Are some actions simply unforgivable? Can someone truly change his/her nature? These are the central questions posed in The Mayor of Casterbridge, a very engaging A&E miniseries from 2003. The stars are: intense/commanding Ciaran Hinds (Persuasion; Jane Eyre), handsome/charming James Purefoy (Vanity Fair; Rome), unconventional/poised Jodhi May (The Last of the Mohicans; Daniel Deronda), and mysteriously pretty Polly Walker. It is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel; it follows the book very closely (as several viewers/readers noted on IMDB). Everything is top-notch in this film: acting, pacing, costumes, and music (creating the right mood for Hardy, but is never too much).
If you thought the premise of Tess was a shocker, check this out! At a country fair, jobless/angry/drunken Daniel Henchard (Hinds) sells his wife and baby daughter for a few coins. When he sobers up, he can’t believe what he’s done. He runs into a chapel, grabs the Bible, and swears to not drink for 21 years.
About 19 years later, Henchard’s wife Susan (Juliet Aubrey) and her grown-up daughter, Elizabeth Jane (May) set out to find him. Susan says she is a widow and refers to her husband as “a relation by marriage.” She is shocked to learn how “high” he has become when they reach Casterbridge; Susan spies Henchard (wearing the mayoral robe and medal) inside his fine house. The mayor sees the ladies also, and decides to take action to make up for the “terrible deed.”
On the same night that his family comes to town, Henchard meets an optimistic Scotsman, Donald Farfrae (Purefoy), who has developed a technique to restore bad grain. The mayor persuades Farfrae to become his manager, and he also confides in the younger man. Later on, Henchard grows terribly jealous of Farfrae- an even-tempered, fair-minded man (unlike the mayor). Just as in Hardy’s other works (i.e. Far from the Maddening Crowd, Jude the Obscure, and Tess of the D’Urbervilles) you will find lies, mysterious letters, sudden revelations, strong females, and a lot of drama. There are secrets at every turn in this story, so check it out for yourself!
Today’s ep of Ballykissangel:
I liked re-watching this ep A LOT b/c I didn’t recall some of it! It focuses on Brian’s attempt to make a promo film about the town, Peter’s attempt to get more people in for Sunday mass, and Assumpta’s attempt to get a personal life.
Pretty much everyone in the town has noticed that Enda is interested in Assumpta. She is a BIT curious about the newbie, who is also an ex-rocker/single dad to a young son. In a recent ep, Enda even played a gig at Fitzgerald’s for free. Niamh, who is recently married/pregnant, encourages Assumpta to date Enda (if he asks her). He does ask, but she insists on picking HIM up and pays 50% for dinner.
At dinner, Enda comments that “for an atheist, you’re pretty friendly with the priest.” Assumpta shoots back quickly, “I’m not an atheist, and the Church doesn’t have anything to do with my friendship with the priest. Peter’s a good man.” Enda and Assumpta have an awkward date b/c he’s more interested in her than she is in him.
After the date, Assumpta urges Enda to talk to his son (who has been acting up recently). The boy knows that Eileen (his babysitter) cares for his dad, though Enda takes her for granted. (It’s obvious that he’s involved w/ Eileen, but has a roving eye!)
Assumpta tells Niamh that she doesn’t want any more advice about her personal life. She’s sick and tired of people getting in her business. (Hey, that’s small town life!)
Peter goes over to Enda’s house to discuss his coming performance. But we can tell from Peter’s face and demeanor that he’s MORE concerned about the Assumpta-Enda-Eileen love triangle!
At the end of this ep, Assumpta graciously breaks off her would-be relationship w/ Enda. She tells the chagrined older man “maybe you need to grow up.” Peter comes by the bar and says “you really missed something great” (meaning the performance at mass). Assumpta looks over at Enda walking away and says “I doubt it” (referring to a relationship).
American Idol:
Tonight’s best performances were: Adam, Anoop, and Danny. I decided 2 weeks ago that I like Danny a LOT better than Matt. His voice is more interesting, and his performances are more natural and energetic. (Dad said “he’s very natural” after Danny sang.) Adam and Anoop looked TERRIFIC tonight- posh BUT young. I liked Adam’s song- VERY original! Anoop looked more grown-up and showed some personality tonight- YAY! I didn’t know the song he picked, BUT it was pretty good. Paula is right- Anoop has a great smile. His parents looked VERY happy (and excited). ITA w/ Randy that this is the best 7 contestants they’ve had on the show!
Hey readers,
Keep visting b/c I’m always updating! I want to see more comments, too. I started my TESOL course, and think I’m the only one w/ experience of school teaching/subbing/tutoring in the class. So, I feel pretty confidant! (I need a boost after being down on myself for quite some time.) The other students (a VERY diverese grp!) are interested in going to China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Not everyone has decided- we have time. I want to go somewhere to get the most money b/c I need it!
All the best,
EMMA.
Quotes for today:
A man who fears love fears life.
-Father Peter Clifford, Ballykissangel (Series 1, Episode 4)
Peter says this to Ambrose, a young police officer who gets cold feet before his wedding to his long-time girfriend, Niamh.
Let me tell you girls a secret- that took me 30 plus years to find out- men and boys are more afraid of you than you are of them.
-Ramona, The Real Housewives of New York City
Ramona gives a bit of advice to her 13 y.o. daughter Avery and her group of school friends.
Pics for today:
Movies I watched today:
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
13 Going On 30
“The First Dog” moved into the White House today. Malia and Sasha looked VERY happy (and adorable) to have Bo w/ them- finally! Like most kids, they’d wanted a puppy for a LONG time.
American Idol thoughts:
Below are my FAVE contestants:
Did you know that Adam was featured in the Sunday Styles section of the most recent NYT? The song he chose tonight, Born to be Wild, suited him PERFECTLY. My dad said, “Oh, he’s already famous. He doesn’t need to win the competition.” I liked the dancing and personality, as well as the vocals. Wow, I wish I could be confidant like Adam!
Lil continues to add class and elegance to this season. I’m sure she’ll get a record deal even if she DOESN’T win!
I missed Allison’s performance b/c I was microwaving dinner, BUT it seems like she did well. She’s VERY young to be out in the world and famous, BUT seems like a level-headed girl who could handle such things.
Knightleyemma 