Daniel Deronda Episode #1.4 (2002– ) Online

Have always been a big fan of period dramas and there are many classic examples of there, television adaptations and film. Also love the books of George Eliot, especially 'Middlemarch', for their richness of detail, complexity of characterisation, wonderful use of language and emotional impact amongst many other things.

'Daniel Deronda' is not quite the masterpiece that is 'Middlemarch' in book-terms, it's still a compelling read once you stick with it with a story that is beautiful and harrowing and characters that are not strictly likable initially but grow to root for. This 2002 mini-series adaptation as a stand alone and adaptation is outstanding where the only blemish is the ending, and this high quality continues in this fourth, and final part.

My issue with the ending is with Daniel's decision being made too abruptly and too hastily, a decision that didn't ring true quite with me because his and Gwen's chemistry/relationship was developed much stronger than that between him and Mirah.

First things first with the praise, 'Daniel Deronda' does look great, the colours have so much warmth, the photography oozes with fluidity, the costumes are evocative and beautifully tailored and the scenery and locations enough to take the breath away. The music is suitably understated with plenty of charm and also some haunting parts too.

Writing-wise, 'Daniel Deronda' is very literate and the intelligently written dialogue is adapted with real fluency and grace, capturing all the themes and contrasts(very heavy, risky ones too like good and evil, lies and deception, prejudice and self-discovery and selfishness and honesty/humility) of the book beautifully, understated and not crass.

The story is close in spirit to the book, while lengthy and taking its time to develop- necessary as there's a lot in the book, length and details wise- it is still movingly and hard-hittingly told. The characters all translate well in the adaptation, they're every bit as interesting and not distorted in personality at all. Gwen in particular is a complex character to pull off, a lot of people seem to dislike her and understandably, she does frustrate you to begin with but you do feel sorry for her by the end.

Acting along with the way the mini-series looked and was written is what makes 'Daniel Deronda' so good. In particular Hugh Bonneville who does bring some wit but essentially Grandcourt is a real evil piece of work, it's very easy to hate him but not in a pantomimic sense. Hugh Dancy characterises compassionately and gently, his moments of anguish genuinely poignant in alternative to underplayed while the contempt Daniel keeps within him is not overplayed.

As said earlier, Gwen is a difficult character to pass off credibly and Romola Garai does that and it brilliantly comes off, very deeply felt and honest without ever feeling forced. Jodhi May is affecting and beautiful and Edward Fox comes off well as the benevolent benefactor. The direction is admirably restrained, refraining from being overly-languid or overly-complicated, which either way would have spoilt the impact of the story.

Overall, a great way to conclude a wonderful adaptation. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Except for the boating accident, I found the concluding episode very emotional, riveting, and well done. In his taut but frank and adult discussion with his mother, Daniel is able to patch the holes in his life and, consequently, find his true soul, but he does this while still honoring Sir Hugo, the only father he has ever known. The author has now skillfully laid the foundation of Daniel's dilemma. What does Daniel do when presented with Gwendolen's new circumstances and with the knowledge that Mirah is jealous of her because she loves him? What does Daniel do with his newly found self-awareness? Does he choose to marry the love of his life or his soul mate? Far too many contributors herein wanted Daniel to win the love that was earlier denied him. The author, however, speaking through Sir Hugo, opined that the love of one's life may not be the one to marry. Notwithstanding her claims to the contrary, Gwendolen still has the nature and capacity, if not the inclination, to cause turmoil and heartache and thereby destroy a marriage. What then becomes of her? In the absence of her finding a suitable match in the future, from many potential suitors, she could disdain marriage altogether and follow the model of Daniel's independent mother.