58 reviews
Loved it spite of the bad bits
First , I do have to agree with reviewers who noted anachronisms of language and highly unlikely behaviours - Georgiana falling to her knees crying in front of male servants in the public rooms being one of the most obvious. I do not believe for a moment in the central premise that Darcy and family would be cast into Outer Darkness socially because his brother-in-law was a criminal. Gossiped about undoubtedly, but bad apples among the aristocracy are hardly uncommon now or then.
I feel also critical of the costuming and general appearance of Elizabeth , it become clear at the end as to why she might have looked tired but why she should be so badly dressed is beyond me . One coat-like garment resembles nothing so much as a hessian bag and she appears to only wear two plain dresses for weeks on end. Georgiana seems to have only one - though it is a nicer one . And Elizabeth's hair seem so be permanently dishevelled for no good reason. While I'm carping , I also have to say I don't understand why there appears to be almost no upper servants in the vast edifice of Pemberley. Such an establishment would have a steward and/or butler, several footmen and under-footmen and Mrs Reynolds would have many maids under her . Ah well, no matter really I guess.
On the plus side, I thought all the acting was great , especially the female cast. Lydia was beautifully cast and played, as was Lady Catherine and Mrs Bennett . I wish they could have had bigger roles in fact . So, in spite of the above mentioned criticisms, I have to say it was a very watchable period drama and , actually, much more fun than the the book . I like PD James very much , but this was NOT her best work and frankly rather a tedious dry read .
I feel also critical of the costuming and general appearance of Elizabeth , it become clear at the end as to why she might have looked tired but why she should be so badly dressed is beyond me . One coat-like garment resembles nothing so much as a hessian bag and she appears to only wear two plain dresses for weeks on end. Georgiana seems to have only one - though it is a nicer one . And Elizabeth's hair seem so be permanently dishevelled for no good reason. While I'm carping , I also have to say I don't understand why there appears to be almost no upper servants in the vast edifice of Pemberley. Such an establishment would have a steward and/or butler, several footmen and under-footmen and Mrs Reynolds would have many maids under her . Ah well, no matter really I guess.
On the plus side, I thought all the acting was great , especially the female cast. Lydia was beautifully cast and played, as was Lady Catherine and Mrs Bennett . I wish they could have had bigger roles in fact . So, in spite of the above mentioned criticisms, I have to say it was a very watchable period drama and , actually, much more fun than the the book . I like PD James very much , but this was NOT her best work and frankly rather a tedious dry read .
Loved it despite its flaws
So many bad reviews that I'm surprised I watched it at all. I agree it was lacking in the costume department. Elizabeth seemed to wear the same dress or nearly the same one daily. A woman of her means should have better clothing. It also lacked in staff housing. No footman, not butler, not lady's maid. They're should have been a chef and a maid for the chef. All those maids in the kitchen should have been busy I'm the house. It wasn't true to the time.
That aside I rather enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for period pieces. I loved seeing it all play out. I wanted more when it was all said and done.
- Johnaricka
- Feb 23, 2018
- Permalink
So many mistakes but still...
- Amonute-Matoaka
- May 30, 2014
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Fanfiction Comes to Pemberly
- KurotsutaMurasaki
- Nov 10, 2014
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Not amazing, but an enjoyable mystery series.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Sep 4, 2016
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Jane Austen would approve.
Beautiful screening of the P.D. James novel which borrows characters from Pride and Prejudice. Won't disappoint.
- johns-79280
- Jun 1, 2019
- Permalink
Not Pride and Prejudice but Okay Mystery
Being a fan of PD James and Jane Austin I was looking forward to watching this show. It took a while to get past Elizabeth being totally out of character...at least from the stand point of Pride and Prejudice 1995 version. They dressed her down and made her look kind of dowdy and act miserable through most of the show. They didn't change the character of Darcy much--as my mother said, it looks like he has a toothache through most of the show. The colonel was also changed to be a rather secretive fellow, unlike his easy going character in P&P. The other characters seemed to mesh well with their original characters. If you have never seen Pride and Prejudice (1995 version) then you won't be disappointed. It is a good little English mystery.
- tklamb-00591
- Mar 13, 2015
- Permalink
Brilliant & Romantic Continuation of a Classic
- kmpearce-50897
- Jul 14, 2019
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Not Jane Austen
This would have been a good series if it had not appropriated Jane Austen's characters and settings. I was surprised at the casting of Darcy and Elizabeth, who were both dour and unattractive. The plot was interesting, but rather than being an homage to "Pride And Prejudice", which, like "Gone with the Wind", should remain intact and untouched by those with less imagination. The production was excellent, with beautiful costumes and sets, as always for British period dramas, but the leads playing the Darcy's were too old. Elizabeth looked like a worn out servant of at least 45, when Elizabeth Bennet would have been 27 at most, with wit and sparkle. They could not rise to the performances of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, who will always be the only Darcy and Lizzy. And why is the beautiful Georgiana so much taller than her own brother, who looks nothing like her?
The mystery was a competent one and the performances of the supporting actors well done. But it does no justice to Jane Austen. This series would have been much improved as a period murder mystery with completely fresh characters.
Absolutely wonderful - especially Jenna Coleman
I first watched this some years back and wasn't too sure about it, but watched it recently and absolutely enjoyed it.
Everything about it is enjoyable; the cast, acting, scenery, sets, costumes. I did laugh at one review which says that LIzzie is in the same costume all the time - and 'her with all her money!'. Obviously that reviewer doesn't know Lizzie from the original P&P, no airs and graces, happy to wear what she is comfortable in. This same reviewer also complains about the lack of house staff. Did they watch the drama? There are plenty of staff discretely attending in the background.
A murder mystery, love story, court drama and Lizzie and D'arcy finding their love again.
Jenna Coleman was great as the awful Lydia. Plus Matthew Goode as Wickham - what more could you ask.
Everything about it is enjoyable; the cast, acting, scenery, sets, costumes. I did laugh at one review which says that LIzzie is in the same costume all the time - and 'her with all her money!'. Obviously that reviewer doesn't know Lizzie from the original P&P, no airs and graces, happy to wear what she is comfortable in. This same reviewer also complains about the lack of house staff. Did they watch the drama? There are plenty of staff discretely attending in the background.
A murder mystery, love story, court drama and Lizzie and D'arcy finding their love again.
Jenna Coleman was great as the awful Lydia. Plus Matthew Goode as Wickham - what more could you ask.
Good but irrelevant to Pride and Prej
I would think of this as a mystery series that has no relation to Pride and Prejudice, as it seems like thats what they said when they made it!
Acting is great-good cast HOWEVER
They are not true to the characters of Darcy and Bennet...it's just not them-the dialogue and personality does not suit them.
Matthew Rhys-great actor howeverr Darcy is cold and harsh-he doesn't show his emotion through expression which is what Matthew Rhys does.It ruined it for me so as an adaptation/spin off of pride and prejudice it is Badly done but for a mini series its made very well and acted brilliantly especially by Matthew Goode who does a great performance as always.
- emilybowdidge
- Nov 16, 2018
- Permalink
Very catchy plot!
If you are like me and enjoy your Pride and Prejudice, and a good murder plot, then you would love this series! The choice of the victim is good, but the one of the suspect is very smart, and I also love the way it delves into the soft points of the characters - Darcy's possible regret of marrying Elisabeth, or her not understanding of duty. I was fascinated by the re-creation of an inquest and trial from that period (who knew that judges were allowed to drink brandy during the trial?) and particularly by the depiction of the characters. Elisabeth in particular is just like I would have imagined, she is the same spirited outspoken person we know and love, while Darcy is more brooding, quiet and responsible (while I may have chosen other actors in terms of appearance, I think they portray the characters very well as reactions). I also enjoyed the way Lady de Bourgh is portrayed, and remarkably, I even grew a different understanding of Wickam!All in all, definitively worth to watch by P&P wit a murder twist lovers!
- tweatherlake
- Mar 24, 2016
- Permalink
Much better than the book
- caitriona-shanahan
- Oct 28, 2014
- Permalink
The characters are the same only by the name
Austen meets the Poirot Christmas Special
Firstly, I hate fanfic. My teeth start grinding after a few paragraphs, even when it's written by PD James.
Secondly, if you're going to do anything with P&P you have to judge your two main casting decisions with a perfection required almost nowhere else. We all know Elizabeth and Darcy so well. So the producers of two productions which have dared to go off piste, Lost in Austen and this one, must have thought long and hard. Gemma Arterton did extremely well in Lost in Austen, a blend of period drama, summer RomCom and Dr Who, and Anna Maxwell Martin, as you might expect, is simply perfect here, in Austen meets the Poirot Christmas Special.
Anna gives us the mature Elizabeth, holding court at her more informal Pemberley, with an older Darcy who has recovered all his manly confidence in personal relationships and yet is even more deeply smitten. They have a son and are clearly wonderful parents. Both characters have changed in exactly the way Austen predicted in her last chapter. Elizabeth has risen in status and now wears the authority of Mistress of Pemberley, rationally softened, like its master. They are unusually sparkly together and very reminiscent of the Netherfield scenes. This is principally down to the extremely good performances from two actors and an their understanding of their characters which goes way beyond the script.
The whole cast is outstanding, the best in a period drama since Emma09 and the mystery is satisfyingly interesting. There's lots of clever 'dialogue' with the original and arch references to earlier productions (it's the 95 Pemberley).
What's not to like?
Can't wait for the next instalment, as Pemberley itself is challenged and their relationship is tested. I do hope the Bingleys, Caroline at least, turn up soon.
Of course, it isn't Austen. If it hurts to think that it is, then imagine it as a 100-year prequel to Downton Abbey, 10 times better acted and 50 times better written.
Secondly, if you're going to do anything with P&P you have to judge your two main casting decisions with a perfection required almost nowhere else. We all know Elizabeth and Darcy so well. So the producers of two productions which have dared to go off piste, Lost in Austen and this one, must have thought long and hard. Gemma Arterton did extremely well in Lost in Austen, a blend of period drama, summer RomCom and Dr Who, and Anna Maxwell Martin, as you might expect, is simply perfect here, in Austen meets the Poirot Christmas Special.
Anna gives us the mature Elizabeth, holding court at her more informal Pemberley, with an older Darcy who has recovered all his manly confidence in personal relationships and yet is even more deeply smitten. They have a son and are clearly wonderful parents. Both characters have changed in exactly the way Austen predicted in her last chapter. Elizabeth has risen in status and now wears the authority of Mistress of Pemberley, rationally softened, like its master. They are unusually sparkly together and very reminiscent of the Netherfield scenes. This is principally down to the extremely good performances from two actors and an their understanding of their characters which goes way beyond the script.
The whole cast is outstanding, the best in a period drama since Emma09 and the mystery is satisfyingly interesting. There's lots of clever 'dialogue' with the original and arch references to earlier productions (it's the 95 Pemberley).
What's not to like?
Can't wait for the next instalment, as Pemberley itself is challenged and their relationship is tested. I do hope the Bingleys, Caroline at least, turn up soon.
Of course, it isn't Austen. If it hurts to think that it is, then imagine it as a 100-year prequel to Downton Abbey, 10 times better acted and 50 times better written.
Intertextual Combination of Heritage Drama and Whodunit, Inspired by the 1995 Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
Daniel Peacock's adaptation of P. D. James' reworking of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE offers a fascinating combination of styles and stylistics. It unfolds in the leisurely manner of most British television detective thrillers, taking care to sketch in the characters and define their relationship to one another. A murder occurs two-thirds of the way through the first episode, and the remainder of the time is spent outlining the series of hypotheses, assumptions (some mistaken), and clues that lead to the unmaking of the culprit. DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY also situates itself squarely in the heritage adaptation genre, with plenty of exterior shots of the Darcys' house (I counted twelve in episode one alone), augmented with moments of period 'realism' as various types of coach and horse arrive and depart from the front entrance. The cast comprises a series of star names calculated to appeal to different generations of television viewers; Jenna Coleman from EMMERDALE and DOCTOR WHO shares the screen with Trevor Eve (WAKING THE DEAD, SHOESTRING) and Penelope Keith (THE GOOD LIFE, TO THE MANOR BORN). The acting is competent without being out of the ordinary, although I do wonder whether the Lydia Bennet of Austen and James would have reacted with quite such ferocity to her husband's arrest. What gives this production is true fascination, however, is the way in which director Peacock deliberately references Simon Langton's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1995) throughout the mise-en-scene. This can be seen in the costume- designs (by Marianne Agertoft), as well as in the characterization: Elizabeth Bennet (Anna Maxwell Martin) communicates the same spirit of quiet determination embodied by Jennifer Ehle in the earlier production. She is also shot in much the same way, with the emphasis placed on her reactions to what happens around her. Her mother (Rebecca Front) seems completely oblivious to her offspring's feelings and shrilly complains of having had a fit should anything go wrong, in a performance inspired by Alison Steadman's reading in the earlier revival. Likewise her husband; James Fleet follows Benjamin Whitrow in maintaining a facade of polite loyalty to Mrs. Bennet, while searching for any opportunity to escape. The experience of watching DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY is a fascinating one, an exercise in identifying intertexts as well as understanding how adaptations are shaped as much by other adaptations as by their source-texts. Definitely worth watching.
- l_rawjalaurence
- Dec 26, 2013
- Permalink
A truly thrilling mystery that pays tribute to Miss Austen
I would like to start by saying I am a huge Austen fan. I've read Pride and Prejudice multiple times and the Keira Knightly version of the movie is a favorite of mine. That being said, I loved this adaptation of the Bennets/Darcys. I think the casting is excellent. As for Lizzie being too old, I disagree. Lizzy would have been close to 30, and the actress playing her is well within appropriate age. I also think her "fairness" is closer to the novel's version of Elizabeth than Keira Knightly. In this adaptation, Darcy is truly his broody self, not a pretty, sad, misunderstood gallant. The actors have been chosen not for their "beauty" but for their acting. The rest of the cast plays their parts with easy believability. The story line is wonderful mix of murder-mystery and flashbacks to the original novel. The story gives plenty meat for the characters and satisfies in many ways the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth that was not continued in the books. I was happily surprised by the ending, it caught me by complete surprise and that made the wait all the better. I only wish this excellent cast could create more story for this beloved novel. I've watched it 3 days in a row, no regrets!
- sammit-22641
- Jul 17, 2016
- Permalink
Whodunnit? Not Jane Austin
Okay I know this is a piece of fan fiction, and I did enjoy it. It does keep you guessing til the end and it's worth watching. But....
When you use well known and loved characters from something as famous as Pride and Prejudice, they should at least stay faithful to their original characters. Which it does, mostly, but the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett was just really off. She's supposed to be beautiful, witty and fun loving, whilst perceptive. In this she comes across as a plain, almost miserable woman. I did not like this portrayal at all and it did ruin it for me a bit.
When you use well known and loved characters from something as famous as Pride and Prejudice, they should at least stay faithful to their original characters. Which it does, mostly, but the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett was just really off. She's supposed to be beautiful, witty and fun loving, whilst perceptive. In this she comes across as a plain, almost miserable woman. I did not like this portrayal at all and it did ruin it for me a bit.
- souplahoopla
- Sep 12, 2021
- Permalink
Substantial addition to Pride and Prejudice!
I am DEFINITELY an advocate of period dramas. And like many others, I've seen 'Pride and Prejudice' a few times before. I love seeing stories progress and thanks to P.D James, we have the opportunity to see Lizzie and Darcy's journey continue. Albeit turbulently.. 'Death Comes to Pemberley' has been written with respect and keeps audiences on their toes. I think it would warm Austen's heart to know that her work has inspired others. Whilst keeping true to its original themes and characters. My only criticism would be the casting choices. I'm still not convinced by James Fleets performance.
He certainly isn't my first choice as Mr Bennett, but he was okay.. Maybe I've watched 'the Vicar of Dibley' too much?! Overall, I would highly recommend this adaptation. And it's definitely worth a rewatch.
- sophiedianne-95947
- Nov 26, 2020
- Permalink
Perfectly adequate
This was a perfectly adequate costume drama. Not terribly engaging, and with little or no discernible connection to the Austin novel aside from the names of people and places. Overall not bad. Just meh.
The casting of Elizabeth Bennett though was shockingly poor. The characterization had none of the whit or charm of the Austin original. Dreadful, dreadful casting decision and writing.
I also come out not really caring about anyone or anything. The focus is fully on the least likable characters from the Austin novel who I'd just as well never heard from again. If you're looking for a reunion with old friends you'll be sorely disappointed.
The casting of Elizabeth Bennett though was shockingly poor. The characterization had none of the whit or charm of the Austin original. Dreadful, dreadful casting decision and writing.
I also come out not really caring about anyone or anything. The focus is fully on the least likable characters from the Austin novel who I'd just as well never heard from again. If you're looking for a reunion with old friends you'll be sorely disappointed.
- karolinele
- Jan 7, 2024
- Permalink
Its not Pride and Prejudice, But maybe that's not a terrible thing or at least something new.
This is not Jane Austen this is P. D. James.
The thing about this mini series is that it actually gets better with repeated viewings. These are more complex than the characters presented in Pride and Prejudice, Complex because this is set 6 years into the Darcy's marriage.
Everything is seemingly Ideal, or is it? But after a killing on the grounds some cracks begin to show.
We get a very different Elizabeth Bennett from Anna Maxwell Martin, Her Lizzie seems unsure about her role as Mistress of Pemberley. She fears she is out of her social class and seems more happy talking to the servants and grounds staff.
Darcy hasn't changed much but this is because he is more at home. But the murder and its repercussions seems to make him doubt himself and maybe the last 6 years. Matthew Rhys plays him with assured confidence never trying to emulate previous actors in the role.
The rest of the cast of seasoned actors and actresses are universally excellent with special praise for Matthew Goode as Wickham and Jenna Colman as a hilarious but also a more complex Lydia.
I won't go into plot details but only to say that this is a very good sequel of sorts and in my opinion actually improves on its source novel.
The thing about this mini series is that it actually gets better with repeated viewings. These are more complex than the characters presented in Pride and Prejudice, Complex because this is set 6 years into the Darcy's marriage.
Everything is seemingly Ideal, or is it? But after a killing on the grounds some cracks begin to show.
We get a very different Elizabeth Bennett from Anna Maxwell Martin, Her Lizzie seems unsure about her role as Mistress of Pemberley. She fears she is out of her social class and seems more happy talking to the servants and grounds staff.
Darcy hasn't changed much but this is because he is more at home. But the murder and its repercussions seems to make him doubt himself and maybe the last 6 years. Matthew Rhys plays him with assured confidence never trying to emulate previous actors in the role.
The rest of the cast of seasoned actors and actresses are universally excellent with special praise for Matthew Goode as Wickham and Jenna Colman as a hilarious but also a more complex Lydia.
I won't go into plot details but only to say that this is a very good sequel of sorts and in my opinion actually improves on its source novel.
- ashleywetherall
- Aug 18, 2022
- Permalink
Cheeky fan-fic sequel to "P&P" will irritate Janeites, but it's still pretty entertaining
My wife likes to drift off to sleep to the murmur of well-bred British voices, but this isn't that kind of series. I guess you could call it fan fic, since it's a Jane Austen sequel-murder mystery mashup based on a novel by P.D. James. The storyline's very involving, the cast is just about perfect, and the way the murder plot dovetails with the backstory (i.e. "Pride and Prejudice") is especially ingenious--though you may find that several of JA's original characters, like Lady Catherine de Bourgh, have undergone a startling personality change, and Mrs. Bennett has evolved from a fluttering fusspot to a full-blown hysteric. There are no trench-coated DCIs or cops of any kind in Regency Yorkshire, so it's all up to a whiskery magistrate and his constables to arrest the obvious suspect and to Mrs. Darcy to find the real killer.
Fine performances by costume-drama veteran Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Rhys (the sardonic gay brother on "Brothers and Sisters") as the Darcys; Matthew Goode ("Stoker") is always convincing as the charming ne'er-do-well (in this case, Mr. Wickham). Janeites will surely object to the anachronisms in the dialogue ("even as we speak"); Jenna Coleman, as Lydia, seems more like a Kardashian at times than an Austen ingenue, and I'm not sure that even Mr. Darcy with his £10,000 a year ($1.2 million in today's money, they say) could afford the upkeep on Castle Howard...Still, if you're not too serious about period authenticity and the Austen legacy, it's all pretty entertaining. Available on streaming Netflix.
Fine performances by costume-drama veteran Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Rhys (the sardonic gay brother on "Brothers and Sisters") as the Darcys; Matthew Goode ("Stoker") is always convincing as the charming ne'er-do-well (in this case, Mr. Wickham). Janeites will surely object to the anachronisms in the dialogue ("even as we speak"); Jenna Coleman, as Lydia, seems more like a Kardashian at times than an Austen ingenue, and I'm not sure that even Mr. Darcy with his £10,000 a year ($1.2 million in today's money, they say) could afford the upkeep on Castle Howard...Still, if you're not too serious about period authenticity and the Austen legacy, it's all pretty entertaining. Available on streaming Netflix.
- The_late_Buddy_Ryan
- Oct 9, 2015
- Permalink
A better Mr Darcy needed??
I've only watched the first episode on PBS. Mr Darcy is cute in his own way and his voice is so much like the Mr Darcy I would imagine, but I think Matthew Goode would have made a Mr Darcy that we could have really wanted to watch.
Austen Characters Shoehorned Into A Whodunnit
First I have to say that Anna Maxwell Martin is a fine actress, and she does a wonderful Job, but she is not Elizabeth Bennet. I was never able to accept her in the role and it affected how I viewed the whole movie.
Matthew Rhys is closer to Darcy, and he likewise does a tremendous job, but he still would not have been my first choice for the part.
Regarding the story, every Austen novel is about a girl/woman who grows on her journey to become the best woman she can. Which really flummoxes me as to why someone would throw that to the wind and stuff these characters into a whodunnit instead. I feel almost like there was a bait and switch.
Now having said that, the movie was enjoyable. The circumstances surrounding the murder are all actually quite believable and wrap up nicely in the end.
Matthew Rhys is closer to Darcy, and he likewise does a tremendous job, but he still would not have been my first choice for the part.
Regarding the story, every Austen novel is about a girl/woman who grows on her journey to become the best woman she can. Which really flummoxes me as to why someone would throw that to the wind and stuff these characters into a whodunnit instead. I feel almost like there was a bait and switch.
Now having said that, the movie was enjoyable. The circumstances surrounding the murder are all actually quite believable and wrap up nicely in the end.
- MovieGuy-10924
- Feb 11, 2023
- Permalink
Death didn't come soon enough
- joesgirljeri
- Oct 20, 2015
- Permalink