The BBC's 2009 television adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma continues to win praise from viewers years after its release, with fans calling it 'brilliant' and 'beautiful to watch.' The four-episode series, which brings Austen's 1815 novel to life in serialised form, stands out among the author's devotees even as it often flies under the radar for period drama fans.
A Faithful Retelling of Austen's Novel
Written by Sandy Welch, who also created the BBC's Jane Eyre and North & South, the adaptation reworks Austen's story for a television audience. Unlike the 1996 film versions, this 2009 drama unfolds across four episodes, allowing more room for the original plot and themes.
Fans were pleased to see how much of the source material was preserved. One viewer wrote on IMDb: 'Finally, an Emma that will stand the test of time.' They added: 'What we have here is something that is entirely on Austen's wavelength, with characters behaving as her characters would and saying the sorts of things her characters say. Something which is faithful to the purpose and meaning of the book, which aims to get the characters Jane Austen wrote onto the screen where we can see, recognise and enjoy them.'
Cast and Visuals Draw Praise
The standalone series stars Romola Garai as the titular Emma Woodhouse, with Jonny Lee Miller as her lifelong friend Mr Knightley. Michael Gambon plays Emma's father, Mr Woodhouse, and Louise Dylan appears as Harriet Smith.
Garai's performance drew particular acclaim. One fan wrote: 'Brilliant! Everything from the acting to the costumes, storyline, and music was just so superbly done. This version of Emma far surpasses its predecessors. Romola, the actress staring as Emma, puts Paltrow to shame.'
In the story, Emma is an extremely wealthy and self-deluded young girl who enjoys meddling in other people's love lives. Her matchmaking among her Highbury neighbours leads to a series of chaotic incidents and, in turn, her own personal growth as she matures.
Viewing Figures and Legacy
Commenting on the series' visuals, one viewer said: 'Emma was really beautiful to watch. Though I will say, and I am not trying to be a killjoy here, the book is better. In general, this mini series was very well done, not only in terms of acting but visually and musically as well. The mini series was exquisitely photographed, with camera work that never felt rushed in any way.'
Upon its release in 2009, the first episode was received positively, but viewership declined with each weekly episode. Some BBC bosses suggested this was due to a scheduling conflict with the X Factor on ITV1 at the time.
Years later, as viewers rediscover the series, it has become a popular binge-watch, with just four episodes. The 2009 adaptation of Emma is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer and to rent on Amazon Prime.
