Sense and Sensibility - Season 1 Episode 1 Part 1
Overview: Upon Mr. Dashwood's death the entirety of his estate passes, by law, to his son John from his first marriage, leaving his widow and daughters entirely dependent on the latter's reluctant generosity. Now mere guests in their own home, Mr. Dashwood's daughters meet visiting relative-in-law Edward Ferrars. He and eldest daughter Elinor Dashwood are drawn to each other, but Elinor learns Edward's inheritance is conditioned on his marrying well—and knows her relative poverty disqualifies her.
Comment
I really enjoyed this miniseries version of the Jane Austen favorite. The acting was superb and the screenplay tight and well-written. Andrew Davies rarely disappoints with his adaptations. Seeing minor changes between this series and the Emma Thompson movie, I am curious as to which scenes stuck closer to the source novel. But this is merely curiosity; it would not affect my appreciation of either version. I have never been one to insist productions to hew exactly to books, as long as changes do not alter the intentions within the arc of the story. This is a fine ensemble piece and true to the spirit of the novel.