Clarissa

I watched the entire series in one sitting and loved it so much that I plan on reading the novel. This was an excellent period drama with all the trimmings, an unforgettable story about the conflict between a virtuous young woman trying to avoid being forced into an awful marriage and the libertine who becomes unhealthily obsessed with her and the idea of testing her purity.

When reading a summary of the story, very little seems to happen, but the characters are so fascinating and their psychology so complex that one becomes engrossed. The heroine, whom many have criticized as being an annoying goody two-shoes, is made relate-able through the three-dimensional performance of Saskia Wickham. She's an amazing character, more than the simpering ingenue people make her out to be. Though she is pious and naive, she's also a woman who refuses to be put under anyone's control, not her family's and not Lovelace's. Lovelace is brought alive by Sean Bean, who was made for the part, channeling the character's charisma and cruelty. He totally sells the character's twisted affection/obsession for Clarissa.

The entire production is well acted, scored, and directed. An ideal period piece, highly recommended. I would definitely see it again.

I am not a regular watcher of Masterpiece Theatre, but I saw this a long time ago and have not been able to get it out of my head. Sean Bean is INCREDIBLY wicked as Lovelace, the man that practically destroys the title character.

Clarissa (Saskia Wickham)is a young woman in the 18th century. Her parents are forcing her into a marriage, and are clearly doing it for the money (She received an inheritance from her late grandfather). She ends up running away from her home and into the devious arms of Lovelace (Sean Bean), who basically wants to sleep with her. Her steadfast refusal starts a chain of events that turn incredibly ugly.

Sean Bean is such a scene stealer that he should had gotten flogged for his performance. He is loathsome and seductive at the same time. So much so that you can't help but fall in love with him.

I've not always been a big fan of period pieces, but I found this production to be riveting throughout. The performances of the actors were excellent, Saskia Wickam appeared to be a seasoned pro and I was so impressed to find this was her first major role. Sean Bean's portrayal of Lovelace was terrific - his presence on screen was amazing. His charisma was stunning, despite the wigs and ornate costumes, which I thought would be distracting. They were not at all. I would highly recommend this production to anyone - it's such a shame that it is so difficult to find. Hopefully it will be made available to American audiences again in the very near future. I'd love to see the entire four hour production originally shown on the BBC.

I saw "Clarissa" twice when it was shown on TV. I was so impressed that I got the book from the library and read it. It is huge. The series kept to the book very well. The way and place and by who of Lovelace's death was different. But he died with those repentive words "Let this expiate". The death seen of Clarissa in the jail cell and her wonderful letter of forgiveness to Lovelace is unforgettable. He could have had it all and trappled her purity underfoot and lost everything. My self and children have been fans of Sean Bean since and seen most of his films. I loved the music of the series. The characters were perfectly cast, everything about it was what made this still to my way of thinking the best series in the last ten years. SO PLEASE WHY CAN WE NOT BUY THE VIDEO? WILL IT BECOME AVAILABLE LATER? AND WILL YOU PLEASE SHOW IT ON TV AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN?

I was fortunate enough to tape this from BBC America (albeit it was edited for some of the more mature content). I loved the entire series, and I purchased the book afterwards. It's excellent. The costumes, acting and locations are all wonderful. I too wish I could get this on video cassette. Believe me, I have searched everywhere! I even asked a friend who lives in London to try and find a copy for me, but to no avail.