Watch Love for Lydia

Not Rated
1977
1 Season
7.7 (240)

Love for Lydia is a British period drama adapted from the novel of the same name by H.E. Bates. The series follows the story of Lydia Aspen (Mel Martin), a young and wealthy woman living in the English countryside during the 1920s. As the first episode opens, we see Lydia returning home to her family's estate after a long absence. She is a beautiful and vivacious young woman, with a lively personality that immediately captures the attention of those around her. The camera pans around the grandeur of her family's mansion, highlighting the abundance of wealth and luxury that surrounds her.

Lydia's carefree lifestyle is quickly interrupted when she becomes involved in the lives of two young men from the village, Edward Richardson (Christopher Blake) and Tom Holland (Peter Davison). Edward is a successful writer who has moved to the countryside for inspiration, while Tom is a shy and sensitive young man who becomes infatuated with Lydia from the moment he sees her.

As Lydia becomes acquainted with the two men, she finds herself drawn to Edward's worldly charm and romanticism, while Tom's sincere and gentle nature also holds a special place in her heart. The love triangle that forms between the three of them is the central theme of the show, and it's further complicated by the introduction of other characters, including Lydia's former suitor Jack Straw (Jeremy Irons) and her friend and confidante Mrs. Montford (Sherrie Hewson).

Over the course of the ten episodes, the characters' relationships are tested by a series of dramatic events, including a car accident, a fire, and the discovery of scandalous secrets from Lydia's past. The show explores various themes, such as social class, jealousy, betrayal, and the complexities of love.

The acting in Love for Lydia is superb, with Mel Martin delivering a captivating performance as the beautiful and enigmatic Lydia. Christopher Blake is also excellent as the charming writer Edward, while Peter Davison brings a sense of vulnerability and sincerity to the role of Tom. The supporting cast is also strong, with Sherrie Hewson in particular standing out as the loyal and protective Mrs. Montford.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is its attention to detail in recreating the 1920s setting. From the elegant costumes to the vivid photography of the English countryside, Love for Lydia presents a visually stunning picture of a bygone era.

Overall, Love for Lydia is a captivating and emotional period drama that is sure to appeal to fans of romance and historical fiction. Its timeless themes and strong performances make it a classic of British television, and it's definitely worth a watch for anyone who loves a good love story.

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Seasons

13. Episode 13

December 2, 1977

After Lydia suffers a setback, her doctor confronts Richardson. As winter returns to Evensford, Richardson reflects on all that has happened and finally faces his fears.

12. Episode 12

November 25, 1977

On his return, Richardson finds Evensford in decline and bleaker than ever. He discovers that someone very dear to him is dying and that Lydia is desperately ill. He tries to comfort Lydia - and is moved by Blackie€™s devotion to her - but writing consumes his time and attention.

11. Episode 11

November 18, 1977

Richardson makes a new start, and Lydia embarks on a frenzy of wild partying. Richardson tolerates his job in a London bookshop and spends every spare minute writing. Thanks to a flirtatious high-society customer, he meets an important publisher who encourages him.

10. Episode 10

November 11, 1977

Richardson makes plans to move on. Lydia tries out her housekeeping skills. The accusations against Tom intensify until he sees only ruin ahead. For the first time, Richardson denies Lydia what she wants from him.

9. Episode 9

November 4, 1977

Grieving and at loose ends, Richardson is revived by hard work and companionship. Tom€™s kindness to a young woman is twisted by people he thought were his friends. On her birthday, Nancy tries to reunite part of the old group, but Richardson cannot bear watching Lydia direct her attentions elsewhere.

8. Episode 8

October 28, 1977

All Evensford attends Lydias grand 21st birthday party at the Aspen estate. Lydia is thrilled by the glamour of the party and the attention she receives from everyone. Lydias admirers all want to make this a special occasion, none more than Richardson. Before the evening is out, spirits are dampened by disappointment and disaster.

7. Episode 7

October 21, 1977

All Evensford attends Lydia€™s grand 21st birthday party at the Aspen estate. Lydia is thrilled by the glamour of the party and the attention she receives from everyone. Lydia€™s admirers all want to make this a special occasion, none more than Richardson. Before the evening is out, spirits are dampened by disappointment and disaster.

6. Episode 6

October 14, 1977

Lydia finds the village dance exciting, but Richardson and Alex are put off by the rustic surroundings and Blackie€™s influence. After going off to drink, Richardson and Alex return to the dance to find their worst fears realized.

5. Episode 5

October 7, 1977

Lydia finds the raucous Sunday tea at the Holland farm amusing. At first enthusiastic about going to society dances with Richardson and his friends, she soon tires of the stuffy respectability of the parties. Richardson fumes over Lydia€™s mesmerizing effect on his friends Tom and Alex and on Blackie, the gruff local who drives their hired car to the dances.

4. Episode 4

September 30, 1977

Now sporting a stylish bob, Lydia grows bolder. Concerned about her niece€™s social isolation, Aunt Bertie urges Richardson to take Lydia to an upcoming charity dance and supplies the tickets for a party of six.

3. Episode 3

September 23, 1977

As winter ends, Richardson and Lydia quarrel and part. He takes a new job as a clerk, vowing to write on his own, but he is too despondent to begin. Alex suggests a picnic for four in the country might be just the thing to lure Lydia out of the house and back into Richardson€™s life.

2. Episode 2

September 16, 1977

Neglecting his job, Richardson sneaks away to go ice-skating with Lydia. Shy at first, she shows flashes of petulance as well as warmth. Richardson€™s friends Tom and Nancy Holland observe his growing infatuation with Lydia, and Richardson tells Alex, his rakish best friend, about her unsettling effect on him.

1. Episode 1

September 9, 1977

Young reporter Edward Richardson despises his job at Evensford€™s small-town newspaper and longs to be a real writer. As he gazes out the window through a sudden fall of snow, he glimpses a young girl, dark-haired and pale, riding between the elderly Aspen sisters in the back of their chauffeur-driven Daimler. €œShe€™s the niece,€ his crotchety boss explains, €œthe one who will come into the money.€

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