Lost in Austen, Episode 3

Will Lost in Austen prove to be more than a fanfic that doesn't understand Austen? After watching the third episode I do not expect much from the last. While Amanda may not be a Mary Sue character exactly, that she should be appealing to almost every male character (and not just the men!) does seem to be some sort of wish-fulfillment, either for the author, or intended for the audience. Cultivation of manners doesn't matter--what is important is authenticity, genuine feeling and spontaneity.

And instead of remaining faithful to the novel and its characters, the fanfic takes an unexpected turn--Georgiana reveals that she was not the object of Wickham's attempted seduction. Rather, her nurse was obssessed with Wickham and used Georgiana as an excuse to travel (and thereby find him). Not only did Georgiana fall in love with him, but she threw herself at him. Is this for the benefit of a modern audience, an attempt to get the audience to sympathize with both Wickham and with Georgiana? How many woman can identify with Georgiana's actions, without recognizing its imprudence (or even foolishness)? Wickham wasn't interested because she was just a 'child.' Then Georgiana lies to her brother and claimed that Wickham ravished her. (Would not the consequences to Wickham have been more severe in that case?)

Enough spoilers... I'll add that I don't think Bingley's actions are characteristic of Bingley from the novel. More Romantic excess. And Darcy whining about his life and concealing his true self and past. Bah. Melodramatic sap and the plain confessions of love; this is characteristic of romance novels [i.e. women's porn] than of Austen--those who go to such excess are criticized by Austen, not praised for 'being themselves' and showing their feelings. (And the not unexpected background music during those scenes is just grating.)

And it's Elizabeth who misjudges, not Darcy--judging people poorly is not his weakness. Amanda telling him that he's judged everyone wrongly may be demanded for the sake of drama, and it does fit the plot up to this point; can one say that this has degenerated from being a respectful fanfic (if it was ever that), to one with a grudge?

Some photos of the miniseries:

Jemima Rooper, Gemma Arterton

Gemma Arterton (as Elizabeth)

Perdita Weeks (as Lydia)

Morven Christie, Ruby Bentall, Florence Hoath, Perdita Weeks
(If you've seen P&P 95 you can guess which sisters the middle two play.)

Unfortunately there are no photos of Georgiana. But I did find this:

Apparently she was in one of the Harry Potter movies. A fansite. Some photos @ an Emma Watson fansite.

UK Pop Sugar has some stills. AustenProse on episode 2.

Jemima Rooper: Lost in Austen: finally, I get a straight leading role

Dan's Media Digest:
LOST IN AUSTEN: Part 1 of 4
LOST IN AUSTEN: Part 2 of 4
LOST IN AUSTEN: Part 3 of 4