Reactions to the second episode of Jane Eyre

We have roamed around the blogosphere/message board world and this is what he have found:

ScreenStories. A long and very interesting review by Gallivant.

This episode was MUCH better than the first. The two main leads, Ruth Wilson as Jane and Toby Stephens as Rochester meshed much more convincingly here than the debut episode when the romantic 'tension' of their relationship seemed over-telegraphed. (...)

For certain, this series seems particularly keen to highlight this aspect of the narrative, above all else. The true primary driver of this narrative seems to be sexuality - between Jane and Rochester, in flashback with Rochester's passion for Adele's mother, and we can be sure, as hinted by the red scarf which sometimes flaps from the window of Bertha's rooms in the North Tower, between Rochester and Bertha. (...)

Interestingly the gypsy fortune-teller who frightens Blanche Ingram and tries to wheedle out Jane's secrets in this production is not Rochester in disguise, but a local woman Rochester has paid to impersonate a gypsy instead. Clearly it was felt a Rochester 'in drag' would fail to convince a savvy audience - thus a small element of suspense is retained.

An additional new scene featuring the Ingram party playing with a Ouija board offered little of interest, as Rochester fixes the game to reveal to Blanche that he considers her 'heartless' - to what effect is uncertain. (...)

TVScoop by johnberesford

The passion between Rochester and Jane Eyre continued to smoulder tonight,
never quite catching flame. (...)

Like an episode of Columbo (only considerably better written!) we already know whodunnit and the pleasure in the tale is reduced to that of listening to a favourite tune or re-reading a long treasured novel. But there's also a deal of delight to be had in this production from the fine acting (tell me you didn't instantly despise Lady Ingram?), the beautiful locations, the costumes and the confident adaptation, which keeps up the pace without losing the essentials of the story. Plenty here to keep me hooked for another couple of weeks.

La Frileuse

I think I liked episode 2 better, but Toby Stephens just reminds me too much of Hugh Grant to be a good Mr Rochester. I do like Hugh Grant in some roles but he's no Mr Rochester.

The 'after the fire' scene didn't really stir me, despite Mr Rochester getting so close to Jane he almost kissed her; there was no tension there for me. It was the next scene that moved me: Jane returned to her room and clasped the hand that had been held by his and kissed it and smiled. And I could almost remember what it was like to have such a memory.

It seems a bit too obvious that Mr Rochester has feelings for Jane. Of course we know he has but he seems to communicate them too much to Jane, at this stage.

The 'Gypsy scene' was included with a woman gypsy instead of Mr Rochester dressed up as a gypsy! How ridiculous.

BBCcostumedrama by LauraLorien

I loved episode 2. Whatever worries I had after the first episode have completely evaporated. What is there not to like? They have so much chemistry and Ruth is truly perfect. Toby is also a wonderful piece of casting (I'm still bothered about his costumes though, that riding waistcoat is not a good look) but in my humble opinion he's pretty much Rochester from the book, or the best we can hope for at least. I was terribly happy because they edited out all the bits I dislike from the novel and kept my favourite bits of dialogue so yeah, I'm a happy bunny.

IMDB Board (among many, many others)

Whiteroses: Despite the changes, oh how I love this second episode! I could not help but smile throughout, especially in anticipation of those little moments between Jane and Rochester. A particular favourite being the scene where she askes for leave to visit Mrs. Reed. Their banter when he offers her money, and then tries to decide upon the amount is so sweet!

And finally, our favourite is this letter published in The Telegraph:

Sir – I read with interest the criticism of the latest BBC production of Jane Eyre (Letters, September 30). While perhaps it does not adhere to the letter of the book, my family of son, 15, and daughter, 11, found it enthralling.As a result, my son went to the library, took out the book and read it. I think that, with such a reaction of introducing children to classic literature, the BBC can so far call the series a success.
Alison Rodger, Chesterfield, Derbys.

EDIT: The BBC has the ratings for last night's episode:

The second episode of BBC One's Jane Eyre attracted 5.5m viewers

It's less than the people watching it last Sunday, and certainly less than the people watching Crackers. Not that it means much.

Digital Spy also publishes information about the ratings:

Ratings for the show [Cracker] managed to beat the second part of the BBC's costume drama Jane Eyre, which pulled in 5.5 million viewers and a 23% share in the 9pm hour. Viewers for the Charlotte Bronte classic dropped 400,000 and two share points on last week, when it trailed behind ratings for ITV1's Midsomer Murders.

Categories: Movies-DVD-TV,Jane_Eyre