Sanditon Series Premiere Review: Episode 1 and Episode 2
Austen fans are introduced to a new aspect of the Regency world that has yet to have been discovered in previous adaptations on Sanditon Season 1 Episode 1 and Episode 2 in a refreshing and intriguing introduction to the seaside town.
2 hours in and it already feels like these characters are an amalgamation of some of Austen’s previous characters, which is not a terrible thing.
From Edward Denham and his sister, Esther, which feel like a mixture of Mansfield Park’s Henry and Mary Crawford and something sinister, to Charlotte Heywood who offers hints of Northanger Abbey’s Catherine Morland, and Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, the characters already feel like a tribute to Austen’s earlier works with a bit of a modernized twist.
For editorial use only.
Charlotte carries a more decided and steadfast demeanor when it comes to how she interacts with certain characters, like Sidney and Lady Denham, that sets her apart from the Northanger heroine and merits her Elizabeth Bennet comparison.
Sidney and Charlotte’s dynamic already feels more contentious than Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth and Darcy, only ratcheting the tension between them well into the second hour as they go back and forth in the aftermath of their confrontation at the ball.
Charlotte’s unwillingness to go the passive-aggressive route in favor of being forthright is fantastic to watch, especially with her moments with Sidney after their arguments.
Moments like his response to her assessments at the ball and her apology makes me wonder if they’ll soften their dynamic like Elizabeth and Darcy.
There are moments where it feels like the tide changes only to have them go back to verbal sparring. The tension is certainly there, but it feels like it’s still very rough.
Aside from the general tone, character, and actions that set Sanditon apart from the other adaptations, there’s also the central premise itself that is a stark contrast. We usually hear about the schemes in period dramas.
The first 2 hours of Sanditon puts viewers amid a scheme in action, adding a sense of modernization to the story in an entertaining way. There’s little in the form of actual work usually seen in these adaptations, as they are gentlemen of society.
So, to see Tom actively working to build up Sanditon and develop the seaside resort is one of the more refreshing aspects of the series.
Another refreshing aspect is to show even a modicum of the diversity that existed in that time through the introduction of Ms. Georgiana Lambe, an heiress of color from the West Indies.
She’s fierce and just as decided as Charlotte, as that confrontation during the luncheon is any indication, which makes their developing friendship not only make sense but also a bond I look forward to seeing grow over the series.
Her relationship with Sidney brings up questions about his reluctance to take her on as a charge and how he came to become her guardian. I’m curious to see how that all came to be, and what ties Sydney to this promise made to Georgiana’s father.
There’s much intrigue set in the foundation of the story and potential for setting the adaptation in stark relief in terms of addressing things like race and women’s freedom of expression and thought in addition to the usual engaging Austen tropes and romances that are fun to watch.
Not to mention the many questions about these strangers’ lives and backgrounds.
Random Thoughts
- I am very much here for Theo James in Regency-era wear.
- The pineapple tasting seems so ridiculous yet makes sense for the time and the level of ignorance Lady Denham shows during the luncheon.
- Anyone pick up on a strange tension between Edward and Esther, or is that just me?
- The sea-bathing aspect of Sanditon adds a bit of fun that isn’t usually present in an adaptation.
- The choice of music also adds to the slightly modernized tone of the series, especially with the Gaelic number during Sanditon’s first ball.
- The dancing shots are always indicative of how much I enjoy an Austen adaptation. The first dance at Sanditon’s inaugural ball differentiates it from the other adaptations’ dance scenes. I’m excited to see if that continues.
- Stringer seems interested in more than just helping Tom build out Sanditon as he meets Charlotte, who shows she has a keen eye for architecture.
What did you think of this episode of Sanditon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Sanditon airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Brianna Martinez
Brianna spends her time away from briefs, legal research, and pleadings, watching TV and writing about it. She generally has a lot of feelings about TV, which you can read about here and on Twitter.