The sixty-fourth TV show: #717 Bleak House
I'm effectively a year or two away from reading the novel, but in the man time I've seen this adaptation from Bleak House. I'm sure it's edited in what it covers (including, I understand, an added character to make scenes flow better), but what feels more noticeable is that the show speeds up its storytelling compared to, say, Brideshead or Pride and Prejudice. It feels more like a modern show in that end, rather than imitating the pace of what's expected from these older shows. It works to keep the show a bit more interesting and accessible. A comment on us, perhaps, but it's more considered in what it does and how it does it. It still keeps time for the significant moment, just doesn't linger where it isn't needed.
The performances stand out here. There are some of the greats here that clearly dominate, where you would expect the performers too: Charles Dance allows those around him to shine, but stands out, as do Gillian Anderson and Denis Lawson. It's impressive that the real lead of the story, Anna Maxwell Martin, holds up against that. While her character is sweet and smaller, she holds up against these personalities and comes across really well, without overwhelming either. She's great to watch and enjoy during the show and anchors it well.
There are some great emotional highs in here, moments that work well - often earned from its biuld up and followed up with better. Again, it doesn't linger on it too long, and jumps off to the next step after that, showing the consequences and ripples. It's great editing, which is something we've seen works from other shows... ones that aren't as historical. It's a quality production, exceeding others in the genre that didn't always work for me.