Lucy1578

This is a really good adaptation of the novel by Gill Hornby, which explores the relationship between Jane and Cassandra Austen, why Cassandra never married and why she burned Jane's letters after her death. Although largely imagined, the characters are real life personages and the story has been carefully researched. I wasn't initially convinced by the novel, but this adaptation actually does it better and makes a very plausible story. The writing, casting and acting is excellent - especially Patsy Ferran as Jane and Synnove Karlsen as the young Cassandra. Keeley Hawes is good too of course, but some of the "present day" scenes (1830s-40s) drag a bit and are not as interesting as the extensive flashbacks. Once we're in Regency times with Jane and Cassandra and their various suitors, it's utterly enthralling. The "present day" romance between Isabella (Rose Leslie) and the doctor falls a bit flat. However, Max Irons shines as Henry Hobday, a fictionalised but possible love interest for Cassandra. As this is a joint production between PBS Masterpiece and the BBC, I can't help but think that this is PBS wishing to apologise to Austen fans all over the world for the debacle that was Sanditon, particularly the second and third seasons, which were an embarrassment. And perhaps also an apology to Max Irons, who was due to star as Sidney Parker in a film version of Sanditon, which was unfortunately shelved due to the PBS / ITV series. If only the BBC had been involved in that, we might have had something of the quality of this excellent series. Well worth watching for Austen fans and history buffs alike.

Really enjoyed it. Well written, stylish, crazy, funny. Theo James, Kaya Scodelario and Daniel Ings are on top form! Ings is freaking hilarious and I especially enjoyed his interactions with his on-screen brother, Eddie, played by Theo James (who just gets better and better with every new role). Theo and Kaya have just the right amount of sexual tension that makes you want to keep watching, but for once Guy Ritchie has a strong, independent woman (more of that, please!) I also loved the dynamic with Joely Richardson as the lady of the manor and her soft/tough gamekeeper, Vinnie Jones. Clever nod to her memorable role as Lady Chatterley there!

I have to take a star off for some of the stereotyping though, particularly the travellers. Although it was fun to see them rock up in their caravans at the Duke's estate and made me think this could be a good long-term solution to the lack of traveller sites! After all, why exactly do these aristocratic families own so much land? What right do they have?

It was also quite obvious that Ritchie was only involved in the first 2 episodes. It wasn't as funny as the film of the same name, and the comedy died away halfway through and the focus was on the plot. But the characterisation was great and I had a lot of empathy for Eddie and Susie (could have done with less of Ray Winstone's unintelligible rasping perhaps).

Overall, a cracking watch.