Dickensian

Well done BBC. I was hesitant at first because I was worried about the tampering of Charles Dickens amazing work and especially over a story that combines many of his characters from other books into a murder mystery. The dialogue was as if Dickens himself wrote it and I believe he would have enjoyed it as much as I did.

Kept me wanting more, numerous story arcs going throughout the 10 hours and all were brought to a close by the end... I started to give it a 7 because I didn't really like the way a couple of them ended, especially with Honoria, but decided I couldn't budge from an 8. Great cast across the board. Rea and Rundle were very good, but Middleton was fantastic. I saw her in Sense8 and realized what a terrific actress she was (much better than rest of cast) but this showed what incredible range she has when contrasting her two characters....this certainly showcased her beauty as well. Stunning. As English period pieces go this was another great one. The Brits just do them so much better.

It would have been delightful to enjoy the well-rounded Dickensian characters again this Christmas. Instead we have been bombarded with repeats of dramas seen several times already. What has happened to this wonderful series?

Absolutely fantastic, the cast, the characters are just amazing. The very best of British and so clever to combine different characters for this series 10 out of 10

Given that I totally loathe Eastenders and its dreary premise, I was so surprised to find just how enjoyable Dickensian is. I recorded quite a few episodes but once I started watching I have fond it compulsive viewing. My only complaint is the casting of Stephen Rea as the detective, Bucket. Rea is not a great favourite of mine so I find it hard to be convinced by him. The other actors are, in my opinion, fantastically well cast. Pauline Collins is great as is Ned Dehenny as Scrooge. Everyone inhabits their parts very well. Production values are high and Victorian Britain is well portrayed here. The story is well written and plotted and makes a pleasant change from the dreadful Eastenders. It is interesting to see the show's take on Miss Havisham's fate which was never really fully explained in Great Expectations. I just hope that the standard remains as high as the series has been so far.