Alison Steadman as Mrs. Benet

Is it just me or this some of the worst acting or overacting I have ever seen. Yes I realize that she is supposed to be uptight and pushy but Alison sounds like she's doing an impression of Mrs. Doubtfire! It's so annoying in fact the last time I tried to watch this I didn't make it to the second episode because I found her so ridiculous. I recently started again and was immediately reminded as to why I stopped watching the first time. I shall try again as so many believe this to be one of the best adaptations but seriously, she is just awful in this with that voice and those fake crying scenes. I don't believe respectable English women behaved this way. It's so obvious that she is trying really hard to talk in this bizarre pitch that is clearly unnatural for her and Women of this time were noticed for being more reserved.