Let’s be honest. Ever since season one of Sanditon hit the airwaves, the Jane Austen purists went into an uproar. I know that anything connected with Jane Austen’s work, in some eyes, must strictly adhere to Regency-era norms. The audience screamed foul on many items, from Charlotte’s hair being down, walking around town unchaperoned, and, naturally naked Sidney and sex scenes on screen.
It’s the same for seasons two and season three of Sanditon. The purists have lodged their complaints again. According to this article from Decider, PBS Masterpiece admits that they took “massive creative license,” especially when they put Charlotte unchaperoned in a carriage with Colbourne while they spirited off to rescue Augusta. Frankly, it doesn’t bother me. After all, Jane Austen wrote a scene where Emma is alone with Elton in a carriage when he proposes to her.
I realize that not everyone in the Regency era adhered to the strict rules of society. People who lived in the country were far more relaxed than others. Women still got pregnant out of wedlock. Couples ran off together. Kisses were stolen, and ankles were flashed. Frankly, the Victorian era was far more prudish than the Regency era on many levels.
So let’s face it. Sanditon is entertainment. PBS Masterpiece took liberties. Read what they have to say.
I think it’s a curious genre we’re in because it’s a respectful homage to Austen. But, you know, we’re not purists about it. We are first and foremost trying to give the audience, you know, the moments that they want.
READ MORE ON DECIDER