Sheridan Smith returns to our screens in a blistering new ITV legal drama that's already splitting audience opinion straight down the middle. 'Fought Law', which premiered this week, presents the acclaimed actress in one of her most raw and emotionally charged performances to date.
Christopher Stevens, the Daily Mail's esteemed television critic, has delivered his comprehensive verdict on the series that has viewers either utterly captivated or completely switched off. The drama plunges into the cutthroat world of legal battles where principles collide with ambition.
A Performance of Raw Intensity
Smith embodies her character with trademark authenticity, bringing a vulnerability and steeliness that has become her signature strength. Stevens notes her ability to "command every scene she inhabits," creating a protagonist who is both flawed and fiercely compelling.
Divided Audience Reaction
The premiere episode has sparked heated debate among ITV viewers. Social media platforms are alight with contrasting opinions—some praising the show's gritty realism and Smith's powerhouse performance, while others find the legal procedural elements overly familiar and the tone unremittingly bleak.
Production Values and Narrative Depth
Beyond Smith's performance, Stevens examines the series' production quality, noting the atmospheric cinematography that captures the tension-filled courtrooms and emotional turmoil of legal warfare. The writing, while occasionally venturing into familiar territory, provides enough narrative twists to maintain engagement throughout the opening episodes.
Whether 'Fought Law' will become another crown in ITV's drama repertoire or remain a polarising entry in their schedule remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Sheridan Smith continues to prove why she remains one of Britain's most daring and compelling television actresses.
