The worst episodes of Hornblower

Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it. Fewer than 10 rated episodes — treat this ranking as provisional.

01
S02E01 · March 24, 2002 · 2h
Mutiny9.0
Sir Edward Pellew visits Horatio Hornblower who is jail in Jamaica awaiting his trial on a charge of making a mutiny. His problems began six months earlier when he was appointed Third Lieutenant aboard the HMS Renown under the famous Captain James Sawyer. It soon becomes apparent to several of the officers, including Horatio's friend Archie Kennedy who is aboard ship as Fourth Lieutenant that the Captain is suffering from madness of some sort. He is cruel and sees conspiracies everywhere. Both Horatio and Midshipman Welland prove to be the particular objects of his wrath. The situation is not helped by an inexperience First Lieutenant who does not command the Captain's respect and a newly arrived Second Lieutenant who doesn't seem ready to challenge the Captain in any way.
02
S03E02 · January 6, 2003 · 2h
Duty9.0
Soon after getting married, Hornblower is sent on a search and rescue mission for a British ship (under the command of an old friend) last reported off the French coast. In the midst of the search, the HMS Hotspur picks up some unwanted passengers and attempts to discover the objective of a small French invasion force.
03
S01E02 · November 18, 1998 · 2h
The Examination for Lieutenant9.2
Promoted to Acting Lieutenant, Hornblower is forced to question his readiness for command.
04
S01E04 · April 2, 1999 · 2h
The Frogs and the Lobsters9.3
The Admiralty endorses a daring plan to overthrow the French government.
05
S01E01 · October 7, 1998 · 2h
The Even Chance9.5
In 1793, 17-year-old Horatio Hornblower begins his career in His Majesty's Navy, and must prove himself in battle when war is declared.
06
S01E03 · February 24, 1999 · 2h
The Duchess and the Devil9.6
Hornblower leads a daring raid on a French sloop, and is rewarded by being allowed to set sail for England.
07
S02E02 · March 25, 2002 · 2h
Retribution9.8
Before taking the Renown back to Jamaica for their court martial on charges of mutiny, Hornblower, Kennedy, and Bush convince an insecure and indecisive Lt. Buckland, now acting captain, that it would be appropriate to launch a surprise attack on the Spanish fortress at Santo Domingo. Matters are complicated when the inept Buckland incurs the enmity of the local rebels, who now regard them as enemies too. Captain Sawyer's increasing paranoia, deserting seamen, Buckland's growing jealousy of Hornblower, and the duplicity of the Spaniards all complicate the already perilous situation.
08
S03E01 · January 5, 2003 · 2h
Loyalty10.0
Finally promoted to Captain and given command of HMS Hotspur, Hornblower is sent to France to determine the status of Napoleon's pledge of peace, but instead he discovers Napoleon's troops waiting to invade. He also begins a romantic relationship with the young Maria Mason.

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