I Fought the Law review – Sheridan Smith delivers unforgettable performance
The true story of Ann Ming and her daughter’s murder forms the heart of the gripping drama I Fought the Law. In 1989, 22-year-old Julie Ming was killed, sparking her mother’s 30-year fight to change the double jeopardy law so her daughter’s killer could face justice again. The series is intense, heartbreaking, and showcases the human cost of loss and injustice.
The drama succeeds in two key ways. First, it focuses on the personal struggle rather than the legal change itself. The overturning of a centuries-old law is remarkable, but the show wisely emphasizes the emotional journey of Ann and her family. Viewers witness the devastating moments: discovering Julie’s body three months after her disappearance, enduring two horrific trials, and confronting years of systemic failure. These experiences would have crushed anyone else, yet Ann and her husband emerge battered but unbroken. Most of the series is dedicated to showing the Mings’ lives before and after the tragedy, with the legal details reserved for the final episode.
The second strength is Sheridan Smith’s outstanding performance as Ann Ming. Known for portraying ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances, Smith brings depth and authenticity to the role. She elevates a script that must remain faithful to real events while still making it emotionally compelling. Smith is supported by a strong cast. Jack James Ryan portrays Billy Dunlop, the chillingly ordinary murderer, while Daniel York Loh plays Charlie Ming, a husband initially overwhelmed by grief who gradually finds the strength to support his wife.
The series also succeeds in portraying the quieter, less dramatic path of Charlie Ming. While Ann channels her energy into fighting for justice, Charlie’s struggle is more internal. The drama respects his journey, showing the audience that courage can take many forms. This nuanced portrayal makes the family’s story feel real and relatable.
The show highlights the failures of the police during Julie’s disappearance. Initially, authorities assumed Julie had moved to London on her own, leaving her child behind. Only after Ann pushed for action did a forensic team search the house, finding no evidence in five days. Eighty days after Julie vanished, Ann discovered her daughter’s body in the bathroom. The delay weakened the evidence in court, contributing to two hung juries and the killer’s temporary acquittal. Dunlop even bragged about the crime in local pubs, confident he could not be tried again.
The eventual overturning of the double jeopardy law allowed Julie’s killer to face justice, offering some closure to the family and helping protect others in similar situations. Yet the series does not shy away from showing the enduring pain caused by Julie’s death. The Mings’ lives are forever changed, and the loss of their daughter remains a central, haunting truth.
I Fought the Law combines strong storytelling, exceptional performances, and a sensitive handling of a tragic true story. It reminds viewers that fighting for justice can take decades, yet courage and persistence can lead to change. Sheridan Smith’s portrayal of Ann Ming ensures that this story is not just watched but felt, leaving a lasting impression about love, loss, and the human fight for justice.
