Series synopsis
Bleak House is a British drama television series that premiered on BBC One on October 27, 2005. It ended on December 16, 2005. It stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Denis Lawson, Carey Mulligan and Gillian Anderson.
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.
Premise
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.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Anna Maxwell Martin as Esther Summerson
- Denis Lawson as John Jarndyce
- Carey Mulligan as Ada Clare
- Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock
- Charles Dance as Mr. Tulkinghorn
- Patrick Kennedy as Richard Carstone
- Richard Harrington as Allan Woodcourt
- Natalie Press as Caddy Jellyby
Supporting cast
- Burn Gorman as William Guppy
Guest cast
- Catherine Tate as Mrs. Chadband
- Joanna David as Mrs. Badger
- Liza Tarbuck as Mrs. Jellyby
- Robert Pugh as Mr. Chadband
- Phil Davis as Smallweed
- Johnny Vegas as Krook
- Tony Haygarth as Gridley
- Anne Reid as Mrs. Rouncewell
- Richard Griffiths as Mr. Bayham Badger
- John Lynch as Nemo / Captain James Hawdon
- Hugo Speer as Sergeant George
- Nathaniel Parker as Harold Skimpole
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 15 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 15 | October 27, 2005 | December 16, 2005 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 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. |
October 27, 2005 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 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. |
October 28, 2005 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 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. |
November 3, 2005 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 27, 2005 |
| Last aired | December 16, 2005 |
| Runtime | 55 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Thursday, Friday at 20:00:00 |