I've enjoyed re-watching Dickensian during lockdown, it could do with some editing in places, but overall it's an engrossing re-imagining of the back stories of many well known characters, from various novels, all co-existing at the same time, in the same London neighbourhood. The most powerful storylines are those of Miss Havisham and Lady Dedlock, two of Dickens' most formidable female characters, here seen when they are still vivacious young women, full of life and hope. The events that befall them give depth to their characters, and emphasise the tragic wasted potential of their lives. The scene in the final episode, when Nancy sings to an enthralled audience in the local pub, happily believing she is in love with Bill Sykes, is also poignant, knowing what fate has in store for her. Was there ever any thought of doing a second series? There was certainly the potential for one. Perhaps viewing figures were disappointing; devotees of Dickens might have seen it as sacrilege, and it may have been perceived as too highbrow by the average viewer. Nevertheless, I found it a triumph, that celebrates rather than just exploits, the works of the author.
Review of Dickensian
