Masterpiece Classic: Sharpe's Challenge

War weary and retired, Colonel Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, "The Lord of the Rings") is summoned by the Duke of Wellington to find a missing agent, but he resolutely declines. When he learns the MIA officer is his old friend Sergeant Major Patrick Harper (Daragh O'Malley), fighter and free spirit Sharpe quickly reconsiders, and begins a perilous adventure amidst rebellious forces in British India.

Sharpe's seemingly impossible mission: storm an impenetrable fortress, rescue the daughter of a British general and quell the rebellion. With the odds stacked against him, Sharpe confronts shifting allegiances, incompetent leadership within the British troops, the conniving seduction of Madhuvanthi (Padma Lakshmi, "Top Chef") and an explosive confrontation with an old foe. Has Sharpe finally found one challenge he won't be able to conquer?

"Sharpe's Challenge" is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.

"Sharpe's Challenge" will be available for online viewing March 29 - April 27, 2010.