FingerSmith : The Complete BBC Series [2005]

Strongly recommended, but do yourself a favor and read the novel first; it's such a magnificent experience.


Astounding BBC drama – they don’t get better than this.   November 14, 2005
 30 out of 33 found this review helpful

Watching this novel is like seeing the dramatisation of newly discovered novel by Wilkie Collins, Sarah Waters has obviously steeped herself in Dickensian London and the novels of Dickens and Collins and has written the kind of book they would have written without the constraints of Victorian morality.

This is a superb drama highly reminiscent of “The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins, with cruel double crosses and deceptions perpetrated by a heartless con man called “The Gentleman” (Evans), a warm lesbian love affair between Maude (Cassidy) and Susan her maid (Hawkins), and a female Fagin type character Mrs Sucksby (Staunton), add to all this the pleasure of Charles Dance in one of his wicked Victorian uncle roles.

The complexity of the plot and the timelines are preserved with an excellent use of voice over.

Needless to say the acting is first class, the lesbian chemistry between Maude and Susan outstanding, a great screenplay which apparently includes a good deal of dialogue from the novel, settings and directing near perfect.


Breathtaking   September 30, 2005
 20 out of 22 found this review helpful

When i heard that Fingersmith was being made into a tv programme i was so excited because Sarah Waters is one of the most talented writers alive today. I intially was worried about how much they would change the book but thankfully, they did a really good job with the way the storyline flowed. I honestly cant think of anyone more capable to play Sue than Sally Hawkins.She was superb and so was Elaine Cassidy-the chemistry they had was amazing.
If you haven't already seen this programme what the hell are you waiting for??Buy it now otherwise you're just living your life in ignorance!


wow ... more than what I expected !   March 12, 2006
 37 out of 42 found this review helpful

"Fingersmith" is a tale that is narrated by two orphaned girls;

Susan Trinder was raised by Mrs Sucksby, in a household of fingersmiths (pick-pocketers), in the centre of London.

Maud Lilly is a wealthy heiress, who when her mother dies, was sent to live with her Uncle in a Country Mansion.

One day Richard 'Gentleman' Rivers, arrives at Mrs Sucksby’s with an elaborate plan, which involves defrauding Maud of her inheritance.

If Sue help him, she'll get a share of the possible £30,000 inheritance. Her part in the plan is that she has pose as Maud's maid and convince her that 'Gentleman' is the man for her and that one she should marry.

Slowly a relationship develops between the two girls and as 'Gentleman's' plans take shape, Sue begins to have doubts.

The scheme is finally hatched but as Maud commences her narrative it suddenly becomes clear who has double-crossed who!!.

I honestly did not see the twist at the end of episode 1 coming. Just over 2.5hrs long ... well worth the £6 that Amazon is selling it for. 5*