This is a particularly good show and despite the title, has nothing to do with whales or the sea.

In 1820, a slave (a black man of course) educates himself and learns to read.

His master refuses to believe that a slave could learn to read in spite of a Northern friend of his who is visiting and is greatly impressed by the man.

A series of unpredictable events occur as a result of the slave\\\'s desire to be free and better himself.