Black Earth Rising

Synopsis

As a child, Kate Ashby was rescued from the horrific aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and brought to the UK. But the tragic shadow of her past proves impossible to escape.

First Air Date: 2018-09-10

Last Air Date: 2018-10-29

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 8

Networks: BBC Two

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Michaela Coel as Kate Ashby
John Goodman as Michael Ennis
Noma Dumezweni as Alice Munezero
Lucian Msamati as David Runihura
Tyrone Huggins as Patrice Ganimana
Tamara Tunie as Eunice Clayton
Emmanuel Imani as Florence Karamera
Abena Ayivor as President Bibi Mundanzi
Nicholas Beveney as Nkanza a Nkanga
Treva Etienne as Frank Munezero

Seasons

Miniseries (2018)

Rescued from the horrific aftermath of the Rwandan genocide as a child, Kate was adopted and brought up in Britain by Eve Ashby, a world-class international lawyer. Kate has long struggled to escape the shadow of her past, but is now returning to work as a legal investigator in the same chambers as Eve, under leading international lawyer Michael Ennis. Kate and Eve's relationship is strained to breaking point when a controversial militia leader, who had once fought to stop the genocide, is captured in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eve takes on his prosecution at the International Criminal Court.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: In Other News (2018-09-10)

As a child, Kate was rescued from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. Now she is shocked when her adoptive mother prosecutes a controversial militia leader.
Ep. 2: Looking at the Past (2018-09-17)

A shocking incident at the International Criminal Court changes everything. Michael launches a new investigation and turns to Kate for help.
Ep. 3: A Ghost in Name (2018-09-24)

Kate works alongside Michael to defend Alice Munezero from the charges laid against her - facing down threats to her own safety to reach the truth.
Ep. 4: A Bowl of Cornflakes (2018-10-01)

Kate and Michael are stunned to learn a notorious genocidaire is now in the UK. Attempts to bring him to justice drive a wedge between the two.
Ep. 5: The Eyes of the Devil (2018-10-08)

Alienated from Michael, Kate considers helping the Rwandans bring Ganimana to justice.
Ep. 6: The Game's True Nature (2018-10-15)

Kate faces down danger in her search for a case file her mother had prepared against Ganimana years before.
Ep. 7: Double Bogey on the Ninth (2018-10-22)

As Michael works to expose a long-buried crime, Kate learns the shocking truth about her own history.
Ep. 8: The Forgiving Earth (2018-10-29)

While Michael works to expose an intricate conspiracy in London, Kate travels alone to Africa seeking the truth about her personal history.