to the show, elevating it to one of the most compelling legal dramas of recent times.

What makes The Defence stand out is its unflinching portrayal of the Polish legal system. Unlike other legal dramas, this forgoes the glossy, fast-paced world of American law firms to show the harsh realities of the Polish justice system. From the overworked and underpaid public defenders to the corrupt judges and prosecutors, we see a world that is far from perfect. However, we also see the resilience and dedication of those working within the system to bring about justice, no matter the cost.

The show also explores important themes such as morality, justice, and the nature of truth. Aleksandra is forced to confront her own beliefs about justice and what it means to defend a guilty client. She grapples with the idea that she may be working to secure the release of a murderer, and the impact that this could have on her own sense of morality. This struggle is woven throughout the entire show, and adds a layer of complexity to the already tense courtroom drama.

The Defence builds to a dramatic conclusion that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The final episode brings everything full circle, as Aleksandra and her team work to uncover the truth about the murder and bring the real killer to justice. The tension builds to a fever pitch as the courtroom battle intensifies, leading to a stunning final twist that will have even the most seasoned legal drama fans guessing until the very end.

Overall, The Defence is a must-see show for anyone who loves legal dramas, or is interested in the inner workings of the justice system. It is a tense and engaging drama that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, and is a remarkable example of the power of great storytelling. With outstanding performances from its cast, and a nuanced exploration of themes such as morality and justice, this is a show that is not to be missed.

The Defence is a series that ran for 5 seasons (32 episodes) between September 3, 2021 and on PBS Masterpiece