The Pallisers

We come in on a garden party at Gatherum Castle hosted by the Duke of Omnium. We are introduced to Glencora M'Cluskie and Plantagenet Palliser, both of whom are occupied with the person who currently holds their affections. Unfortunately, …

After an opening wedding sequence, we follow the Pallisers on their honeymoon to Switzerland, where Glencora can't hide her unhappiness. The Vavasors are also in Switzerland, with John Grey, whom Alice is reluctantly engaged to. We learn…

Alice comes to stay at Matching to keep Glencora company. We are introduced to the bigwig end of the Liberal Party, especially the delightful presence of the Duke of St Bungay. Lady Monk, who is Burgo's aunt, plots with him so that he …

Alice's grandfather begins to ease his feelings toward George, but her father remains adamantly opposed. He even goes so far as to enlist Mr Grey in helping to protect her interests. This becomes more important as Alice is preparing to giv…

Glencora makes her feelings known to Plantagenet, again his response surprises her. Squire Vavasor has passed away and George assumes that he will, at last, come into his own, but his past actions have forced the Squire to expunge him from…

Still on their trip Glencora begins her new career as a matchmaker by trying to get Alice to relent in her attitude toward Mr Grey. With her previous anxieties eased, Glencora becomes pregnant, sending everyone back to England. But not b…

Plantagenet has achieved his goal and is hosting his first party as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, although it is actually Glencora that is key to its success. Mr Finn arrives soaked from the rain, and sets everyone to talking, about …

A fight over the secret ballot threatens to split the Liberal party. Finn is called on to ad lib his first speech and he refuses, temporarily setting back his aspirations. We begin to learn the mistake that Laura made in marrying Kennedy…

Phineas continues to juggle his women. Meanwhile the Duke of Omnium continues his pursuit of Madame Max, she handles him with extreme skill and grace. Laura has become so miserable that she asks Phineas to not come to Scotland again. P…

We begin with the duel between Phineas and Chiltern. Finn takes a wound in the shoulder. But, the bullet does not do as much damage as the smear campaign that Snide begins in 'The People's Banner'. Phineas' attempt to enlist Laura's aid …

Christmas day finds the Kennedy's arguing worse than ever. Laura has brought Chiltern and Violet together and they finally admit their love for each other. Monk finally declares the fight for tenant rights open. He has Finn's support, ta…

The recovering Duke is buoyed by gossip of Lizzie Eustace and her diamonds. They have become a bone of contention between her and the man she is engaged to, Lord Fawn. He wants them to be in the care of the lawyers, while she insists that …

Lizzie receives her demand to bring the necklace to London for a final decision. On the train Lizzie gets several recommendations, mostly nefarious, on what to do with her diamonds. The overnight stop finds the safe containing the diamonds…

Lord Fawn's sister continues to push him toward Marie in no uncertain, and very military terms. The banter between them is delightful. Tragedy strikes Phineas as his wife and child do not survive the birth. His father dies soon after. …

Despite Barrington's warning Phineas does go to see both Kennedy's. Robert is crazed with religion and Laura, we come to learn, is a bit obsessed with Phineas. As the Duke of Omnium declines Lady Hartletop pays a visit. This confirms som…

Lizzie has taken refuge with the Bonteen's to escape the cruelty and profligacy of her husband. A Palliser cousin, Adelaide, is coming to stay and Marie and Glencora plot on who to pair her up with and decide on Lord Fawn. She turns out …

Bonteen is livid at being denied the Exchequer. He vows revenge on all. But, in the meantime he goes to Prague to find Emilius' first wife. Phineas speaks well against the Conservatives, but is still denied office. A bad row blows up b…

We open with the forces of the Liberal party discussing what to do about Finn. While most of them feel he is innocent, they also feel that they can't stand in the way of a trial. Marie pledges all that she has to help him. Laura wants to d…

Mr Chaffanbrass begins his defense of Finn by showing that there was another who had a stronger motive for murder, and by pointing out that no one saw who actually committed the murder. Mr Monk and Plantagenet stand as character witnesse…

It is four years since the end of last episode. The Liberals are returning to power, sort of, in a coalition with the Conservatives until the country's money woes can be sorted out. The Prime Minister of this coalition is to be Plantagenet…

We open at a reception where we see that it will be Glencora's ability that keeps the coalition together by smoothing over any feelings that Platagenet's natural indifference may ruffle. Silverbridge (the son) is to be sent on the grand t…

We come in on the Lopez's honeymoon in Rome. At the same time Silverbridge and Tregear are in Venice where they meet Lady Mabel Grex and Miss Cassewary. Ferdinand begins to show his true colors as he presses Emily for money. Her father c…

Plantagenet has worries aplenty in the form of resignations and scandal. Phineas is named the First Lord of the Admiralty and his wife will accompany him on his tour of the Navy, taking away Glencora's most loyal confidant. She insists t…

Phineas comes close to being the first official victim of the Lopez affair as a vote of censure is called against him in Parliament. It is roundly defeated. Even so, Plantagenet's time as Prime Minister is winding down. At the end, the thi…

Silverbridge is bringing the Boncassen's to tea. We are allowed to enjoy a mystifying explanation of the British caste system. Glencora has a razor insight as to why her son has chosen to run, and win, as a Conservative. Mary admits to…

Glencora's health is of concern to all (including us as viewers). She is determined to make sure that her children, especially Mary, have the ability to control their own future. Nothing can stop her passing, but she is among those wh…