As the final chapter of Stranger Things arrives on Netflix, fans mourning a beloved character's departure have the perfect opportunity to discover a hidden gem from actor Joseph Quinn's past. Before his star-making turn as Eddie Munson, Quinn featured in a bold BBC period drama once branded the 'riskiest show on TV'.
From Hawkins to Victorian London
Joseph Quinn captured hearts worldwide as the charismatic Eddie Munson in the fourth season of Stranger Things. Across eight episodes, his portrayal of the Dungeons & Dragons-loving metalhead became an instant fan favourite, making his character's ultimate fate one of the season's most poignant moments.
However, long before his journey to Hawkins, the London-born actor secured his second major screen role in the ambitious 2016 series Dickensian. This unique production weaved together characters from multiple Charles Dickens novels into a single, cohesive narrative set in Victorian London.
In the series, Quinn played Arthur Havisham, a character originally from the classic novel Great Expectations. The show's premise revolves around Inspector Bucket investigating the murder of Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner, Jacob Marley. This central mystery connects a host of famous literary figures living in the same neighbourhood.
A Critically Acclaimed Mashup
While Dickensian did not garner enough critical reviews for a Rotten Tomatoes score, those who reviewed it heaped on the praise. A critic from The Guardian went so far as to label it the 'riskiest show on TV' at the time of its original broadcast.
The review elaborated, stating: "The BBC drama is taking more risks than any other show on British TV at the moment. The reasons for this lie deep in its mongrel DNA. This is a smoggy, shadowy period drama paced like a soap opera. It is a bizarre mashup; characters from seven Dickens novels cross paths and live cheek by jowl."
Audiences were equally enthusiastic in their appreciation. One viewer described the series as "pure perfection", celebrating it as a "triumphant collaboration" and a "gorgeously shot" whodunnit. Another fan praised the "superb cast" and "compelling" scripts, while a third admitted to watching it for a third time, calling it an "amazing epic story" that "absolutely sparkles".
Where to Watch Dickensian Now
For those intrigued by this unique piece of television history, the entire 2016 series of Dickensian remains available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. With its story beginning around Christmas Eve, it also serves as an ideal festive period watch.
Since his time on Dickensian, Joseph Quinn's career has skyrocketed. He has since landed roles in major blockbusters like Gladiator II and A Quiet Place: Day One. He is also set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the iconic role of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in the upcoming Fantastic Four: The First Steps.
Rediscovering Dickensian offers a fascinating look at the early work of an actor on the rise, in a series that dared to be different and was celebrated for its bold vision.
