Combining two genres in which British TV excels—literary costume drama and murder mystery—Death Comes to Pemberley, based on the novel by the late P.D. James, is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, set a few years after Austen's classic and centering on a murder in the woods around the manor home of Darcy (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth (Anna Maxwell Martin), who are happily married with a growing family. The prime suspect is the untrustworthy and morally dubious Wickham (Matthew Goode), who is married to Elizabeth's sister, Lydia (Jenna Coleman), but remains a rake and a cad. No love is lost between the honorable Darcy and his brother-in-law Wickham, but Darcy nonetheless stands by him and joins the constable (Trevor Eve) in the investigation, while Elizabeth makes her own inquiries. Meanwhile, the loving couple fall out over the future of Darcy's sister, Georgiana (Eleanor Tomlinson); Elizabeth believes she should marry for love, while Darcy insists on a socially appropriate match. A lovely period piece, this thoughtful tribute to Austen's beloved characters succeeds in large part due to excellent casting. The mystery is less involving than the interpersonal drama, which is both true to the spirit of Austen and generous enough to give Wickham—a charming villain in Pride and Prejudice—more dimension, with a suggestion that he can evolve. Featuring the uncut British version, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Death Comes to Pemberley
PBS, 180 min, not rated, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 Volume 30, Issue 1
Death Comes to Pemberley
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