Sanditon

With social media being as it is, you cannot help but get roped into all the controversy going on about this show. So I took a look at some YouTube clips and other things going around on Twitter and Instagram etc and got the general gist of what the show is all about. All I can say, is that I was hooked - right from the very first clip. Whoever had the brilliant idea to cast Theo James as the tall, dark, mysteriously brooding Sidney Parker should be applauded. He is absolutely brilliant in this role. I have seen him in other things, but I think this has really showed how good of an actor he really is. Of course he is handsome (any red blooded female can see that) but that didn't even matter to me, because he brought Sidney Parker to life for me. He made me fall in love with him just as Charlotte did and he made me irritated and annoyed just as Charlotte was. He is just an amazing actor and he suited this role to a tee. Charlotte's character (played by Rose Williams) took me a while to warm up to but I found her maturing with each episode and I liked her spunk and charisma but I also liked her softer more vulnerable side which came out slowly as she begun to realize her true feelings for Sidney. Rose is a very talented actor as well. She is exactly how I would picture Charlotte to be.

So to all you people saying how horrible it is and that Jane Austen would be turning in her grave etc etc, I say - SO WHAT! I have a sneaky suspicion that she really isn't worried about it in the slightest. Get over yourselves, get a glass of wine, sit back and just enjoy this wonderfully lovely romantic story. I did! Bring on season 2!!!

Wonderfully acted all around + I don't think I've ever seen chemistry, like that between the 2 leads, on tele before (the 2nd ball is simply spellbinding). The layered storylines are very absorbing and good to see other characters have depth and meaningful plots of their own. Some viewers don't seem to like the "warts/bums and all" portrayal of Austen's work in this adaptation, but it feels like a truer reflection of the times she lived in and reflects issues we're still trying to come to terms with in society today - so I, for one, think it's refreshing!

Ignore the critics - those who think Austen wouldn't have approved evidently have no concept of her spirit - as long as there's a second series that is!

Really enjoyed it from beginning to end. Hope we get to see more of the characters! Let's have a series 2 please!

I love period dramas and this programme has not disappointed me! Great actors with the 2 main leads having such chemistry! Recommended

I've only just watched the second episode, but I'm hooked now! The main character is really observant and brave and I love watching her expressions whenever someone particularly greasy tries to befriend her. There's a lot of tension in the first couple episodes around authenticity, motivations, and the slave trade, with hints of childhood sexual abuse.

And for the sake of context; I'm an Austen fan, an English major, and a librarian. This has her rather sardonic eye all over it.