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» » Kingdom Episode #1.1 (2007–2009)

Short summary

Peter Kingdom runs his law practice in the small East Anglian town of Market Shipborough, aided by efficient secretary Gloria and a young trainee from London, Lyle. Whilst managing to avoid grumpy Mrs. Thing, he is continually being visited by local Sidney Snell, who is constantly battling the local council, in this case over plans for a new road. Peter's somewhat dodgy younger brother Simon disappeared some time ago. His clothes were found on a beach but no body was recovered. Peter manages to clear up a feud between two brothers, the sons of glamorous Sheila Larsen who died suddenly and whose money apparently disappeared. However, he has a further problem of his own when his unstable sister Beatrice descends on him, having discharged herself from rehab and looking for somewhere to stay.

Mr. Kingdom refers to Snell's case as "Market Shipborough's very own Jarndyce versus Jarndyce". In the Dickens novel "Bleak House" the case of Jarndyce v Jarndyce just went on and on and on forever. J v J has now become a term for the sort of interminable case that does nothing but enrich anyone who can claim billable hours.

In a preview, Radio Times described it as "Sunday night television at its cosiest", though called the plot of episode one "feeble".

Stephen Fry's character drives an Alvis TE 21, a classic car.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Mightdragon
    Wonderfully photographed and intelligent. The show high lites the quirky inhabitants of a rural seaside village via a local lawyer, a caring gentle man with common sense. Each show has 2 or 3 "cases" involving the locals, mostly humorous or lighter issue. Deeper situations are lurking among the lighter moments. Actors are very good (with the exception of the secretary's bratty son) and did I mention the photography? Lush rural England. I wanna Go! Serious bits and Comedic wrapped into one with NO laugh-track! Nothing hits you over the head and much is left for you to imagine or figure out, It can leave you laughing and crying ala Monk. Why can't most US TV be this good? Edit: This review applies to the whole series. not just 1.1
  • Episode cast overview, first billed only:
    Stephen Fry Stephen Fry - Peter Kingdom
    Tony Slattery Tony Slattery - Sidney Snell
    Celia Imrie Celia Imrie - Gloria Millington
    Karl Davies Karl Davies - Lyle Anderson
    James Thornton James Thornton - Rupert
    Lynsey de Paul Lynsey de Paul - Sheila
    Tom Fisher Tom Fisher - Ted (as Thomas Fisher)
    Neil Stuke Neil Stuke - Damien
    Maryann Turner Maryann Turner - Mrs. Thing
    Luke Mably Luke Mably - Mark
    Hermione Norris Hermione Norris - Beatrice Kingdom
    Phyllida Law Phyllida Law - Aunt Auriel
    Katharine Burford Katharine Burford - Suzie Bennett
    Diana Payan Diana Payan - Mrs. Ashworth
    Jo Eastwood Jo Eastwood - Karen Larsen
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