Tenko
Overview
Drawing from true events, Tenko stands out as a highly regarded BBC drama from the early '80s. The narrative focuses on a group of affluent women who once thrived as expatriates in Singapore, only to face the harsh reality of being captured by Japanese forces during World War II. Their journey explores themes of resilience, camaraderie, and survival in the face of adversity, making it a poignant and memorable portrayal of wartime experiences. The series captures the emotional and physical challenges these women endure, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
Episodes
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1
Shattered Dreams
SINGAPORE, 5 DECEMBER 1941: With little information coming from the Army or the press, the majority of Singapore's residents are oblivious to the loom...
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2
All Aboard
On December 10, 1941, following the devastating Japanese air raid on Singapore, numerous British civilians begin to flee the city. Among them are Mari...
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3
Internment
In February 1942, the women, along with Beatrice, arrive at their internment camp in Kampong Getah, where they are joined by a group of Dutch internee...
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4
What Would You Do For...
Ulrica is appointed as the leader of the Dutch internees. Concern arises among the older women when the younger ones are suddenly taken from the camp,...
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5
Malaria
As time goes by, the social order within the camp begins to deteriorate, and an increasing number of women fall ill. Certain factions refuse to extend...
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6
Rape
Marion is interrogated regarding the British operations in Singapore just before the city’s collapse. Meanwhile, the new sickbay is finished. Blanch...
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7
Unnatural Friendship
As Sally enters her seventh month of pregnancy, she finds a supportive ally in Nurse Nellie. Their bond deepens after the heartbreaking news of her st...
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8
Escape
Before Judith Bowen passes away, she makes Marion promise to look after Debbie. Meanwhile, Blanche becomes resolute about breaking out of the camp. Wh...
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9
Five Hundred Hats
Details of punishment are enforced on the camp as a whole, with special focus on the escapees. Marion successfully appeals to the commandant for lenie...
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10
Christmas
As Christmas draws near, the work party spots a group of men in the distance. When Marion inquires about their identities, the resulting list brings a...
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1
The March
In December 1942, the women find themselves separated as they march to their new camp. Marion's group soon discovers that the second group, which incl...
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2
The Price
On January 1, 1943, the new camp offers the internees an unexpectedly luxurious environment compared to their previous conditions, but they soon disco...
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3
Suicide
On January 2, 1943, the women at the camp grow increasingly agitated by the absurd new rules, like the ban on swearing, particularly Dorothy and Joss....
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4
Penance
Following Sally's tragic death, the punishment intensifies, with rations slashed and work demands heightened. Mrs. Van Meyer discovers Joss's true ide...
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5
Breaking Vows
Sister Ulrica pleads with Dorothy to reconsider her decision about the abortion, warning that her despair could lead to self-harm. Meanwhile, Verna an...
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6
New Arrivals
On March 31, 1943, Marion inquires with Yamauchi about Christina and the other women from the initial camp. The following day, Christina and Blanche r...
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7
Rendezvous
On April 22, 1943, with Christina's assistance, Rose and Bernard plot to escape their camps and rendezvous in the jungle during the Emperor's Birthday...
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8
...for Food
On April 30, 1943, the women in the camp face harsh consequences after Rose's daring escape. Though she is returned alive, she has been shot in the ba...
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9
Peacefully in the Night
On May 12, 1943, Lillian and Bobby are relocated to a different camp at Marion's urging, only to face bullying from the other women and children who s...
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10
Comeuppance
As conditions in the camp deteriorate further due to drought and growing workloads, the guards burn Marion's diary. The prisoners learn that Red Cross...
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1
Go Down Fighting
On July 1, 1945, two years have gone by, and the women find themselves in a new camp, situated in an old prison. Life has been brutal, with many succu...
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2
Wealth of Stores
On August 20, 1945, Marion intervenes to prevent Maggie and her group from attacking Sato and stops Kate from removing the Japanese flag. She explains...
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3
Acclimatization
In Singapore, the women are greeted by RAPWI officer Phyllis Bristow, who collects their information. She suggests transferring Kate and Mrs. Van Meye...
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4
Marion is Wanted
While continuing her search for Clifford, Marion is called upon to testify against Yamauchi. Meanwhile, Joss reconnects with Stephen Wentworth, an old...
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5
Scars
Marion reunites with Clifford at the hotel, where he reassures her that Ben is safe. He shares that he's leading the effort to capture war criminals a...
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6
Diary
Sister Ulrica reunites with the other women and offers support to Dorothy, who learns of her mother's passing and decides to return to England. Meanwh...
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7
Evidence
The military begins interrogating the women for evidence against Yamauchi and his associates regarding war crimes. Bea loses her composure, while Mrs....
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8
The Visit
Kate is heartbroken following Tom's death and seeks solace from Sister Ulrica, who attends the funeral despite Tom's Protestant faith. Determined to h...
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9
On the Rocks
As the women get ready to head home, they bid farewell to Alice, who is embarking on her journey back to England. The strain in the Jeffersons' marria...
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10
Sayonara
As the women get ready to leave Singapore and return to their homes, they promise to reunite at Raffles in 1950, precisely five years after their depa...
