The Red Tent

Anita Diamant's bestselling novel inspired this two-part Old Testament miniseries, which exalts sisterhood but also almost plays like a tribute to polygamy, since each wife in the story brings something beneficial to the central marriage. The action begins with the arrival of Jacob, a shepherd, who marries all four of his boss's daughters: Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah. Years later, more recognizable actors take on the primary roles. Leah (Minnie Driver), the oldest spouse, has borne Jacob (Iain Glenn) seven sons, while Rachel (Morena Baccarin), his favorite, gives birth to Joseph, who has the gift of prophecy. Leah then bears Dinah (played as an adult by Rebecca Ferguson), who narrates the tale. As a girl, Dinah spends much of her time in the red tent, learning about her ancestors from her mother and the sister-wives. A disagreement with his father-in-law leads Jacob and his tribe to return to his ancestral home, where Dinah meets her fortune-teller grandmother, Rebecca (Debra Winger). When the clan reaches its final destination, Dinah tangles with a royal family, falling under the control of an Egyptian queen (Hiam Abbass), while Joseph (Will Tudor) ends up as a slave, although both will rise from their lowly stations. With the exception of Tudor, whose performance ranges from naturalistic to over the top, this 2014 Lifetime channel production avoids the histrionics that have plagued several made-for-TV biblical adaptations. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)