Helen McCrory’s Powerful Final Performance Returns: ITV’s Fearless Lands on Netflix

Netflix is reviving one of the most gripping British thrillers of the past decade — and it stars the late, great Helen McCrory at her dazzling best. Fearless, the 2017 ITV crime drama created by Patrick Harbinson (Homeland, 24, Law & Order: SVU), will stream on Netflix from Monday, 13th October, giving audiences another chance to experience McCrory’s fierce brilliance in what many fans call one of her finest roles.

A Star-Studded Cast

At the centre of Fearless is Helen McCrory as Emma Banville, a fearless human-rights lawyer determined to expose the truth, no matter how powerful the opposition. Known for playing commanding women — from Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders to Cherie Blair in The Queen — McCrory once again showcases her unparalleled intensity and intelligence on screen.

The series also brings together a distinguished ensemble. Sir Michael Gambon, McCrory’s Harry Potter co-star, delivers a gripping turn as Sir Alastair McKinnon, the former Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet under Tony Blair. Their on-screen reunion adds a layer of gravitas and nostalgia, particularly poignant now after the loss of both actors.

Supporting McCrory and Gambon is a rich cast of British talent, including Jonathan Forbes, Wunmi Mosaku, Robin Weigert, John Bishop, and Jamie Bamber — each adding depth and texture to the unfolding mystery. It’s a lineup that reads like a who’s who of British television, united in a drama that’s as cerebral as it is suspenseful.

A Dark, Addictive Plot

Fearless follows Emma Banville as she reopens the case of Kevin Russell, a man convicted 14 years earlier for the murder of a schoolgirl. Convinced of his innocence, Banville delves into the old evidence and soon uncovers disturbing inconsistencies. What begins as a fight for justice spirals into something far more sinister — a web of political cover-ups, intelligence operations, and international intrigue.

As Emma edges closer to the truth, she attracts the attention of American intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism units determined to keep certain secrets buried. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous her mission becomes. Each episode ratchets up the tension, blending legal drama with espionage-style suspense, until the final, explosive reveal.

Harbinson’s writing balances taut courtroom exchanges with emotional vulnerability, and McCrory’s portrayal of a woman torn between duty and danger anchors it all. “She was dazzling on screen,” one Radio Times critic wrote upon the show’s original release — and it’s hard to disagree. Her performance is a masterclass in controlled fury and quiet compassion.

Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise

When Fearless first aired on ITV in 2017, it was met with rave reviews. Critics hailed it as a “gripping legal thriller,” praising its sharp script, social conscience, and McCrory’s magnetic performance. Viewers took to social media to call it “riveting from start to finish” and “one of ITV’s best ever dramas.”

Though it only ran for one six-episode season, Fearless earned a devoted following and cemented its place among the best British crime dramas of the 2010s — often mentioned in the same breath as Broadchurch and Line of Duty. Many fans have long wished for a streaming revival, and Netflix’s acquisition finally makes that possible.

For newer audiences, it’s a chance to discover a hidden gem; for longtime fans of McCrory, it’s an emotional reunion with one of her most commanding performances.

Helen McCrory’s Enduring Legacy

Helen McCrory’s passing in 2021, after a private battle with cancer, left a profound void in British drama. Known for her elegance, wit, and extraordinary range, she moved effortlessly between stage, television, and film. From Peaky Blinders’ indomitable Polly Gray to her nuanced turns in Quiz, The Queen, and Harry Potter, McCrory brought humanity and strength to every role.

Fearless stands as a testament to that legacy — an example of her ability to turn a procedural drama into something deeply emotional. Emma Banville’s determination, vulnerability, and courage feel all the more resonant today.

Where and How to Watch

All six episodes of Fearless will be available to stream on Netflix from Monday, 13th October. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, the series offers a tightly woven mystery with heart, suspense, and moral complexity — the kind of British television that lingers long after the credits roll.

And if Fearless leaves you wanting more McCrory, Netflix and other platforms currently host several of her acclaimed works:

Peaky Blinders (Netflix): McCrory’s unforgettable turn as matriarch Polly Gray.
Quiz (ITVX / Amazon Prime): The dramatization of the infamous Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? cheating scandal.
The Queen (Amazon Prime Video): McCrory as Cherie Blair opposite Helen Mirren’s Oscar-winning monarch.
Cranford, North Square, and Penny Dreadful (BritBox): More evidence, if any were needed, of her astonishing range.

Final Verdict

Part legal thriller, part political mystery, Fearless is both an edge-of-your-seat watch and a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s greatest actors. As Netflix reintroduces this “compelling” six-part gem to global audiences, Helen McCrory’s legacy continues