Based on real events, MERCY STREET takes viewers beyond the battlefield and into the lives of a distinctive cast of characters — doctors, nurses, contraband laborers and Southern loyalists — realizing the chaotic world of Union-occupied Alexandria, Virginia, and the Mansion House Hospital in the early years of the Civil War.
MERCY STREET QUIZ
What do you know about Civil War medicine? Test your knowledge of the Civil War Medical advances - from the "father of emergency medicine" to "biting the bullet."
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Set in Virginia in the spring of 1862, MERCY STREET follows the lives of two volunteer nurses on opposite sides of the conflict; Mary Phinney (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a staunch New England abolitionist, and Emma Green (Hannah James), a naive young Confederate belle. The two collide at Mansion House, the Green family’s luxury hotel that has been taken over and transformed into a Union Army Hospital in Alexandria, a border town between North and South and the longest-occupied Confederate city of the war.
Ruled under martial law, Alexandria is now the melting pot of the region, filled with civilians, female volunteers, doctors, soldiers including wounded soldiers from both sides, free blacks, enslaved and contraband (escaped slaves living behind Union lines) African Americans, prostitutes, speculators and spies.
The intersection of North and South within the confines of a small occupied town creates a rich world that is chaotic, conflicted, corrupt, dynamic and even hopeful — a cauldron within which these characters strive, fight, love, laugh, betray, sacrifice and, at times, act like villains.
This series is not about battles and glory, it’s about the drama and unexpected humor of everyday life behind the front lines. It’s a fresh twist on an iconic story, one that resonates with larger themes we still struggle with today.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: “The New Nurse” airs Sunday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. & repeats Thursday, Jan. 21 at 10 p.m. - New England nurse Mary Phinney begins her duties in Mansion House, a hotel turned Union hospital in an occupied Southern town. Mansion House owner James Sr. struggles to preserve the family fortune as daughter Emma secretly searches for her beau.
Episode 2: “The Haversack” airs Sunday, Jan. 24 at 10 p.m. & repeats Thursday, Jan. 28 at 10 p.m. - Confederate belle Emma nurses her wounded friend. Dr. Foster wrestles with his marriage and career as Mary tries to improve her patients’ lives with Samuel’s help. Silas involves Aurelia in a corrupt deal.
Episode 3: “The Uniform” airs Sunday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. & repeats Thursday, Feb. 4 at 10 p.m. - Dr. Foster confronts his family’s divided loyalties when his mother and wounded Confederate brother arrive. Alice is shocked to find her fiancé, Tom, deeply changed by war. Samuel and Aurelia try to persuade a young slave to seize a chance at freedom.
Episode 4: “The Belle Alliance” airs Sunday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. & Thursday, Feb. 11 at 10 p.m. - During a Union ball at their house, the Green girls and Frank initiate a daring plan to help Tom escape. Mary releases Dr. Foster, still shaky from his detox, from his “quarantine” so he can guide Samuel through a delicate operation.
Episode 5: “The Dead Room” airs Sunday, Feb. 14 at 10 p.m. & Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 p.m. - The unexpected visit of a hospital inspector throws the staff into disarray. Mary feels empathy for a deserter, while Silas makes Samuel pay for his arrogance. A family tragedy forces James Sr. to take a risky step to earn his family’s respect.
Episode 6: “The Diabolical Plot” airs Sunday, Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. & Thursday, Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. - President Lincoln’s visit sets in motion a diabolical rebel plot and offers an opportunity to free James Sr. Dr. Foster uncovers a scheme to undermine him at the expense of his patients. Aurelia, recovered from her surgery, makes a bold decision.
WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE:
All six episodes are available to view on demand with KPBS Passport, video streaming for members ($60 yearly) using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
CREDITS:
The series is executive produced by Ridley Scott ("Gladiator," "Thelma and Louise"); David W. Zucker (THE GOOD WIFE and THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE) of Scott Free; Lisa Q. Wolfinger (“Desperate Crossing, The untold story of the Mayflower”) and David Zabel (ER).
