In 1850s Australia, Jack Dawkins, a former Royal Navy surgeon, establishes himself as a respected young doctor. However, an old acquaintance, Fagin, resurfaces, forcing Jack, once a London-based pickpocket known as the "Artful Dodger", back into a life of crime. Jack forms an attachment to the governor's daughter, who aspires to be a surgeon. As Jack's past intersects with the present and external forces jeopardise his goals, the narrative unravels, raising questions about whether he can genuinely reshape his life in the colony as he had envisioned.[3]
Cast
Main
Thomas Brodie-Sangster as the Artful Dodger, Jack Dawkins, busted out of prison by the man who sent him there, Dawkins is seconded to the Royal Navy where his skilled fingers turn him into a surgeon. Decorated in the Crimean War for his medical work, he was recommended to serve in the colony.
David Thewlis as Norbert Fagin, Jack's former surrogate father and a convicted thief. Transported to Port Victory he finds Dawkins and uses their past history to his advantage. Dawkins allows Fagin to explore the under side of society for his grift and benefit.
Maia Mitchell as Lady Belle Fox, the strong-willed daughter of the governor who opposes social norms. She studies medical literature from which she brings innovations to the local hospital, and wants Dawkins to train her to become the first female surgeon. She also serves as Dawkins's primary love interest.
Recurring and guest
Damon Herriman as Captain Lucien Gaines, the cunning and zealous but often cruel commander of the colony's soldiers.
Lucy-Rose Leonard as Lady Fanny Fox, Belle's younger sister who resents her for refusing to follow social convention.
In 1850s Australia, Jack Dawkins, formerly a navy surgeon, establishes himself as a respected young surgeon in the colony. However, an old acquaintance, Fagin, resurfaces, forcing Jack, once a London-based pickpocket known as Artful Dodger, back into a life of crime. With a huge gambling debt, caused by losing at cards to Darius, Dodger agrees to a final sting. Adding to his stress, the Governor's daughter, Lady Belle Fox, wants Dawkins to train her to become the colony’s first female surgeon.[5]
Belle receives first day training and decides the hospital needs a makeover. Fagin tries to fence the necklace but it's too hot to handle. He has to get creative. Trying to steal 500 sovereigns, Dodger and Fagin witness Darius in a compromising position. A drunken McGregor performs surgery on his friend in which Jack and Belle step in to take over. Jack, with Fagin's assistance, outwits Darius to clear his debt.[5]
With suspicion from the robbery falling on Dodger and Fagin, Gaines plots to bring the duo to justice. Fagin uses his instincts to find the missing money. Belle uses her knowledge to create an antiseptic. Darius attempts to rope Jack into a boxing match. Belle is delighted that Jack asks her to assist in some brain surgery. A chance of some graverobbing ends in near disaster.[5]
4
"The Stitch Up"
Corrie Chen
Vivienne Walsh
29 November 2023 (2023-11-29)
Darius in a fit of rage slashes Rotti's neck which requires emergency surgery. Fagin reaches out to Red who stole the soldiers payroll. Belle invites Jack to a Governor's dinner because Professor MacGregor plans to retire meaning that his position as Head Surgeon is up for grabs. Rotti needs more surgery and Belle coaches Jack though the procedure. Fagin serves up Gaines’ wife and Darius. Sneed verbally attacks Dodger at the Governor’s dinner. Belle discovers during an argument with Jack that he has reading disability.[5]
Fagin plots to swap a valuable barrel with a fake. Sensing an opportunity, Sneed proposes to Belle. Jack annoys Sneed by giving a second opinion for a patient. Jack operates with Belle assisting. Sneed and Dodger’s rivalry culminates in a duel. Belle makes the Governor intervene but bullets still fly. Sneed receives a leg wound, Professor MacGregor plans to amputate but Belle incapacitates him. Jack allows Belle to operate on Sneed.[5]
6
"Bully in the Alley"
Gracie Otto
James McNamara & Vivienne Walsh
29 November 2023 (2023-11-29)
Gaines plans to rid the colony of crime. He convinces the Governor of a liquor ban. A raid by the redcoats results in violence and deaths. Fagin hears where the liquor is being transported and sets a plan. Red seizes the chance first but gets captured. Fanny makes a play for Sneed. Gaines offers Red a deal but her waters break and must undergo emergency surgery. Red refuses to let a man touch her so Jack is forced to ask Belle to operate. Belle performs a cesarean and the Dodger inspires some body snatching.[5]
7
"Wet Lettuce"
Jeffrey Walker
Andrew Knight & Dan Knight
29 November 2023 (2023-11-29)
Sensing Fagin is up to no good, Jack follows him into a warehouse where he comes face to face with his nemesis, "Monks". Fagin reveals his plan to attempt a risky gold heist. To add to Jack's woes Oliver Twist sails into colony. Belle's mother, the Governor's wife, warns Jack to stay away from her daughter. During a Governor's dinner in honour of Oliver, Fagin's gang create a diversion to steal the gold, only to be double-crossed. Belle reveals her secret to Jack.[5]
8
"Untapped Potential"
Jeffrey Walker
James McNamara
29 November 2023 (2023-11-29)
Jack gets caught in Belle's room by her mother. Fagin figures out who has the gold. Belle self diagnoses Aortic aneurysm but only Jack believes her. Gaines offers Fagin a pardon if he can betray Jack. Fagin gets the better against Oliver Twist. Jack attempts risky surgery to save Belle but is betrayed and arrested by Gaines.[5]
Production
Development
The project was announced in 2022.[6][7] The eight-part series is a co-production between Sony Pictures Television's Curio Pictures and Beach Road Pictures. Jo Porter represents Curio Pictures as executive producer, while David Maher and David Taylor executive produce for Beach Road Pictures.[8]
It was created by James McNamara, David Maher and David Taylor. Writers on the series include McNamara, Andrew Knight, Vivienne Walshe and Dan Knight, with Miranda Tapsell as a story consultant. It is produced by Jeffrey Walker, who is also a director alongside Corrie Chen and Gracie Otto.[9]
On 20 November 2024, Disney announced that The Artful Dodger had been renewed for a second season at their APAC (Asia Pacific) showcase event in Singapore. Filming for the second season is expected to begin in 2025 at Callan Park in Sydney, Australia.
Co-creator James McNamara will return as an executive producer and writer for the second season, with writers joining including Kate Mulvany, Dan Knight and Miranda Tapsell. Ben Young and Gracie Otto were announced as directors, with Jeffrey Walker consulting. Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner will be both executive producers and producers for the series, joined by McNamara also executive producing and Cameron Welsh as producer.[10]
Casting
In November 2022, the lead cast was confirmed as including David Thewlis, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Maia Mitchell.[11] Brodie-Sangster and Mitchell read through real-life historical case files from the era and had medical experts to help them in their roles.[12]
Filming took place in Sydney, New South Wales.[14] Filming on the series took five months.[15] The production had access to a former psychiatric hospital precinct in Sydney, preserved from the 19th century with the production surrounding the existing sandstone buildings with standing sets. Filming locations also included Elizabeth Farm in the Western Sydney suburbs, Rookwood Cemetery, Callan Park, and the northern headland of Botany Bay, Cape Banks.[16]
Broadcast
The series was released in Australia on streaming service Disney+, via its Star hub, on 29 November 2023.[17][18] Internationally, it also premiered on Star+ in Latin America and on Hulu in the United States.[17]
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the series premiered on Disney+ on 17 January 2024.[19]
Reception
Luke Buckmaster in The Guardian gave it four stars out of five, described it as “darkly comedic”, and praised the editing for helping the series maintain a “wild energy”.[20] Maggie Lovitt for Collider described a “stellar cast, sumptuous costumes, plucky score, and surprising story, the series is easily one of the best—and most refreshing—to debut on the streamer this year. “[21] Dan Einav in The Financial Times praised the performances, saying “Thewlis steals every scene” and “Brodie-Sangster is well-cast as a young man caught between his innate impish spirit and efforts to be a responsible professional.”[22]
