There are some great comic characters and situations in the story. Rivaling some of Austen's jerks was Mr. Brooke -- his wishy-washy take-the-middleground ways drive you nuts. Or how about the situation where everybody is waiting for old Featherstone to die? Have you known greedy families like that? Reminded me a little of Chuzzlewit.

Oh yes, It reminded me of Chuzzlewit also. I really have to say that in the miniseries I really did like Fred Vincy. Even though he was considered a no-gooder, I found his romance with Mary to be real.

In the video, I find the scene amusing in which the young man(Plymdale I think) is showing passages to Rosamund. The look on his face when Dr. Lydgate laughs at the book makes me smile. Rosamund looks like the cat that just swallowed the canary.

I agree, Kim. Poor old Ned never had a chance after Lydgate came to town. I'd love to see a real copy of "Keepsake" to see just how sappy it was. Wonder what the modern day equivilent of it is, if there is one.

Probably Harlequin Romance novels. Or better yet, Danielle Steele, Jackie Collins, Joan Collins, et al.

Hi, back again! I agreed with Fred Vincy being a lovable character and I liked the way Mary waited for him to settle down before risking everything in a marriage that might have gone wrong if "done" too early and with no means. She too is a strong, intelligent character. Fred and Mary make a truly real, believable couple.

It does not hurt that he has just a touch of that Firth look in the miniseries. I don't see a lot of resemblence, really. The hair is nice, and once in a while Jonathan gives off that little grimace and eye-roll of disgust or exasperation that reminds me of brother Colin.

The smile is very much like Colin Firth`s, I think. Jonathan has a more fragile appearance, more juvenile. I like his looks. There`s this frankness about both Firths grins. :-)

But the better part of the grin is in the eye, maybe?

Yeah, and those dimples. I remeber I had this surge of utter delight when I saw Colin Firth smile at the end of Pride. I laughed myself the first time. He looked so completely radiant and I was used to seing him frown in disgust... He has great piercing eyes. Great eyes! :-)