Welcome to the first installment of A Date with Dickens. As I mentioned in a previous post, since I am going through Downton Abbey withdrawl (but see the update below!) and the next Masterpiece Classic doesn’t start until April 1 with Great Expectations , I am rewatching Masterpiece Theater’s Bleak House by Charles Dickens. On the Monday mornings (Monday afternoons, if you are on the East Coast) of March I’ll share my thoughts on that week’s episode. Here we go.
The Setting – The whole feel of this Dicken’s story is reflected on the cinematography of the show. It is dark and somber. However, the scenes in the gardens and the countryside are beautiful and bright. They remind me that even within the dreariness there is always beauty and hope to be found.
Lady Dedlock – When I first saw this series it took me awhile to get used to seeing Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock and not Scully from the X-Files but once I put that out of my mind, she fit the role perfectly. Her subdued manner and boredom with her station is well played. You feel for her and the pain she is experiencing due to the death of the mysterious Mr. Nemo. You know that her quiet investigation will not go unnoticed now that the nasty Mr. Tulkinghorn is suspicious of her.
Mr. Tulkinghorn – Mr. Tulkinghorn reminds me of a cat chasing a mouse. He takes great pleasure in toying with his victim. He has the look of the devil when he is quietly scheming and plotting what he shall do next. There is certainly more mischief coming at the hands of this man.
Esther – Can I just say that I love Esther! The opening scene of Esther being belittled, humiliated, and told that it would have been better had she never been born was painful to watch. You can imagine what this kind of mantra had on Esther’s vision of self-worth. Although, living with that sort of humility has also allowed her to be so empathetic to the pain of others. You see it even in small ways such as her giving the handkerchief to the mother whose baby died and how she’ll turn a conversation in order to spare someone’s feelings. Then when she finally meets a man who turns her head and her heart, you can’t help but root for them!
Mr. Woodcourt – Mr. Woodcourt seems like a perfect match for Esther. He has the same understanding heart and he sees the inner beauty of people, just as she does. The looks Mr. Woodcourt gives Esther at the dinner table makes me swoon. These two were made for each other but love never comes easily, especially in a Dicken’s tale.
John Jarndyce – When I first saw this show I had a hard time figuring out Mr. Jarndyce. I wasn’t sure if he really was the benevolent philanthropist or if he had more sinister intentions. I don’t want to give anything away so we’ll leave it at that.
Richard Carstone – I want to love Rick. He seems like a good man and he is facing unusual circumstances but his restlessness and feeble attempt at pursuing the medical profession only make me worry for him.
Mr. Guppy – When Mr. Guppy first showed up I thought he was going to be a comedic character but he has turned into a creepy stalker. (And I don’t know why but whenever I see him I think of that creepy character Johnny Depp plays on Dark Shadows. )
Character That Will Most Likely Send Me to Confession – It is one thing when you see a character that is obviously evil, such as Mr. Tulkinghorn, but the characters that get most under my skin are the ones that pretend to be innocent such as Harold Skimpole, AKA “I am but a child.” Child my arse. His selfishness and his indifference to the welfare of not only innocents but his own wife and children burns me up. I still wonder why in the world Mr. Jarndyce keeps him in his company. At least he is not fooling one person. Esther is on to his tricks and I love her more for it.
The Scene That Actually Made me Cry – It wasn’t when the poor woman’s baby died in her arms or when Esther was being verbally abused. It was the scene with Mr. Neckett’s three orphans that had me in tears. I was touched not so much by the misery of their lives but by the strength of their characters to do whatever it takes to survive and to stay together as a family. When Charlie said her little brother was not afraid of the dark and his innocent little face, matured beyond it’s years, showed that he was not afraid and he conquered his fear for the sake of the baby, it broke me.
Well, that is all I have time for today but feel free to leave your own comments. I’d love to read them!
Next week, I’ll watch parts 3-4. See you back on Monday!
Oh, wait! I forgot to give you a bit of Downton Abbey news. Here is an article I saw the other day on Twitter: Exclusive: Most of Downton Abbey Cast Re-Signs Through Season 5! Who’s Holding Out? Season 5?! That means there’s plenty more Downton coming over the next three years! Yay!