Plot Synopsis

Based on Julie Summers' book, "Jambusters," HOME FIRES is a period drama series that focuses on the bitter rivalry between two women -- forward-thinking Frances Barden and her antagonist, Joyce Cameron, who is obsessed with class and tradition -- as they try to control the Women's Institute in a rural English town that's struggling with the onset of World War II. The series opens in August 1939. War with Germany is all but certain, and the citizens of the isolated village of Great Paxford are each facing it in their own way. Men of fighting age are mostly enlisting or waiting to be called. Some of the women are joining the female military services; others already have essential jobs, such as farming; and still others are planning to "dig for victory," planting gardens to reduce the need for food imports. Since German submarines will be attacking merchant ships, any task that adds to the nation's self-sufficiency is vital. Frances, whose husband owns a local factory, believes that the Women's Institute has an important role to play. Joyce, the longtime president of the Institute, vehemently disagrees and proposes suspending activities until the war is over. So begins a quarrel that mirrors the fragmentation rending the wider world. In Great Paxford, this crisis ends up cementing the friendships of a group of women who have their own personal troubles, but who now have a shared mission that will lead them to their finest hour. Summers appears in a cameo role in Episode 2 as Mrs. Summers, wearing a brown hat, while presiding over the election for president. PBS aired the U.S. premiere of this series on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 8pm (check local listings), showing HOME FIRES as part of its MASTERPIECE collection on six consecutive Sundays. PBS aired the U.S. premiere of the second and final season of HOME FIRES on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 9pm (check local listings). Season 2 opens in June 1940, and Britain faces the threat of imminent invasion. Pat strikes up a friendship with a Czech soldier stationed nearby. Laura is forced to face the consequences of her affair, whilst Spencer and Claire's relationship takes an unexpected turn. Sarah receives some shocking news about Adam, but her sorrow is overshadowed by a tragedy for Frances. Meanwhile, Alison strikes a bargain with the police.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS debuted the U.S. premiere of the series finale of HOME FIRES. There's cause for joy in the village as everyone prepares for a wedding. Even as the allies cheer for victory in the Battle of Britain, there's one more twist of fate in store for the citizens of Great Paxford.