Sharpe Update
EPISODIC SYNOPSES
Episode one – Sharpe’s Rifles
Portugal 1809 - After saving the life of the future Duke of Wellington, Sergeant Richard Sharpe is rewarded with a promotion to Lieutenant. His first mission is to go behind enemy lines to locate a missing agent, James Rothschild, who carries badly needed funds for the British army. Sharpe is given command of the 95th Rifles under Captain Murray, but soon finds that they are an undisciplined bunch, and neither Murray nor the men of the Rifles are prepared to accept Sharpe's command as “proper” officers are not raised from the ranks. After Captain Murray is killed in a surprise French attack, Sharpe is left in sole command. Two Spanish allies, Major Blas Vivar and Comandante Teresa, offer to lead Sharpe to Rothschild at Casa Antiga. There is no sign of Rothschild upon arrival and Sharpe becomes increasingly suspicious of his Spanish companions. He discovers their real mission is to transport one of Spain’s holy relics to Torrecastro to inspire an uprising against the French. Sharpe’s Rifles is sponsored by American Honda Motor.
Sharpe’s Rifles premieres Saturday, May 27, 9:00 p.m. ET/10:00 p.m. PT.
Episode two – Sharpe’s Eagle
Spain 1809 - Colonel Sir Henry Simmerson arrives with his new regiment, the South Essex. Wellesley decides to keep in Simmerson's good graces by arranging for the South Essex to blow up the bridge at Valdelacasa. Aware that Simmerson is incompetent, Wellesley orders Sergeant Sharpe to see that the mission is a success in exchange for a promotion to Captain. Simmerson is infuriated to learn that Sharpe is not a gentleman and was raised from the ranks by Wellesley. In revenge, he orders Sharpe to train his men to fire three rounds a minute by nightfall, or they will be flogged as punishment for failure. Sharpe manages to succeed, which infuriates Simmerson even more. The following day, Simmerson orders Captain Lennox to lead the South Essex across the bridge in the attempt to chase away a small French patrol. However, an ambush by the French cavalry brings a rescue attempt with Sharpe in control. Will this mean further promotion and even more enemies? Sharpe’s Eagle is sponsored by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Sharpe’s Eagle premieres Saturday, June 3, 9:00 p.m. ET/10:00 p.m. PT.
Episode three – Sharpe’s Company
Spain 1812 - After victory at Ciudad Rodrigo, the Duke of Wellington sets his sights on Badajoz. Sharpe is reunited with his love, Teresa, and learns that he is the father of a baby girl — but he’s alarmed to learn the baby is in Badajoz. As new men arrive from England, Sharpe discovers his old nemesis, Obadiah Hakeswill, is among them. With his speciality of preying on soldiers while being servile towards the officers, Hakeswill was responsible for having Sharpe flogged for a crime he did not commit. After attempting to rape Teresa, Hakeswill realises her affection for the Sergeant and uses her in a wicked game to get back at Sharpe. With his captaincy in tatters, Sharpe's fears soon turn to the safety of Teresa and their baby daughter. Sharpe’s Company is sponsored by OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Sharpe’s Company premieres Saturday, June 10, 9:00 p.m. ET/10:00 p.m. PT.
