BBC Miss Austen viewers deliver verdict on 'perfect Sunday night TV'
BBC Miss Austen viewers deliver verdict on 'perfect Sunday night TV'
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Period drama fans were all saying the same thing as the BBC's new series Miss Austen premiered on Sunday, February 2. The show, anchored in the aftermath of Jane Austen's death, circles around her sister Cassandra who is played by Keeley Hawes. She's joined by an ensemble cast including Rose Leslie, Jessica Hynes, and Phyllis Logan. Viewers immediately branded the show as "perfect Sunday viewing", with some saying it was a welcome respite from the usual tide of crime series.
Taking to social media platform X, one viewer said: "Keeley Hawes AND a Sunday night Austen drama. My 2 favourite things.". A second posted: "Oh the joy of Keeley Hawes #Missausten excellent Sunday evening tv already on Iplayer.". While another pointed out: "Keeley Hawes her usual inspirational self. Rose Leslie perfect in her role but the most awesome casting is Patsy Ferran as the iconic Jane. She is just as l imagine Jane Austen to be. Perfect Sunday night viewing. The BBC at its best," reports the Express.
Another added: "Thank you @BBCOne for #missausten - so pleased we haven't got another police drama.". There was plenty of applause for Keeley with one fan saying: "Watching Miss Austen reminds of my absolute love for Keeley Hawes. Any drama she is in, she's brilliant." And: "Keeley hawes back on my tv, life is worth living! ! ! ! ". A fan has noted a unique professional connection between Keeley and her real-life husband, Succession actor Matthew Macfadyen. They posted: "It's quite cute that Keeley Hawes is Cassandra in #MissAusten and Matthew McFadyen was Mr Darcy. Both in the #JaneAusten world now.".
The drama kicks off in 1830, long after Jane's death. Cassandra rushes to see Isabella, the niece of her deceased fiancé, who is on the brink of losing her home following her father's demise. While Cassandra ostensibly arrives to assist Isabella, her true intention is to locate a hidden stash of private letters which she fears could tarnish Jane's reputation if they fall into the wrong hands. Upon finding them, Cassandra is overcome with emotion as she is taken back to her younger days. Through flashbacks, we are introduced to Young Cassy and Jane as they navigate through romantic obsessions, family disputes and shattered dreams that shaped their lives and laid the groundwork for Jane's timeless tales.
