Plot Synopsis

SILK is a scripted drama series, which reveals the dilemmas and problems that modern day barristers face -- and what it means to become a Silk. Barrister Martha Costello is under pressure to win cases as she aspires to rise to the rank of Queen's Counsel, also known as "taking Silk." In an effort to boost her Silk application, Martha takes on challenging cases to prove her merit -- and an ambitious student pupil, Nick Slade. But Martha's opposing counsel in a major case is Clive Reader, a rival barrister in her chambers also trying to become a Silk, which complicates matters further. Plus, she takes on other cases, like one at a police tribunal, where she defends a police officer accused of racism. When her primary case begins to fall apart, Martha struggles to remain focused, as the stress on her personal and private life grows. PBS aired the U.S premiere of SILK on Sunday, August 25, 2013, showing two back-to-back episodes per night on consecutive Sundays at 9pm ET/PT through September 8.