Ep 4. Episode 4

The Trial of Christine Keeler tells the story of one of the biggest political scandals in British history. The fourth episode of season 1, titled Episode 4, follows the trial of Christine Keeler and her friend, Mandy Rice-Davies, who have been charged with perjury.

The episode opens with the courtroom packed with journalists and spectators as Christine and Mandy take the stand. The prosecution begins their case by presenting evidence to show that the two women have lied under oath in previous trials. The defense team argues that the women were pressured by the police and the prosecution to give false testimonies, but the judge is skeptical.

During the trial, Christine and Mandy's personal lives are also brought into the spotlight. The prosecution presents evidence of their relationships with powerful men, including British Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, and Soviet naval attache, Eugene Ivanov. The defense argues that these relationships have no bearing on the charge of perjury, but the judge disagrees and allows the evidence to be heard.

As the trial continues, tensions rise and the media frenzy around the case intensifies. Christine and Mandy become the subject of constant scrutiny and speculation, with the press speculating on their motives and promiscuity.

One of the key moments of the episode comes when Stephen Ward, the man accused of introducing Christine to Profumo and Ivanov, takes the stand. Ward is a central figure in the scandal and his testimony could make or break the case against Christine and Mandy. However, Ward's evidence is contradictory and confusing, leaving both sides unsure of what impact it will have on the outcome of the trial.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is given a sense of the larger political context in which the trial is taking place. The scandal shook the British establishment to its core, with allegations of espionage, sexual impropriety, and government corruption. The trial of Christine and Mandy is just one part of a larger story that exposes the tension and power struggles at the heart of the British political system.

Overall, Episode 4 of The Trial of Christine Keeler is a tense and dramatic installment that highlights the complexity of the trial and its wider significance in British history. The performances are excellent, with Sophie Cookson and Ellie Bamber delivering standout performances as the accused women. The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed, with the script doing an excellent job of conveying the legal and emotional stakes of the trial. A must-watch for anyone interested in British political history and the darker side of government power.