As the episode begins, we see a man approaching a merry go round. He snaps his fingers and it lights up. The horses begin spinning in circles. Seconds later, the man tells the viewer about the Vanity Fair. Becky Sharp (Olivia Cooke) rides one of the horses. Becky visits Miss Pinkerton (Suranne Jones). Pinkerton reminds her that she took her in when she had nothing. They argue briefly about the real world. Meanwhile, the other girls prepare for the last day of school. Becky makes it clear to Pinkerton that she is tired of the school. Pinkerton intends to make her a governess. Their argument continues in front of the others. Becky leaves the school moments later. Amelia Sedley (Claudia Jessie) attempts to comfort Becky. Instead, Becky does her best to manipulate Amelia.

Amelia eventually lets Becky move in with her. Pinkerton is not happy with the arrangement. Becky and Amelia continue their journey. Amelia speaks about her hopes of getting married and being happy. Becky just wants tomorrow to be better than today. They arrive at Amelia’s house a short time later. Amelia’s parents don’t seem to mind. Becky speaks about her parents and Miss Pinkerton. Amelia tells Becky all about her brother Jos (David Flynn). Amelia gives Becky something to wear for dinner. Becky learns that Jos is afraid of the ladies. Amelia’s friend George Osborne (Charlie Rowe) arrives. Becky is introduced to him. Jos arrives a short time later. It is clear that he is scared of Becky.

Later, Becky speaks with Amelia about arranged marriages and money. They join Jos and the others for dinner a short time later. Becky tries some of the Indian food. She manages to get the chili down. Louisa (Claire Skinner) and John (Simon Russell Beale) speak about Jos and his love life. Sam (Richie Campbell) listens as John admits he would rather see Jos marry a white face than an Indian. In the middle of the night, Becky tries on rings. In the morning, Jos brings flowers to Amelia and Becky. Becky and Jos are left alone. Becky asks him about his tales from India. He tells her all about them moments later. Jos embellishes his tales of bravery. Jos tries to ask her something serious before Sam enters and interrupts. Amelia insists that Jos will declare himself tomorrow.

Amelia decides to get George to repay a favor. They meet with William Dobbin (Johnny Flynn). Dobbin is introduced to Becky a short time later. It seems that Dobbin might like Amelia. Jos invites Becky to join him in the gardens. She does. That night, Dobbie is left doing the dirty work. Jos hangs out with Becky. They enjoy the events. George and Amelia join them for a hot air balloon ride. Dobbin watches them from below. Jos and Becky run into a hermit. They give him money. Becky is told that she’ll meet a handsome man and will break his heart. Jos tells her that he needs a drink. Dobbin looks for the others. Jos gets drunk. He tells George that he needs something to calm his nerves tonight. George mocks him after he says a toast to Becky. Jos makes a fool of himself.

Jos prepares to propose again. George attacks a man and that nearly puts a stop to it. Becky pleads with Jos to continue. Dobbin interrupts and calms everything down. Jos tells Dob that he will marry her tomorrow. He tells Dob that his problem is that he has never been in love. Amelia apologizes to Becky for George later that night. Amelia asks Becky if she can love Jos as a husband. She believes that she can. They’re both eager for Jos to propose marriage the following day. In the morning, George wakes up Jos. Dob tries to calm him down. George tries to convince Jos that Becky isn’t good for him. Amelia receives a note. Becky learns that Jos has left for China. George rubs it in. Becky prepares to move on. Amelia tries to get her to stay, but Becky isn’t interested.

Amelia tells Becky to write to her and she will write back. She wants to meet again in the future. Becky leaves in the morning. Amelia’s parents are convinced that Jos will forget her. Amelia is concerned for her friend. George doesn’t care in the least. Becky sleeps in the carriage as it travels throughout the night. She eventually arrives at Queen’s Crawley. She is quickly introduced to Sir Pitt Crawley (Martin Clunes). Crawley tells her that he likes to drive his own horses. Crawley’s house is dark and cold. Becky is shown to her room, which happened to be Mrs. Crawley’s favorite. Pitt reveals that she died. Pitt checks on her one last time before leaving her for the night. Becky bars the door. She looks at family pictures. In the morning, a soldier visits. Becky drops the picture out of the window.

She locks eyes with the solider as the episode ends.

 

Vanity Fair Review

I must admit that I am unfamiliar with the material that Vanity Fair is based on. While it had some decent attributes, I found it to be a little disappointing. First and foremost, the pacing is way too fast. The characters feel like they’re in overdrive. Everything is too bouncy and cheery. That makes it a little tough to take seriously. Even when Becky is down in the dumps, she is smiling and happy go lucky. The mood and characters’ expressions do not match the scenes.

I am hoping it will get better with additional episodes. The opener was just mediocre. It scores a 6.5 out of 10.