Now, I'm not the kind of guy...
...who reads Jane Austen novels...
...but ever since I discovered The Guild (belatedly), I've enjoyed several other webseries; all of them the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
That all changed several months ago, while watching an episode of The Flog. During these preliminary programs, Felicia Day would open her show by recommending various sites she found on the internet that week. In Episode 5 (30 Apr 2012), she gave rave reviews for a webseries called The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.
The program puts a modern spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, in the form of a "vlog" (video web log--an internet diary) and sprouted its own website, along with a Facebook Page. So there are several ways to get caught up.
And speaking of getting caught up, I must admit, I was hooked right-off-the-bat watching the first episode.
The story starts off with Lizzie complaining about her mom's attempt to see her and her three sisters...
...married off to eligible (i.e. rich) bachelors...
...mayhem ensues.
The moral of both stories: First impressions can be deceiving.
Unlike the other webseries I've watched, which often take place in far-off, fictitious lands, I was drawn into Lizzie Bennet Diaries by the impression that this was, indeed, a young lady's video diary.
In other words--the show seems--real.
But this "vlog" stretches to 100 episodes, along with three spin-offs (to explore the sub-plots) and won Best Comedy Writing category at the 3rd Annual Streamy Awards.
Not to mention boasting a legion of fans, some who are talented artists...
My favorite moments are when Lizzie imitates her mother...
...and gets her sisters, friends and relatives involved in "costume theater."
But this dramedy has its poignant moments too. The finale between Lizzie and Darcy (Episode 98), is one of the most tender and romantic scenes I've seen in any medium.
Now, despite all this "mushy stuff," guys--you don't have to worry about getting your Man Card revoked for watching this show.
If confronted, all you have to say is that you're watching a program featuring several attractive women...and before you can explain the plot-line, your inquisitor will be satisfied with your answer.
(Yes, I'm speaking from personal experience here).
What's more, is that you're wife/girlfriend/domestic partner won't mind you watching either, because:
a) It's an on-line version of a classical piece of Chick lit she's probably read, and
b) There's no overly sensual, not to mention explicit, sexual imagery during any of the episodes.
Talk about a double win!
True, some of the conversations veer into adult themes, especially towards the end, but the show is safe enough for teens to watch--who've probably been exposed to far worse within our school system.
I give the Lizzie Bennet Diaries a 5-star rating and consider it one of my favorite webseries.
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