Great story and yes, noticed the resemblance to Jack Smith!

The protagonist was imprisoned on false charges at a young age in post-Napolean France. He acquired vast knowledge from a fellow inmate. After he escaped, he put that knowledge to clever use in flourishing within the highest levels of society and politics.

It is a good series, seven or eight 50 minute episodes I think, last one Monday night at ten pm east coast.
I read the 700 page book by alexandre Dumas and saw a 2 hour film by same name, but this one is about six or seven hours long, more in depth and pretty well done, better than the short 2 hour version.

One objection I have so far: when fernand stands up in the assembly of peers and is presented with the sales receipts from Haydee, he quickly affirms that is his signature without even going for the scoundrel defense of FORGERY. Eh, deceptive liar till then when he suddenly becomes an honest man, to his demise. Well, non sequitor but still overall good.

You watching the Forsyth sagas by chance? The gal with the two kids is Tomlinson, who played poldarks wife.
Cheers Sogo!

I found the first episode kind of cloggy.

However, the second episode with Jeremy Irons
brought it life in a big way.

His acting is so great that he makes the whole
episode improve itself, along with the rest of the
show.

Generally I love a good period drama, and Dumas was a wonderful storyteller, although this was not my favorite of his books.

I think hid high chakra acting had a
good effect the rest of the way.

Very engrossing.