Cranford Episode Guide

Episode Guide

Cranford: Season 1

• Season 1 Episode 5: May 1843

  In the final episode of the series, the true nature of friendship within Cranford is revealed when the ladies rally to help Miss Matty when she receives terrible news. Meanwhile, Dr Harrison suffers as his career, reputation and relationship all seem ruined, while Miss Galindo and Mr Carter grow closer as they face up to the tragedy of Hanbury. Judi Dench, Philip Glenister and Simon Woods star

• Season 1 Episode 4: April 1843

  Miss Matty confides in Mary about Mr Holbrook, prompting her to inform Major Gordon of Jessie's regret over her decision not to marry him. Meanwhile, Dr Harrison informs Rev Hutton of his intentions towards Sophy, and formally asks permission to court her, unaware that his generosity towards Mrs Rose has been misconstrued and created an unlikely love triangle. Penultimate episode of the costume drama, starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Simon Woods

• Season 1 Episode 3: November 1842

  Christmas arrives in the town, but Lady Ludlow regrets any notion of seasonal charity when Mr Carter asks her to intervene in the case of Job Gregson, who has been blamed for a spate of thefts. Miss Matty is delighted when Mr Holbrook invites her to his farm, and Dr Harrison's friend Jack sends Caroline Tomkinson a card hinting she should expect a proposal from the medic. Starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Philip Glenister

• Season 1 Episode 2: August 1842

  The town's residents prepare for Lady Ludlow's garden party, but the occasion is marred by rumours the railway line will come right into Cranford, leaving Deborah feeling betrayed. Dr Harrison's plans to become better acquainted with Sophy are thwarted by Caroline Tomkinson and Clara Smith, Mr Carter takes pity on an illiterate 10-year-old and Miss Matty is shaken to see a face from her past. Starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and Eileen Atkins

• Season 1 Episode 1: June 1842

  New five-part costume drama based on three novels by Elizabeth Gaskell set in a Cheshire market town over the course of one year in the 1840s. Change is on the way to Cranford as the railway pushes out from Manchester, but many of the female residents are more excited about the arrival of a handsome new doctor. Meanwhile, Miss Matty Jenkyns is still wondering how her life might have turned out if she hadn't been forced to give up the man she loved. Adapted by Heidi Thomas, with an all-star cast including Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Michael Gambon

Cranford: Special

• August 1844

  The period drama set in a small Cheshire market town returns for a two-part festive special. The story picks up in August 1844, two years after Miss Matty lost her beloved sister Deborah. Local man Mr Buxton has returned to live quietly in Cranford following the death of his wife, although Miss Matty is concerned about his relationship with his son as neither seem to be coping with their grief. The local busybody is also worried about Peggy Bell, who lives in an isolated cottage looking after her inattentive mother and domineering brother, so she hatches a plot to bring these young residents together. However, the surprise arrival of Lady Ludlow's son Lord Septimus leads to a chain of unexpected events concerning the looming railway, and a tragedy at Matty's own house forces her to re-evaluate her opinions on the subject. Judi Dench and Jonathan Pryce star

• October to December 1844

  Conclusion of the two-part special. The women of Cranford are excited about the imminent visit of Lady Glenmire, until the Hon Mrs Jamieson announces that none of them is of high enough social standing to meet her - so Miss Matty leads the Amazons in snubbing both the newcomer and her hostess. But sociable Lady Glenmire is quick to offer an olive branch by hosting a memorable Halloween party, which results in the forging of new friendships. Mr Buxton is impressed by Edward Bell's ambitions, so takes him on as land agent, only for the new employee to make a disastrous decision that has dire consequences for both himself and his sister Peggy. Meanwhile, Matty is distressed when a surprising discovery about one of her close circle results in a serious falling out among the friends, and when tragedy strikes the town, she fears Cranford may never recover. Judi Dench, Celia Imrie and Jonathan Pryce star