Miss Austen

This charming series is a treat for all those of us who love a well-written period drama and, in particular, the works of Jane Austen. It was a delight to see this portrayal of Jane as a person, and her loving bond with her sister Cassandra.

There are funny nods to some of Jane's best-loved characters. The Austen parents, played by real-life couple Phylis Logan and Kevin McNally, were clearly Jane's inspiration for Mr. & Mrs. Bennett - with her constant talk about her ailments and desire to match make, and his benevolent patience! Also, when a would-be suitor for Cassandra tells her his home is in Derbyshire, she smiles as this reminds her of her sister's perfect romantic hero, Mr. Darcy, and the beautiful Pemberley.

Every actress in this gives a brilliant performance - it's just a treat from start to finish. It's poignant but also amusing and I enjoyed every minute.

BBC's Miss Austen is a beautifully crafted period drama that captures the heart and depth of Gill Hornby's novel with elegance and emotional weight. This adaptation brings to life the untold story of Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen's devoted sister, exploring love, loss, and the sacrifices made in a society bound by duty and expectation.

Among the stellar cast, Rose Leslie delivers an outstanding performance as Isabella Fowle. She brings an exquisite blend of warmth, vulnerability, and quiet strength to the role, making Isabella a deeply compelling character. Leslie's ability to convey layers of emotion-sometimes with just a glance or a subtle shift in expression-adds remarkable depth to her portrayal. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, she commands the screen with an authenticity that makes her character's journey feel incredibly real and poignant.

Her chemistry with the rest of the cast is effortless, and her nuanced performance elevates the drama, making Isabella not just a supporting character but a vital part of the narrative's emotional core. Leslie's portrayal ensures that Isabella's presence lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

Another stunner from the BBC!!! Well done 👏

My wife & I both find it extremely confusing & disorienting, although it redeems itself in the end. This might be a story better read than watched. I found myself constantly wanting to stop & flip back a few pages, "who is she again?" "Which Mr. Fowler is he?" "Mother? Whose mother?"

The most disorienting episode is the first, with two different sets of actors playing the younger & older characters, all with various names for the same characters: proper, given, endearments, & nicknames.

Still, as noted, the series pays off in the end. Wonderful cast, good performances, imaginative story. If only everyone wore a name tag.

Miss Austen delves into the weight of memory and sacrifice, focusing on Cassandra Austen's effort to preserve her sister's legacy. Through complex time shifts and emotional depth, the story depicts a kinship between Jane and Cassandra that goes beyond written words. Cassandra's decision to burn Jane's letters is not only destructive, but also devotional, emphasizing the difficulties endured by those who remain behind. Keeley Hawes gives a restrained yet highly expressive performance as Cassandra, portraying her anguish and strength, while Patsy Ferran's portrayal of Jane Austen is unexpectedly vibrant, reflecting her wit and complexity. Their dynamic serves as the series' emotional center, with each flashback creating a rich tapestry of love, grief, and unspoken understanding.

Beyond its personal story, Miss Austen challenges typical period drama clichés, portraying spinsterhood as both a constraint and a modest act of defiance. With breathtaking cinematography, subdued color palettes, and precise historical detail, the series creates a visually immersive universe while exploring issues of loss, reputation, and female autonomy. Rose Leslie's Isabella represents the challenges of unmarried women, while Jessica Hynes' portrayal of Mary Austen deepens the conflict between ambition and lineage. Miss Austen reexamines Cassandra's notorious blaze as an act of sacrifice rather than destruction, prompting spectators to consider the cost of love, memory, and the weight of untold stories lost to history.

I cannot be the only viewer who loves to suspend disbelief and disappear into a well-told story on tv. This is especially the case with period costume dramas, and especially those that are about Jane Austen and her works. Why then must the producers break the spell by casting black actors in white roles? Why do they do it? The real-life Mr. Lidderdale was a white man. Of course he was. By miscasting the role this show elicits a groan and eye-rolling, not eager anticipation. Can you imagine casting Brad Pitt as MLK? Of course not. It would be a distraction. So is the casting of Mr Lidderdale in Miss Austen.