Series synopsis
Fingersmith is a British drama mystery crime television series that premiered on BBC One on March 27, 2005. It ended on April 10, 2005. It was created by Aisling Walsh. It stars Sally Hawkins, Elaine Cassidy, Rupert Evans and Charles Dance.
A young woman is hired as a maid to an heiress who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering uncle. But, the maid has a secret: she is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a gentleman to help him seduce the heiress to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until the women discover some unexpected emotions.
Premise
A young woman is hired as a maid to an heiress who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering uncle. But, the maid has a secret: she is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a gentleman to help him seduce the heiress to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until the women discover some unexpected emotions.
Premise: Two young women, one passion.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Sally Hawkins as Sue Trinder
- Elaine Cassidy as Maud Lilly
- Rupert Evans as Richard 'Gentleman' Rivers
- Charles Dance as Mr. Chistopher Lilly
- Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Sucksby
- Polly Hemingway as Mrs. Stiles
- David Troughton as Mr. Ibbs
- Sarah Badel as Mrs. Frobisher
Supporting cast
- Bronson Webb as John Vroom
- Richard Durden as Mr. Hawtrey
- Michelle Dockery as Betty
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 3 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | March 27, 2005 | April 10, 2005 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Sue Trinder is a "fingersmith"—a pickpocket—living in the London slums. Orphaned as an infant, she was raised by Mrs. Sucksby, who trained her to be a thief. When Richard "Gentleman" Rivers comes to them with an elaborate scheme to swindle the rich Maud Lilly of her inheritance, Sue agrees to befriend Maud by becoming her maid. But as Sue and Maud grow closer, Sue begins to doubt her commitment to the scam. |
March 27, 2005 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 After conspiring to leave Briar Court and marrying Rivers, Maud reveals that she has been in on the scam from the beginning. Desperate to be free from the prison of her uncle's house, Maud agrees to Rivers's plan to betray Sue, not expecting her feelings for the young woman to go beyond friendship. Then, a shocking truth comes to light that turns her world upside down. |
April 3, 2005 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 As more of Mrs. Sucksby's plot is revealed, Maud escapes to the streets of London, naïve to the dangers lurking around every corner. With nowhere else to go, she seeks the help of one of her uncle's old business associates. At the asylum, Sue is subjected to cruel and inhumane treatments, but she has a trick up her sleeve to gain her freedom and take her revenge. |
April 10, 2005 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | March 27, 2005 |
| Last aired | April 10, 2005 |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Sunday at 21:00:00 |