Showtrial boss on show’s climate change story: ‘We pride ourselves in upsetting people’

Showtrial boss on show’s climate change story: ‘We pride ourselves in upsetting people’

As a seasoned movie-goer with a penchant for thought-provoking dramas that tackle real-world issues, I must say Showtrial season 2 is a breath of fresh air. This gripping legal drama, starring Adeel Akhtar and Michael Socha, delves into the intricate web of protest, policing, and justice, all while shedding light on the contentious topic of climate change.


Similarly to its predecessor, Showtrial’s second season delves into several contemporary concerns while maintaining a captivating legal backdrop.

In this current series, featuring Adeel Akhtar and Michael Socha as main characters, the narrative revolves around the fatal hit-and-run accident of an environmental activist. As a police officer stands accused as the chief suspect, the storyline paves the way for intriguing conversations about protests, law enforcement, and justice.

During a recent question-and-answer session for the program, executive producer Simon Heath was inquired if he ever felt apprehensive about tackling sensitive subjects. His response was that they enjoy stirring up conversations and potentially offending people.

If we’re not truly committed to our tasks, then I feel we’re falling short. As for climate change, the concern often lies in appearing overly earnest or conventional, like eating whole grain bread or being socially conscious.

In my opinion, what I find impressive about Ben’s work is his ability to remain impartial, much like great dramas do. Instead of endorsing one perspective, he provides a platform for various voices and ensures each viewpoint receives equal consideration. Ultimately, it’s up to the audience to make their own judgments.

Showtrial boss on show’s climate change story: ‘We pride ourselves in upsetting people’

Richard shared that in several aspects, he considers Akhtar’s character, the defense lawyer, as an embodiment of his personal opinions regarding the topics at hand. He further stated, “In my opinion, there indeed are numerous reasons for feeling angered and distressed.

I’d like to emphasize that I don’t align with either side of the cultural conflict, but rather, I believe my perspective is grounded in fundamental ethics.

He added: “Moreover, it’s important not to point fingers or preach, avoid imposing a ‘right or wrong’ perspective, and instead find humor and human touch in various scenarios.

In the realm of digital entertainment, I often find myself yearning for a gentler, more lighthearted exchange of ideas. The internet, with all its vastness, can sometimes feel like a bustling hub of heated debates and harsh exchanges that leave me longing for the casual, humorous conversations one might encounter in the physical world when discussing similar topics. Truth be told, I’ve noticed that while we may have our disagreements, we don’t often display the same level of animosity and vitriol that the internet seems to breed.

“We were attempting to express that it’s okay to hold views and feelings, but also to share laughter with your dear ones over these matters. It doesn’t always have to be a serious, black-and-white situation.

As a movie lover, I had the opportunity to hear Richard himself explain his decision to exclude any Season 1 characters from reappearing in Season 2. His main reason, he shared, was all about maintaining “authentic realism,” ensuring that each new season presents fresh and believable storylines.

Showtrial will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 6th October.

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2024-10-05 19:33