World Without End

Watch World Without End

  • TV-MA
  • 2012
  • 1 Season
  • 6.9  (9,210)

World Without End is a historical drama series based on the novel of the same name by Ken Follett. Set in the 14th century, the show revolves around the fictional town of Kingsbridge and its inhabitants' lives during the beginning of the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The series premiered on ReelzChannel in 2012 and stars an ensemble cast of talented actors such as Cynthia Nixon, Miranda Richardson, Ben Chaplin, Peter Firth, Charlotte Riley, Tom Weston-Jones, and Nora Waldstatten.

The story begins in 1327 with a prologue that introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the ensuing drama. Four children of differing social status - Caris (Charlotte Riley), Merthin (Tom Weston-Jones), Gwenda (Nora Waldstatten), and Ralph (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) - witness a violent confrontation between two knights on a bridge. This incident sets off a chain reaction of events that will shape their lives and the fate of their town.

The story then jumps 16 years into the future, and we see how the children have grown up and changed. Caris is now a skilled healer but is thwarted by the male-dominated medical community; Merthin has become a talented architect, but his ambitions put him at odds with the traditionalist guild; Gwenda is trapped in an abusive marriage, and Ralph has returned to Kingsbridge with a lust for power and riches.

The series explores various themes, including love, loyalty, betrayal, greed, and religious hypocrisy. The Black Death looms large over the town, and the fear and devastation it brings underscore the precariousness of life during this era. The town's political struggles reflect the larger conflict between England and France, and the series gives us a glimpse of the social and economic upheavals that come with war.

One of the show's strengths is its attention to historical detail. The production design and costume departments have done an excellent job of portraying the era with authenticity, from the grand cathedrals to the grimy streets. The show also does an excellent job of exploring the lives of everyday people and how they were affected by events beyond their control.

The cast is uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Cynthia Nixon is particularly compelling as Mother Cecilia, a nun who struggles with her faith and her role in the church. Miranda Richardson is equally brilliant as Petranilla, a conniving and power-hungry woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Ben Chaplin also stands out as Sir Thomas Langley, a knight with a tragic past who must navigate the treacherous politics of the court.

Despite the series' strengths, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain episodes feeling slow or meandering. Some of the characters' storylines are more compelling than others, and there are some underdeveloped subplots that could have been fleshed out more.

Overall, however, World Without End is an engrossing and well-acted drama that manages to capture the spirit of the era. Its exploration of historical themes and richly drawn characters will appeal to fans of period dramas and history buffs alike.

World Without End is a series that ran for 1 seasons (18 episodes) between October 5, 2012 and on ReelzChannel

World Without End
Filter by Source

Seasons
Checkmate
8. Checkmate
October 23, 2012
Advised by Petranilla, Ralph uses this revolt against his own tyranny to convince Queen Isabella that peasants are rebelling against the crown.
Queen
7. Queen
November 21, 2012
Edward III bids farewell to his teenage daughter Joan as she leaves to Spain to marry the Prince of Castile, an ally against France.
Rook
6. Rook
November 14, 2012
The Black Death plagues England leaving Kingsbridge in complete chaos.
Pawns
5. Pawns
November 7, 2012
7 years have passed. Caris is now a nun and receives news from Merthin who is working in Florence and has a family. She continues studying and practicing medicine and cares for Gwenda's son when he's injured. Sister Meir sees Brother Thomas in bed with another monk but decides to say nothing after consultation with Caris. An unexpected inheritance provides with the funds for Caris to build her hospice but Prior Godwin plots to get the money. Sister Cecilia sends Caris to the battlefield to get help from the King.
Check
4. Check
October 31, 2012
Godwin puts his strict religious views on Kingsbridge. He also decides to use some land to build himself a house, which clashes with Mother Cecilia's wish to build a hospice for Caris to run. Merthin is dismissed as the bridge builder and Caris is accused of witchcraft but Mother Cecelia figures out a way to save Caris's life. Merthin stands up to Ralph when he unfairly takes wool from the local merchants. Ralph's despotism takes him to face the gallows accused of rape. The battle with France is lasting longer than expected and more soldiers are needed. Prisons are emptied to replenish the army which makes Ralph save his neck.
Prior
3. Prior
October 24, 2012
Caris helps the wounded from the bridge collapse and hopes to open a hospital. Godwyn schemes to become Prior after the drowning of Prior Anthony. The Hundred Years War begins when King Edward III declares war on France.
King
2. King
October 17, 2012
The town is busy with Fleece Fair, but the rickety bridge may fail any day. After being forced into a marriage, Caris continues to see Merthin and tries to win him the rebuilding of the bridge. A trial results in tragedy.
Knight
1. Knight
October 5, 2012
Edward III is crowned after Queen Isabella defeats and imprisons King Edward II. Rumors are flying in the town of Kingsbridge that the imprisoned King has been murdered, a knight full of secrets arrives looking for sanctuary, but will change the fate of the citizens.
Ep 101 - Medieval Life and Death: Part 1
101. Ep 101 - Medieval Life and Death: Part 1
January 1, 2012
A mysterious knight flees for safety among the monks of Medieval Kingsbridge; the English king is overthrown; headstrong young Caris' fate is sealed as she is forced into marriage.
Medieval Life And Death: Part 2
102. Medieval Life And Death: Part 2
October 17, 2012
A mysterious knight flees for safety among the monks of Medieval Kingsbridge; the English king is overthrown; headstrong young Caris' fate is sealed as she is forced into marriage.
Ep 103 - A Crown Tested
103. Ep 103 - A Crown Tested
January 1, 2012
Godwyn plots for control of Kingsbridge Priory accuses Caris of being a witch; Caris' would-be lover, Merthin, is chosen to rebuild the bridge while, Ralph, seeks revenge.
Ep 104 - Plague And Passion
104. Ep 104 - Plague And Passion
January 1, 2012
War with France rages on; Caris, now a nun, goes on a dangerous mission seeking the King's permission for a special project; Godwyn's control of the town is slipping away; the Plague takes over Kingsbridge.
Ep 105 - A People Revolt
105. Ep 105 - A People Revolt
January 1, 2012
Kingsbridge picks up the pieces after the Plague; Godwyn flees; Caris and Merthin reconcile and join Langley to lead a revolt against the Crown; Langley reveals a historic secret.
Ep 106 - Rook
106. Ep 106 - Rook
January 1, 2012
The Black Death makes its way to England; Kingsbridge is ravaged by the plague and descends into chaos.
Ep 107 - Queen
107. Ep 107 - Queen
January 1, 2012
Godwyn is shocked to discover Caris has been made Prior; a peasant rebellion against Lord Ralph.
Ep 108 - Checkmate
108. Ep 108 - Checkmate
January 1, 2012
Caris and Merthin plan to leave Kingsbridge. Brother Thomas reveals his true identity. The King, knowing the thrown is in peril, decides to personally lead his army to stop the uprising.
A Crown Tested
202. A Crown Tested
October 24, 2012
Godwyn plots for control of Kingsbridge Priory accuses Caris of being a witch; Caris' would-be lover, Merthin, is chosen to rebuild the bridge while, Ralph, seeks revenge.
Part 4: A People Revolt
204. Part 4: A People Revolt
November 7, 2012
Kingsbridge tries to pick up the pieces after the Plague kills half the town; Godwyn flees; Caris and Merthin reconcile and join Langley to lead peasants in a revolt against the Crown; Langley reveals a historic secret.
Description
Where to Watch World Without End
World Without End is available for streaming on the ReelzChannel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch World Without End on demand at Vudu.
  • Premiere Date
    October 5, 2012
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (9,210)