The Mayor of Casterbridge

U2003•7.0/10

Drama

Ratings

🎬TMDb

7.0/10(1)

At a country fair, young hay-trusser Michael Henchard quarrels with his wife Susan, and in a drunken fit decides to auction off his wife and baby to a sailor for five guineas. The next day, realising his loss, he swears not to touch liquor again for as many years as he has lived so far. Eighteen years later, Henchard has become Mayor of Casterbridge, a man well respected but not well liked. The unexpected return of his wife and daughter Elizabeth Jane sets off a turn of events that force him to face the consequences of his selfish impulses and violent temper.

Open in PickFlick

Production

BBC

Language

Status

Ended

First Aired

December 28, 2003

Last Aired

December 29, 2003

Networks

BBC Two

Created By

Dennis Potter

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

Part One

Air date: 2003-12-28

Michael Henchard, in a drunken rage, auctions his wife Susan and infant child to a passing seaman. Realising his folly, Henchard makes an oath to avoid alcohol for twenty-one years, prospering as a grain-trader and Mayor of Casterbridge. After eighteen years, newly widowed Susan and her grown daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, seek out an apparently changed Henchard. Partly from guilt, Henchard agrees to remarry Susan, on condition she stay silent on his past. Henchard hires a business manager, Farfrae, who quickly gains popularity, while Henchard’s dark nature resurfaces.

Part Two

Air date: 2003-12-29

Henchard's daughter, Elizabeth-Jane is now working for his one-time lover Lucetta who, having been tentatively engaged to Henchard, now becomes interested in his rival Farfrae. The jealously furious Henchard plans to ruin Farfrae, but Henchard himself is coming undone.