Sanditon on PBS Masterpiece exceeded my expectations in some respects and not in others. It seems that a mixed reaction to this mini-series is not unusual. Many viewers in the UK loved it. Many did not. Some loathed it. Reading and hearing the opinions of my Janeite friends overseas, I approached reviewing this series with some trepidation. I had an extreme reaction to Episode One at first, then viewed all the episodes in two days’ time. Seeing them back to back gave me a new perspective.
First, I wondered why Andrew Davies, the writer, used so little of Austen’s actual material. In my copy of Sanditon, the unfinished manuscript is 75 pages long. Austen completed the first draft of 11 chapters and began the 12th, where both Sidney Parker and Miss Lambe made their first appearances. Before that, the readers knew them only through conversations from other characters. Mr. Davies admitted that he devoted half of Episode One to Jane Austen’s plot as he did not think there was enough “story material” in her manuscript for more. Persuasion’s length was 24 complete chapters. Could Davies not have stretched Austen’s excellent material to two episodes? Instead he tossed aside the complex themes she was developing in favor of straightforward cinematic storytelling, which explains why so many Janeites were disappointed with the series.
As I watched the mini-series, I realized that it wasn’t an Austen adaptation. This televised tale was inspired by a tantalizing beginning that Austen did not complete. Davies used the unfinished novel merely as an outline for his plot. In online interviews he spoke about modernizing the story and sexing it up. In his foreword to the official companion book to the series, The World of Sanditon, Davies was forthright about rushing through the first three episodes as he worked against a deadline. He states:
I’m thrilled with what we have achieved: a period drama that feels utterly fresh and modern – Jane Austen, but not as you knew her.”
If you keep this statement in mind, you will watch the series for what it is and what it was meant to be – entertainment with many references to Jane Austen’s other novels and characters.
Rose Williams, who plays Charlotte Heywood, is adorable. She resembles an adolescent Austen heroine. Fresh-faced, yet wise and well-read, with a young-sounding voice, she has the qualities that I imagined for Charlotte Heywood and Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey. (Ms. Williams is 25 years old, but she looks and sounds much younger.)
I’ve read of complaints about Charlotte’s hair as being inauthentic in this series. At the assembly ball, however, and at formal gatherings, her hair and its accessories are appropriate for the occasion. I think that by keeping her hair loose and wild during walks, seaside outings, and less formal times, Davies is reminding viewers of her humble country origins. As a guest of the Parkers, she would have help from servants for formal occasions but would most likely be left on her own at other times.
Crystal Clarke as Miss Lambe, a woman of mixed-race, is given the delightful name of Georgiana, reminiscent of Mr. Darcy’s sister. Austen’s introduction of a West Indies heiress is a new development in her novels. The topic of mixed races and fantastic wealth achieved on plantations in Antigua is one she must have known well through her sailor brothers. I love the developing friendship between Georgiana and Charlotte.
I’ve not been as bothered by the music mentioned by some. Sanditon is located along the coastline of Sussex, a rural region, and the setting is not as fashionable or royal as Brighton, where fancy orchestras could find ample work. The folksy music complements the rustic, unfinished streets and buildings in Sanditon and supports the more modern treatment Davies sought.
The photography is lovely, the sets are lush, and I love how the costumes identify people by their wealth and status. Charlotte’s clothes are simple and homemade, although she owns more dresses than I though her parents with 11 children could afford. Miss Lambe, Miss Denham, and Clara Brereton wear clothes of a finer quality, and so forth.
Now we get to the part that I find problematic. I know Davies wanted to sex up the plot, but, really, a hand job? I was not amused. What if I wanted to introduce my young nieces to Jane Austen? How would I have explained that scene?
As to the nudity, male and female beaches were separated at the time. Both sexes knew the demarcation lines and where or where not to walk or swim. Charlotte happening upon Sidney Parker rising out of the ocean full frontal naked caused me to laugh, not out of embarrassment, but because the audience manipulation was so obvious. Jane Austen was no prude. A country woman, she had probably witnessed sex among animals, nursed her male relatives back to health, and helped family members and neighbors with birthing, but she was never crude. Ever.
Young Stringer, the foreman, is a likable character, but I thought almost from the start that he was created to be a “second stringer,” someone to throw us off in the romance department. His background and ambitions are suited to someone of Charlotte’s station, but Sidney Parker has been cast in the role of hero, and so Young Stringer’s purpose seems likely to go nowhere.
Theo James’s performance as Sidney Parker was quite good. He is a darkly handsome hero, one whose sparring with Charlotte in the first two episodes reminded me of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
To sum up this review, Davies chose to follow his own instincts in developing this miniseries If viewers watch the first two episodes of Sanditon on their own merit and not as an Austen adaptation, they’ll enjoy the experience.
Sanditon for streaming and binge watchers
The debut episode of the series will begin streaming on the MASTERPIECE PRIME VIDEO CHANNEL on January 12, with new episodes debuting Sunday of each following week. On February 23, fans can binge-watch the program in its entirety.
The subscription rate for the PBS MASTERPIECE Prime Video Channel is $5.99/month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription. Every purchase helps supports public television for all.
See sidebar for links to PBS, a description of the full cast, and a link to the companion book.
Links to Music
- Regency Music: Lords of the Seventh House
- The Locahber man behind celtic tunes in ITV drama Sanditon, The Press and Journal
Jane Austen's World 
Vic, appreciated this review. You covered a lot here and did it very well.
I agree with those who say, “Don’t mess with Jane.” I can’t watch the series as do not have television or other access, but from what I have read, this will give some a very distorted picture of Jane Austen, her world view and her writings, and some get all or most of their impressions from “entertainment” in movies or productiions such as this. I do not think Jane Austen would have liked having her work abused in this way. I think it’s exploitation to make a buck–or a pound.
Zoe, your points are good. Films that feature Austen novels often included music that sounded appropriate but that was frequently an incorrect choice for the period. Often, music we associate with Regency period, such as waltzes, was accessible only to the rich and trickled more slowly outward to the countryside, unless that area was a playground for the royals and rich. Our contemporary viewing public has little knowledge of the music played in rural towns of the era. I found the dance at the assembly ball in Sanditon, where dancers clapped in rhythm to a folk tune so interesting and refreshingly new. The choice of music is explained by composer Ruth Barrett, who pulled in music from across the British Isles to resemble the songs that would have been sung or played by all strata of society. The World of Sanditon by Sara Sheridan, a companion book to the series, explains why Barrett made her musical choices. One other comment about the music at the Assembly Ball – these balls were public. All folks from all walks of life were welcome to attend if they could afford the subscription cost. This was one reason why Mr. Darcy and his assembled company were so snot-nosed about having to socialize with the hoi poloi. Every Tom, Dick, and Mrs. Bennet was invited. My thought is that music that everyone knew would have been ordered up, and would have been perfect for country dances.
Just finished watching the first two episodes. The actors, costumes and settings are very satisfactory, but the action and speech patterns do not “flavor” like Austen…Don’t let that deter you from watching, however.
So true. Some phrases sounded too modern and jarred my ear.
Well said, Vic. I’m just finishing the 2nd episode – about 5 minutes to go – and feel as you do about your points. Interesting but not Jane. Beautiful scenery and costumes, though. As Lucretia (above) has said (and well), the actions and speech are not truly Austen and nor early 19th century. That said, I’ll continue watching – if only out of curiosity. I guess the purist in me would rather have the real thing than someone else’s interpretation of what might have been written. (And Theo James erupting from the sea naked was really very gratuitous.)
I’ll be curious about your thoughts as the season progresses. I’ve tried not to put spoilers in this review, but it’s hard not to give the game away.
Excellent review Vic. I agree with your observations. Having just re-read Sandition I was surprised at how quickly they covered Jane Austen’s original material. But you make an excellent point to watch it not as a Jane Austen adaption but an entertainment based on Jane Austen’s characters. You’re point on her hair showing her country origins is something we hadn’t considered. The music didn’t bother me either. I had recently bought a CD of regency era music called Lady Carolyn’s regency romp by the Lexington vintage dance society. In its liner notes they stated that the English and Scottish country dance was most popular at the beginning of the era, Although it was eclipsed by the later introduction of the waltz etc, it was by no means eliminated. To me it seemed quite appropriate in that setting, and I rather enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing the rest of the series.
Kevin, I look forward to your analysis of future episodes. What I like about Andrew Davies is that he is so well-versed in British history, modes, and manners. His team has access to the best experts, Paula Byrne included.
I promise to give it my best. Good for you in not giving away anything. I really am curious as to where Davies will take this. And i did enjoy the interviews, etc. at the end of the show.
I’ll give it my best. I really am curious to see where Davies will take this. And hold onto your spoilers – we can all dissect the show when it’s done!
Lynne I agree with you. The Mr-Darcy-in-a-wet-shirt scene from Andrew Davies’ adaptation of Pride and Prejudice has become such a fixture in Jane Austen adaptations (largely thanks to Bridget Jones’ obsession with it) that Davies probably felt he had to up the ante. If you view Sanditon as a Jane Austen fan-fic, or even a parody, it is quite watchable.
Polly, so many movie adaptations consider the visual importance of story telling over the written word that many authors are incensed that their beloved tales have been twisted. I thought the same about Mr. Darcy’s scene in the pond. (Don’t forget his bath scene inside Pemberley, or the number of times he was shown on horseback doing “manly” things. Andrew Davies has a penchant for showing the male POV, which modern audiences find satisfying.
Your use of the word parody is apt. I’m curious to know your reaction as the episodes are shown in progression.
I thought the incest, which started off as an understated hint, but became pretty much in your face later on, was an unlikely theme for a vicar’s daughter. I didn’t like the Irish-sounding music in such an English setting. I didn’t like Charlotte’s hair, which was as well as being straggly, was way too short for a woman of the time – my own mother could sit on her hair at 16 and her mother likewise, although both had it shortened as time went by. I’m watching the DVD and I’ve been saving it a bit, so I’ve still got one episode to go.
I forgot to say that, despite my criticisms, I am enjoying it immensely.
Good choice of words and analysis. I added some links about the music at the bottom of the post.
Vic, you sum it up pretty well, about Mr. Davies’s script in some details: Jane Austen was not prude and not crude either.
By the way, I’ve loved Davie’s Sanditon.
Thank you, Raquel. And thank you for your suggestions via email. It was good to hear from you. I can’t say I loved Davies’ Sanditon, but you phrased it in the correct way – It’s HIS Sanditon, not Austen’s. She gave the springboard for the plot and the star name attraction for marketing purposed, but Davies’ plot is about as subtle as a battering ram.
Once I cooled off seeing how little of Jane’s manuscript he incorporated in Episode One and watched the entire series, I enjoyed it. Not once, however, did I fool myself into thinking that Austen would have approved of the sexing up thing, which becomes more pronounced as the series progresses.
It was the usual beautifully produced TV Chewing gum for the brain entertainment so no fault in that. For anyone with no knowledge or interest in Austen it will tick those boxes and is better than a lot of other TV series. It is decidedly flawed in a myriad of ways in terms of social history but, again, most things made for a general audience are. So if you are a die-hard fan of Jane Austen it is probably not for you but if you want a Georgian modernised romp enjoy. I watched it all and, as always, tried my best to squish the irritating moments and enjoy the lovely scenery, costumes and some pretty good acting.
Loved your phrasing of beautifully produced chewing gum. So apt.
Your experience/appreciation is mine also. Trying hard to suspend my disbelief but the jarring modernisms don’t help, so will just go with the flow and accept it for what it is – not Austen. Not even close.
Yes just soak up the visuals and enjoy some excellent moments of fine acting and let the rest go. It is certainly watchable, shame about strapping on the Austen name.
I tried to watch it, accept it for what it was, but after a while, I lost interest. It just didn’t capture my interest.
denise
Oh, Denise, I am so sorry. I know you were looking forward to watching the series and I am sad to know that you lost interest. Try binge watching it once the series is available as a full set. This might make a difference, Vic
Thanks for the idea.
Absolutely love this show and am currently part of the ever growing fandom that hopes for a continuation of this story. Rose Williams’s Charlotte Heywood has become one of my favorite Jane Austen heroines. I enjoy her innocence as well as her spunk. As for Theo James, he acts with every single muscle of his face as well as his eyes… their chemistry as the show goes on is truly spectacular. As for some of the conversations I have been having with others who have just watch the first two episodes, I noticed their disappointment with some of the more explicit parts of the show and I understand that it isn’t expected to show up in a Jane Austen novel. Thank being said, Austen wrote as far as her own experiences allowed. Since she never married, anything sexual was out of context for her and her stories, yet they did play a part, such as Lydia and Wickham eloping and being seen waking up in their undergarments or Willoughby’s true nature being revealed when it’s discovered that he had seduced Colonel Brandon’s ward. These things happened as they are a part of human nature, even if Austen herself never went into specific details. The point that I am trying to make is that no this show isn’t 100% Jane Austen as we know her, but that doesn’t diminish the quality of this show. Please give it a chance and I hope everyone continues to enjoy it with an open mind and falls in love with these characters just as I have.
You make the same case as I and others have – this is Davies’ Sanditon. He’s an excellent cinematic storyteller, as his past successes have shown. After just reading Austen’s manuscript, I watched the first two episodes, which gave me an unpleasant after taste. When I changed my perspective, I enjoyed the episodes more.
I’m with Mari. Despite the criticisms I have made earlier, I liked the series and I agree entirely about the characters.
I watched the final episode last night. I don’t want to give anything away, but wow! A total surprise.
All I want now is “Further Adventures of Charlotte”.
Forgot to add: there is another ball, and this time I found the music appropriate. Some of it was a bit Scottish, but that fits in with the times. With both ball, I did like the dances – not exactly Playford, but the kind of boisterous dancing that I had read was normal in the late 18th century and very early 19th.
Thanks for the music information. And thanks for not giving the ending away!!
I binged watched all eight episodes with my Passport membership. It’s definitely a racier Jane interpretation than seen previously. I thought a mucky, messy soap opera loosely based on Jane’s manuscript. And what was with the pink lipstick on the women?
At least they didn’t wear mascara! It WAS a soap opera, more in the vein of Austen’s Juvenilia than anything she produced in her maturity.
Hi Vic, I appreciate your review but mostly have to agree with the dissenters. Just because this series mentions in passing some of the original doesn’t mean it is Jane Austen. It’s commercial exploitation. I disliked the dialog and stock character acting. Rose Williams seems bland and not charming enough. Her hair is horrible as someone already mentioned. None of the actors are exciting or believable and more importantly none seem to enjoy their roles. Had to stop watching.
I’m very sorry that my comment was not shown.
My comment was entirely appropriate .If you want me to change my review or “make a correction” I would be being untruthful.