BBC fans rave about period drama starring Game of Thrones and X-Files stars made in 'golden age'
Charles Dance and Gillian Anderson star in the BBC period drama which is very similar to a soap opera in the way it was aired and will leave you hooked from the get-go.
Drama lovers, brace yourselves for the explosive BBC period drama that promises edge-of-the-seat suspense with shocking reveals and a tantalising murder mystery at its heart.
Kicking off with a full hour's episode, followed by two 30-minute instalments, this series made an entrance akin to a classic soap opera – even making its debut right after EastEnders, setting the stage for a whirlwind of tension and intrigue. Expect impressive turns from the likes of X-Files icon Gillian Anderson as the enigmatic Lady Dedlock, whose initially perplexing ways gradually draw you into the thickening plot that's sure to snag your attention.
Charles Dance delivers as Mr Tulkinghorn, a shrewd lawyer who is on a quest for the truth. His portrayal came shortly before rising to fame as Tywin Lannister in the monumental HBO series Game of Thrones. Compelling performances from Anna Maxwell Martin, known for Motherland; Carey Mulligan of The Great Gatsby fame; and the venerable Timothy West heighten the series' captivating pull, reports the Express.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, leading to a hearty 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3/10 rating on IMDb, indicating a resounding success.
One five-star review encapsulates viewer sentiments: "Absolutely loved it. There's a feast for lovers of period drama here. The production values are top-notch. I especially enjoyed the natural lighting. The costumes, hair, set dressing, locations etc were all beautifully done. This is truly a killer cast and production of a timeless and relevant Dickens classic."
The sole series, consisting of 14 episodes, can be streamed at no charge on BBC iPlayer.
Nothing beats immersing yourself in the narrative of a period drama that whisks you away to life over a century ago. Period dramas are quintessentially British, and with the ultimate Downton Abbey film about to hit the screens, they're back in vogue.
The early noughties was a golden era for this genre, yet one series that has slipped under the radar but is totally deserving of a re-visit is the BBC's 2005 adaptation of Bleak House. Central to the series is the endless litigation of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which revolves around the inheritance battle over a colossal estate.
The wearisome legal dispute has overshadowed the lives of all involved, resulting in exorbitant legal costs and jeopardising the very inheritance they are contesting. Moreover, when orphans emerge as potential successors and secrets start to come to light, the series delivers all the intrigue typical of genteel life in the 1800s.
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