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The Best Episodes of Hornblower

Every episode of Hornblower ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Hornblower!

Set during the 18th century Napoleonic Wars, Horatio Hornblower, a young and shy midshipman, rises through the ranks to become an admiral.

Genres:DramaWar & PoliticsAction & Adventure
Network:ITV1

Top Episode Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Hornblower" is "The Even Chance", rated 10/10 from 1 user votes. It was directed by Andrew Grieve and written by N/A. "The Even Chance" aired on 10/7/1998 and is rated 0.0 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "The Examination for Lieutenant".

  • The Even Chance
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #1 - The Even Chance

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1998-10-07

    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.

    Director: Andrew Grieve

    Writer: N/A

  • The Examination for Lieutenant
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #2 - The Examination for Lieutenant

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1998-11-18

    Promoted to Acting Lieutenant, Hornblower is forced to question his readiness for command.

    Director: Andrew Grieve

    Writer: N/A

  • The Duchess and the Devil
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #3 - The Duchess and the Devil

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1999-02-24

    Hornblower leads a daring raid on a French sloop, and is rewarded by being allowed to set sail for England.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Frogs and the Lobsters
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #4 - The Frogs and the Lobsters

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1999-04-02

    The Admiralty endorses a daring plan to overthrow the French government.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Mutiny
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #5 - Mutiny

    Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 2002-03-24

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Retribution
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #6 - Retribution

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 2002-03-25

    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.

    Director: Andrew Grieve

    Writer: N/A

  • Loyalty
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #7 - Loyalty

    Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 2003-01-05

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Duty
    10.0/10 1 votes

    #8 - Duty

    Season 3 Episode 2 - Aired 2003-01-06

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A