Radio Times

Episode 1/5 June 1842

A young doctor from London is causing a stir among the residents of Cranford. Not only has he set a few female hearts aflutter but his use of radical surgical techniques has cast doubt over his suitability for local practice. Meanwhile, town matriarchs Deborah and Matty Jenkyns are introduced to the ways of the modern world when they offer shelter to Mary Smith, a young woman fleeing family troubles in Manchester.

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 18 November 2007)

Watching Cranford is like sinking into the most luxurious sofa while elves massage your feet and make you cocoa. It's a warm delight for a chilly November evening: a witty comedy of manners packed with searing social commentary and clever performances from shining acting talents.

Cranford is frequently very funny, but not at the expense of showing the darker side of an England entering one of the most turbulent periods of social change in its history.

Episode 2/5 August 1842

Lady Ludlow's party is certainly enhanced by the presence of the eligible Dr Harrison. But with so many interested women seeking his attention, Harrison is unable to court the woman he really likes - Sophy Hutton. Meanwhile, news has reached Deborah that Captain Brown has been instrumental in bringing the railway to Cranford. Upset by what she regards as great disloyalty on his part, she confronts him.

Episode 3/5 November 1842

A mugging and a theft throw the town of Cranford into a state of panic. The victim of the mugging - influential shop owner Mr Johnson - pursues his suspicions and has Harry's father arrested. Meanwhile, a college friend of Harrison makes a grave error of judgement by sending Valentine's Day flowers to Caroline Tomkinson as if from the doctor as a practical joke.

Episode 4/5 April 1843

Dr Harrison purchases a small table at auction and only later realises that what he's actually bought is a woman's sewing table. So he makes a gift of the furniture to Mrs Rose - an innocent gesture that is completely misinterpreted by the recipient. Encouraged by Mrs Forrester and Miss Pole, Mrs Rose convinces herself a marriage proposal must soon follow.

Episode 5/5 May 1843

The kind-hearted ladies of Cranford decide to pool their resources to help rescue Miss Matty from destitution. They realise that to protect her finer feelings, the donations must be kept secret, so they enlist Mary's help to achieve this. Meanwhile, Sophy falls ill with typhoid fever but, despite the seriousness of her condition, Dr Harrison is still deemed a philanderer and is barred from helping her.