Wassende water, Het

The series is set in the Lopikerwaard 1900, where the wealthy peasant family Beijen manages the farm 'Watersnoodt". Life is full of regularity, but in the background there's always the great threat of flooding. It is the fear of the unknown and the threatening wrath of God that's constantly felt. The pastor can't stress it enough: "The punishment will come and the dikes will break." The latter doesn't seem to be a threat ...

Gieljan Beijen (Thom Hoffman) is a surly, taciturn young man who rebels against his Protestant upbringing. He had to obey the stern voice of his mother, Thera (Kitty Courbois). He deserts his love Nelia and marries the silent, Aaigie, a rich peasant's daughter, while he does not love her. When Aaigie dies at her first childbirth, in discontent and sorrow Gieljan sells all his possessions. Gieljan leaves, but returns when a flood threatens.