The Way We Live Now (2001)

7.8 (24 votes)

1 Season

November 11, 2001

English

Drama

Synopsis

Anthony Trollope’s epic tale of Victorian power and corruption, set in the 1870s. Within weeks of his arrival in London, financier Augustus Melmotte announces a railway is to be built from Salt Lake City to the Gulf of Mexico and entices distinguished members of England's land-rich, cash-poor aristocracy into his web. Many are eager to sell their ailing land parcels to afford moving to London proper and naïve speculators are all lured in with promises of an instant fortune.

Creator

Rebecca Eaton, Pippa Harris, Jane Tranter

Network

BBC One

Episodes

Episode 1

Nov 11, 2001

75 min

9.0

Rich financier Augustus Melmotte's arrival in London sees the impoverished aristocracy rush to court his favour and their sons to court his daughter Marie.

Episode 2

Nov 18, 2001

75 min

9.0

While Paul Montague throws himself into the booming railway business with Melmotte, the presence of his mysterious American friend in London threatens to jeopardize his chances with Hetta. Felix is forced to desperate measures to secure his future with Marie when he learns that her father is planning her marriage to a rival suitor.

Episode 3

Nov 25, 2001

75 min

9.0

Paul visits Mexico to have his worst fears about the railway construction confirmed. Returning to London he decides to confront Melmotte and resolve his romantic situation. Melmotte involves himself in increasingly ambitious business schemes while Felix gets himself into further trouble and Hetta recieves some devastating news.

Episode 4

Dec 2, 2001

75 min

Melmotte reaches the highest echelons of London society but the wolves are beginning to gather at his door. Paul takes his chance to act and Felix comes face to face with some tough opposition, while Hetta contemplates settling for second best. Climaxing in love lost, love gained, a death and some just desserts.