Canterbury Tales - Season 1

First aired: 9/11/2003 6 episodes

Six single dramas adapted from six of Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th century Canterbury Tales, transferred to a modern, 21st century setting, but still set along the traditional Pilgrims' route to Canterbury.

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Episodes

1. The Miller's Tale

Aired: 9/11/2003

Flash con artist Nick Zakian sweeps into a Kentish village and starts scamming the locals. The prize for him, though, is to seduce Alison, the beautiful young trophy wife of pub landlord John and, as she's the star of the pub's karaoke nights, Nick sees his chance by telling her he's a talent scout who can secure her a recording contract. However, not only is John extremely protective of his child bride, but she also has lovelorn admirer Danny in tow.

2. The Wife of Bath

Aired: 9/18/2003

Beth Craddock is a highly successful television actress in her early fifties but her professional success is not reflected in her private life. She has had four husbands and the fourth is about to leave her for a younger woman. She begins an affair with co-star Jerome, who is 30 years her junior and, despite general disapproval, they're genuinely happy. Unfortunately, Jerome's health issues mean that the story does not end well for Beth.

3. The Knight's Tale

Aired: 9/25/2003

A wedge is driven into the relationship of childhood friends and now cellmates Ace and Paul by attractive civilian teacher Emily, whom they both fall in love with. Ace is released first and the obsessed Paul stages an escape in order to get to Emily before him. This leads to a confrontation and a tragic end for one.

4. The Sea Captain's Tale

Aired: 10/2/2003

Wealthy businessman Jetender is married to the younger Meena, whose extravagant tastes have landed her in £11,000 in debt. When Jetender takes on a young business partner Pushpinder, who falls in love with her, Meena exploits him by telling him her husband is abusive. She persuades Pushpinder to borrow the money to pay her debts from Jetender, which will not serve a happy ending.

5. The Pardoner's Tale

Aired: 10/9/2003

In the cathedral city of Rochester, con-man Arty, who fell out with his religious parents years ago, diverts tourists' attention by reciting Shakespeare whilst his friends Baz and Colin pick pockets. A year earlier, a young girl was killed and now another, Amy, has vanished. Arty decides to cash in on the tragedy by falsely starting a collection for the search party but they're approached by the mysterious Kitty, who tells them she knows Amy is dead and that she can reveal who killed her.

6. The Man of Law's Tale

Aired: 10/16/2003

Fleeing persecution in her native Nigeria, undocumented immigrant Constance is taken in by Adam and Nicky Constable and falls, mutually, for their friend Alan King. However, another young man, Terry, becomes obsessed with her and makes a savage play for her, interrupted by Nicky, whom he kills. He's convicted but Constance's status is exposed and she is deported back to Nigeria, pregnant with Alan's baby.