TV series

Bleak House

Name: Bleak House
Released: 2005
Cast: Anna Maxwell Martin, Denis Lawson, Carey Mulligan, Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance

2005· 1 season· 55 min episodes★ 8.0Ended

On BBC One — From Smallweed Productions · BBC

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Synopsis

The generous John Jarndyce, struggling with his own past, and his two young wards Richard and Ada, are all caught up, like Lady Dedlock, in the infamous case of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, which will make one of them rich beyond imagination if it can ever be brought to a conclusion. As Tulkinghorn digs deeper into Lady Dedlock's past, he unearths a secret that will change their lives forever, and which is almost as astounding as the final outcome of the Jarndyce case.

Themes

inheritance miniseries period drama

Episodes

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E1 Episode 1Next upOct 27, 2005 · 58 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
Young orphan Esther Summerson is brought to the High Court of Chancery, where she is thrown together with two wards of the court, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare. Both are caught up in the infamous suit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which brings nothing but ruin and despair to all it touches. Esther, Richard and Ada are sent to live at Bleak House, where they receive a friendly welcome from their rich guardian John Jarndyce.
Guest stars: Liza Tarbuck (Mrs. Jellyby), Johnny Vegas (Krook), Tony Haygarth (Gridley), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), John Lynch (Nemo / Captain James Hawdon), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Emma Williams (Rosa)
E2 Episode 2Oct 28, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
Despite his grim discovery, Tulkinghorn remains undeterred from his ruthless inquiry into Lady Dedlock's past. A young crossing sweeper, Jo, may hold a key to the mystery. Krook discovers evidence in Nemo's room which could provide a crucial clue. Richard and Ada plan their engagement, but receive an unexpected setback. And as Richard begins a career in medicine, Esther meets an attractive young doctor called Allan Woodcourt.
Guest stars: Joanna David (Mrs. Badger), Johnny Vegas (Krook), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Richard Griffiths (Mr. Bayham Badger), John Lynch (Nemo / Captain James Hawdon), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Warren Clarke (Boythorn), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite)
E3 Episode 3Nov 3, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
As Tulkinghorn edges closer to the truth, Lady Dedlock puts her reputation at risk when she pays an undercover visit to Nemo's former haunts. John Jarndyce finds himself increasingly attracted to Esther, but Richard makes an announcement which causes him dismay. And Woodcourt has news that comes as a terrible blow to Esther.
Guest stars: Joanna David (Mrs. Badger), Johnny Vegas (Krook), Tony Haygarth (Gridley), Richard Griffiths (Mr. Bayham Badger), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Matthew Kelly (Mr. Turveydrop), Ian Richardson (Chancellor)
E4 Episode 4Nov 4, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
A chance encounter in the country raises intriguing questions for Esther and Lady Dedlock. Legal clerk Guppy, still besotted with Esther, discovers surprising new information about her past and decides to dig deeper still. And Lady Dedlock's secret is far from safe, as Tulkinghorn stumbles across a lead which could destroy her reputation forever.
Guest stars: Catherine Tate (Mrs. Chadband), Robert Pugh (Mr. Chadband), Johnny Vegas (Krook), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Warren Clarke (Boythorn), Emma Williams (Rosa), Alistair McGowan (Mr. Kenge)
E5 Episode 5Nov 10, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 8.0
Synopsis
Richard's inability to settle causes a rift with John Jarndyce, much to Ada's dismay. Tulkinghorn finally unearths the possible identity of the mysterious Nemo. Nemo's old friend Sergeant George has the evidence he needs to prove it and Tulkinghorn will stop at nothing to force George to hand it over. But George has even more problems when Gridley turns up on his doorstep, on the run from the law and infected with the fever.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Alistair McGowan (Mr. Kenge), Matthew Kelly (Mr. Turveydrop), Ian Richardson (Chancellor)
E6 Episode 6Nov 11, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
George's future is put at risk as Tulkinghorn uses the evil moneylender Smallweed to pile on the pressure. Guppy makes a discovery about Esther which shocks Lady Dedlock to the core. Esther and Jarndyce take in Jo the crossing sweeper, who is seriously ill and on the run from Tulkinghorn's men. But their kindness produces an unexpected result.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Johnny Vegas (Krook), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Richard Cant (Mercury), Emma Williams (Rosa), Di Botcher (Mrs. Woodcourt)
E7 Episode 7Nov 17, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 9.0
Synopsis
George has to make an impossible decision when Tulkinghorn and Smallweed turn up the heat on his debts. Guppy's quest for information takes him back to Krook's shop, with explosive results. Jarndyce is beside himself when tragedy strikes Bleak House.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Johnny Vegas (Krook), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Richard Cant (Mercury), Katie Angelou (Charley Neckett)
E8 Episode 8Nov 24, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 9.0
Synopsis
Tulkinghorn is now close to piecing together Lady Dedlock's secret. Esther struggles to come to terms with the terrible blow she has been dealt. Jarndyce agonises over whether to keep his own feelings for Esther concealed. Lady Dedlock tells Esther something that will change her life for ever.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Warren Clarke (Boythorn), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Katie Angelou (Charley Neckett), Tom Georgeson (Clamb)
E9 Episode 9Nov 25, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 8.7
Synopsis
Esther is shattered by Lady Dedlock's revelation. Richard's obsession with the Jarndyce case has grown to worrying proportions. Guppy puts himself at risk when he gets in the way of Tulkinghorn's enquiries. And Tulkinghorn at last has cast iron proof of Lady Dedlock's guilt, and issues her with a terrible ultimatum.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Warren Clarke (Boythorn), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Emma Williams (Rosa), Dermot Crowley (Mr. Vholes), Ian Richardson (Chancellor), Katie Angelou (Charley Neckett)
E10 Episode 10Dec 1, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 9.3
Synopsis
Tulkinghorn believes Lady Dedlock is in his power, but she continues to defy him. George's anger knows no bounds when Tulkinghorn breaks his promise and leaves him in financial ruin. And a marriage proposal surprises Esther - but is it from the right man?
Guest stars: Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Sheila Hancock (Mrs. Guppy), Emma Williams (Rosa), Dermot Crowley (Mr. Vholes), Matthew Kelly (Mr. Turveydrop)
E11 Episode 11Dec 2, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 9.3
Synopsis
Richard is in dire straits but Ada and Esther may be too late to help him. An unexpected meeting with Woodcourt raises uncomfortable questions for Esther. Jo the crossing sweeper is critically ill, and despite Woodcourt's best attempts it is a matter of life and death. Tulkinghorn discovers Lady Dedlock's defiance with disastrous consequences.
Guest stars: Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Richard Cant (Mercury), Emma Williams (Rosa), Dermot Crowley (Mr. Vholes), Katie Angelou (Charley Neckett), Charlie Brooks (Jenny)
E12 Episode 12Dec 8, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 8.7
Synopsis
Esther's feelings for Woodcourt grow stronger despite her best intentions. Inspector Bucket begins his murder investigation with no shortage of suspects. An early arrest appears to wrap the case up quickly, but a spate of poison pen letters suggests that all is not as it seems.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Richard Cant (Mercury), Dermot Crowley (Mr. Vholes), Matthew Kelly (Mr. Turveydrop), Timothy West (Sir Leicester Dedlock), Lilo Baur (Hortense)
E13 Episode 13Dec 9, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 9.0
Synopsis
Richard and Ada's news causes great concern for Esther and Jarndyce. Inspector Bucket's investigation gathers steam when he tracks down the mysterious letter writer. As evidence mounts against Lady Dedlock, Bucket sets a trap for the killer - with astonishing results.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Richard Cant (Mercury), Matthew Kelly (Mr. Turveydrop), Timothy West (Sir Leicester Dedlock), Lilo Baur (Hortense)
E14 Episode 14Dec 15, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 9.0
Synopsis
As Bucket wraps up his investigation, there's yet more trouble for Lady Dedlock in the shape of the evil moneylender Smallweed, who has evidence of her secret past and intends to use it. Cornered and desperate, Lady Dedlock makes a terrible decision.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Richard Cant (Mercury), Dermot Crowley (Mr. Vholes), Katie Angelou (Charley Neckett)
E15 Episode 15Dec 16, 2005 · 29 min · ★ 8.7
Synopsis
Richard's obsession with Chancery has left him desperately ill. Ada is pregnant but worries Richard will not live to see the child. When Woodcourt proposes marriage, Esther is torn between her love for him and her commitment to Jarndyce. The impossible finally happens - a result in Chancery - but it's one that will astound everybody.
Guest stars: Phil Davis (Smallweed), Anne Reid (Mrs. Rouncewell), Hugo Speer (Sergeant George), Nathaniel Parker (Harold Skimpole), Alun Armstrong (Inspector Bucket), Warren Clarke (Boythorn), Pauline Collins (Miss Flite), Sheila Hancock (Mrs. Guppy)