Sanditon Season 3 Review & Discussion (Spoilers Ahead – Read at Your Own Risk)
Overview:
Sanditon, though only loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, has generated strong reactions within the period drama community. From its unexpectedly steamy first season to its cliffhanger conclusion and cancellation without a satisfactory resolution, the series has been a rollercoaster. The departure of lead actor Theo James, the introduction of a new love interest for Charlotte Heywood (played by Rose Williams) in Season 2 with Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), and some unfortunate fan racism, in addition to a change in head writer from Andrew Davies to Justin Young, further fueled the debate.
Despite any controversies, Sanditon managed to create a significant cultural impact, becoming essential viewing for period drama enthusiasts and fostering a push for more diversity in the genre alongside shows like Bridgerton. It became a delightful, albeit imperfect, escape full of engaging characters, sharp wit, romantic storylines, and beautiful seaside visuals.
Spoilers Ahead:
As someone who had early access to view the episodes, I’ve waited to share my thoughts until after the show’s release on PBS, allowing a thorough discussion with other fans. Here’s my detailed take on the third season, with plenty of spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t finished watching.
Main Plot and Character Summaries:
Set in an early 1800s seaside resort, this MASTERPIECE series brings to life the romantic entanglements of its characters. Charlotte Heywood, a country girl thrust into the bustling social scene of Sanditon, catches the attention of many eligible bachelors, including the mysterious landowner Alexander Colbourne. However, Charlotte’s father wishes her to marry the local farmer Ralph Starling.
Meanwhile, Georgiana Lambe, a mixed-race heiress from the West Indies, grapples with the suspicion that her suitors are after her fortune rather than her heart. The dynamic between Charlotte and Georgiana, both facing romantic dilemmas, forms a central aspect of the series. The returning cast adds depth to the story, with characters like Colbourne’s daughter and niece, the Parker family, and Lady Denham’s scandalous nephew.
New Characters:
The season also introduces new faces like Lady Montrose, a financially distressed matriarch who aims to secure favorable matches for her independent-minded daughter Lydia and her less suitable but title-bearing son, Lord Henry Montrose. Other interesting additions include Rowleigh Pryce and Alexander Colbourne’s brother Samuel, who brings legal expertise into the mix as the season reaches its climax.
Season 2’s Aftermath:
Season 2’s conclusion left a mix of emotions. Many viewers felt a conflict between wanting to support the Charlotte and Alexander romance and struggling with certain character behaviors. Season 3 tries to redeem some of these flawed characters, with varying success, ultimately delivering a more satisfying ending.
Jane Austen Homages:
This final season creates a loving tribute to period dramas with all the expected elements — romance, stunning costumes, independent heroines, and memorable dialogue. While the series takes inspiration from Austen’s works, some viewers might find it somewhat derivative, relying heavily on familiar tropes and character archetypes from other Austen adaptations.
Thoughts on Central Characters:
Charlotte and Alexander’s Romance:
Though the pairing of Charlotte and Alexander, known as “Heybourne,” has a devoted fan base, I didn’t find their love story as compelling as expected. Despite the efforts to mold Alexander into a Darcy-like figure, his past actions, especially in the Season 2 finale, left me less enthusiastic.
Georgiana Lambe:
Georgiana’s journey in Season 3 is beautifully rounded off with her finding her mother and reuniting with her former love, Otis. Though their romance is somewhat rushed and lacking in on-screen development, Georgiana’s happy ending is gratifying. Her character’s handling of race-related issues in the 19th century is presented thoughtfully.
Overall Impressions:
While there may be reservations about some derivative aspects of the story and central love arcs, overall, Sanditon Season 3 offers a delightful conclusion. The settings, costumes, and episode flow create an engaging viewing experience. The supporting characters often shine the brightest, with notable romances and well-crafted storylines adding charm.
In summary, if you are a fan of period dramas, particularly those with romantic elements and strong female leads, the final season of Sanditon will likely be a satisfying watch. It pays homage to Austen and the genre while pushing for greater diversity and leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
Where to Watch:
You can stream Sanditon on PBS Passport and catch the episodes on the PBS Masterpiece channel. The series finale aired on April 23, 2023.
Did you enjoy Sanditon Season 3? How did you feel about the series ending? Share your thoughts!
