Based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell Sharpe (1993-7) ran to 14 full-length television films that follow the adventures of the titular soldier through the later years of the Napoleonic Wars The programmes are an outstanding achievement for the small screen dominated by Sean Bean&s central performance as the heroic troubled outsider who turns out to be a resourceful & loyal leader Bolstered by a strong supporting cast particularly Daragh O& Malley as Harper & (in later episodes) Abigail Cruttenden as Jane Sharpe is often visually striking the action tense & gripping Consistency is maintained by all 14 episodes being directed by Tom Clegg