Watch To the Ends of the Earth

To the Ends of the Earth is an historical drama series produced by Fireworks International, set in the late 18th century. The show premiered in 2005 and stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, The Imitation Game) as Edmund Talbot, a young and naive aristocrat determined to take a sea voyage to Australia.

Talbot is joined on his journey by several other passengers, including Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) as Reverend Colley, Jared Harris (Chernobyl) as Captain Anderson, and Jamie Sives (Game of Thrones) as Lieutenant Benet. The voyage begins in 1812, during a time when England was taking prisoners to Australia to serve as slaves.

Initially, the voyage begins smoothly with Talbot enamored by the beautiful ship and the breathtaking sea views. Edmund’s character is eager to meet new people, try new things and shed the shackles of his sheltered life as an aristocrat. His excitement, however, is cut short as he learns that travelling by sea is no easy business.

As they travel across the Atlantic, the passengers begin to experience various challenges and calamities. For instance, Talbot is mercilessly bullied by a young sailor, Mr. Scrugg. At one point during the voyage, the ship encounters a dangerous storm that almost sinks the vessel. From illness to the brutal weather conditions, the journey becomes a life-challenging struggle for survival.

The passengers soon realize that their journey is not just about navigating through the rough seas, but also about surviving challenging trials that life throws their way. The travelers are forced not only to fight external threats but also to confront their own prejudices and hardships.

Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Edmund Talbot impeccably throughout the show, which requires the actor to mold his character from a privileged man-child to a strong and resilient individual. The set designs remain breathtaking throughout the show, and the nuanced performances from the rest of the cast help elevate and create an immersive experience for the viewer.

To the Ends of the Earth delves deep into the characters’ minds and presents them with ethical and moral dilemmas. The acting performances from Sam Neill, Jared Harris, Jamie Sives, Richard McCabe, Victoria Hamilton, Tim Delap, Vanessa Pike, Jonathan Slinger, Robert Hobbs among others, is commendable. The series portrays well-rounded characters that undergo personal struggles and have the viewer invested in their respective journeys. The depiction of class, race, gender and morality provides a profound insight into the period and has a modern sensibility.

To the Ends of the Earth is an all-time classic, excellently performed and beautifully set. The show provides an authenticate historical portrayal of the 18th century, with poetic nuances and brilliant performances from an incredible cast. If you're a fan of period dramas with a twist, then this is the best thing you will watch.

To the Ends of the Earth is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between July 6, 2005 and on Fireworks International