Watch Our Mutual Friend

Our Mutual Friend is a British television series that aired in 1998 on BBC America. It is based on the Charles Dickens novel of the same name and features an all-star cast including Paul McGann, Keeley Hawes, Anna Friel, Steven Mackintosh, Margaret Tyzack, Timothy Spall, Pam Ferris, and Dominic Mafham.

The series is set in Victorian London and follows the story of John Harmon, a young man who is presumed dead after disappearing in the River Thames. Harmon's father has left him a fortune, but he must return to London and claim his inheritance before it can be transferred to his new-found sweetheart, Bella Wilfer. However, Harmon is not the only one seeking the inheritance - the ruthless Bradley Headstone, the amiable Mr. Boffin, and the sinister Silas Wegg are also in the running.

As the story unfolds, we meet a range of fascinating characters, from the corrupt lawyer Mortimer Lightwood to the troubled Gaffer Hexam and his daughter Lizzie. We also witness the parallel storylines of Eugene Wrayburn, a barrister who falls in love with Lizzie, and the opportunistic Georgiana Podsnap.

Throughout the series, we see the characters navigate the complex social structures and power dynamics of Victorian society. We see how wealth and class can corrupt, while poverty and hardship can bring out the best in people. We see how love can be both a force for good and a source of pain, and how moral dilemmas can test even the most well-intentioned souls.

One of the main themes of the series is that of redemption. Characters who seem irredeemable at first - such as the selfish Bella and the manipulative Wegg - are given the chance to reform and find redemption through their interactions with others.

The performances in Our Mutual Friend are uniformly excellent, with each member of the cast bringing their character to life with nuance and depth. Paul McGann is particularly memorable as the charismatic and mysterious John Harmon, while Keeley Hawes shines as the conflicted Bella Wilfer.

The production values are also top-notch, with the show beautifully capturing the atmosphere and aesthetic of Victorian London. From the muddy banks of the Thames to the opulent drawing rooms of the upper classes, the world of Our Mutual Friend is both immersive and believable.

Overall, Our Mutual Friend is a compelling and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of love, power, and morality in Victorian society. It is a must-see for fans of Charles Dickens and period dramas in general.

Our Mutual Friend is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between March 9, 1998 and on BBC America