Must-watch period drama for Jane Austen fans now streaming on Channel 4
A three-part BBC murder mystery drama serves as a spin-off of Pride and Prejudice
Reviewers mostly praise the adaptation’s casting choices(Image: BBC/Origin Pictures)
If you’re a devoted Pride and Prejudice fan searching for your next must-watch, there’s a spin-off that may have slipped under your radar.
The three-part BBC production is a 2013 adaptation of P. D. James’ 2011 bestselling novel of the same name, which continues Austen’s story six years after the original tale concludes – but with an unexpected twist.
In June 1803, Mr and Mrs Darcy are hosting a ball at their Pemberley Manor estate, when pandemonium breaks out following the arrival of Lydia Wickham, who claims her husband George has argued with his travelling companion Captain Denny, resulting in the latter’s death.
Death Comes to Pemberley then trades Austen’s romance for murder, as a gripping whodunnit narrative unfolds, weaving together secrets, family loyalties and a courtroom trial, while also examining the toll these events take on Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage, reports Wales Online.
The show has frequently drawn comparisons to Agatha Christie’s work, but transplanted into Austen’s beloved literary world.
Death Comes to Pemberley is streaming on Channel 4(Image: publicity picture)
The stellar cast is a considerable part of its appeal. Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin portray Darcy and Elizabeth, with Matthew Goode as Wickham and a young Jenna Coleman as Lydia.
Further highlights include Eleanor Tomlinson as Georgiana Darcy, James Norton as her admirer Henry Alveston, and Penelope Keith as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
There’s also a Pride and Prejudice veteran amongst the cast – Tom Ward, who portrays Colonel Fitzwilliam, appeared in a minor role in the iconic 1995 adaptation.
The debut airing of Death Comes to Pemberley attracted nearly 8 million viewers for its opening instalment over Christmas 2013.
Death Comes to Pemberley pulled in nearly 8 million viewers for its opening episode(Image: BBC/Origin Pictures)
Critics at the time even praised it as “perfect” festive television viewing.
Online reviewers have been equally positive. On IMDb, one reviewer described it as “a substantial addition to Pride and Prejudice,” commending how respectfully it handles Austen’s original work.
A second one deemed it essential viewing and said it’s “definitely worth a rewatch.”
Another reviewer went even further, giving it a 9/10 and characterising it as “a truly thrilling mystery that pays tribute to Miss Austen.”
Most reviews share one common thread – praising the cast. Some say they adore the original films and TV series but believe the actors who portrayed Elizabeth and Mr Darcy in this adaptation did the characters justice.
All three episodes of Death Comes to Pemberley are streaming on Channel 4 now.