Welcome to the life of the other Bennet Sister, Mary—she’s not pretty or witty or young and after all her other sisters get married off, she’s left behind. The ruddy, bespectacled intellectual is left in a house empty save for her parents, knowing her time there is limited by her father’s lifespan—and when that is cute short what is an unmarried girl to do? Get pawned off on other relatives, of course—and perhaps find herself in the process?
The Other Bennet Sister is such an adorable series! So cute, so funny, and just a joy to watch! Even for someone who is not an Austen fan (yes, I know it is a flaw of mine), it is wonderful. It is one of those things that you find yourself thinking about after it has ended, and something that I could see myself rewatching in those moments when I need something comforting and fun. It is one of those stories that you love to see, a Cinderella, but one that is a little easier to root for than the image of perfection who can sing birds from the air.
It is so rare to have a main character that is not traditionally beautiful or made up to look a little plain (but who is clearly not plain in any way). That is not the case in this series, there are times that Mary (Ella May Bruccoleri) is genuinely not attractive or cute. BUT I am so here for it, her expressions are perfection her attitude is at times wonderfully acerbic and at others so touchingly insecure. She’s the perfect actress for this role and I’m so happy they chose her. And her two love interests (Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn) are such wonderful matches to her. They are handsome but also a tiny bit awkward—it makes their interactions worth watching.
Oh, and what a lovely idea to put this Historical Rom-Com in a 30-minute format. It makes it quick and funny without having to be embellished with long, drawn-out scenes or overly complicated side-plots. We follow Mary, and that’s it—we are invested in her, we are entertained by her, that’s all we need!
I cannot tell you how enjoyable The Other Bennet Sister is! It is a new favorite of mine.
Rating: A
Level of Enthusiasm: 100%
