Couch potato
January 8th, 2007
The latest BBC production of Jane Eyre got a repeat on BBC4 this evening: four hour-long episodes, one after another. I hadn't planned to spend my evening sat in front of the TV, but I was sucked right in.
The BBC's production got everything right that you'd expect from one of their classics adaptations; costumes, sets, music, a quality supporting cast. All that's well and good, but with Jane Eyre it's all about the casting of Mr Rochester and Jane Eyre. Here, the producers hit gold: the chemistry between Toby Stephens and newcomer Ruth Wilson was something to behold. I hadn't caught the series during its original run, so I'm glad I happened to be flipping channels and caught the start this evening. I might even be tempted to pick up the DVD when it comes out next month.
As it happened, Sunday evening turned into a night in front of the idiot box: not long after Jane Eyre finished, BBC3 showed Galaxy Quest. It may not be classic literature, but it's a note-perfect, hugely entertaining tribute to my favourite genre. It's the simple things in life you treasure.
All in all, not a bad night's TV.
January 8th, 2007 at 01:36
Galaxy Quest, like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Groundhog Day, are perennial favourites here. As you say, note-perfect, and all have sufficient depth to reward re-viewing.