Ben Hur
Judah Ben Hur and Messala are best friends, growing up together in Roman-occupied Jerusalem. Messala is torn from the Hur family by his estranged father and taken to Rome for military training but returns to Jerusalem years later in charge of the Roman garrison. When Ben Hur's family is blamed for an uprising during Pontius Pilate's arrival, Messala makes an example of them, sending Ben Hur to the galleys and his sister and mother to prison. After three years in the torturous galleys as a slave rower, his desire for revenge growing by the day, Ben Hur returns to Jerusalem to settle the score between him and Messala in a tense and exhilarating chariot race that tests their characters to the maximum.
- 2010-2010
- 1 season
- Ovation
- Action & Adventure, Drama, Documentary
Judah Ben Hur and Messala are best friends, growing up together in Roman-occupied Jerusalem. Messala is torn from the Hur family by his estranged father and taken to Rome for military training but returns to Jerusalem years later in charge of the Roman garrison. When Ben Hur's family is blamed for an uprising during Pontius Pilate's arrival, Messala makes an example of them, sending Ben Hur to the galleys and his sister and mother to prison. After three years in the torturous galleys as a slave rower, his desire for revenge growing by the day, Ben Hur returns to Jerusalem to settle the score between him and Messala in a tense and exhilarating chariot race that tests their characters to the maximum.
Season 1 Episode Guide
2 Episodes 2010
Episode 1
Part 1
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 92 mins
Judah Ben-Hur lives in Jerusalem with his mother Ruth,sister Tirzah and his friend Messala,illegitimate son of the patrician Roman Marcellus who has virtually disowned the boy. On reaching manhood Messala becomes an officer in the Roman army and is part of a parade headed by governor Pontius Pilate which will march in triumph through Jerusalem to show Roman power. Judah's family watch but accidentally dislodge a tile from the roof which hits Pilate. The family steward David,a Zealot,exploits the accident to start a riot. Seeking to show the governor his power Messala has the family arrested. The women are imprisoned and Simonides,father of Judah's betrothed Esther,crucified - though he survives. Judah is sent as a galley slave in chains and on his way to the ship encounters Jesus. After three years as a galley slave Judah's intelligence impresses the admiral,wealthy Roman Quintus Arrius,and when the ship is involved in a battle with pirates Arrius has Judah's chains unlocked. Ony Judah and Arrius survive the attack,the young slave saving the older man's life and when they are ultimately rescued Arrius makes Judah his son,renaming him Sextus Arrius.
Episode 2
Part 2
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 92 mins
Arrius presents Judah to the duplicitous emperor Tiberias who pits him against a Thracian wrestler,Judah winning. Arrius dies,leaving Judah his estates and Judah returns to Jerusalem,buying his old house,which has become derelict, from governor Pilate. He locates Simonides and Esther,whom David is trying to force to marry him and Judah kills David after he has attacked him from behind, Initiallly Esther does not believe how Judah attained his good fortune and assumes he was protected by Messala all along but Simonides realises the truth and convinces her. Esther takes food to lepers,outcasts from the city,and and finds they number Ruth and Tirzah,who swear her not to tell Judah of their plight. Marcellus,his mistress Athene and Messala return to Jerusalem of which Messala is tipped to be the next governor. Games are due to take place and Judah convinces stable owner Sheikh Ilderim to be his charioteer in a race whose contestants also include Messala. Messala disposes of the other charioteers but is ultimately mortally wounded. Judah is satisfied that he has his revenge but Esther,impressed by the teachings of Jesus,persuades Judah to visit the dying Messala and grant forgiveness. Judah helps Jesus on his way to Calvary and Jesus cures Ruth and Tirzah of their leprosy. Athene poisons Marcellus and Judah and Esther marry at last.
