Eternal Law


Eternal Law is a 2012 ITV fantasy drama series created by Ashley Pharoah and Matthew Graham. The show stars Samuel West, Ukweli Roach, Orla Brady, Tobias Menzies and Hattie Morahan. Set in York, it is centred on two angels sent to Earth to assist in court cases. The first episode premiered on 5 January 2012. The show was axed after one series due to low ratings.

Plot

Mr. Mountjoy sends two wing-bearing angels to Earth to help humans with their problems. Humans cannot see the angels' wings except in exceptional circumstances, like being close to death. Zak Gist is an experienced angel, 14 billion years old, who has been to Earth before. Tom Greening is an angel still learning the ways of humans. It is decided that the pair can best help humans as barristers in York, England. In York they are met by Mrs. Sheringham, an angel who became mortal to marry Billy, a human, but, was widowed; she arranges offices and accommodation with her at The Belfry. She kept her old pair of wings in a trunk before throwing them into a river during the series. In court they cross paths with a fallen angel, Richard Pembroke, who is also a barrister, usually prosecuting. In episode six, Richard's wings are seen - they are black. Zak also meets Hannah English, a woman with whom he is in love from one of his past visits to Earth, but who does not recognize him.
The prime rule for the angels is non-interference in the free will of humanity. The angels are allowed to guide and comfort, but have powers to influence the human mind, which they must resist the temptation to use. Mr. Mountjoy, bothered by the number of angels choosing to interfere and the number of angels choosing to become mortal, may decide to remove all angelic guidance and comfort if Zak or Tom stray from the rules. Zak believes this would eventually spell doom for humans.

Production notes

The series was filmed in York and the Cathedral you see the Angels standing on is York Minster. The location used to portray York Hospital in the series is in fact the city's Crown Court building, while a former private hospital provides a location for Jerusalem Chambers. Mansion House serves as the location of the Crown Court in the series. Scenes are also filmed at Gray's Court and St William's College, both close to York Minster.

Cast and characters

Series 1 (2012)

DVD

A region 2 DVD of the first series was released on 12 February 2012.