I Fought The Law - Miniseries

I Fought The Law unfortunately forgets an important element. This miniseries, based on a true story, originates from the book "For the Love of Julie." The author is Ann Ming (Sheridan Smith), Julie's mother.

When Julie goes missing in 1989, her mother knows something more is happening. The police, however, think differently, assuming Julie is sleeping off a night out somewhere else. Ann does everything she can to get the police to start an investigation. Once the investigation begins, the police make several mistakes. When Ann finds Julie dead, it turns out that not only the police are at fault, but the law also stands in the way. As a result, Ann must pull out all the stops to find and punish the perpetrator.

The story behind I Fought The Law is quite intense.

One of the biggest issues is the 'double jeopardy' law, which states that a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. After the perpetrator manages to escape justice twice for Julie's murder, he is, according to this law, untouchable.

While her husband Charlie (Daniel York) often lapses into lethargy, Ann becomes more determined in the face of injustice. Naturally, she sometimes feels listless and extremely disappointed due to all the injustice and opposition. Yet she manages to pick herself up each time to continue the fight, even if it comes at the expense of her relationship with Charlie.



The story behind I Fought The Law is quite intense. In just four episodes, a period of no less than seventeen years is highlighted. The focus is primarily on Ann's seemingly unequal legal battle. Nevertheless, there is also attention to the personal consequences and the strong, but sometimes deteriorating relationship with Charlie.

The tribute to the real Ann Ming at the end of the series is an emotional highlight.

It is telling that Ann's other two children completely disappear from the picture. Only at the end does their pain come to light in a brief scene. This makes it clear that the story is told from Ann's perspective. As is often the case, the other children who seemingly fare well are not really in the picture anymore. From Ann's point of view, this is somewhat understandable, but from the miniseries creators, it's a missed opportunity. It could have added more depth to the situation Ann and her family found themselves in.



It remains that I Fought The Law provides a compelling portrayal of an unequal fight that, despite everything, can be won. It is the tenacity and persistence of a woman that makes this possible. Sheridan skillfully portrays both the determination and the despair.

It's a British series like those we've seen more often in recent years. Think, for example, of Mr Bates vs The Post Office or true crime series like Manhunt (2019) and A Confession.

The tribute to the real Ann Ming at the end of the series is an emotional highlight. It's wonderfully done to honor her in this way and to put her in the spotlight once more.