Masterpiece Season 8 Episode 4 The Mayor of Casterbridge (4)

The Mayor of Casterbridge (4) is the fourth episode of season 8 of the Masterpiece series. This episode is based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy and follows the story of a man named Michael Henchard, who becomes the mayor of Casterbridge and faces various challenges, including family conflicts and financial troubles.

At the start of the episode, Michael realizes that he has lost all his money and lands in debt. He decides to sell his belongings to pay off his creditors. However, his wife, Susan, refuses to sell her wedding ring. This leads to a heated argument between the couple, and eventually, Susan leaves with their daughter, Elizabeth-Jane.

Michael is left alone and depressed, but he decides to focus on his work as the mayor of Casterbridge. He tries to convince the town council to build a new marketplace, which he believes will bring more business to the town. However, the council is reluctant to invest in the project due to financial constraints.

Meanwhile, Susan and Elizabeth-Jane arrive in a nearby town, where they meet a man named Donald Farfrae. Susan sees an opportunity to improve her financial situation and convinces Farfrae to come to Casterbridge and work for Michael as his assistant. Farfrae agrees and soon becomes a valuable asset to Michael's business.

As the episode progresses, Michael's relationship with Farfrae becomes strained as the latter becomes more popular among the townspeople. Michael becomes jealous of Farfrae's success and feels threatened by his increasing influence. This leads to a feud between the two men, which starts affecting Michael's personal and professional life.

The episode ends with Michael making a rash decision that will have far-reaching consequences for his future. The viewer is left wondering what will become of Michael, Farfrae, and the other characters in the story.

Overall, The Mayor of Casterbridge (4) is a gripping episode that captures the essence of the classic novel. The performances by the cast are exceptional, and the storyline is engaging and thought-provoking. This episode highlights the themes of ambition, jealousy, and the consequences of one's actions, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas.