Surprised how much I liked this
I'm in the US, and had to wait a while for the UK DVDs to be delivered, so I just got around to watching this.
As a big fan of the original 1985 series (which nothing will ever replace in my affection), I’m surprised how much I enjoyed this, especially episodes 1 and 3 (2 fell a bit flat for me). Excellent cast that somewhat underplays compared to the more over-the-top (but very funny) performances in the earlier version. Beautiful production design, too. And I was especially glad to see Hermy, Ursy and Evie, none of whom appeared in ’85. Poppy Miller’s Evie Bartlett was spot on, a highlight of the series.
I also liked that there were some moments that were really very touching when you realized that Mapp was actually hurt by her friends apparently deserting her for Lucia. In ’85, Prunella Scales’ Miss Mapp was angry and frustrated to the point of hilariously sputtering incoherence. Richardson brought a different texture and human depth to a comic role. Interesting to see how two excellent actresses approach the same character.
My major complaint is that the three hours seemed rushed. I didn’t mind that events were moved around (e.g., in the books, Guruism was in the first book, in which Mapp didn’t appear at all), but somehow the episodes didn’t have time to breathe.
I hope that viewers will look up the wonderful 1985 series as a complement to this one, and that the books might find a new readership.