Miss Austen

[naomi24]

The story centres around Jane's sister, Cassandra, but is a treat for Jane Austen fans.  I watched the first episode and enjoyed it. 

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0027dz9/miss-austen

[mjwman]

Sorry but I had to switch off as I found both the plot and the characters boring and uninteresting, and I am a sucker for period dramas too. Probably on my own on this one.

[naomi24]

How long did you last, mjwman?

[pastafreak]

I also watched...and enjoyed it. I'm eager to see how the flashbacks will explain Cassandra's purpose in wanting the letters. 

[naomi24]

I couldn't make out why the sister in law lied, Pasta.

[pastafreak]

Me neither Naomi. I might watch it again before the second episode...I always miss things. And, I get easily distracted by costume and interiors details 😀

[naomi24]

I don't think it was explained, Pasta, but hopefully it will be in forthcoming episodes.  It just seemed spireful to me.  Really unkind.

[naomi24]

*Spiteful

[brainiac]

I enjoyed this - except for Keeley Hawes, who just didn't convince me as a nineteenth century character the way the others did.

Must have been fun for Phyllis Logan and Kevin McNally to play a married couple - they're married in real life.

[naomi24]

I felt a bit like that about Keeley Hawes, brainiac.  She doesn't seem to lend herself easily to a role like that.

[MargoTester]

I enjoyed it, didn't know she was only 41 when she died. One theory is that Cassandra destroyed the letters to protect her sisters integrity as they were very gossipy with family news. There are 160 left.

[naomi24]

I watched episodes 2 and 3 tonight.  I wasn't disappointed.  

[Maydup]

I enjoyed it greatly. Looking forward to watching the rest on the iplayer. 

[Vagus]

I really like Keely Hawes, I seek out things she's in and she didn't disappoint me in this. Having said that, I found it not terribly engaging but will continue to watch it.

[naomi24]

Finished the series tonight.  As an Austen fan I cannot fault it.  Just beautiful.  

[pastafreak]

Naomi,have you read the book that it's based on?

[naomi24]

No I haven't, Pasta.  Would you recommend it?

[mjwman]

I lasted 45 mins approx.( That is when I realised I was looking at Facebook more than the screen!)

[brainiac]

Enjoyed the second episode, but my opinion about Keeley Hawes remains the same: she sticks out like a sore thumb, just doesn't look part of it.

And what's with lots of actors in things now (like Hawes in this) getting an 'executive producer' credit?