Overview
"Kavanagh Q.C." is a British television series made by Central Television for ITV between 3 January 1995 – 25 April 2001.
The series starred John Thaw as barrister James Kavanagh QC who comes from a working-class upbringing in Bolton, Greater Manchester. This is only discovered in later episodes as his parents' health deteriorates and through an exchange with a colleague who presumed that Kavanagh was actually a Yorkshireman. The series dealt with his battles in the courtroom as well as his domestic dramas which include the death of his devoted and affectionate wife. Later he begins dating a fellow barrister.
In court Kavanagh is usually seen to be defending a client who seems likely to be convicted until a twist in the case occurs, but occasionally Kavanagh is seen in a prosecuting role. The main plot often features Kavanagh confronting cases with a subtext of racism, sexism or other prejudice. In sub-plots comedy came from the pomposity and self-absorption of Jeremy, a posh barrister in chambers. Kavanagh will not stand for injustice and is never bullied by threats or bribes from those whom he is up against in the courtroom.
| Original Air Dates: | — |
|---|---|
| Country: | UK |
| Genre: | Drama, Mystery, Crime |
| Network: | ITV |
| Watched by: | 35 1 002 078 |
| Total running time: | 1 day 16 hours 30 minutes |
| Episode duration: | |
| Episodes: | 27 |
A complex case is, of course, more interesting than a simple one - there is intrigue, and the difficulties of the work of barristers, and curious details of court proceedings, and scope for all sorts of dramatic collisions. So the scriptwriters did their best - in almost every episode there is either a particularly twisted case or a legally controversial court case. The circumstances and facts are extremely confusing, the witnesses are unreliable, the testimony is questionable, or even contradictory. There is a place to show yourself to both a lawyer and a director))
Despite Kavanagh's skill and efforts, the verdict does not always turn out to be in his favor, however, the verdict does not always turn out to be fair, and in some episodes the verdict does not even close the intrigue. The plot is generally not limited solely to battles in the courtroom, there is also an internal corporate kitchen, office relationships, family and family relations. The tragedy of most cases is diluted by the curious and fussy partner of the main character in the ward, with his comically indecent thirst for formal attributes of success.
It was staged and filmed very simply, the first two seasons seem 15 years older than they really are - the picture is too poor and "televisual". However, the stories and characters are interesting, they play well, and John Thaw is good again. It turned out to be a calm, but not boring, good-quality, smart court series. I confidently recommend it to all fans of the genre.
Language. They speak well, but it's not easy. I didn't notice any terrible accents, but the vocabulary is a bit complicated at times. Educated characters often express themselves quite elaborately, and judicial terminology is not a gift. Subtitles, in my opinion, are necessary.