Reflections on Gaskell's North and South: A Critical Review of the BBC Adaptation

When I first watched the BBC adaptation of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, it was an absolute delight. Sandy Welch, the creator of the show, has a remarkable talent for translating classic novels into compelling screen adaptations. Her 2009 Emma miniseries was a smash hit for me, and the same applies to North and South.

Initial Impressions

The series captivated me from the very beginning, and I relished every moment. Sandy Welch's ability to capture the essence of Gaskell's characters and their interactions on screen is truly outstanding.

A Critical Perspective

Upon reflection, though, I can see areas where the adaptation is less successful. For instance, Margaret Hale, the protagonist, is portrayed as an ice goddess in the show rather than the overburdened young woman she is in the book. Mr Thornton's character is introduced with a dramatic, albeit unfaithful, scene of him beating up one of his employees, which is more suited to the screen than to the nuanced character described by Gaskell. Additionally, Mr Bell's proposal to his late friend's daughter is creepy and out of character, as the novel depicts him more as a father figure to the girl.

Positive Aspects

Despite these shortcomings, there are plenty of positive elements in the adaptation. The bromance between Thornton and Higgins is a standout. In particular, Jo Joyner's portrayal of Thornton's sister Fanny is a comic genius, making the episode where she scares Thornton so much, I could have died! Timothy Piggott-Smith's performance as Mr Hale is a standout, much like Michael Gambon's portrayal of Mr Woodhouse. The filming of the mill exteriors in Keighley is a clear bonus for the production.

Faithfulness to the Source Material

The North and South novel, published in Victorian England, is prone to being overly long, preachy, and melodramatic. Sandy Welch navigates these elements by capitalizing on the drama and romance while adding humor and reducing the preachiness. Additionally, the casting of Richard Armitage elevates the miniseries and likely contributed to its enduring popularity. As a result, the adaptation is a favorite of mine despite its flaws.

Conclusion

While the BBC adaptation of North and South is a solid product, there are moments where it fails to capture the essence of the original novel. However, the quality of the cast, costumes, and direction, especially in key moments and performances, make it a worthwhile viewing. I eagerly await a more faithful adaptation that will do justice to Gaskell's work.