Death Comes to Pemberley [DVD]

I have never liked P D James or her books. In fact I have never been able to get past chapter 2 of any of them this includes Death comes to Pemberley, which was downloaded to my Kindle. Therefore, it was with some reluctance that I watched the television series. Only doing so on iPlayer because I was bored. Thank goodness I was otherwise I would have missed a beautifully acted and enthralling programme. I enjoyed it so much that even before the 3rd episode aired I pre-ordered it. The series is a testament to the high production values of the BBC. Matthew Rhys made the part of Darcy his own, over the three episodes he had to take Darcy on a journey from a happy relaxed husband of his beloved Lizzy, to a reincarnation of the proud Pride and Prejudice Darcy finally to show real contrition for his behaviour and a realisation that it almost cost him the only thing that he was worth having pride in. His marriage and family! Matthew Rhys did this effortlessly and with great conviction. Anna Maxwell Martin portrayal of Lizzy was very creditable. She gave the character wit, determination and strength -all the things that Darcy first admired in Lizzy. The chemistry between Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin was very evident from the start.The rest of the cast was just as strong. Tom Ward as Colonel Fitzwilliam gave an excellent portrayal in playing a character who became less sympathetic as the series progressed. Jenna Coleman played Lydia Wickam as the flighty silly woman of Pride and Prejudice who is so self centred that she sees the whole event as a means of her being the centre of attraction. Even so she is not so silly as to be totally blind to Wickham's faults. Which brings us to Wickham! I never thought it possible to feel sympathy for Wickham but Matthew Goode showed, through his excellent acting that it was!The house and grounds of Chatsworth House, Castle Howard and Harewood House were as important to the series as the actors and actresses. They gave the perfect backdrop to the scenes enacted in or around them.I would not hesitate to recommend this DVD to anyone who likes Jane Austen, but more so to those who enjoy superbly acted and enthralling programmes

I've been waiting for years for some sort of sequel to the classic Pride and Prejudice - even going as far as to put together a what happened next to all the characters in my head. So l was really looking forward to this adaptation and l wasn't disappointed.The characters are well cast, my favourites being Lizzie, Darcy and Lydia. Not sure l totally agree with the direction of the story particularly Wickham and Colonel Fitzwilliam as Wickham seems more a nasty piece of work than a chancer and opportunist. Whilst the Colonel had become so arrogant and abrasive, totally losing his happy jovial nature that there were times l just wanted to kick him!I did however like the fact that the actor who played the Colonel was also in the BBC classic having played one of the officers - this gave it a sense of symmetry somehow.I also liked the fact that Lizzie had lost none of her feisty tenacity or provocative sense of humour. Whilst Colin Firth will always be my favourite Darcy, Matthew Rhys did a good job particularly when he dealt with the Colonel. My only issue would be that there were times when Darcy appeared a little lacking in conviction particularly when dealing with Wickham. I would question whether Darcy with all his wealth and privilege would have behaved quite that way.One final mention has to go to the costumes which felt just right however, contrary to some who have commented Lizzie is not wearing the same dress throughout but rather a series of dresses in the same colour! I would have liked a little more variety with her wardrobe but you can't have everything. Lydia wardrobe was gorgeous.Anyway l have waffled on for long enough -suffice to say l enjoyed this dvd very much, so much so that l probably watch it at least once a week! Those who loved the BBC classic and don't mind a little bit of 'what if' should love this adaptation - those who believe the story ended with Jane Austen should avoid this drama like the plague !

As previous reviewers have mentioned this really isn't a sequel to Pride and Prejudice.Leaving the plot to one side for a moment, the main leads were totally miscast. Anna MM's performance lacks the spirit and energy which are part of Lizzie's character. As for her co star Matthew Rhys he lacks Darcy's passion.Secondly, the main leads are far too old. Several of the most important scenes from the PandP book are replayed in the drama as flashbacks and unfortunately they just don't work. Lizzie is meant to be about 20 in Pride and Prejudice and since this is meant to take place about 6 years later she is meant to be 26 or so. Anna MM is about 37. Rhys looks like he is meant to be Georgiana's father (she is now about 21) when in Pride and Prejudice he is about 26 so here would be about 32.Oh and I agree with a previous reviewer as to the wardrobe malfunction. Why is Lizzie wearing the same green dress the whole time?Having said this one of the most energetic performances came from Jenna Coleman as Lydia. She captured her spoiled character perfectly. I wonder what she would have made of Lizzie?The plot works quite well as a mystery drama and we see the impact on the Darcy family of Wickams selfish actions.Overall the acting isn't bad and Trevor Eve gives an excellent performance. I didn't enjoy it as a sequel to Pride and Prejudice but as a stand alone drama whose main characters happen to be called Lizzie and Darcy it works well enough.It is a pity because had the main leads and possibly Wickam been better cast this could have worked very well. Unfortunately it felt more like a Dickensian drama (yes I know Dickens was Victorian not regency or Georgian) than a sequel to Pride and Prejudice. All of the characters seemed miserable and you really wonder why on earth Darcy and Lizzie got married.

I have a soft spot for this so was pleased.