Bleak House

Drama | Mystery | Legal

Station:
BBC One (UK)

Status:
Ended

Start:
2005-10-27

Rating:
6.5/10 from 2 users

From its glittering heights to its very lowest depths; a skilfully crafted thriller; an epic feast of characters and storylines; and a passionate indictment of the legal system that is as searingly relevant today as it was in the mid 19th century.It was first published in 19 monthly installments between March 1852 and September 1853. The TV adaptation, written by the award-winning Andrew Davies, comprised a one-hour opening episode followed by 14 half-hour episodes.It was shown twice weekly, using the pace, multiple storylines and cliff-hanger endings more usually associated with popular drama. The aim was to return Dickens to the broad audience he originally wrote for.It tells the story of the icily beautiful Lady Dedlock (Gillian Anderson), who nurses a dark secret in her past, and the merciless lawyer Tulkinghorn (Charles Dance), who seeks to uncover it.Then there's the generous John Jarndyce (Denis Lawson), struggling with his own past, and his two attractive young wards Richard (Patrick Kennedy) and Ada (Carey Mulligan).Like Lady Dedlock, they're all caught up 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.

Bleak House Next Episode Air Date

TV Show Ended.

Bleak House Images

List of episodes

S1E13 - Episode 13

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.

Air Date: 09 Dec 2005 14:00 (CDT)

S1E14 - Episode 14

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.

Air Date: 15 Dec 2005 14:00 (CDT)

S1E15 - Episode 15

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.

Air Date: 16 Dec 2005 14:00 (CDT)