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Originally commissioned as a six-part series for the BBC, this gritty hospital drama focuses on the human failings and emotional entanglements of the staff at a British hospital. Rob Lake (Max Beesley), a junior surgeon, runs into trouble from the moment he joins the gynecology department at South Central Infirmary. When he tries to save a patient's life by performing a procedure he's never before attempted, the woman dies, leaving Rob feeling guilty. Although boss Roger Hurley (Patrick Baladi) consoles him, Rob soon has cause to doubt Hurley's own abilities in the OR. The man's a successful researcher, but his patients have a habit of dying unnecessarily. Anesthetist Maria Orton (Susan Lynch) agrees, having long noticed Hurley's pattern of incompetence. But when she speaks out, the hospital administration launches a smear campaign and puts her on involuntary leave. As Rob wrestles with the ethics of the situation, Hurley's body count grows -- as do Rob's feelings for Donna Rix (Neve McIntosh), the married ward sister with whom he begins a passionate affair. Adapted by former National Health Service doctor Jed Mercurio from his own book, Bodies premiered May 1, 2004, on BBC-3 and soon made its way Stateside to the BBC America cable channel. A 10-episode second series followed in 2005. Fans of the BBC's cult comedy hit The Office will recognize Baladi as Neil Godwin, David Brent's rival and eventual boss.