Devotees of the BBC have been left utterly captivated by what they are describing as an 'exquisite' period drama, insisting the series is an absolute 'must watch'. The show in question is the corporation's 2009 adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, 'Emma', which has recently become available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer.
A Timeless Adaptation Finds New Admirers
First broadcast on BBC One in 2009, the series stars Romola Garai in the title role of the meddling heroine Emma Woodhouse, with Jonny Lee Miller portraying the principled Mr George Knightley. The cast is rounded out by the esteemed Michael Gambon as Emma's anxious father, Mr Woodhouse. The plot faithfully follows Austen's 1815 classic, charting Emma's well-intentioned but often disastrous attempts at matchmaking for those in her social circle, particularly her friend Harriet Smith.
Despite numerous television and film adaptations over the years, this particular version has sparked a fresh wave of admiration on forums like Reddit, where fans are declaring it their definitive favourite. One viewer enthusiastically wrote, 'I've brought this up before, but the little details are chef's kiss,' while another simply stated, 'I love it, it's my favourite adaptation of Emma.'
Praise for Cast and Faithful Characterisation
The performance of Romola Garai has received particular acclaim. A fan elaborated, 'I LOVE Romola Garai as Emma. I think what both 1996 and 2020 miss is that she's supposed to be more charming than snobbish... And I think only 2009 really succeeds there.' Jonny Lee Miller's turn as Mr Knightley has also been highlighted for its authenticity, with the same fan noting, 'Miller is more faithful to the idea of Knightley I've always had in my head.'
The plaudits extend beyond the lead performances. Another viewer declared, 'Definitely the best Emma I've ever seen! The casting was perfect; it is a must watch.' A fifth comment praised the production's overall quality: 'In general, this mini series was very well done, not only in terms of acting but visually and musically as well.' The consensus was neatly summarised by a sixth fan who concluded, 'Emma scored full marks. Romola Garai was as close to perfect an Emma as I could imagine.'
Austen's World Continues to Expand on the BBC
This renewed interest in classic Austen adaptations coincides with the BBC preparing another new period drama set in the author's universe. 'The Other Bennet Sister' will retell the story of 'Pride and Prejudice' from the perspective of the often-overlooked middle sister, Mary Bennet.
The series, which filmed in Wales, features a star-studded cast including Ruth Jones and Richard E. Grant as Mr and Mrs Bennet, and Indira Varma. Notably, Ella Bruccoleri, known for her role in 'Call the Midwife', undergoes a dramatic transformation to play the lead role of Mary, swapping her nun's wimple for Regency-era gowns and spectacles.
The official synopsis reveals the series will follow Mary as she leaves Longbourn for London to live with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, embarking on a journey of self-discovery far from the marriage-focused pursuits of her sisters.
For now, audiences eager for a taste of impeccable Austen storytelling can immerse themselves in the celebrated 2009 adaptation. All four episodes of 'Emma' are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
