Death Comes to Pemberley: The Perfect Jane Austen Sequel for Fans to Binge on BBC iPlayer
Devotees of The Other Bennet Sister who have completed its sole season are now eagerly searching for their next period drama fix. The answer lies in the BBC's compelling sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberley, which is currently available to stream on iPlayer. This series offers a fresh yet respectful take on Jane Austen's beloved universe, providing an ideal binge-watch for enthusiasts.
A Gripping Follow-On from Pride and Prejudice
First broadcast in 2013, Death Comes to Pemberley is a standalone series that continues the narrative exactly where Pride and Prejudice concluded. Adapted from P.D. James's 2011 novel, it employs the same characters and stylistic elements of Austen's original 1813 work, but with a thrilling murder mystery twist. Over three episodes, the drama delves into a suspenseful plot that reimagines familiar characters in a new light, set in 1803, six years after the wedding of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
The series has garnered praise for its production quality and character portrayals. The Guardian noted that it is "respectful" of Austen's iconic work while managing to "stand out" as its own "very different" entity. Similarities to the Pride and Prejudice adaptation include the use of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire as the exterior location for Pemberley, identical to the setting in the 2005 film.
Viewers have shared enthusiastic assessments on platforms like IMDB. One fan remarked, "If you are like me and enjoy your Pride and Prejudice and a good murder plot, then you would love this series!" They added, "Elisabeth in particular is just like I would have imagined; she is the same spirited, outspoken person we know and love, while Darcy is more brooding, quiet and responsible."
A PopMatters critic also weighed in, writing, "Death Comes to Pemberley, a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by P.D. James, is a worthy addition to Austen's original, and the BBC adaptation makes that case wonderfully."
Plot Overview and Character Dynamics
The drama begins with a mysterious disappearance that unsettles the community. Wickham and Denny quarrel before departing in a horse and carriage, followed by two gunshots. Upon learning of the incident, Darcy dispatches a search party, which finds Wickham frantically clutching Denny's lifeless body, setting in motion a tale of how this devastating death occurred.
Starring Anna Maxwell Martin as Elizabeth, Matthew Rhys as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jenna Coleman as Lydia Wickham, and Matthew Goode as George Wickham, the series brings these iconic characters to life with nuanced performances. However, it has faced some criticism for its portrayal of certain Austen characters, with one IMDB reviewer stating, "When you use well-known and loved characters from something as famous as Pride and Prejudice, they should at least stay faithful to their original characters. Which it does, mostly, but the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett was just really off."
Why It's a Must-Watch for Austen Fans
Venturing into Austen's world carries considerable weight, as her work is regarded as sacred by legions of devoted fans. Despite this, Death Comes to Pemberley manages to balance reverence with innovation, offering a compact three-episode series that is perfect for a binge-watch. Its availability on BBC iPlayer makes it easily accessible for those seeking their next Austen-inspired drama.
In summary, this series not only complements The Other Bennet Sister but also stands as a compelling narrative in its own right, blending classic Austen elements with a gripping mystery to create an unforgettable viewing experience.
