Death Comes to Pemberley, a three-part BBC period drama widely considered a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, is now streaming on Channel 4. The 2013 adaptation of P. D. James' 2011 bestselling novel continues Jane Austen's beloved story six years after the original events, but with a compelling twist: it trades romance for a murder mystery.
Plot and Setting
In June 1803, Mr and Mrs Darcy are hosting a grand ball at their home, Pemberley Manor, when chaos erupts with the unexpected arrival of Lydia Wickham. She claims her husband George has quarrelled with his travelling companion Captain Denny, resulting in the latter's death. The series then unfolds as a gripping whodunnit, involving dark secrets, family loyalties, and a dramatic courtroom trial, along with the profound impact on Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage.
The series has drawn widespread comparisons to Agatha Christie's work, yet remains firmly rooted within Austen's cherished literary world.
Cast and Reception
The stellar cast includes Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin as Darcy and Elizabeth, Matthew Goode as Wickham, and a young Jenna Coleman as Lydia. Further highlights include Eleanor Tomlinson as Georgiana Darcy, James Norton as her suitor Henry Alveston, and Penelope Keith as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Notably, Tom Ward, who portrays Colonel Fitzwilliam, appeared in a minor role in the iconic 1995 Pride and Prejudice adaptation.
The initial broadcast of Death Comes to Pemberley attracted nearly 8 million viewers for its debut episode over Christmas 2013. Critics at the time raved about its "perfect" Christmas TV material. Online commentators have been equally enthusiastic. On IMDb, one critic described it as "a substantial addition to Pride and Prejudice," commending how respectfully it honours Austen's original work. A second reviewer deemed it essential viewing and declared it "definitely worth a rewatch." Another critic went further, awarding it a full 9/10 and characterising it as "a truly thrilling mystery that pays tribute to Miss Austen." Most assessments share one common thread: lauding the cast. Some acknowledge they adore the original films and programmes but maintain that the actors who portrayed Elizabeth and Mr Darcy in this adaptation served the characters admirably.
Death Comes to Pemberley is streaming now on Channel 4.
