Miss Austen

This was an excellent drama. I have a suspicion that my 8 rating is a little harsh. This is because I think some of the plot nuances were lost on me, and I believe a second viewing of the complete series would push me to score it 9 or even 10.

It would help if you had some familiarity with Jane Austen's life or her novels. I had neither, but the show makes me want to find out more. The acting is outstanding throughout and despite the rather fast moving and complex plot it held my attention very well. The story unfolds on two timelines, with some important parallels, and that contributes to making it a little hard to follow. But I would not want to discourage anyone from watching. Excellent.

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.

The casting of this well-written production is brilliant - especially the Cassandras, very similar in looks and mannerisms. The letters and novels are interwoven well and the modest, cross-generational content nicely in keeping with the works of Jane Austen, so suitable for most ages etc, both for fans and novices alike. All the visual and audio contribution is also on point - nothing over the top, but sensitive to the era, scenarios and real people / characters. Whilst retaining interest, this is a very calming and comforting timeless series I will watch over and over again. Thank you for such an excellent addition to the world of Miss Austen.

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.