A 1986 drama exploring the intersection of class rivalry, corporate television expansion, and personal relationships in rural England.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Noble Rivalry Ignites
The narrative opens in 1986, establishing the contrasting backgrounds of British nobleman Rupert Campbell-Black and bourgeois TV owner Tony Lord Baddingham. Their deep-seated feud is introduced as the foundational conflict.
Key Events
1986 Setting Established — Narrative establishes the 1986 timeframe and introduces the two central figures. Location: England
Nobleman vs Bourgeoisie — Class backgrounds are contrasted, highlighting Rupert's nobility and Baddingham's bourgeois roots. Location: England
Rivalry Defined — A deep-seated rivalry is established between the two men. Location: England
Corinium's Corporate Shift
Baddingham's independent commercial station in Rutshire becomes the focal point. American producer Cameron Cook is recruited to revitalize programming, marking a strategic corporate expansion.
Key Events
Rivalry Defined — A deep-seated rivalry is established between the two men. Location: England
Corinium TV Station — Baddingham's independent commercial television station is introduced as the central setting. Location: Rutshire, Cotswolds
Regional Location Setup — The fictional county and region are mapped out, grounding the station's operations. Location: Rutshire, Cotswolds, Southwest England
Cameron Cook's Arrival — American producer Cameron Cook is brought in to strengthen programming. Location: Corinium TV Station
Talent Acquisition & Marital Ties
Dynamic Irish newsman Declan O'Hara is hired away from the BBC. His marriage to actress Maud adds a personal dimension to the professional recruitment, highlighting intersecting lives.
Key Events
Cameron Cook's Arrival — American producer Cameron Cook is brought in to strengthen programming. Location: Corinium TV Station
Programming Strategy — Strategic plans are discussed to elevate the station's commercial content. Location: Corinium TV Station
Declan O'Hara Recruitment — Dynamic Irish newsman Declan O'Hara is hired away from the BBC. Location: Corinium TV Station
Maud's Introduction — Actress Maud is introduced as Declan's wife, adding personal stakes. Location: England
BBC Departure Context — Declan's transition from a national broadcaster to a regional commercial station is highlighted. Location: BBC / Corinium
Rivalry Enters the Broadcast Arena
The personal feud between Rupert and Baddingham seeps into Corinium's operations. New hires navigate corporate ambitions while the underlying class and political tensions escalate.
Key Events
BBC Departure Context — Declan's transition from a national broadcaster to a regional commercial station is highlighted. Location: BBC / Corinium
Rivalry Seeps into Corinium — The personal feud between Rupert and Baddingham begins to impact station operations and staff. Location: Corinium TV Station
Corporate vs Noble Tension — Class and status differences fuel ongoing friction in the region. Location: Rutshire
News & Programming Dynamics — New hires navigate their roles within the station's evolving structure. Location: Corinium TV Station
Marital & Professional Intersection — Declan's career move intersects with his personal life and Maud's acting career. Location: England
Season Setup Complete — All key characters, locations, and conflicts are positioned for the narrative to unfold. Location: Rutshire, Cotswolds
Story Breakdown
Political & Social Rivalry — The core conflict between Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Lord Baddingham.
Nobleman vs Bourgeoisie — Contrasting social origins fuel the feud.
Class Status Tension — Old money versus new commercial wealth.
Corporate Television Expansion — Baddingham's efforts to modernize Corinium TV.
Cameron Cook Recruitment — American producer hired for programming.
Programming Strategy — Plans to strengthen commercial content.
Talent Acquisition Strategy — Hiring key personnel to boost station capabilities.
Declan O'Hara Hiring — Irish newsman recruited from BBC.
BBC Departure Context — Transition from national to regional broadcasting.
Marital & Personal Dynamics — Intersecting personal lives of the new hires.
Declan & Maud Marriage — Husband-wife professional and personal bond.
Actress Career Intersection — Maud's acting career ties into the narrative.
Regional Broadcasting Landscape — The setting and operational environment of Corinium.
Rutshire & Cotswolds — Fictional county and scenic southwest England location.
Independent Commercial Station — Corinium's market position and operational scope.
1986 Cultural Backdrop — The historical and social context shaping the narrative.
1986 Timeframe — Era-specific social and media landscape.
British Class System — Historical tensions between nobility and bourgeoisie.
Rivalry Impact on Operations — How the personal feud influences station dynamics.
Feud Seeps into Corinium — Personal conflict affects professional environment.
Staff Navigation Challenges — New hires manage tensions while building careers.
During the Great Depression, Kennicke, a rancher in western South Dakota, hires on vagrant workers, only to murder them when it comes time to pay. When a new vagrant, The Stranger, arrives on the ranch and asks for work, Kennicke hires him on. Kennicke quickly realizes The Stranger is different from the other drifters who have met their fate on the ranch. He is smart and vital, and always seems to understand what Kennicke is thinking. It quickly becomes apparent that The Stranger might know more about Kennicke's murderous acts than seems possible. And soon, Kennicke realizes his own life might be in danger.
