Of course, this one starts with "that scene." This is one reason why I don't like Andrew Davies ‹ he thinks he must add as much sex as he can get away with. And it's not the "sex scene" but rather, why start the series out like this? It makes no sense. However, all that being said, I do like the idea of seeing the girl that Willoughby seduced. Plus... it does look kind of pretty. (Him riding away and her looking longingly after him...)


After that surprising beginning, we cut to the Dashwood family ‹ first at their father's death, and then, mourning. (Not exactly a smooth transition? But everything else is much better so I can overlook it. ;) ) The poor girls ‹ you kind of forget how big a loss it is for them, and how they used to live in such a grand house. Although, it says in the book that they only lived at Norland a year before their father died. Very sad.


Fanny wastes no time taking possession of what is now rightfully her husband's property. She really is horrible, but you have to admit, they're a funny family. Really, they all deserve each other. And Henry is hilarious.


Our first real introduction to the Dashwood girls. None of them look happy to be receiving John and Fanny... (I love how they're ordered tallest to shortest!)


A moment of solitude. Oh, I thought this was so pretty. I love the emotion behind it ‹ Elinor, going through her father's things and just treasuring them and his memory.


Elinor and Edward's first meeting. I thought it was done well, and it was rather cute. I love Elinor's expression! She was caught in the act.


And I'm sorry but I just love Dan Stevens' Edward ‹ even if he is a little too charming compared to Austen's character. He was such a great hero and so much more appealing than Hugh Grant's Edward. And ‹ ahem ‹ so much better looking.


The Dashwood family's first meeting of Edward Ferrars. They don't look too impressed.


In fact, Elinor doesn't look impressed with Edward at all. So far she thinks he's a little crazy. That's okay, Dan Edward. I'll still love you!


Oh, look, they are hitting it off. Sharing their hopes and dreams... their mutual love of the performing arts... and the fine arts... and trees.


Meanwhile, Marianne is still not impressed. And yet, she is hinting at marriage. Elinor is shocked and appalled ‹ but secretly she is squeeing inside. Majorly.


Marianne: Really, though? Edward Ferrars? He's such a dork!
Marianne: ... Just kidding! :D
Elinor: ...
Elinor: *pretends to laugh but thinks Marianne is a bigger dork than Edward*


So not long after this candid conversation between sisters, Edward wants to talk to Elinor. Marianne quickly gets the hint and before Elinor realizes what is happening, she is alone with Edward.
In all seriousness though, this was done very well. You can see the emotions behind Hattie Morahan's expression ‹ she is trying to appear calm and collected but inside she is all over the place. It goes from excited anticipation, to confusion, to disappointment, all in the blink of an eye. And Dan Stevens ‹ you just know that he wants to say so much, but he can't. He has to content himself with giving her a token of friendship. Ohhh, poor Elinor.


And, ohh... poor angst-ridden Edward. But he's he's putting on a pretty brave face. ("Pretty" being the key word. :P)


This ‹ I just thought it was funny. Marianne is sympathising with Edward, Elinor can't look at him, Margaret wants Edward to visit ASAP... Then there's their nephew Henry. Margaret is definitely not sad to leave him.


Back to the serious. Such a sad parting for Edward and Elinor! All those longing looks, and unspoken words. And then, almost as if rubbing salt in the wound, there are the words, "Your affectionate friend." It's cherished as a token from him, but it holds disappointment, too, when she was hoping for more...


Enter their new home, Barton cottage. Gorgeous location, and a very pretty and quaint cottage. Of course, it could be said that it's a little "Brontλ" for Austen, but I really like the style they've created with everything.

This also marks the turn in the first episode ‹ the first half was focused on Elinor and the beginning of her relationship with Edward, while the second half focuses on Marianne and the men that come into her life. Let's get started, shall we?


Shortly after arriving in Devonshire, they dine at Barton Park and meet Colonel Brandon. Brandon is immediately taken with Marianne, but it's kind of mixed feelings on her side...


And here's just some more of Brandon brooding... just 'cause. Seriously, David Morrissey did a brilliant job! I thought he was perfect as Brandon ‹ strong, brooding, quiet gentleman-like, conflicted, yet warm and caring. *swoon* I prefer him to Rickman, myself.


More pretty. A nice touch of Elinor missing her old home, and her old life.


Colonel Brandon pays a visit. And honestly, how cute is this? (It kind of looks cuter and less serious when it's just pictures, lol.) He brings flowers for Mrs Dashwood, and music for Marianne! Marianne is clearly impressed and flattered ‹ and definitely warming up to the Colonel.


This is mostly just for more pretty-ness... Marianne is practicing the music that Brandon gave her! And Brandon is... being all manly and heroic (?) But as far as the piano goes ‹ didn't Brandon give them the piano in the book? Or am I just sadly mixing up the book with the 1995 movie?


They are so hitting it off! She practiced up for him, and he is very pleased. I think it's sweet, and I like how they're a little bit like friends in the beginning. Marianne likes him as a person, and an acquaintance/friend. Until...


Mrs Jennings kind of ruined it by not-so-subtly hinting that the Colonel liked Marianne and that they should get married. Completely shocked and embarrassed, Marianne runs the other way... I can kind of sympathise with that. ;)


Wow, I wasn't kidding when I said she runs the other way! Literally. (I didn't realize the connection, haha.) It's ironic, I suppose, because if she wasn't running away from Brandon (in this version) she would never have met...


Willoughby! How romantic and dashing... except not. I'm convinced that they wanted us to get an eery feeling with his character, because Dominic Cooper was not very handsome or charming ‹ not enough for Willoughby, anyway.


A knowing look between sisters. ;)


Marianne and Willoughby spend more and more time together...


Brandon walks in on one of Willoughby's visits, and the look Willoughby gives him! It's like a duel with the eyes. Brandon is the gentleman and backs down. He kow when he's not wanted. :'(


Oh, poor Brandon! Don't give up hope. We all know how it ends. ;)

Caps by Angelfish Icons.

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