Synopsis
This seven-part BBC drama series traced the life of naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-82), from his university days through his five-year exploratory voyage on the HMS Beagle to the controversy surrounding the 1859 publication of his landmark "On the Origin of Species".
Episodes
Season 11E1I Was Considered A Very Ordinary BoyDarwin is uncertain of his career. While at college, he becomes increasingly interested in the natural world. Under the influence of Professor Henslow, he signs on to a 3-year expedition aboard the Beagle.2E2My Mind Was a Chaos of DelightAfter taking part in an initiation rite on his first crossing of the Equator, Darwin reaches South America. There he finds the wonders of the Brazilian rainforest. During a stay in Rio de Janeiro he is confronted by the horrors of slavery.3E3How Wide Was the Distance Between Savage and Civilised ManThe Beagle lands on Tierra del Fuego the southernmost tip of South America. The attempt to place a missionary among the indigenous people there fails.4E4Can Any Mountains, Any Continent, Withstand Such Waste?With the length of the expedition increased, Darwin makes an excursion across Patagonia to Buenos Aires. Later, arriving in Valparaíso, he travels across the Andes.5E5I Felt Myself Brought Within Reach of That Great Fact – That Mystery of MysteriesAfter finding fossilized sea shells high in the Andes, Darwin returns to the Beagle to find FitzRoy suffering from depression. While in Valparaíso, Darwin experiences earthquakes and their devastating effects. After FitzRoy's recovery, the Beagle travels to the Galápagos Islands where Darwin finds startling revelations.6E6Suppose That All Animals and All Plants Are Represented by the Branches of a Tree – The Tree of LifeDarwin studies the finches in the Galápagos that would influence his theories for years to come. The Beagle returns to England after five years at sea. He begins to develop his thoughts based on his discoveries during his travels.7E7In the Distant Future, Light Will Be Thrown Upon the Origin of Man, and His HistoryDarwin becomes worried about loss of reputation and public censure of his ideas and delays publishing his work.
Cast
