It is a truth universally acknowledged...

            At first I wasn’t a fan of Pride and Prejudice. Let’s face it though, in high school can you really be a fan of something you’re being told you must read thoroughly page by page, quote at random, and remember every fact of for weekly tests run by a sports coach whose only real literary love was Shakespeare? During college I read Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice over and over again, then being taught by somebody who would have a better love of Austen- myself.

            I’ve been ridiculed by friends who can’t help but laugh at me for loving the works of Jane Austen so much, at one point causing a riot among the Austenites in my office. I don’t mind this carelessness however. In my eyes James Patterson isn’t a real author if he doesn’t write his own books.

            In an age when women of her class were expected to sit by playing piano, attend balls, and watch over servants, Austen also spent much of her time writing of what she saw, making her work realistic and understandable, combined with her own humor on the topics she saw fit.

            Her first novel, Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813, follows Elizabeth Bennet, the second of the 5 Bennet girls, as she deals with morality, her overpowering mother and marriage, education, and love. The book has been published in many different versions, and more film and stage adaptations and book sequels have been made than Austen would ever have thought possible at its creation.

            The most recent adaptation, “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries,” shows a modern take on Austen’s characters as a video blog on youtube. As an aspiring grad student studying communications, Lizzie Bennet (Ashley Clements), begins blogging about her life on film as part of a class project with the help of her friend Charlotte Lu (Julia Cho). The vlogs gradually take form as more than just an assignment, taking viewers into the world of Lizzie, her sisters Jane (Laura Spencer) and Lydia (Mary Kate Wiles), Charlotte, Lydia’s pet Kitty, and cousin Mary (Briana Cuoco). Lizzie discusses her parents though playacting, talks with her sisters about the new man in town her mother plans on setting them up with, Bing Lee (Christopher Sean), and his ever frustrating friend Darcy (Daniel Vincent Gordh).

            The show has taken on more than anybody would have dreamed it would hold almost a year ago when it premiered. Along with Lizzie’s series, spin-offs formed surrounding Lydia, Charlotte, and Gigi (Georgiana) Darcy (played by Allison Paige), all expanding on the twisting plot line unfolding. Twitter users could also not only follow the stars of the series, but also the characters themselves, watching the writers’ portrayal of certain events discussed on the show as they “actually” happened. Having these modern additions to the story has allowed writers take a story that has spanned generations continue being timeless, not lacking in truth of the moment.

While I have always enjoyed the original, I am proud to say that this production of P&P is my favorite to date. Not only did the writers, producers, and cast bring Austen's story into the 21st century, but they added plots and characters enough to keep viewers' attention when the story couldn't continue for a couple episodes. I especially enjoyed Darcy's best friend Fitz (Craig Frank), who was never lacking in laughter.

(Fitz & Lizzie)

 

(Darcy & Lizzie)

 

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries wrapped up production a few weeks ago, with currently 4 episodes to go. While the fun and excitement of the show is nearly over, the over 100 episodes and spin-offs will remain on youtube, allowing viewers and readers to embrace the Bennet family, either again, or for the first time.