Channel 4 · Ended

The Fragile Heart

Drama, Medical · 1996

Last aired: S1 E3, Part III · 1996-11-20

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.

Cast

Nigel Hawthorne Dr. Edgar Pascoe

Dearbhla Molloy Dr. Lileth Pascoe

Helen McCrory Nicola Pascoe

Dominic Mafham Daniel Pascoe

Season 1

E1 Part I 1996-11-06 · 55 min Cardiac 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.

E2 Part II 1996-11-13 · 55 min During 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.

E3 Part III 1996-11-20 · 55 min 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?

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