Little Dorrit Parts 2 & 3
The intricate plot of Little Dorrit is becoming progressively more complicated with each episode, leaving the same—if not more—questions unanswered. Dickens continues to pull character after character out of his hat, which does nothing to ease the mass confusion about who knows who, who hates who, who loves who, or even who is who. Keeping the names straight is a mental workout in itself. (I have found Masterpiece’s character webvery handy.) What sort of information did the box reveal to Rigaud about Mrs. Clennam’s past? And why is he being such a creeper to Amy? How long will the Dorrit’s good fortune last (not long if they keep up this sort of extravagance)? What is the significance of the chance meeting between Pet and Amy? And for the love of Edward Cullen, will Arthur and Amy ever get together?!?
Though a lengthy production, Little Dorrit is highly watchable. The story demands rapt attention, which any slightly interested viewer would be unable to bestow after one episode; and the characters’ barely uncovered histories and irrevocably intertwined futures make the film all the more madly captivating (though I could do without seeing the ridiculous Flora for the remainder of the series).
While I was most looking forward to Wuthering Heights, Little Dorrit has so far been my favorite film of the 2009 Masterpiece Classic season. And the two remaining episodes have much explaining to do, which is why I believe they will be the best yet! The interim between this Sunday’s episode and the final installation on April 25 will likely be torture.
The first 3 parts are available for online viewing here until May.
And don’t forget to check out the Barnes & Noble Book Club discussion board featuring special guest Andrew Davies, the screenwriter for Little Dorrit.
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