Check out the trailer for Channel 4's upcoming drama National Treasure, a four part serial drama written by Jack Thorne (Skins, This is England), which examines accusations of sexual misconduct against a fictional public figure and explores their impact on the accused and those most closely associated with him as he is brought to trial.
The heavy-weight cast is lead by Brit legends Robbie Coltrane, Julie Walters and the BAFTA nominated Andrea Riseborough. Nadine Marshall, who starred in Second Coming alongside Idris Elba, plays the detective in the series while Babou Ceesay (Free Fire, Eye in the SKy, '71) is the defence lawyer.
Paul Finchley is one half of a much loved comedy double act – a cherished household name with a career that spans several decades. He’s not quite as successful as he once was, but nevertheless he’s frequently recognised on the street, affectionately called upon by taxi drivers to repeat his famous catchphrase and is a familiar face in the TV schedules. He’s a bona fide national treasure.
Then he receives a knock at his door. Faced with an accusation of rape from the 1970s, the life of this adored old man begins to unravel.
Paul and all those closest to him are put under the intense pressure of the investigation and the merciless media circus that accompanies it, from his wife and family to his manager to his loyal (and more successful) comedy partner. And, of course, his accuser, now in her 50s, must run the same gauntlet in parallel.
As the investigation and criminal trial work their way towards a verdict, memories that have become muddied in the intervening four decades are dredged, doubts flourish, loyalties are tested, and truths, half-truths and lies are all exposed.
National Treasure will air this autumn.
