Watch Tess of the D'urbervilles

Tess of the D'urbervilles is a BBC America show that aired in 2008 starring Gemma Arterton, Hans Matheson, Ruth Jones, Jodie Whittaker, Eddie Redmayne, Ian Puleston-Davies, Anna Massey, Christopher Fairbank, and Donald Sumpter. The show is adapted from Thomas Hardy's classic novel of the same name.

The show tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield (Gemma Arterton), a young woman who lives in poverty in rural England in the late 19th century. After her impoverished family discovers that they are descended from a wealthy family, Tess is sent to work for the D'Urbervilles, a wealthy family who live nearby. At first, Tess is nervous about working for the D'Urbervilles, but she soon becomes attracted to their handsome and charming son, Alec (Hans Matheson).

However, Alec is not the man Tess thought he was, and their relationship quickly becomes abusive. Tess soon realizes that she is pregnant, and she is forced to leave her job and return home. Tess's baby dies shortly after it is born, and she decides to start a new life. She takes a job as a dairy maid, and soon meets Angel Clare (Eddie Redmayne), a young man who is studying to become a pastor.

Tess and Angel fall in love, but Angel is unaware of Tess's past. When he discovers the truth, he is horrified and ends their relationship. Tess is left alone once again, and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her life.

The show is well-cast, with Gemma Arterton giving a standout performance as Tess. She perfectly captures the character's innocence, vulnerability, and strength. Hans Matheson is equally impressive as Alec, playing him as both charming and menacing. Eddie Redmayne brings a sensitivity to his role as Angel Clare, making him a sympathetic character even when he makes mistakes.

The show is beautifully shot, with lush countryside landscapes and intricate period costumes. The production design and set decoration are also noteworthy, creating a vivid picture of life in 19th century rural England.

Overall, Tess of the D'urbervilles is a compelling adaptation of a classic novel. It's a poignant and tragic story of a young woman who is failed by the society and men around her. The show explores themes of class, gender, and morality, and is a must-watch for fans of period dramas.

Tess of the D'urbervilles is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between September 14, 2008 and on BBC America