Doctor Thorne

Fresh from his smashing success with Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes adapted an Anthony Trollope novel into a four episode miniseries on Amazon.  The story opens in 1836 when Henry Thorne is confronted by Roger Scatcherd (Ian McShane) regarding Scatcherd's sister's honor.  Thorne is rather dismissive of Scatcherd, who shoves Thorne, unintentionally resulting in his death.  The story resumes 20 years later with Mary Thorne visiting the Greshams, a local noble family with whom she has been acquainted all her life.  She and Frank Gresham are particularly close, which causes Lady Gresham considerable annoyance.  The Gresham Estate is in hock (amazing how common a theme it is to have nobles on the brink of bankruptcy) and Frank must marry well; Mary has no money.

 

Henry Thorne's brother, Doctor Thorne (Tom Hollander) is both a doctor and a financial advisor.  He is the most trusted man in the region, all holding his honor in the highest regard.  As such, he is in the middle of all the various machinations and, though in a position to steer things to his and Mary's betterment, he does not do so.  Not even by omission does he allow himself or Mary to benefit.  Such forthrightness was refreshing but, oddly, Doctor Thorne is a rather bland character.  He is kind, wise, and concerned but there is little joy in the man.

 

The end of the story is revealed before the first episode ends.  Yes, there are some twists and turns but it is a foregone conclusion that Mary will come into vast sums of money and thus be able to marry Frank Gresham.  Those who need to die for that outcome have the good graces to do so just when required.  Better yet, those who die are sots or bullies who will hardly be missed.  This predictability may not have been so obvious to readers in 1858 but is painfully clichéd to a viewer in 2016.

 

Each episode is bookended with a commentary by Julian Fellows.  It was very reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, albeit a completely different genre.  Fellows has that same bald, plump Englishman aspect and a resonant voice.  It has a Masterpiece Theater look and feel to it.

 

As with Downton Abbey, the look is outstanding though perhaps a bit too pristine.  England of 1858 is entirely too lovely here.  This is a period drama, not a historical documentary of the time.  Of course, it takes place in the country, not Dickens' London.

 

It is just okay.