Reviewed by Judy Garrison
This 10-part series, a BBC One adaptation by Sarah Quintrell from the 2020 novel by Janice Hadlow, seemed like a better choice than watching a repeat of one of the many versions of Pride & Prejudice (my usual temptation). The story is a continuation of Jane Austen’s most famous novel (1813) and follows Ella Braccaleri as Mary Bennet, the overlooked middle sister of the large Bennet family.
It begins by showing events of Pride & Prejudice from Mary’s vantage, a viewpoint often at odds with how she is characterized in the book: pedantic, bookish and often pompous, an “ill-talented show-off”, a girl of “neither genius nor taste,” “ the plain one.” It would take a scholar’s analysis to determine whether these negative takes on Mary are those of the author or rather of the sisters, Lizzy and Kitty. In any case, this series reflects Mary’s view of herself, which is more self-critical than conceited, awash in a combination of dejection and rebellion in response to her treatment within the family, which in the first episodes dramatize the family ambiance in exaggerated caricature fashion. Seeing her excluded and diminished at every opportunity by her sisters and mother, we are inclined to feel great sympathy for her. As a quick review, the sisters from oldest to youngest are Jane, sweet-tempered and serene, the most beautiful; Elizabeth (Lizzy) intelligent and quick-witted, sharp tongued, the one who reels in Mr. Darcy; Mary, constantly told she lacks the beauty of her sisters, who attempts to compensate by reading constantly and showcasing her intellect; Catherine (Kitty) a weak-willed follower; Lydia, loud, impulsive, thoughtless, and self-involved.
The arc of this series story follows Mary as she goes to London as a governess for a family of relations and then to the Lake district on “a journey of self-discovery and romance.”
Almost immediately in London Mary, totally awkward and non-smiling at first—her facial expressions and behavior would be described today as “dorky”—finds herself surrounded by the warmth and encouragement of her lovely aunt, Mrs. Gardiner (played by Indira Varma), and soon swept up in social events with lively and interesting young people. Her cleverness in word games and her sardonic wit are being recognized and celebrated, and we witness her laughing heartily, her face alight with a glow of pleasure. She looks downright attractive!
Two men, Tom Hayward (played by Donal Finn) and William Ryder (played by Laurie Davidson) particularly enjoy Mary’s company and each tells her separately how he cherishes her individuality. We will have to keep watching to see whether this female maverick will end up in a state she never imagined for herself: the object of romantic interest or even the recipient of a marriage proposal (the sole choices of marriage or misery having been clearly stated as the only ones available to women of her station).
Because I became so taken with the Mary character by the 6th episode, I decided to do a search on the actress. I discover that Ella co-owns a spoof influencer Instagram account. Not surprising, as her comic flair is breaking through with increased frequency in this series. And she is the lead vocalist in the alt-Americana band Marry Me Emelie! with Yoan Segot, a former beau. Learning that Ella played Sister Frances in 2018-2022 episodes of Call the Midwife I realize why her face was immediately familiar to me. She also played Winifred Barragan in Bridgerton.
This series (expectations regarding a second season are purely speculative) is becoming enormous fun to watch!~