The Other Bennet Sister

[Slim]

I watched this for a few minutes with 'er indoors. Honestly, my reason for tolerating it for five minutes was to see if I could spot any anachronisms - an electric doorbell on the front of a stately home, perhaps. I've seen a TV aerial on a period drama set in the Regency at least once.

I did think the internal door hinges, in the brief moments they were visible, were a bit more B&Q than you'd expect in the early 19th century. But more importantly, to my astonishment, I was completely drawn in. I normally hate anything set earlier than the 20th century unless there's a bit of gore in it and I usually avoid the likes of Far From the Madding Crowd, Jane Eyre and all that bollocks like a sort of televisual Kryptonite.

Apparently based on Pride and Prejudice, with which I had no familiarity at all, this is the story of a single, bookish, plain girl with four glamorous married sisters. It's not quite a comedy, not quite a drama. But it's beautifully acted, almost wilfully understated and hugely charming. Absolutely loved it. Fantastic telly.

[The Picnic Wasp]

I was similarly surprised by my quick addiction to Downton Abbey.