Death Comes to Pemberley Review

BBC Death Comes to Pemberley

Death Comes to Pemberley is a BBC miniseries, which is based on P.D. James’ novel that is a continuation of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The three part series was aired on BBC One in December of 2013. During the opening of the series, Fitzwilliam Darcy (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Darcy (Anna Maxwell Martin) eagerly await the arrival of an upcoming ball.

Georgiana Darcy (Eleanor Tomlinson) is delighted when Mr. Henry Alveston (James Norton), who is a  a barrister, arrives for the event. From the other side of town, George Wickham (Matthew Goode), wife Lydia (Jenna Coleman) and Captain Martin Denny (Tom Canton), make their way to the ball. Of course, the Wickham couple aren’t invited, an argument ensues and Captain Denny rushes into the woods, with George in pursuit.

Henry Alveston Death Comes to Pemberley

As shots ring out, Lydia and the driver rush towards Pemberley, while leaving the two men behind in the woods. Chaos ensues once they arrive, as a search party is sent out to find the men. George Wickham is eventually found dragging his friend’s dead body. He immediately admits his guilt, before he is taken back to Pemberley and Sir Selwyn Hardcastle (Trevor Eve) gets involved in the investigation.

From there, the mystery deepens and the romance gets intense. George begins to deny his involvement in his friend’s death, but all evidence seems to point to his guilt. Georgiana is coaxed into wedding Colonel Fitzwilliam (Tom Ward), although she has her sights set on Henry, who becomes George’s barrister. An intriguing mystery unravels and remains interesting thanks to strong performances from all of the cast.

Elizabeth Darcy Anna Maxwell Martin

I tremendously enjoyed the scenery and the mystery. As a big fan of James Norton and Eleanor Tomlinson, I liked their performances and their story lines were likely the most interesting of the series. Of course, the old fashioned courtroom drama was hilarious and insightful. Since it is only three episodes, Death Comes to Pemberley is certainly worth a glance. The conclusion is put together exceptionally well and may bring a few tears. It is worth a 7.5 out of 10!

Share with your buddies!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *