Death Comes to Pemberley, a three-part BBC murder mystery drama serving as a spin-off of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, is now streaming on Channel 4. The 2013 adaptation of P. D. James' bestselling novel continues the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy six years after the original tale concludes, but with a dark twist.
Plot and Setting
In June 1803, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are hosting a ball at their Pemberley Manor estate when chaos erupts following the arrival of Lydia Wickham. Lydia claims her husband George has argued with his traveling companion Captain Denny, resulting in Denny's death. The series then shifts from Austen's romance to a gripping whodunnit, weaving together secrets, family loyalties, and a courtroom trial, while examining the toll these events take on Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage.
Cast and Reception
The stellar cast includes Matthew Rhys as Darcy, Anna Maxwell Martin as Elizabeth, Matthew Goode as Wickham, and a young Jenna Coleman as Lydia. Other highlights include Eleanor Tomlinson as Georgiana Darcy, James Norton as Henry Alveston, and Penelope Keith as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Tom Ward, who appeared in the iconic 1995 Pride and Prejudice adaptation, portrays Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The debut airing of Death Comes to Pemberley attracted nearly 8 million viewers for its opening episode over Christmas 2013. Critics praised it as "perfect" festive television. Online reviewers have been equally positive, with one IMDb reviewer calling it "a substantial addition to Pride and Prejudice" and another giving it a 9/10, describing it as "a truly thrilling mystery that pays tribute to Miss Austen."
Streaming Availability
All three episodes of Death Comes to Pemberley are now streaming on Channel 4.
