In this TV adaptation of the Dickens classic, Charles Dance plays Ralph Nickleby, the wealthy and cold-hearted uncle whom Nicholas (James D'Arcy) and his sister, Kate (Sophia Miles), turn to when their father's death leaves them destitute. Nicholas eagerly takes on a teaching job at a boys' boarding school, but flees after rebelling against the unspeakable horrors there. Meanwhile, his sister's beauty attracts menacing attention from a group of rich, boorish swells. With powerful enemies marshalled against him, Nicholas struggles to find his way in the world and rescue his family...