Hero or ruthless conqueror? History remains divided on the legacy of Captain James Cook, arguably the most famous explorer of all time. Known for his daring voyages, his discovery of Hawaii, and his claiming of Australia for king and country, Cook is the subject of this four-part miniseries narrated by geographer and historian Vanessa Collingridge. Part biography, part travelogue, the program traces Cook's life from his childhood in Yorkshire to his death on a beach in the Pacific. He pushed the boundaries of the British Empire to the ends of the earth, and at the time was considered a hero, but after his death, his career came under fire by many who considered him a painful illustration of the cruel side of the Empire. Using re-enactments, expert testimony and filmed footage from the sites he actually traveled to, the documentary series paints a vivid portrait of the man and his legacy.