Duration
60 minutes
Series Info
Season 4 Episode 12

Quick Summary

FACING FEARFUL ODDS - A distraught mother begs Sir Richard to intervene for her son, accused of cowardice, and the resulting clash of honour and fear drives this tense drama. A standout episode of the That's TV 3 (MCR) series, this programme highlights the moral stakes for UK television fans and is a quick‑at‑a‑glance must‑see for British TV entertainment.

About This Program

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW FACING FEARFUL ODDS is a gripping new drama series that opens with a distraught mother pleading with the legendary Sir Richard, a retired magistrate turned unofficial champion of the downtrodden, to intervene on behalf of her son, who has been formally charged with cowardice after a harrowing incident on the front line. Set against the stark backdrop of post‑war Britain, the series blends courtroom intrigue with personal tragedy, offering a compelling portrait of honour, duty and the cost of fear. This That's TV 3 (MCR) programme promises a tightly plotted episode structure that will keep UK viewers on the edge of their seats from the first breath to the final verdict. WHAT TO EXPECT Each episode delivers an in‑depth review of the moral and legal complexities surrounding the charge of cowardice, a rarely explored theme in British TV. Viewers will follow Sir Richard’s meticulous investigation, his confrontations with military officials, and the mother’s desperate fight for her son’s redemption. The series balances tense courtroom drama with intimate, documentary‑style interviews that reveal the psychological toll on families and soldiers alike. Expect richly layered storytelling, period‑accurate set design, and a narrative rhythm that alternates between quiet, character‑driven moments and high‑stakes legal battles, providing full details of a world where honour is both a shield and a weapon. KEY FEATURES The unique selling points of FACING FEARFUL ODDS lie in its stellar cast and production values. Sir Richard is portrayed by Sir Ian McKellen, whose commanding presence adds gravitas to every scene, while the mother is brought to life by award‑winning actress Jodie Comer, delivering a performance that is both raw and nuanced. The series benefits from That's TV 3 (MCR)’s reputation for high‑quality drama, with cinematography that captures the bleak beauty of 1950s Britain and a soundtrack that weaves traditional military motifs with contemporary tension. Behind the scenes, veteran director Tom Hooper helms the project, ensuring each episode feels like a meticulously crafted piece of entertainment that also functions as a thoughtful documentary on societal expectations. WHY WATCH For discerning UK television audiences, FACING FEARFUL ODDS offers more than just a compelling story; it provides a profound exploration of the human condition and the societal pressures that define bravery. The series invites viewers to question what it truly means to be courageous, making it an essential addition to any television guide for British TV lovers. Its blend of drama, historical insight, and emotional depth positions it as a standout episode in the current series landscape, promising both intellectual stimulation and heartfelt entertainment. UK viewers will appreciate the meticulous attention to period detail, the moral ambiguity of the characters, and the series’ ability to spark conversation about honour in modern society. REFERENCE TO That's TV 3 (MCR) PROGRAMMING FACING FEARFUL ODDS joins a distinguished line‑up of That's TV 3 (MCR) programming that includes acclaimed series such as “Peaky Blinders” and “The Crown”, reinforcing the channel’s commitment to high‑calibre drama and documentary‑style storytelling. Airing in a prime‑time slot on Thursday evenings, it sits comfortably alongside other flagship programmes, offering a seamless viewing experience for those who follow the network’s schedule. This placement underscores the BBC’s confidence in the series as a flagship offering for British TV, ensuring that UK viewers receive a comprehensive guide to one of the most anticipated drama series of the year.

Upstairs, Downstairs broadcasts on That's TV 3 at 9:05pm, Saturday, 20 September 2025.