As the episode begins, Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), Alison (Tessa Stephen), and the boys sit and watch a carriage fly down the path. They realize that the carriage is going too fast and problems and it soon turns over. Charlotte rushes over and helps the occupants who are just fine. Tom (Kris Marshall) jumps out of the carriage and hurts his ankle on the way down. Charlotte takes the man and woman back to her place. Once there, they learn that the couple has been searching for a physician for their seaside resort called Sanditon. Charlotte is shown a blueprint of sorts of what the resort will look like in the future and she learns that they’re going to be holding a ball soon.

Mr. Parker and Mary (Kate Ashfield) invite the family to Sanditon but Charlotte is the only one to take the offer. Charlotte’s father warns her to be careful since things are much different at seaside resorts. Before too long, Charlotte is in the carriage heading for Sanditon. Tom speaks to Charlotte about the difference in the air as they get closer to the resort. Moments later, Charlotte learns about Lady Denham (Anne Reid) who is rich and very important in town. They arrive and Charlotte is introduced to the children. They head inside and Charlotte sees a portrait of Tom’s younger brother Sidney (Theo James).

Charlotte is taken to her room and she confesses that she has never had a room of her own. She stays behind while Tom speaks with Lady Denham downstairs. She is not happy since she was promised a quick return on her investment. She is upset that Tom hasn’t arranged the ball yet either. Charlotte arrives and is promptly introduced to Denham and Clara (Lily Sacofsky). Denham believes that Charlotte was sent to Sanditon to find a man to marry but Charlotte refutes the claim. Denham says that everyone is waiting for her to die so they can get her money. Charlotte tells her that she no heirs so she is free to give her money to whoever she wants.

Charlotte speaks with Clara and they get to know one another a little better. They agree to go for a swim together later. Before too long, Edward Denham (Jack Fox) enters with his sister Esther (Charlotte Spencer). Edward seems very flirty with Charlotte. He speaks with her as they go for a walk and Esther does not like that. Lady Denham speaks with Charlotte about Edward. Before too long, they run into Arthur Parker (Turlough Convery) and Diana. They return to Arthur’s place and learn that they have very little money. Diana makes a comment about Miss Lambe (Crystal Clarke) who is a sugar heiress with a fortune. Then, Arthur speaks with Charlotte about his health issues before offering her toast.

Later, Esther speaks with her brother about getting close to Clara and he admits that it has been harder than expected. He brushes her hair and ends up hurting her several times. The group decides to go sunbathing. Clara and Charlotte go into a private booth to get changed into their swimsuits. The men get naked and run straight for the water. When they return home, Tom complains to Mary that his brother still hasn’t returned. Charlotte goes for a walk with Mary and learns about her relationship with her husband. Mary explains that her husband is married to her and Sanditon. They stop at a store and buy a pair of shoes for Charlotte.

Esther interrupts and hauls Charlotte away. Esther wants to know what Charlotte thinks about them so far and she finds out. Esther tells Charlotte to be on guard and she believes that Charlotte will regret coming to Sanditon. A day or so later, Mary and Charlotte go for another me. At this time, they run into Sidney. He is very standoffish and focused on his work. Therefore, he doesn’t pay much attention to Charlotte. The walk continues and Charlotte spots Clara with Edward. She pretends she did not see anything. Sidney surprised Tom a few moments later.

Charlotte and Mary pay a visit to Lady Denham who wants to know what Charlotte thought about her swim. Clara arrives later and learns that everyone has been looking for her. She agrees to sit down and play the piano for the group. Charlotte gets dressed up and wears her new shoes. The ball gets underway and the women are introduced to Miss Lambe. Some are surprised that she is black. Others are angry that she is there. Charlotte ends up dancing with Sidney briefly. Arthur learns about Lambe’s wealth and decides to dance with her while Edward dances with Charlotte. Clara pulls Charlotte aside and tells her that Edward cannot be trusted.

She believes that Edward is trying to ruin her in Lady Denham’s eyes. The event continues on while Charlotte speaks with Sidney in private. Charlotte says that she finds some people difficult to interpret. She believes that Sidney is the sensible brother before explaining her reasoning behind that thought. Sidney does not like the fact that Charlotte has been judging people without getting to know them. He explains that this brother Tom is trying to leave the world in a better place than he found it. Charlotte breaks down and nearly cries. She apologizes but Sidney blames himself. He says he shouldn’t have expected so much from a girl with so little understanding.

 

Sanditon Review

Sanditon is off to a bad start at least for me. I really couldn’t get into it and I generally enjoy shows like this. It reminds me a lot of Vanity Fair and I gave up on that show midway through. Sanditon is trying to be too modern and upbeat. The characters are so cheerful that it makes me want to hurl a bit. The story might get better as the series continues. The acting isn’t bad here but the feel of the show is off. I really cannot put my finger on the problem.

It just doesn’t feel realistic and I find it tough to connect with the characters. We can already see where things are going to go from here. Sidney will become Charlotte’s love obsession and all that. I might watch another episode with hope that things will get better. However, this one didn’t captivate me so there is little justification to stick around.

The episode scores a 6 out of 10.