The Fragile Heart
1996 · Channel 4 · 55 min · 1 season
S01E03 · Part III
Wed, 20 Nov, 11:00 pm
Caught between following his conscience or his career, Edgar confronts the Communist leader with his knowledge of the human rights violations and makes a shocking choice. After returning to the UK, he tries to fling himself back into his old routine but remains haunted by his recurring nightmare. Can Edgar find the courage to face a spiritual reckoning at last?
About
Edgar Pascoe is a cardiac surgeon of high repute but sclerotic emotions. He is here to represent the cold detachment of modern technological medicine, a theme underlined by his participation in a scheme to market virtual-reality diagnosis to third- world countries (you don't even have to be in the same country as the patient, you see). Opposed to him is his wife, Lileth, a believer in the curative powers of empathy and communication.
Episodes
- E01
Part I
Wed, 6 Nov· 55 minCardiac surgeon Edgar Pascoe is preeminent in his field, but his home life lacks the same success. He is cold and dismissive to his wife, a compassionate country GP, and he has neglected his son. Meanwhile, his daughter's aspirations to be just like him have led her down a morally dubious path. When Edgar is asked to perform a clandestine operation in China, he embarks on a risky venture.
- E02
Part II
Wed, 13 Nov· 55 minDuring the conference in China, Edgar and Daniel are challenged by a Chinese physician, Dr. Chen, who questions their high-tech methods in favor of a holistic approach. When Nicola arrives to help with the operation on the Communist leader, Edgar is shocked to discover her duplicity over the medical article. His ensuing chest pains bring about a strange and unnerving encounter with Dr. Chen.
- E03
Part III
Wed, 20 Nov· 55 minCaught between following his conscience or his career, Edgar confronts the Communist leader with his knowledge of the human rights violations and makes a shocking choice. After returning to the UK, he tries to fling himself back into his old routine but remains haunted by his recurring nightmare. Can Edgar find the courage to face a spiritual reckoning at last?
Cast
Nigel Hawthorne
Dr. Edgar Pascoe
Dearbhla Molloy
Dr. Lileth Pascoe
Helen McCrory
Nicola Pascoe
Dominic Mafham
Daniel Pascoe