Tess of the D'urbervilles

Watch Tess of the D'urbervilles

  • TV-PG
  • 2008
  • 1 Season
  • 7.6  (6,666)

Tess of the D'urbervilles is a BBC America show that aired in 2008 starring Gemma Arterton, Hans Matheson, Ruth Jones, Jodie Whittaker, Eddie Redmayne, Ian Puleston-Davies, Anna Massey, Christopher Fairbank, and Donald Sumpter. The show is adapted from Thomas Hardy's classic novel of the same name.

The show tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield (Gemma Arterton), a young woman who lives in poverty in rural England in the late 19th century. After her impoverished family discovers that they are descended from a wealthy family, Tess is sent to work for the D'Urbervilles, a wealthy family who live nearby. At first, Tess is nervous about working for the D'Urbervilles, but she soon becomes attracted to their handsome and charming son, Alec (Hans Matheson).

However, Alec is not the man Tess thought he was, and their relationship quickly becomes abusive. Tess soon realizes that she is pregnant, and she is forced to leave her job and return home. Tess's baby dies shortly after it is born, and she decides to start a new life. She takes a job as a dairy maid, and soon meets Angel Clare (Eddie Redmayne), a young man who is studying to become a pastor.

Tess and Angel fall in love, but Angel is unaware of Tess's past. When he discovers the truth, he is horrified and ends their relationship. Tess is left alone once again, and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her life.

The show is well-cast, with Gemma Arterton giving a standout performance as Tess. She perfectly captures the character's innocence, vulnerability, and strength. Hans Matheson is equally impressive as Alec, playing him as both charming and menacing. Eddie Redmayne brings a sensitivity to his role as Angel Clare, making him a sympathetic character even when he makes mistakes.

The show is beautifully shot, with lush countryside landscapes and intricate period costumes. The production design and set decoration are also noteworthy, creating a vivid picture of life in 19th century rural England.

Overall, Tess of the D'urbervilles is a compelling adaptation of a classic novel. It's a poignant and tragic story of a young woman who is failed by the society and men around her. The show explores themes of class, gender, and morality, and is a must-watch for fans of period dramas.

Tess of the D'urbervilles is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between September 14, 2008 and on BBC America

Tess of the D'urbervilles
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Seasons
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
October 12, 2008
Through a cruelly bitter winter, Tess continues to work on the farm. Alec, who seems to have replaced any religious fervour he once had with a passion for Tess alone, continues to plague her with his relentless attention.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
October 5, 2008
A heartbroken Retty does not attend the wedding. As a small but joyful ceremony takes place, she tries to drown herself. Tess and Angel leave for their honeymoon, to be spent at an old mansion once owned by the ancient d'Urberville family.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
September 21, 2008
The baby is mortally ill. Because Tess's father refuses to let him be baptised in a church, she is forced to perform the ceremony herself, calling him 'Sorrow'. The baby dies. Tess pleads with Parson Tringham to allow the baby to be buried in the churchyard, but the parson says he cannot permit this, so Tess digs a small grave for Sorrow in a field next to the church, on unconsecrated ground.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
September 14, 2008
John Durbeyfield, a 'haggler' and a drunk, is weaving his way one afternoon towards the pub when he meets the village priest, Parson Tringham. The priest informs him that his family have distinguished ancestry. They are descended from the d'Urbervilles, a wealthy, though now extinct, clan.
Description
Where to Watch Tess of the D'urbervilles
Tess of the D'urbervilles is available for streaming on the BBC America website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Tess of the D'urbervilles on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 14, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (6,666)