Ep 3. Episode 3

The Trial of Christine Keeler revolves around the infamous affair between British politics and the young model, Christine Keeler, which led to a national scandal in the 1960s. In season 1, episode 3, titled "Episode 3," the series delves deeper into Keeler's trial and her personal life before the affair with British Secretary of State for War, John Profumo.

The episode opens with Keeler's defense lawyer, Mervyn Griffith-Jones, interrogating her about the nature of her relationship with Profumo. Keeler maintains that their relationship was never intimate, but Griffith-Jones tries to catch her in a lie by bringing up details from her past. The trial has become a spectacle, with reporters and paparazzi hounding Keeler every step of the way and even invading her family's home.

Meanwhile, Keeler's friend and fellow model, Mandy Rice-Davies, is also under scrutiny for her role in the scandal. Rice-Davies faces her own trial for perjury, as she initially lied about her relationship with society osteopath Stephen Ward, who introduced her and Keeler to Profumo. Both women are seen as key witnesses in the case against Ward and are targeted by the prosecution.

Throughout the episode, the audience gets a closer look at Keeler's turbulent past, including her abusive childhood and tumultuous relationships with men. We see how her past experiences have led her to seek validation and attention from powerful men, including Profumo and National Security Advisor, Eugene Ivanov. Keeler's personal life comes under intense scrutiny, and she must confront her own choices and actions.

The episode also explores the political ramifications of the affair, showing how the trial has become a proxy for the larger issues plaguing British politics at the time. The Conservative Party fears that the controversy will damage their reputation, while the Labour Party hopes to use the scandal to their advantage. The media, too, plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and providing a platform for both sides.

As the trial progresses, tensions rise between Keeler's defense and the prosecution. Griffith-Jones argues that Keeler is lying to protect herself, while the prosecutor accuses her of being a manipulator who deliberately seduced powerful men. Keeler herself is caught in the middle, torn between the desire to clear her name and the fear of incriminating herself further.

Overall, "Episode 3" provides a compelling look at the cultural, political, and personal aspects of the Keeler trial. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and the writing does an excellent job of exploring their motivations and struggles. With its strong performances and nuanced storytelling, The Trial of Christine Keeler is a must-watch drama for those interested in the intersection of power, sex, and scandal.