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Compared
with Tipping the Velvet,
many viewers will find this drama slower-moving and more serious,
but also perhaps more faithful to its source. The slower pace
allows viewers to feast on the setting, costumes and acting,
and also contributes wonderfully to the mounting tension between
Sue and Maud that begins when Sue suggestively rubs Maud's tooth
with a thimble, and culminates in a bedroom scene which first
seems to veer towards the comic (with Sue bewildered at Maud's
naïve questions), then becomes sweet and romantic.
Until
the morning after, where anguish at the marriage of Maud to
Gentleman looms.
The
second episode starts off considerably slower than the first,
as it attempts to keep the conspiracy a secret from unsuspecting
viewers. But soon, Sue and Gentleman's plan is discovered by
Maud, who feels betrayed. Elaine Cassidy demonstrates the true
depth of Maud's character beneath her brittle exterior, as Maud
shows the full extent of her love for Sue despite the betrayal.
Sally Hawkins, in turn, demonstrates her excellent ability,
particularly in a scene in which Sue is imploring the doctors
to look after Maud.
Rupert Evans continues to be one-dimensional, and Imelda Staunton
continues to seem more humorous than sinister. The scenes in
the lunatic asylum were also incredibly short, once again relying
on the viewer having read the book, or at least being content
to be confused.
The
third and final installment is where the adaptation
truly shines. Maud, disgusted and suspicious of the Lant Street
inhabitants, learns the true extent of the scheme she is entangled
in, while Sue is still imprisoned in the asylum. Maud, imprisoned
in her own way, attempts to escape, while Sue's illiteracy is
mistaken for further evidence of her "madness."
Eventually,
Sue escapes in a manner that is true to the novel, and is just
as exciting and suspenseful as Sarah Waters's original creation.
But it isn't explained how Sue and the young boy who helped
her escape suddenly arrive in London after stealing some clothes,
depending again on the viewer's ability to fill in the gaps.
Mrs. Sucksby, who initially came across comically, is not so
funny anymore as she reveals the final twist in the story, to
which Cassidy's Maud responds superbly.
When
Sue eventually returns to Lant Street, there is a dramatic scene
full of revelation and confusion, cumulating in the stabbing
of Gentleman, another turn of events that might have been bewildering
to those who have not read the book. After this, time leaps
forward, and we learn through Sue's narration what has befallen
each of the characters.
Although
it would be lengthy and time-consuming to dramatize all the
events that unfolded, the viewer cannot but feel a little cheated
by learning the characters' fates via voice-over after such
a dramatic and visual build-up. Fortunately, a wonderful, touching
conclusion rewards the viewer's perseverance.
Some
reviewers have stated that this series is likely to leave the
viewer feeling depressed and cynical about human nature, but
I found it inspiring. Although it is rife with deception and
betrayal, it also bristles with energy, and, ultimately, love--which
in the end, does conquer all.
Fingersmith
will be released on DVD
in the U.S. on September 13, 2005
