Where to start? I've just finished watching the first series on PBS and thoroughly enjoyed it even though it frustrated me no end and made me embarrassed to be British (I'm married to an Indian man so I think that adds to it as well).
I think instead of going through the entire plot and character roster I will just pick out elements that piqued my interest the most. Firstly, the young Scottish man and his friendship with the doomed Indian plantation owner. That really affected me esp. the scenes in the prison and then at the hanging and when he steals what he thinks is his friend's ashes and the Indian community come out to greet him. I just cried and cried. So frustrating to watch this innocent man being strung up without a hope. And the English just stood by and cheered it on. Made me sick. Yet this wonderful Scottish man (who also stood out amongst the white population for simply not being English) vehemently protested his friend's innocence over and over.
The relationship between the white woman and the Indian secretary. Reminded me of my own with my husband. Also, she seemed to be the only white woman who saw the Indians sympathetically. It will be very interesting to see how (in series 2) her very close relationship with her brother will be affected by her romantic liaison with her secret beau.
I was very disappointed to read that it wasn't even filmed in India. Hmmm. Not impressed at all.
The mission school storyline was a high point. Kind people looking out for the children. The pastor's wife desperate for social mobility and respect. I almost felt sorry for her but only almost. I felt the most compassion for her son and husband for having to put up with her whining and self pity.
All the subtle and not so subtle political moves being made by both sides. Can't wait to see how that all plays out.
Mostly I hated how the English behaved - the snobbery, entitlement and arrogance astounded me. Can't wait to see their comeuppance!
I think instead of going through the entire plot and character roster I will just pick out elements that piqued my interest the most. Firstly, the young Scottish man and his friendship with the doomed Indian plantation owner. That really affected me esp. the scenes in the prison and then at the hanging and when he steals what he thinks is his friend's ashes and the Indian community come out to greet him. I just cried and cried. So frustrating to watch this innocent man being strung up without a hope. And the English just stood by and cheered it on. Made me sick. Yet this wonderful Scottish man (who also stood out amongst the white population for simply not being English) vehemently protested his friend's innocence over and over.
The relationship between the white woman and the Indian secretary. Reminded me of my own with my husband. Also, she seemed to be the only white woman who saw the Indians sympathetically. It will be very interesting to see how (in series 2) her very close relationship with her brother will be affected by her romantic liaison with her secret beau.
I was very disappointed to read that it wasn't even filmed in India. Hmmm. Not impressed at all.
The mission school storyline was a high point. Kind people looking out for the children. The pastor's wife desperate for social mobility and respect. I almost felt sorry for her but only almost. I felt the most compassion for her son and husband for having to put up with her whining and self pity.
All the subtle and not so subtle political moves being made by both sides. Can't wait to see how that all plays out.
Mostly I hated how the English behaved - the snobbery, entitlement and arrogance astounded me. Can't wait to see their comeuppance!