Is there anything more comforting than a Jane Austen happy ending? That’s why PBS Masterpiece’s Sanditon desperately needs another season.
If you love period dramas or Jane Austen, you’ve probably seen Sanditon by now. And if you’re like me, the ending must have driven you insane. Jane Austen adaptations deserve a happily ever after, right?
Jane Austen’s Sanditon
For those who don’t know, Sanditon is Jane Austen’s unfinished last work. She wrote eleven chapters about a charming seaside town full of fascinating characters before her illness stopped her from completing the novel. This means we’ll never know her true intended ending. Instead, all we get are various fan fiction conclusions imagined by different creative minds.
There have been a few notable continuations over the years, including Jane Austen’s Sanditon: A Continuation by her niece Anna Austen Lefroy. But even Lefroy’s version remains unfinished.
The latest take on Sanditon comes from Andrew Davies, the writer behind the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. First airing in the UK, Sanditon eventually made its way to PBS Masterpiece in the U.S., capturing the hearts of period drama enthusiasts before its unfortunate cancellation marked yet another incomplete version of Austen’s final novel.
Sanditon – What It’s About
In the TV series, the story centers on Charlotte Heywood, a spirited, intelligent farmer’s daughter who gets involved in a carriage accident. Tom Parker, an enthusiastic entrepreneur, invites her to Sanditon—a seaside town he’s developing into a resort—as a thank-you for her help.
Charlotte, seeking adventure, accepts his invitation and enters the thrilling world of Sanditon, filled with dancing, swimming, new friendships, and lavish dinner parties. At these parties, she meets a host of intriguing characters: the miserly rich Lady Denham, the Antiguan heiress Miss Lambe, and scheming siblings trying to inherit Lady Denham’s fortune. But it’s Tom Parker’s brother, Sidney Parker, who makes the most significant impression on her. He’s her Mr. Darcy, and the two clash almost immediately.
With a fantastic ensemble and an ideal setting, Sanditon is perfectly set up for a period drama series to last more than one season—as was Andrew Davies’ original intention. Unfortunately, the series ends on a rather unsatisfactory note.
Seven Reasons Sanditon Needs Another Season:
1: Theo James as Sidney
Theo James excels as Sidney Parker, bringing intense stares and smoldering chemistry with leading lady Rose Williams. Sidney’s character may come off as rude initially, but by season’s end, you feel for him as he sacrifices everything for his family.
2: Rose Williams as Charlotte
Charlotte Heywood, played by Rose Williams, is the perfect female protagonist for a Jane Austen drama. With her wide-eyed innocence paired with fierce independence and strong opinions, Charlotte navigates the world of Sanditon with a kindness that you can’t help but admire. Her story deserves a better conclusion.
3: A Diverse Jane Austen
Miss Lambe, Jane Austen’s first black character, is brought to life by Andrew Davies’ interpretation, played by Crystal Clarke. Watching Miss Lambe’s romantic and complicated story unfold was a joy, and her unfinished storyline leaves us craving more.
4: The Swoony Young Stringer
Leo Suter plays Young Stringer, an idealistic architect with dreams of bettering his life despite his poor background. His genuine equality with Charlotte almost makes you root for them as a couple. A second season could introduce a new romance for him.
5: Esther Denham’s Complex Character
Esther Denham, played by Charlotte Spencer, appears cold but is actually full of intense emotion. Manipulated by her stepbrother for years, her journey towards real happiness is captivating. We need more characters like Esther.
6: Smoldering Chemistry
The palpable chemistry between Sidney and Charlotte makes their fiery interactions compelling to watch. We need more romantic scenes between them since things were just heating up.
7: Sanditon Deserves a Happy Ending
Amid all the world’s darkness and tragedy, we need more happy endings. Jane Austen and Andrew Davies surely intended for Charlotte and Sidney to find happiness. With such a devoted fanbase, why not at least create a two-hour movie to finish the story? A fan-funded campaign could even solve any funding issues.
Overall Sanditon Thoughts
Sanditon is a must-see period drama with grand costumes, excellent characterization, and a romance that sweeps you off your feet. While some scenes might not be very Jane Austen and one moment could be seen as unnecessary, the series still honors the beloved author, especially in the romance between Sidney and Charlotte. Andrew Davies enhances Austen’s original characters with enriching backstories and developments. Like the best melodramas, Sanditon leaves you wanting more. Make it happen, PBS and ITV! The audience is waiting.
Content Note: Rated TV-14 for male nudity and sensuality over eight episodes. Nothing overly gratuitous.
Where to Watch: PBS Passport and Prime Video with the PBS Masterpiece Add-On. Also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
