Oh dear. Another literary classic gets unnecessarily updated. But not really updated because the story still supposedly set in its original historical period, but everything else — the dialog, the manners, some of the plot, and many costume details — are modernized in an attempt to make the book “relatable” to Gen Z or whatever kiddos are the audience for this crap. Yes, I’m talking about The Buccaneers (2023), the new take on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel set in the 1870s, and in no way to be confused with the much beloved 1995 BBC miniseries far more accurately based on Wharton’s tale.
Because I love you and apparently hate myself, I’m watching the whole damn series, but I’m breaking up my review into two parts as it airs. This first review covers the first half (three eps dropped on November 8, and the rest are showing weekly), and I’ll finish up when the series ends in December. And since I went overboard in screencapping and have Many Opinions, yeah, this is a Patreon post, but consider that the $2-per-month cost to read my rant is cheaper than the $9.99-per-month to subscribe to Apple TV and actually watch this junk, so I’m really providing a service here ;)
Do you want to read all of this review (with over 8,500 words and about 135 images) about The Buccaneers (2023), Episodes 1-4? The full post is here!
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Find this frock flick at:
Good grief, this series could have made La Belle Hendricks look like a PRINCESS but can barely scrape up to the level of ‘Bridesmaid’ (Not even ‘Bridesmaid chic’, still less Maid of Honour).
This is a crime for which there can be a pardon, but no forgiveness.
…
In the interests of fairness, the Parade of Debs looks very properly fetching (Were I a sprig of the aristocracy one would seriously consider an offer … a respectable offer, even … to a number of the young ladies).
Also, that pink poodle is absolutely something I can imagine some fin-de-siecle eccentric rejoicing in, if only they had the nerve to put such an idea into practice.
Good grief, that picture of Miss Mia Threapleton from Episode 2 RADIATES “My ancestors would own you, filthy peasants” energy: she absolutely looks like somebody plotting to become Mrs Robber Baron and rule his world with an iron will and an iron hand (Velvet glove optional).
Good grief, certain robber barons from THE GILDED AGE look like Ophelia next to Lady MacBeth by comparison!
…
I think that’s a joke, but it’s a genuinely formidable (and authentic) looking image.
Good grief, Episode Three and Miss Honoria still looks like the only person who actually belongs to the Nineteenth century, as opposed to making a day trip from the Twenty-first.
Also, that is some serious Florence Pugh energy radiating from the picture: it will be interesting to see if Miss Threapleton becomes a stalwart of the Costume Drama scene, because she certainly has the right Look.
EPISODE 4
AT LAST WE HAVE PRINCESS CHRISTINA!
For this, show, we can forgive ye much.
Not everything, but much.