The Other Bennet Sister Review: Mary Bennet Takes Centre Stage in Pride and Prejudice Adaptation
In the vast landscape of Jane Austen retellings, Lydia Bennet has often stolen the spotlight with her dramatic flair, while Elizabeth and Jane have enjoyed their fair share of attention. Now, it's Mary Bennet's turn to step into the limelight in the BBC's new adaptation of Janice Hadlow's 2020 bestseller, The Other Bennet Sister. This 10-part series, written by Sarah Quintrell with additional contributions from Maddie Dai, offers a lighthearted reimagining that focuses on the bookish middle sister, though it occasionally labours its jokes about her marriage prospects.
A Lovely Performance Overshadowed by Repetitive Humour
Ella Bruccoleri delivers an absolutely lovely performance as Mary Bennet, capturing the character's intellectual curiosity and quiet resilience. However, the drama's early episodes become bogged down by an overly slight and repetitive focus on Mary's perceived unviability in the marriage market. From the moment news breaks that Netherfield Park has been let to a single man of fortune, the Bennet family—led by Ruth Jones as a pushy Mrs Bennet and Richard E Grant as Mr Bennet—relentlessly mocks Mary's ruddy complexion and spectacles, treating her as if she were "arsenic and prussic acid in a muslin gown."
This exaggerated portrayal quickly turns absurd and boring, dominating the first two episodes with farcical scenes where Mary is ignored in conversations, left off lists of family accomplishments, and forced to bathe last before the Netherfield ball. While the series aims for a pre-watershed Sunday evening charm, the constant bashing of Mary's character feels overdone, detracting from the potential depth of her story.
Moments of Charm and Character Development
Matters improve significantly when Mary is sent away to work as a governess, allowing her character to develop genuine interests and agency. Until this point, The Other Bennet Sister feels too slight for its slot, even in today's digital streaming era where time slots are less rigid. The growing charm and heft of the narrative, combined with Bruccoleri's endearing performance, make it a series worth sticking with—or rather, one with which it is worth sticking, as Mary might correct.
A poignant subplot involves Mary's brief connection with Mr Sparrow, played by Aaron Gill, an optician who appreciates her precise use of language, such as correcting "less" to "fewer." This makes him a rare gem in her world, but Mrs Bennet's disapproval—due to his trade background—thwarts any potential romance, highlighting the era's rigid social constraints. This moment offers a glimpse into Mary's inner strength, as she sacrifices her happiness for her sisters' prospects, showcasing a better nature than many might possess.
Comparison to Other Retellings and Final Verdict
The Other Bennet Sister joins a lineage of Mary-focused works, including Coleen McCullough's The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet and Terri Fleming's Perception, but stands out due to its television adaptation. While the series initially struggles with its lightweight approach, it ultimately finds its footing, offering a fresh perspective on a often-overlooked character. For fans of Austen adaptations, this drama provides a charming, if occasionally frustrating, exploration of Mary Bennet's world, buoyed by a standout performance from Ella Bruccoleri.
The series aired on BBC One and is available for streaming on iPlayer, inviting viewers to revisit the Bennet family with a new focus on the sister who has long been in the shadows.
