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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

Best Episodes Summary

"The Even Chance" is the best rated episode of "Hornblower". It scored 10/10 based on 2 votes. Directed by Andrew Grieve and written by N/A, it aired on 10/7/1998. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Examination for Lieutenant".

  • The Even Chance
    10.0/102 votes
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    #1 - The Even Chance

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/7/1998

    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
    10.0/102 votes
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    #2 - The Examination for Lieutenant

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/18/1998

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

    Director: Andrew Grieve

    Writer: N/A

  • The Duchess and the Devil
    10.0/102 votes
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    #3 - The Duchess and the Devil

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/24/1999

    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
    10.0/102 votes
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    #4 - The Frogs and the Lobsters

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 4/2/1999

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Mutiny
    10.0/101 votes
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    #5 - Mutiny

    Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 3/24/2002

    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
    10.0/101 votes
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    #6 - Retribution

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 3/25/2002

    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
    10.0/101 votes
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    #7 - Loyalty

    Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 1/5/2003

    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
    10.0/101 votes
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    #8 - Duty

    Season 3 Episode 2 - Aired 1/6/2003

    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