MASTERPIECE: Les Miserables Against the epic backdrop of France at a time of civil unrest, Les Miserables is the story of Jean Valjean (Dominic West, The Affair), a former convict unable to escape the shadow of his past life. His future is threatened by his nemesis, the chilling police officer and former prison guard Javert (David Oyelowo, Selma), who is determined to bring him to justice. Meanwhile, Fantine (Lily Collins, Rules Don't Apply), a working-class woman abandoned by her rich lover, is driven to increasingly desperate measures to provide for her young daughter. Their stories collide and as revolutionary violence ignites on the streets of Paris, Jean Valjean begins an epic journey towards self-acceptance, redemption and love.

Written by Andrew Davies (Pride & Prejudice), this powerful new adaption of Victor Hugo's classic novel also stars Adeel Akhtar, Josh O'Connor, Ellie Bamber, Erin Kellyman, and Olivia Colman.

Episode 1 In 1815, France is on its knees after defeat at the battle of Waterloo. Jean Valjean is nearing the end of his sentence at the prison hulks in Toulon after serving 19 years for a petty crime and is released by ambitious prison guard Javert. Parisian seamstress Fantine is drawn to the charming Felix, but Fantine's friends worry her naivete may prove dangerous.

Episode 2 Fantine must leave Paris to find work. She is forced to make an unbearable decision to give her little daughter Cosette a better way of life, as she makes her way to Montreuil to find work in a factory. Jean Valjean is leading a new life as Monsieur Madeleine, mayor of the town, and owner of the factory. But life becomes unsettled when Javert becomes Montreuil's new police inspector.

Episode 3 Tormented Jean Valjean is forced by Javert and his own conscience to reveal his true identity. He is arrested and Javert believes he has got his man for good this time. Valjean breaks free from the guards to find Fantine in the infirmary, where he makes a promise to Fantine that changes everything.

Episode 4 In 1832, teenage Cosette and Valjean make a new start in Paris, though Valjean worries it may be dangerous. Marius Pontmercy, now a young law student, confronts his grandfather after he learns the truth about his late father and the revolutionary ideals he fought for under Napoleon. The Thenardiers plot their revenge against their old nemesis. Javert comes closer to recapturing Valjean than ever.

Episode 5 Paris is on the brink of revolt as unrest spreads through the streets, but despite these larger threats, Javert redoubles his efforts to find Jean Valjean. The increasingly paranoid Valjean warns Cosette that they must leave Paris soon. Marius makes a promise to his beloved Cosette.

Episode 6 The revolutionaries and the army prepare for the next assault, and the fighting becomes bloody and desperate. Jean Valjean is conflicted over Marius and Cosette's love and seeks Marius at the barricade. Javert confronts Valjean.

Producer: Chris Carey
Executive Producer: Faith Penhale, Bethan Jones, Andrew Davies, David Oyelowo, Dominic West, Mona Qureshi, Rebecca Eaton
Production Company: BBC Worldwide Limited; Lookout Point Limited
Production Year: 2019
Copyright Year: 2018
Director: Tom Shankland
Actors: Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins, Adeel Akhtar, Josh O'Connor, Ellie Bamber, Erin Kellyman, Joseph Quinn, Enzo Cilenti, Turlough Convery, Ron Cook, Alan David, Johnny Flynn, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Kathryn Hunter, Archie Madekwe, Donald Sumpter, Davi
Writers: Andrew Davies
Discs: 2
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Language track: English
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen