The Escape Artist is a gripping three-part British drama miniseries from 2013, starring David Tennant in one of his most intense post-Doctor Who roles. Created and written by David Wolstencroft and directed by Brian Welsh, the show aired on BBC One and later on PBS Masterpiece in the US, earning praise for its sharp writing, tense pacing, and Tennant’s commanding performance as a brilliant but morally ambiguous defense barrister.

The plot follows Will Burton (Tennant), a junior barrister nicknamed “The Escape Artist” for his unmatched talent at getting even the guiltiest clients acquitted. On the cusp of applying for Queen’s Counsel (a major career leap), Will takes on the defense of Liam Foyle (Toby Kebbell), a charismatic but deeply sinister man accused of a gruesome murder. Will is convinced he can win the case—until the trial spirals into something far more personal and dangerous. As the story unfolds across the three episodes, Will’s professional invincibility clashes with devastating consequences for his family, forcing him to confront the ethical cost of his “winning at all costs” philosophy.

The series is a taut psychological thriller disguised as a courtroom drama: Episode 1 sets up the trial with high-stakes legal maneuvering, Episode 2 ramps up the tension with shocking revelations, and Episode 3 delivers a shocking twist and emotional payoff that leaves viewers reeling. Supporting cast shines too—Sophie Okonedo as Will’s courtroom rival Maggie Gardner, Ashley Jensen as his wife Kate, and Toby Kebbell as the chilling Foyle—creating a web of tension and betrayal.

Critically, it’s highly regarded for its smart script, strong performances (Tennant is riveting as a man unraveling), and exploration of justice vs. morality (IMDb: 7.7/10; strong Rotten Tomatoes audience scores). Fans on Reddit and forums often call it one of Tennant’s best non-sci-fi roles, praising the suspense and unexpected turns.

You can watch The Escape Artist right now on:

• Netflix (available in many regions, including Vietnam—check for Vietnamese subs!).
• Prime Video (full miniseries streaming).
• PBS Masterpiece archives or BritBox in select countries.