Docteur Thorne

Anthony Trollope's novels have been mined for TV productions for decades, so we shouldn't be surprised that Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes decided to take a crack at one. And he does rather well. Here's hoping he'll serialize Trollope's remaining Barsetshire books.

For readers of Trollope's novels (as with Jane Austen's) it can be a bit of a shock to see them somewhat sensationalized and in a necessarily condensed format. But the needs of present day audiences require it. Consequently, though, the result is often a sort of high-brow soap opera and Fellowes' Dr. Thorne is no exception.

However, the production is pretty, and the characterization right on point, if a bit over the top. Though for me, Ian McShane breathed life and depth into Trollope's somewhat one-dimensional Mr. Scatcherd. Alison Brie does the same for another Victorian cliché: the American heiress in search of a titled husband. With an ever-present smile, she makes Miss Dunstable's gently spoken directness seem downright raunchy. It's a delight to watch.

Why bother saying more. If you like the Downton Abbey genre, you are going to see this and you are going to like it. End of story.

Really enjoyed this period drama series! The acting by the perfectly chosen cast was excellent and the beautiful scenic photography, even the slower pace made it more in tune with life in those days. Wish there had been more than one series.

I really enjoyed the first 3 episodes of this new BBC show. BBC has done it again, by taking a novel, and creating a wonderful script for a TV show. These episodes were an entertaining, and a frolicking, good story of romance, comedy and a bit of tragedy thrown in for good measure. This show has a great cast of actors that illuminate the characters with multi-faceted personalities. There is also amazing costume design, as well as wonderful locations and scenery. The music scores as well were very fun, and highlighted the intense, and humorous moments beautifully. I sure hope there are more episodes to come. I would be terribly disappointed if there was only 3 episodes in the mini series. :(

I couldn't stop watching. Classic British TV and I love it.

Must've been a treat for Julian Fellowes to get his hands on a real Victorian novel, instead of churning out new eps of that pandering pastiche he's been working on for the last few seasons. "Thorne," OTOH, has a solid Trollopian plot (sundered lovers and missing heirs and family secrets) as well as a great cast--Ian McShane not exactly playing against type as a rough-diamond railroad magnate; nice to see Alison Brie of "Mad Men" as the husband-hunting heiress and Inspector Lewis's old boss as one of the snobbish gentlefolk. Stefanie Martini, who only has one other IMDb credit, is perfect as the strong-willed heroine (so much more relatable than those soupy Dickens girls!); not unexpectedly, the picturesque exteriors and the slightly dorky Mid-Victorian costumes and décor are right on the money.