![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
olde_fashionedI was bad and didn't write up a review for last week's RIDICULOUSLY SHORT installment of Cranford mainly because I couldn't come up with much to say about it. So I decided to lump it all together with episode three.
Warning: SPOILERS ABOUND as always!! ;-D (and I'm too tired so I'm probably rambling like a nitwit and mispelling words all over the place but oh well.)
Okay. Episode Two. Did anyone else find this horribly rushed and short? I was most extremely vexed to the point of Lady Catherine-ness to find myself so utterly and completely cheated by one whole hour!! It was cruel and unusual punishment. In general I think they stretched the plot a bit thin for this eppy for the sake of dragging the series on for another week. The only thing Big that happened was Mr. Holbrook's untimely demise. Poor Miss Matty. *sniffles*
I'm sure I'm forgetting something but it's been a week since I watched it. I should watch it again.
Okay. Now for Episode Three.
Most of this episode was not covered in the novel of Cranford that I read earlier this year, so I was clueless as to how it would end except that I was pretty sure Dr. Harrison was going to end up with Sophy. ;-) I mean, it was common sense -- there wasn't enough time left by the end of Ep. 2 and they can't invent a new love interest and have him get over the old one in that span of time. They just can't. Thankfully for us (the viewers) as well as poor Dr. Harrison and poor Sophy Hutton they ended up getting married after all. (I KNEW they would!!) *cue the gushing* AWWWWWWWWWWWWW are they a cute couple or what?? They're both so young and are so sweet when they look at each other. I loved the little picnic scene, when they sit on the log together, and he reaches out and touches her ribbon (what IS it with this actor and his girlfriend's ribbons, anyway???) and then Sophy's sisters start giggling. ;-D So cute. And also the doctor's rather disappointed and dismayed expression when he realizes he's not getting to ride with Sophy on the cart/wagon/whatever alone after he was staring at her teaching the girls how to dance!!!! ;-P
I knew about Peter Jenkyns, but it was sweetly done, anyway. :-) And the whole tea-shop thing, very funny. But the bank failure was sad and yet it wasn't -- I mean of course it's sad that Miss Matty became so poor, but when all her friends stood up and gave her money like that, and without her knowing, too. I cried. I did! I really did, and I cried even harder when Mrs. Forrester ran out and talked to Mary about how kind Miss Matty had been to her when they were young girls, when Matty had refused Mr. Holbrook and bumped into Mrs. Forrester just afterwards, and asked after her sick mother. I really cried at that. *dabs hanky at eyes*
Speaking of crying, I don't know what makes me cry more; sad scenes (deaths, especially) or scenes where people are being wonderful to each other. I don't mean romance, because that is a selfish kind of wonderful, but that selfless Christian charity, when people who might even have started out hating each other do something entirely good and utterly disinterested for the sake of doing what is right. Mr. Carter fills this role to a T in this series; he was a wonderful character. (I confess I had to overcome my remembrance of him as the nasty Nazi commander in Island at War, but he did a great job of being both stern and grumpy yet good and kind-hearted I think) His interactions with little Harry Gregson were heartwarming, to say the least. I can't believe they KILLED him!!!!! No!! And just when he was warming up to Miller!Lady (her name escapes me) and she was warming up to him and he brought her flowers!!! I wanted Lady Ludlow to hug poor Harry after Mr. Carter died. I think that was the least she could have done, but I suppose she was making a rather large concession by letting him sit on her furniture.
Harry was a good boy. I'd like to see how his story ends; I think he will turn out well, and become a famous teacher/doctor/reformer or something "big".
I love the medical scenes. Lovelovelove them. I know, I know, they're sad, and I don't like people getting hurt, but I do so love to see a glimpse of period medical practices. :-) And I've never seen anyone give an eye exam!!! That was fantastic!!
Ohhhh if I cried at Miss Matty's friends supporting her and poor Mr. Carter's death then I just about BAWLED when Jessie Brown started playing that song again. I knew, I knew! I knew what it meant, but that didn't start my eyes from getting blurry when he started singing and then walked in the door. *loud sigh* Those two went through an awful lot, and even though it was mainly Jessie's doing I somehow cannot blame her for doing what she thought was right. I think Major Gordon knew that, too.
Mary Smith didn't get to get married!!!!!! *pounds on table* Although was it just my over-eager imagination or was that A Glance exchanged between her and Dr. Marshland??? ;-D Hehehe!! (he ought to have been tarred and feathered for what he did with the valentine pranks but at least he tried to make things right. I'll give him credit for that at least.) And did anyone else catch that he was Irish?? ^-^
Sophy's illness -- of course we have to have Romantic Heroine get ill so Romantic Hero who also just happens to be a doctor come and save her. ;-P Totally predictable, but great nonetheless. I was a little taken aback when he broke the windows because I had thought he was going to say "the catch sticks" and open it like before, but I suppose no holds barred when his Lady Love is lying ill!! I thought it was cute that his friend Dr. Marshland had enough tact to flee the room once she was on the mend. ;-P
What was with all those silly old ladies fancying that Dr. Harrison had designs on them????? Ugh!! I don't know which was worse -- the Horrible Caroline Tompkinson or the ancient Mrs. Rose. 8-/ Silly women, letting themselves be talked into imagining love. *scoffs* Someone please shoot me with a shotgun if I ever do that, pleeeeaase????? ;-P
Martha & Jem in the forest???? What the heck was THAT?!!? Please tell me that was not what I thought it was. *covers eyes*
Sometimes I really think Elizabeth Gaskell's secondary characters are her finest. Higgins from N&S, Lady Harriet from W&D, Mr. Carter, etc. That lady could write, and she knew people. I love how she incorporates those little things that make you shake your head and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I can't wait to see the new spin-off of Cranford. *happy sigh*
I am sure that as soon as I go to bed I will think of something else to say, but at the moment, my mind is blank.
Edit: BOOK SPOILERS! I was surprised that Capt. Brown didn't die like he did in the book -- is this yet to come, I wonder? And I was really hoping for that funny bit with the hoopskirt/cage/crinoline like in the book, but I shall hold out for the new Christmas thing and hope it's in that. ;-)
Edit again to add the link for the aforementioned "Christmas Thing" because people seem to be asking. ;-P
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/31/cranford.shtml
Warning: SPOILERS ABOUND as always!! ;-D (and I'm too tired so I'm probably rambling like a nitwit and mispelling words all over the place but oh well.)
Okay. Episode Two. Did anyone else find this horribly rushed and short? I was most extremely vexed to the point of Lady Catherine-ness to find myself so utterly and completely cheated by one whole hour!! It was cruel and unusual punishment. In general I think they stretched the plot a bit thin for this eppy for the sake of dragging the series on for another week. The only thing Big that happened was Mr. Holbrook's untimely demise. Poor Miss Matty. *sniffles*
I'm sure I'm forgetting something but it's been a week since I watched it. I should watch it again.
Okay. Now for Episode Three.
Most of this episode was not covered in the novel of Cranford that I read earlier this year, so I was clueless as to how it would end except that I was pretty sure Dr. Harrison was going to end up with Sophy. ;-) I mean, it was common sense -- there wasn't enough time left by the end of Ep. 2 and they can't invent a new love interest and have him get over the old one in that span of time. They just can't. Thankfully for us (the viewers) as well as poor Dr. Harrison and poor Sophy Hutton they ended up getting married after all. (I KNEW they would!!) *cue the gushing* AWWWWWWWWWWWWW are they a cute couple or what?? They're both so young and are so sweet when they look at each other. I loved the little picnic scene, when they sit on the log together, and he reaches out and touches her ribbon (what IS it with this actor and his girlfriend's ribbons, anyway???) and then Sophy's sisters start giggling. ;-D So cute. And also the doctor's rather disappointed and dismayed expression when he realizes he's not getting to ride with Sophy on the cart/wagon/whatever alone after he was staring at her teaching the girls how to dance!!!! ;-P
I knew about Peter Jenkyns, but it was sweetly done, anyway. :-) And the whole tea-shop thing, very funny. But the bank failure was sad and yet it wasn't -- I mean of course it's sad that Miss Matty became so poor, but when all her friends stood up and gave her money like that, and without her knowing, too. I cried. I did! I really did, and I cried even harder when Mrs. Forrester ran out and talked to Mary about how kind Miss Matty had been to her when they were young girls, when Matty had refused Mr. Holbrook and bumped into Mrs. Forrester just afterwards, and asked after her sick mother. I really cried at that. *dabs hanky at eyes*
Speaking of crying, I don't know what makes me cry more; sad scenes (deaths, especially) or scenes where people are being wonderful to each other. I don't mean romance, because that is a selfish kind of wonderful, but that selfless Christian charity, when people who might even have started out hating each other do something entirely good and utterly disinterested for the sake of doing what is right. Mr. Carter fills this role to a T in this series; he was a wonderful character. (I confess I had to overcome my remembrance of him as the nasty Nazi commander in Island at War, but he did a great job of being both stern and grumpy yet good and kind-hearted I think) His interactions with little Harry Gregson were heartwarming, to say the least. I can't believe they KILLED him!!!!! No!! And just when he was warming up to Miller!Lady (her name escapes me) and she was warming up to him and he brought her flowers!!! I wanted Lady Ludlow to hug poor Harry after Mr. Carter died. I think that was the least she could have done, but I suppose she was making a rather large concession by letting him sit on her furniture.
Harry was a good boy. I'd like to see how his story ends; I think he will turn out well, and become a famous teacher/doctor/reformer or something "big".
I love the medical scenes. Lovelovelove them. I know, I know, they're sad, and I don't like people getting hurt, but I do so love to see a glimpse of period medical practices. :-) And I've never seen anyone give an eye exam!!! That was fantastic!!
Ohhhh if I cried at Miss Matty's friends supporting her and poor Mr. Carter's death then I just about BAWLED when Jessie Brown started playing that song again. I knew, I knew! I knew what it meant, but that didn't start my eyes from getting blurry when he started singing and then walked in the door. *loud sigh* Those two went through an awful lot, and even though it was mainly Jessie's doing I somehow cannot blame her for doing what she thought was right. I think Major Gordon knew that, too.
Mary Smith didn't get to get married!!!!!! *pounds on table* Although was it just my over-eager imagination or was that A Glance exchanged between her and Dr. Marshland??? ;-D Hehehe!! (he ought to have been tarred and feathered for what he did with the valentine pranks but at least he tried to make things right. I'll give him credit for that at least.) And did anyone else catch that he was Irish?? ^-^
Sophy's illness -- of course we have to have Romantic Heroine get ill so Romantic Hero who also just happens to be a doctor come and save her. ;-P Totally predictable, but great nonetheless. I was a little taken aback when he broke the windows because I had thought he was going to say "the catch sticks" and open it like before, but I suppose no holds barred when his Lady Love is lying ill!! I thought it was cute that his friend Dr. Marshland had enough tact to flee the room once she was on the mend. ;-P
What was with all those silly old ladies fancying that Dr. Harrison had designs on them????? Ugh!! I don't know which was worse -- the Horrible Caroline Tompkinson or the ancient Mrs. Rose. 8-/ Silly women, letting themselves be talked into imagining love. *scoffs* Someone please shoot me with a shotgun if I ever do that, pleeeeaase????? ;-P
Martha & Jem in the forest???? What the heck was THAT?!!? Please tell me that was not what I thought it was. *covers eyes*
Sometimes I really think Elizabeth Gaskell's secondary characters are her finest. Higgins from N&S, Lady Harriet from W&D, Mr. Carter, etc. That lady could write, and she knew people. I love how she incorporates those little things that make you shake your head and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I can't wait to see the new spin-off of Cranford. *happy sigh*
I am sure that as soon as I go to bed I will think of something else to say, but at the moment, my mind is blank.
Edit: BOOK SPOILERS! I was surprised that Capt. Brown didn't die like he did in the book -- is this yet to come, I wonder? And I was really hoping for that funny bit with the hoopskirt/cage/crinoline like in the book, but I shall hold out for the new Christmas thing and hope it's in that. ;-)
Edit again to add the link for the aforementioned "Christmas Thing" because people seem to be asking. ;-P
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/31/cranford.shtml
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 07:41 am (UTC)I totally wept through the last 35 minutes of the show this evening. Mr Carter, and then Jessie and Major Gordon, and Peter coming back ("You are my brother... Peter." OMG!), and the waving in the last scene! Eee!!!
And yes, that was totally a meaningful glance between Dr Marshland and Mary. He had a thing for her from the first visit, remember him asking Dr Harrison about her? And then exchanging those naughty letters? And you just know that the biggest reason for him coming back to clean up his mess is because Mary shamed him into it! And then at the wedding saying "pity" when the little boy caught the bouquet? Yeah, there will be a wedding.
I dunno, the woods thing definitely looked like what you think it looked like to me, but they set that up, too. When Jem is recovering from his broken arm and Martha comes to visit him and they cuddle on the bed? I'd say that was pretty a pretty big clue there!
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:30 pm (UTC)Oh yes, I liked the waving, too! Only it didn't make me cry, lol. It was almost as if they were waving goodbye to the viewers!
Yeah, I remember. But naughty letters? You mean when she got mad at him for doing what he did to Dr. Harrison? That's not naughty, that's well-deserved!!
Well the cuddle thing was different. He'd almost lost his arm, and that was a little more innocent of a situation IMO.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 03:09 pm (UTC)I thought the one hour segment was very superficial too. And last nights was too long for me, being tired. They could have just taken an hour from last night's & added to last weeks, so it all evened out.
I too was crying often, and had to go wash my makeup off because it was all running into my eyes, especially during the friends of Matty coming together for her.
I was laughing at Dr Harrison being so innocent, he didn't see these machinations going on around him by the old biddys. It always makes me irritated that when someone is accused of something (such as the sewing table) that they don't immediately explain why such and such happened. "I bought it as a table. I discovered it was a sewing box and told Miss she could use it." That would have been quite sufficient. But then there would be nothing to continue writing about for the book.
I have to go to Costco today and will be checking to see if anymore of the BBC movie dvds are out for sale.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:08 pm (UTC)Ahhh, I know better than to wear makeup before watching anything Gaskell!! ;-P
Yesss!!!! Biddys, indeed, lol. Actually I was more irritated with Mary Smith for not jumping in right then and there. I would have, but I suppose she did do something in the end, and more discreetly. I just can't bear to see someone wrongly accused like that. I thought Mrs. Rose should have had more sense. She's old enough to be his MOTHER!
When I looked at Costco they had the one you told me about, as well as P&P2 and some BritLit/Romance boxed set with BBC adaptations of P&P, Emma, Lorna Doone, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and others. It was a big set of lots of period dramas. They also had all 3 Anne of Green Gables movies boxed together which I thought was nice, but I don't know if you like those at all.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:34 pm (UTC)I watched The Way We Live Now and couldn't stand David Suchet. Is He Knew He Was Right any good?
Lorna Doone is fantastic, IMO, if you ever want to watch that. The costumes are To Die For, and the men dress almost better than the women!! Plus it's a wonderful story. :-) Not sure if I'd buy all the other stuff they've packaged along with it, though. ;-P
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 05:02 pm (UTC)I'll keep my eye open for Lorna Doone.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 05:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 03:12 pm (UTC)As an afterthought, I'm kind of tired of so many people dying in this book, and so many lost loves. Very depressing.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:17 pm (UTC)Aww, yeah, I know, but that doesn't bother me really. I mean, at least it's more realistic than having Lost Loves pop up and be really alive just lost for a while, like as if Peter in India had been Matty's love rather than her brother. Too many happily-ever-after stories are not always a good thing, or at least IMO. But then again this is coming from the girl who's favourite movie is North & South, which Gaskell had originally thought of titling Deaths & Variations... ;-P
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 03:14 pm (UTC)I lost a lot of my liking for Martha and Jem. Sorry, they're still sweet, but no. Just no. In that time period particularly, that's like giving up your honor forever. It frustrated me a bit that they got away with it.
That aside, LOVED IT. I teared up several times, though I never bawled. I liked that the doctor broke the glass, though I was expecting him to jiggle it like before. But he was a poor little desperate thing. *pats him*
I luved Mr. Carter and lady friend and little boy! *dabs at eyes* I was very sad he died.
Oh, and poor Dr. Harrison! Alone in a world of women! *pats him* It's very like a man to end up in that sort of a problem. I was hoping the rumors would spread so Mary could come to his rescue.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:26 pm (UTC)Yeah, I did NOT like that at all. Totally stupid and totally unnecessary.
Well I wasn't "bawling" per se just definitely crying. ;-P I wasn't making any noise or anything like that...I'm not THAT lame!
Oh I know that was the saddest part I think!!
Well he wasn't alone entirely. He had Dr. Morgan the Faithless and his good friend Jack the Practical Joker who very nearly ruined his romance. ;-P
Mary did kind of come to his rescue, but I told you she would not marry him. HEE.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 05:06 pm (UTC)*rolls eyes*
I'm that lame! *raises hand* When I cry it's either very quiet or very loud. Particularly if I start gasping and stuff. :P But I only teared up last night.
*pats him**on second thought, maybe not*
Both men who were more harm than help. *rolls eyes, again*
Yeah, whatever. *sticks out tongue*
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 04:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-05-20 03:11 am (UTC)Depressing Christmas, haha. *snort*
no subject
Date: 2008-05-19 05:46 pm (UTC)Dr. Harrison & Sophie were adorableness itself.
I cried so much, it was ridiculous! Mrs. Gaskell writes a bit too many deaths in my opinion.
Oh I know, Martha and Jem, my little sisters were like 'what is going on? and I was playing dumb. Way gross...but am glad they just 'suggested' it, rather than showed us everything. Still, I felt it in rather poor taste. Do the servants always have to be of looser morals? Ugh.
I read somewhere of a sequel...I really hope they do. And we get to see Martha's wee girl child (I bet it will be a girl just for Miss Matty!) and Mary & Dr. Marshland need to kiss and get married. So cute. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-05-20 10:44 pm (UTC)I know it was soo saaaad. Do you really think she writes "too many" deaths? I read someone else's remark where they said even Dickens told her that, but that's like the pot calling the kettle black because "every time someone gets damp in Dickens you can start hanging the crepe!" *lol*
Ah yes, the I Play Dumb routine...;-P
I honestly forget what Martha's child is but I hope it's a girl and they name her Matilda. ;-)
Kiss and get married!! ROTFLOL!!
no subject
Date: 2008-05-21 04:03 am (UTC)I do indeed think Elisabeth killed off one to many dear people. In particuler, Miss Matty's love. He was so sweet--my grandma who never watches movies even remarked as we watched that episode how she liked him. *lol* There was so many loved & lost, or potential loves and then lost (with the Milner and I can't-remember-his name-but he was really nice to Harry guy. *sniff*
That "I don't know what is going on either' comes in handy sometimes. I just knew since that first episode when they were a bit familliar on the bed, that something was sure-fire gonna happen! *lol*
Miss Matty's little talk about wishing to have a little girl, and the child's arms around her neck and kisses was heartwrenching-but I think that Martha's child will be balm for her.
Indeed, they should have kissed and got married. To be perfectly honest I wasn't too pleased with Dr. Harrison & Sophie's kiss. The BBC people have obviously forgotten the recipe for lovely on-screen kisses. There hasn't been an awesome one since N&S
no subject
Date: 2008-05-21 04:12 am (UTC)And pray tell what do you think of the recent BBC kisses? *grin*
no subject
Date: 2008-05-21 08:36 pm (UTC)Are we including N&S in the grouping of "recent"? ;-P
no subject
Date: 2008-05-21 08:32 pm (UTC)See, I detest the kind of story writing where no one of consequence dies, where everyone recovers and lives happily ever after. I like my stories realistic, and real life is not like that. I will agree that sometimes Gaskell's deaths smack of plot devices but I've become such a fan of her work that I can over look that. ;-) Just so long as we keep getting such fantastic heroes.
Lorentia Galindo, I think was the milliner's name. I watched it again last night with my mom, and tried to catch her name. I really thought she was a great character, and her actress did a good job. (she reminded me a bit of Charlotte Bronte) But yes I wanted her and Mr. Carter to get together!! I mean he brought her FLOWERS. *gah* That's A LOT coming from him!!
I think you are exactly right about Martha's child. :-)
Yeah, nothing can ever compare to That Ending, eh? And LOL for the BBC forgetting the recipe!! ;-P At least their's are a sight better than ITV's!! *coughTheFishGaspingForAircough*
N&S is IMVHO the pinnacle of BBC filmmaking. There will never be anything to surpass it.
no subject
Date: 2008-05-22 06:57 pm (UTC)Bleak House was very sad in that respect. Two very prominent characters dying. I like it when we can keep the heroes & heroines alive as long as possible. :) I do think it depends on my mood though, cause I have a weakness for a good cry-your eyes out movie every once in a while.
Oscar and Lucinda was one such--the hero dies and it is heart-wrending but hopeful by the end. I can't reccomend the film though, unless it is edited. Very different costume drama that one.
I really do like ITV's adaptation of Persuasion, and watched it just the other day, except for that kiss. You are so right about the fish! It was like a fish, and it seemed like he didn't want to kiss her! If that had been Mr. Thornton, he would have had her unable to stand with his passion. *lol* Joking of course. :)
I do agree with you about N&S being the pinnacle of BBC. I thought Jane Eyre had potential but then they had to go throw all that sensuality in it. That Mr. Rochester almost was my favorite until he practically seduced her. *shudder* You saw that version? I cannot remember if we discussed it or not.
And after all that...I must say your post about the Chapmans and their little girl was very sad. This morning my Dad told my Mom he heard it on the radio at work and she cried, and then I cried. Their family certainly needs prayer and the precious comfort only God can give. Heartbreaking.
One last question, but I promise it ties together. Have you seen the movie Bella?
I reccomend it heartily, and it is a beautiful story of loss, love and comfort. Not a costume drama, but unique in a way most modern films fall short. And it's clean too. :)
Have a blessed day! ~Anna
no subject
Date: 2008-05-25 08:54 pm (UTC)I confess "loved and lost and never to be" romances are just the thing to interest and intrigue me. Though I do prefer happy endings!!
I don't know anything about Oscar and Lucinda.
ROTFLOL re: Mr. Thornton and Anne Elliot The Fish!!!! ;-P
Jane Eyre, except for the bits you mentioned, is really very good. (I've seen it on PBS and have been thinking of renting it) And it's interesting to note that both the N&S and the 2006 JE screenplays were written by Sandy Welch. Hmmm......
No, I have not yet seen Bella, but a very good friend has recommended it to me already and I did put it on the Netflix queue. :-)
no subject
Date: 2008-05-26 04:15 pm (UTC)Oh I concur! I do enjoy a happy love story, but the sad ones can be the most heart-tugging and frankly real. *sigh*
Jane Eyre. That adaptation was the most beautiful and enjoyable of the ones I've watched inspite of those few hiccups.
I adore the book and love Jane's heart and character. I've read some of Vilette and liked that. Have you read it? Wuthuring Heights (the book) was interesting, a bit too stormy and wild for my tastes.
Bella is beautiful. When you see it you'll have to let me know what you think!
Have a gorgeous day!
no subject
Date: 2008-05-27 06:00 pm (UTC)Yes!! Exactly. *sappy romantic sigh*
I agree! I did like the Timothy Dalton/Zelah Clarke version for it's accuracy and length, but the new one is better I think. I think Ruth Wilson captures more of Jane's passion and fervence, even if the "hiccups" do strip her of some of her morality...
I read a teensy bit of a library copy of Vilette that I bought. It has a very pretty painting on the cover and it currently graces my "Brit-Lit-to-read" shelf. ;-D But no, I have not read it. Both that and WH (along with too many other things) are on my reading list.
Okay, I will! I'll most likely blog about it anyway. :-)