The Artful Dodger 2023 Cast and Character: Exploring Jack Dawkins' Double Life in the Daring Oliver Twist Sequel
- Nov 25
- 6 min read
Hulu’s 2023 historical crime drama, The Artful Dodger, functions as both a sequel and a spin-off to Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, Oliver Twist. The series premiered on November 29, 2023, and was created by James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor. The story fast-forwards 15 years after the events of the original Dickens narrative, relocating the action from the grimy streets of London to the "rambunctious and largely lawless colony" of Port Victory, Australia, during the 1850s.
The core of the series centers on the adult double life of Jack Dawkins (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who was once notorious as "The Artful Dodger," the "masterful pickpocketer and thief". In Port Victory, Dawkins has dramatically transformed himself, leveraging his quick and nimble hands—once skilled in thievery—to become a capable and respected, though often financially challenged, surgeon who can perform operations in record time. However, this new, respectable life is immediately challenged by the return of his criminal past and the pressures of his financially desperate present. The Artful Dodger blends elements of crime, comedy, and history, offering a tale of "reinvention, betrayal, redemption, and love with a twist".
The Surgeon and the Shadow of the Dodger
Thomas Brodie-Sangster stars as Jack Dawkins, The Artful Dodger. Jack initially left his life of crime and pickpocketing behind in London and traveled to Australia to start anew, serving time as a navy surgeon before continuing the profession in Port Victory. His dexterity with his hands, which earned him the nickname "The Artful Dodger" as a child, is now employed in life-saving surgeries.
Despite his reputation as a doctor in a colony where "people watch surgeries as a form of entertainment," Jack earns little money. Desperate for wealth, Jack resorts to gambling. This leads to a major gambling debt that, by chance, coincides precisely with the arrival of his infamous mentor, Fagin. This double pressure forces Jack to confront who he truly is, leaving him intensely torn between the respectable world of medicine and the lucrative world of crime. The first season episodes, including "The Yankee Dodge" (1.1) and "The Stitch Up" (1.4), specifically explore this internal conflict. Brodie-Sangster is widely recognized for his roles as Sam in Love Actually, Newt in the Maze Runner films, and Benny Watts in The Queen's Gambit.
The Conniving Return of Norbert Fagin
Jack’s past materializes in the form of Norbert Fagin (David Thewlis), a criminal mastermind from Oliver Twist who ran the gang of child thieves in London. Fagin seeks out his former apprentice in Australia, initially presenting himself as weakened and humble, yet he always maintains "a trick up his sleeve". Fagin’s presence forces a difficult negotiation: he promises to keep silent about Jack's "notorious criminal history" in London if Jack agrees to help him steal again. Their dynamic is characterized as a "strained father-son relationship," where Fagin’s devotion to money appears stronger than his affection for Jack. Fagin’s adaptability and "trickery under pressure" are evident in episodes such as "Blessings of St. Coccyx" (1.2). David Thewlis, who portrays Fagin, is renowned for playing Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter franchise, as well as roles in Naked and Fargo.
Ambition, Innovation, and the Governor’s Daughter
The series introduces a crucial figure in the medical drama and Jack’s life: Lady Belle Fox (Maia Mitchell). As the Governor’s daughter, Belle is expected by society to become a wife, but she harbors a fierce ambition to become the first female surgeon in Port Victory. Belle is highly focused on "the most recent innovations in medicine," and her status and resources allow her to rapidly implement changes and improvements at the Port Victory hospital.
Belle serves as a catalyst for Jack’s development, often demonstrating to the reluctant surgeon the value of change. Although their relationship begins professionally, their shared medical interests and palpable romantic chemistry are undeniable. Episodes like "The Yankee Dodge" (1.1) and "The Stitch Up" (1.4) demonstrate Belle’s career ambitions and her evolving relationship with Jack. Maia Mitchell, the Australian actress playing Belle, is known for her work as Callie Adams Foster in The Fosters and Good Trouble.
The Pillars of Authority and Opposition
The tension surrounding Jack and Fagin’s criminal activities is embodied by Captain Lucien Gaines (Damon Herriman), the head of the police force in the colony. Gaines is obsessed with exerting his authority and "proving himself right instead of investigating the evidence in front of him". Once he suspects Jack and Fagin of criminal activities, he makes their execution his "sole mission". The beginnings of Captain Gaines’ "anger and wrath" are showcased in episodes like “The Sitch Up” (1.4) and “The Duel” (1.5). Herriman is well-known for his roles in Justified, Flesh and Bone, and Mindhunter.
The Rogues Gallery of Port Victory
Adding to Jack’s immediate troubles is Darius Cracksworth (Tim Minchin), a "dim, cheating, wormy crime boss in Port Victory". Jack first encounters Darius when he is cheated out of money in a card game. Since Jack cannot afford to repay the debt, Darius relentlessly threatens him. Ironically, despite his efforts to swindle others, Darius’s own vanity and rage often leave him "consistently blindsided and tricked by others," ultimately making him a victim of his own schemes. Tim Minchin, who portrays Darius, is an accomplished musician, composer, and stage performer, also known for his roles in Californication and Upright.
Jack also faces opposition within the medical field. Dr. Rainsford Sneed (Nicholas Burton) is the local physician who initially assists Jack during operations but quickly becomes an opponent. Dr. Sneed is skeptical and threatened by Jack’s rapid rise and surgical abilities, and he attempts to undermine Jack’s efforts. Professor Alistair McGregor (Kym Gyngell) is another figure in the medical community who expresses little regard for Jack's skills.
Beyond the Operating Table: The Supporting Ensemble
The social and political environment of Port Victory is shaped by the family of Lady Belle Fox. Her father, Governor Edmund Fox (Damien Garvey), is the political leader of the colony. The Governor is highly concerned with fulfilling his societal duty to find upstanding suitors and secure happy romantic futures for his daughters. Garvey is known for his work in series like Rake and The Leftovers.
His wife, Lady Jane Fox (Susie Porter), despite the patriarchal setting of 1850s Australia, is portrayed as a strong-willed woman who possesses significant political influence over her husband’s governorship. Meanwhile, Belle’s sister, Lady Fanny Fox (Lucy-Rose Leonard), provides a contrast to Belle's career-focused path, as Fanny is primarily concerned with finding love and a spouse.
Finally, within the medical community, Jack finds a key ally in Hetty Baggett (Vivienne Awosoga), a helpful nurse at the Royal Hospital. Hetty works closely with Jack, aiding him in various medical situations as he learns and refines his new profession. Awosoga shares screen time with several costars from previous Australian projects, potentially bolstering the chemistry of the drama. The show’s eight episodes chronicle this complex world, from "The Yankee Dodge" (1.1) to "Untapped Potential" (1.8).
🔖 Key Takeaways
The Artful Dodger (2023) is a Hulu/Disney+ drama set 15 years after Oliver Twist, focusing on themes of reinvention, redemption, and dual identity.
🗝️ Jack Dawkins’ Transformation: Jack Dawkins (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) uses his former skills as the Artful Dodger to become a respected surgeon in Port Victory, Australia.
🗝️ The Return of Fagin: The stability of Jack’s new life is shattered by the arrival of his conniving former mentor, Norbert Fagin (David Thewlis), who pressures Jack back into crime due to a major gambling debt.
🗝️ Lady Belle Fox’s Ambition: Lady Belle Fox (Maia Mitchell), the governor’s daughter, aims to become the colony’s first female surgeon, pushing Jack toward medical innovation while developing romantic tension with him.
🗝️ Antagonistic Forces: Jack faces relentless opposition from both sides: the criminal threat posed by the "wormy" Darius Cracksworth (Tim Minchin) and the legal threat posed by the suspicious Captain Lucien Gaines (Damon Herriman).
🗝️ Setting and Genre: The series utilizes the lawless 1850s Australian colony of Port Victory as a unique setting for a blend of historical drama, crime, and comedy.
🌐 External sources
Keywords: The Artful Dodger 2023 Cast
The Artful Dodger 2023 Cast
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