The Serpent
2021 · BBC iPlayer · 60 min · 1 season
S01E08 · Episode 8
Sat, 2 Jan, 8:00 am
The net begins to close around Charles and Marie-Andrée in India, but the final chapter of Herman's pursuit of Sobhraj stretches long into the future.
About
Con man, escape artist, thief, master of disguise and psychopath, Charles Sobhraj was the chief suspect in the sensational unsolved murders of up to 20 young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal through 1975 and 1976. Having slipped repeatedly from the grasp of authorities worldwide, by 1976 Sobhraj was Interpol's most wanted man and had arrest warrants on three different continents.
When Herman Knippenberg, a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, unwittingly walks into Sobhraj's intricate web of crime, he sets off an extraordinary chain of events that will see these two diametrically opposed men engaged in a chase across the porous borders of the Asian Hippie Trail in its twilight years.
The Serpent is based on the phenomenal true story of how one of the most elusive criminals of the 20th century was caught and brought to trial.
Episodes
- E01
Episode 1
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minBangkok, 1975. Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg investigates the disappearance of a young couple who were last seen alive at the apartment of gem dealer Charles Sobhraj.
- E02
Episode 2
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minMarie-Andrée Leclerc leaves her life behind for the love of Charles Sobhraj but discovers the chilling cost. Herman vows to investigate the murders of the Dutch couple.
- E03
Episode 3
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minYoung Frenchman Dominique Renelleau tries to escape Charles Sobhraj's terrifying lair. As he listens to Nadine and Remi's testimony, Herman realises the scale of Charles's crimes.
- E04
Episode 4
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minCharles embarks on a terrifying trail of destruction in Nepal, while Nadine helps Herman gather the final evidence he needs for the police to act.
- E05
Episode 5
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minHerman and Charles engage in an exhausting battle of wits as Herman continues to pile pressure on the Thai police to prosecute the suspects, while Charles perfects his escape plan.
- E06
Episode 6
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minThe fallout from Gautier's escape threatens Herman's diplomatic career. Charles attempts to set up business in France, a place that holds powerful memories for him.
- E07
Episode 7
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minCharles and Marie-Andrée arrive in Paris and attempt to set up a new life. Meanwhile, Herman makes a dangerous gamble in his investigation which finally brings a breakthrough.
- E08
Episode 8
Sat, 2 Jan· 60 minThe net begins to close around Charles and Marie-Andrée in India, but the final chapter of Herman's pursuit of Sobhraj stretches long into the future.
Cast
Tahar Rahim
Charles Sobhraj
Jenna Coleman
Marie-Andrée Leclerc
Billy Howle
Herman Knippenberg
Ellie Bamber
Angela Knippenberg
Tim McInnerny
Paul Siemons
Mathilde Warnier
Nadine Gires
Grégoire Isvarine
Remi Gires
