Fangirl Confessions: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries
I have a confession to make.
Not the kind that will make you all gasp with horror (well… I don’t think you will anyway), rather one that reveals I have managed to not be a part of a certain fandom.
For the most part, I’m not a person influenced if I have a firm conviction that I don’t want to be among fads and fandoms. Case in point: The boy bands of the nineties? Yeah, I was not a fan. The boy bands of today aren’t exactly geared towards my age-range, nevertheless do not get me started on them. Twilight? Nope! By the way, what is it about vampires that are… cool? Please, don’t say it’s romantic because I won’t buy it, dear readers. More modern, the bodysuit fashion trend? No way! Anyway, I am getting off-topic. The point of this post was to confess something. Let’s get to that.
FANGIRL CONFESSIONS: THE LIZZIE BENNET DIARIES
Fangirl Confessions: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries #fromthearchives Share on XMy name is Rissi… …and on Friday, March the 15th at approximately 2 in the afternoon, I watched my very first webisode of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.
Before I share any impressions of this web series, I’ll just share the reason why I’m writing this today. Finally caving and watching an episode comes about as a result of Twitter chatter (you girls totally know who you are!) and my not having watched it isn’t because I’m an Austen purist (I am not) more because I didn’t want to get “addicted” to something that would pull me to the computer since that is the only way one can watch them. However, while I think these ae adorbs (minus the innuendo), I haven’t watched another one since.
After ten episodes, I’m glad that I’d seen enough for the time being. The series features a fabulous actress who brings loads of personality and spunk to a “modern” version of an Austen heroine with finesse. The humor is fabulous and leaves any viewer who is willing to overlook the flaws in stitches! Below is the first episode if you all are interested.
There’s rumors that these may be released to DVD which I am all for. Who needs to watch a two-minute video and then have to switch out to the next episode just as we’re getting caught up in Lizzie’s hilarious impersonations of her family or reports of the new owner of Netherfield (in a lovable, rambling sort of way). If a DVD set were made available, I’d certainly snatch it up (update: you can now purchase the series on DVD via the Pemberley Digital store). After all, a modern version of Pride & Prejudice won’t feature corset clad heroines who sit at home all day knitting. That expectation is not only unrealistic but would have its share of criticisms just as contemporary liberties do.
Anyone who cares to, please share your thoughts of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries! They are pretty cute, right!? ♥
Content note: It’s clean save for one reference that a man could be homosexual. Wish I could say the same for the rest, which are a PG13 just because of sexual innuendo.
Photos: Pemberley Digital
Over all? I like them. It's true, there is some language and innuendo, which is immensely disappointing, but at the end of the day, I really did enjoy watching them! And yes, I watched them all. I didn't expect to, but I just kept watching! I really liked how later on in the series, others also had corresponding diaries that helped fill out the story — Lydia and Gigi (aka Georgiana Darcy) to be exact. I haven't done Maria Lu's yet. But that was a neat aspect. I'm glad you tried them! :)
As am I, Charity. Although much as you "blame" me for you now liking 'Downtown,' I lay the blame for me trying this on you and Micah. In a good way though. :)
Finishing these will be a priority but I am rooting for that DVD set. It'll be more fun for me to watch that way; I'll have to check out Lydia and Gigi's diaries as well – as you say, they likely fill in some gaps. :)
Thanks for sharing, Charity!!!
Ah yes, I suppose Micah and I must accept the blame for this one! Hey, at least you tried them and enjoyed them tolerably much — enough to hopefully finish. ;)
Yeah, a DVD could make it a lot easier to watch. I heard today that they're doing Sanditon in May, and another mini-series (Emma, perhaps?) come late summer! Made me happy. :)
LOL! Just a little bit, Charity. I assure you, it was mostly because I do love all things Austen. :)
From my impressions a DVD set is basically going to happen. Which is cool. As a girl who prefers to watch movies on the TV screen, I'll go that route every time I can. Nonetheless, either way, I'll finish these and will likely enjoy the rest as much (if not more!) than the first ten. :)
As a result… I really should be thanking you, my friend!
Oooh! Yes, I heard that today about Sanditon also; what is the story about in general? Seeing someone who had a passion for capturing Jane's same voice finish this would be delightful. Until then, I'll keep my eye on this same company! :)
ROFL…….I just found all these comments! LOOOOOOVE IT! FABULOUS horribly addicting show (of course you both know I loved it!). I DO wish Lydia would watch her mouth more often, along with a few other things, but all in all I was pleased and absolutely adored it. Wow, so now I'm blamed for Rissi and Charity's latest love of LBD, and Kellie's obsession with Merlin. Faaaaaantastic! ;)
We do have too much fun in our comments sections, don't we!? ;)
This web series is fun – being so addictive is both "good" and "bad." However I am quite proud of myself for not being drawn back – I am loving this DVD set. Lydia needs to be called out about that mouth of hers – the girl acts like she was raised in a barn. LOL! ;)
Though I cannot speak for Kellie (Merlin IS cute!), I would say that this sort of "blame" is a good thing, Micah. Really my thanks are in order. :)
I really like these videos,except for the sexual innuendo and Lydia's foul language.
They are so fun to watch and don't get boring.
As do I, Ella. :) They are cute and the cast's expressions and antics keep me in stiches.
You are right: They don't seem to be boring at all. :)
I just watched the first four. I see your point. They are pretty addicting. Great, another reason to put off studying. :P No, I won't give in!
Aren't they fun, Jennifer? I'm quite proud of myself for not having watched anymore yet I look forward to finishing them. In a way, it's nice they are nearly over. Selfishly, that means I won't have the wait. :)
Stay strong: Don't give in!
Wow…sometimes our wave lengths get me a little freaked out, gral! I actually just sat down last night for the first time and watched the first six episodes. Quite hilarious and very, very clever…but wow!! There's A LOT of them! I had no idea! I'll continue to watch them as I have time. :)
LOL! I've experienced that before also, Kellie, my friend – it's "scary," isn't it!? ;)
The series is clever. Bringing in the familiar while still being a unique perspective that can appeal to the contemporary world. Like you, I'll finish them. Just not going to sit here and watch them all at once; could be that would be a bit overkill. ;)
I haven't watched them all but I think it is a really cute concept. Last week they launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the series to DVD, and they quadrupled their goal in two days…so supposedly this summer the sets will be available! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pemberleydigital/the-lizzie-bennet-diaries-dvdand-more
As do I, Ruth. The idea that these could come to DVD has me thrilled. I'd much prefer watching them in that form. According to the news items, it's basically a done deal. Or that's my impression!
Thanks for the article link. Appreciate it.
Glad you stopped in. :)
Yay, Rissi is watching LBD! I love them, as I believe I've already told you and I'm heartbroken :-P that the last episode is tonight! Somehow it's really interesting to see the well-known tale unfold in this modern way, via little snippets. I'm glad there's going to be a DVD and will certainly rewatch in bigger chunks, but there was some added effect in watching it as it came, having to wait in between installments, talking about it with other viewers, following the Twitter feeds of the characters etc, as if you were really made part of Lizzie's life in real time.
I hope you will finish watching them, in whatever form and then write a full review of sorts! And next to the DVD there's also going to be a web adaptation of Jane Austen's unfinished novel Sanditon by the same team behind the LBD soon! Looking forward to that for sure!
It is fun, Birdienl! Thanks. So far, they are quite entertaining.
Ah, yes, I thought I'd seen on Twitter that the final episode was coming. Selfishly, it makes me glad because then I know there is an end in sight and I will be going into the series without expectation of there being "more." For all of it's fans, I understand completely your disappointment – who hasn't been there!? All we want to do is wail over a beloved fandom leaving. :/ It's not cool.
You have some spectacular news! Someone is going to tackle, Sanditon!? That should be fun.
I'm rooting for the DVD's and would love to share more thoughts once I finish the installments – which will be in the near future. And do agree: Seeing Lizzie as a character whose life is in "real time" is interesting. The makers of this series did a really nice job. :)
What is it about vampires that are… cool?
Immortal, ageless, eternally gorgeous, powerful, and usually rich. That's cool. ;)
I have no opinion on the TLBD, since like you, I'm stubborn and refuse to watch them just because everyone else is.
Immortal, ageless, eternally gorgeous, powerful, and usually rich. That's cool. ;)
Add in the super strength, agility, and the fact that they've been around long enough to learn a whole lot of awesome stuff, and yup, that's pretty much it. Except I don't go in for the sparkly kind. I like mine in long black coats and striking hair, with one-word names like Angel and Spike…
No, sparkly vampires must die.
Mmm, Angel and Spike.
And Damon and Stefan.
And Elijah…
You ladies made me smile with your vampire talk. You two are too much. :)
Charity – I'll grant you a few things. The "gorgeous" part isn't bad. Unless you are Edward, then, that's just… sad. However if you are say, Alex O'Loughlin… that's different. Or Angel. ;) Okay, and the wealth is pretty awesome too. That's all I am saying.
TLBD is cute. The humor is good and the actors are insanely funny in their facial expressions and antics.
BTW: Keep forgetting to tell you – your new profile pics (Gemma and on Goodreads) are AWESOME! Love both. :)
Hamlette – Who needs the "sparkly" kind!? ;)
Yeah, Robert Pattinson never did much for me. The actor playing Carlisle, on the other hand… but yeah, Mick was gorgeous. Alex was WAY better looking on "Moonlight" with his longer hair than he is on "Hawaii Five-O." And David was pretty fine in his young years too. And let's not talk about Ian "Smolderhalder"… ahem.
That's what I've heard. I'll watch it, when you check out "Harry Potter." ;)
Aw, thanks. I need to fix this profile picture — it's cutting off her head! You know, if you're going to use the Doctor everywhere as your header and profile pic — you might want to actually WATCH THE SHOW at some point… ;)
Never particularly liked Robert or Kristen. Both seem unable to handle their fame. Since I like guys with short hair, I like Alex's cut on HF-O. Either way, he's nice-looking. ;)
'Lizzie Bennet' is cute in a fluffy sort of way, but I'll much prefer the DVD's over the YouTube vids. :)
It's still cute even with a chopped off head. Some photographer's use that technique as an "artsy" style and most of the time, it's neat. LOL! Yeah, I love my "autumn" Who header but am not wild about this look though the pics are adorbs. Need something to spruce it up yet. *sigh* Creative problems aren't fun. Moi watch Doctor Who? What on earth would lead you to suggest that!? I did watch one episode a while back. Liked it and haven't gone back to it since. Someday.
Robert was great in Harry Potter, and pretty good in Water for Elephants, but my dislike for his Edward has soured me on him. Kristen on the other hand couldn't act her way out of a paper bag.
Normally, I like shorter hair on guys too, but for some reason, Alex is WAY, WAY HOTTER on Moonlight than anything else I've ever seen him in. Or maybe it's just the character.
These pics are indeed adorable. The show starts up again on Saturday — can't wait.
Which episode was it?
Oh, yeah! I totally forgot Robert was in Water for Elephants! He wasn't bad in that. Golly, one of these days I should rent that again; it was unique and "pretty" with the costuming.
I suspect with Moonlight, Alex's "hotness" has much to do with his character. ;) Knowing you as I do.
Aren't they just!? I like the idea of seeing Jenna in something after Titanic. Her character was sure cute in that miniseries.
Let's see… it was the first episode that the Doctor meets Amy. So… S5, E1? Whichever one, I was grinning through it because it was so silly (the effects) it was cool. :D
It is gorgeous movie. It's actually the reason I made the leap to Blu Ray — it seemed a shame to own that film on anything less than full HD!
Mick is a great character, a "moral" vampire who solves crimes. He's a sweetheart, through and through. Shame it only lasted over a dozen episodes. The writer's strike killed it. (Ironically, if they'd waited six months, the ratings would have been better — that was right before Twilight/The Vampire Diaries exploded.)
Jenna has already been in two episodes — she's adorable, and Clara is such a terrific character, I can't wait to find out what the "mystery" behind her is all about.
Aw, yes, it can be a bit of a trip at first, with the silliness and the CG1, but it's the characters that grow on you. Amy was my favorite companion, I think, which after the awesomeness of Catherine Tate is saying something.
Yes, it is – one of these days, I'll rent it again. So this was the film that prompted you to upgrade to Blu-Ray, Charity!? Some movies inspire that sort of reaction. :)
That is ironic about Moonlight. It's too bad it didn't last since it would have likely been quite a fandom these days. Same with NBC. They passed on 'Downton' and they are actually the network that is most struggling with ratings. Wonder if they regret that now.
She seems like the kind of actress who can do "adorable" with class. I am looking forward to meeting her as soon I get through Amy and the Doctor's adventures – she is totally cute also. I've a feeling I am going to be sad watching her swan song. Despite those effects, it was fun. One of these days when I snatch a block of time without family, I'll watch some more. :)
Yep. I was tempted already (by SuckerPunch, for one) but this pretty much pushed me over the edge. It's gorgeous.
NBC is run by a bunch of morons. I guess they ARE going to be trying some costume dramas, though — aren't they doing the new Dracula series? (It'll bomb, but I'll watch it anyway.)
Doctor Who is delightful. It can also rip your heart out and stomp on it. But… we survive.
There's another movie I've forgotten about. Never rented it either.
NBC appears to have executives in charge who are, yes, unintelligent in making programming decisions. Yeah, I've heard about the new Dracula series and also have seen rumors about an Edwardian series. Don't know if that will ever come to fruition or not though.
*sigh* BBC series have a tendency to rip our hearts out. :/
The BBC ain't doing it to me anymore — I'll just shut off my emotions and hate everything they do. =D
Hey, that's one way to look at it.
I like it. ;)
Oh my word… I started watching these. They are hilarious! :)
That they are, Rosie. That they are. :)
I got sucked in about a month or so ago, and caught up on the episodes in about a week. I really do enjoy the videos, except for the language and innuendo and such. There were some episodes that I absolutely adored, but others just seemed sort of mediocre to me.
I'm still debating about the DVD, though. Apparently it's going to cost $55, which I think is steep! You're basically paying for the convenience and the bonus features. I have a hard enough time paying $55 for a season of a show I adore (*ahem* Doctor Who!), much less one that I just "really like." :)
I will watch all future adaptations they decide to do, though. Maybe this Sandition thing will finally push me to read the unfinished book!
~Kristin
Hey, Kristin! Glad you stopped in!
Wow! That was fast, Kristin. So far, I've not gone back to watch any more. I plan on it though since they were quite cute. :) Likely they'll be ones to pick out as favorites – as with anything. Lizzie's impersonations of her mother are HILARIOUS!
Hear you about the DVD set. It does hurt sometimes to pay those high prices. Since my family watches shows on DVD instead of TV, we buy our sets and in the last year or so, prices have leveled a bit. They aren't so high now and usually ABC offers ten dollar coupons for their sets – which is AWESOME! Hopefully places like Amazon will offer a discounted set of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries…?
Never read the unfinished Austen book either – what is it about?
Thanks for visiting, Kristin – do so anytime. :)
I just had to comment here and suggest you read Sanditon by Jane Austen and Another Lady! (That's how the author's are named on the cover.) There's been a few people finish this story but this particular one was the first I read and is still my favorite. The second author did a great job in making the change from Austen's work to her own very seamlessly (in my opinion). It really is a cute story! If you enjoy Austen, I'd imagine you'd like this one as well. Just a suggestion! :)
Thanks for the suggestion, Kara. I'm always looking for new books (not that I need more ;D) so I'll look into that one – I'd like to get her one unfinished story.
Glad you shared.
LOL! That sounds funny to hear an author billed as "Another Lady." Way to be unique. :)
I love them!!! I seriously watched the whole season in a weekend! And then did a blog post about them, of course. They are genius! :-)
They are good, Susannah! I am really enjoying them thus far. Whoa! You watched them all in a weekend!? That's dedication. :)
Thanks for stopping by – visit anytime. :)
Oh Rissi. I understand. I love, love, love The LBD, but it was very addicting. So I totally understand your hesitation. And truthfully? I started it last year from the very beginning. Then after about 10 to 15 episodes, I got tired of waiting for new ones each week and stopped watching. I thought it was cute but "not handsome enough to tempt me" at that time. ;P
But around Darcy's reveal last Fall, I got to thinking about it again and started it back up in December. The last three months, I have faithfully spent my lunch breaks at work watching the new episodes (and driving my coworkers crazy probably). It was loads of fun though! :D
I don't really care for the innuendos and the few curse words I've heard either. Nor what they used for Lydia's arc (although it does make sense with how they wrote the story, I still didn't like it). I haven't watched any of Lydia's videos actually, and not sure if I ever will. Perhaps someday. But I really appreciated that while all the extra stuff (videos, twitter, tumblr, etc) was there and fun, I can just watch Lizzie's 100+ episodes and have the entire story just fine.
I also admit that I'm a sucker for the romance so that's really what hooked me in this last third. But the sisters' and Charlotte's relationship ups and downs I really enjoyed also! I thought that part was very well done and well acted by all the ladies.
Also, I'm pretty positive that the DVD will definitely be coming out sometime this summer. And that will make it way easier to watch the whole thing. :)
Okay, I'll stop now. ;) So as for vampires? I gotta agree with Charity. They can be kinda cool. (Well, at least some are. Sparkly ones are kinda silly.) And I also admit that I've loved her posts about vampires and such on her blog. :D
(Aww, well, thank you! I actually have another one cooking, since it seems like the 5th most searched for thing on my blog is "should Christians watch The Vampire Diaries?" =P)
Hi Charity! I'll definitely be on the lookout! :)
Gracious! Sorry for the long comment!
LOL! Love your summary of LBD. Not "handsome enough" indeed. ;) Since I am not an Austen purist (meaning I like the contemporary retellings), I really enjoyed this web series. I am actually anticipating the rest, it just hasn't "pulled" me back. Yet.
The sister relationships are adorbs and their interaction seems so "genuine" as does spur-of-the-moment reactions. That alone makes it worth watching – their expressions and fun antics are priceless! Even though I haven't gotten to Lydia's "issues" yet, it doesn't surprise me that her story gets a little… sketchy. :/ The real drawback are the profanities/crude language; it takes away from some of the otherwise brilliant humor. Although… the acting does make up for that in some forms – they are all great. :)
Oooh! Meeting Darcy is definitely anticipated. After all, it's DARCY!!! LOL! Everything I've seen looks promising. ;)
Yes, my understanding is also yes that the DVD set is for sure. That will be a fun summer treat. :)
You and I both, my friend – I am a sucker for romance also. Never apologize for long comments – they are the best. :)
Aw, yay! I am glad you enjoyed Charity's blogs. She's a talented friend. :)
The actresses on this show have awesome chemistry! The way they all go back and forth and tease and fight and everything feels very natural and genuine. Totally agree! Actually, I think all of the actors/actresses are great. They have to be to make me like Mr. Collins and Lydia! (Although I still don't like Caroline.) :D
Trust me, Darcy is memorable! Without question! Whether in 2013 or early 1800s, he's DARCY as you say. ;)
The one thing I really think is fabulous about this show is the fact that they introduced Austen to a whole lot of new people. I've read articles written by people who admitted that they didn't like Austen before, but now they love her and love her stories. And that's a wonderful thing to accomplish. :)
They do. Their camaraderie and antics are such a riot. Love when the chemistry is this infectious.
Darcy is cool. Not sure I've "met" one version of him I didn't like. Yet. ;)
That is a wonderful thing, Kara. Introducing new fans to Austen is a nice feeling because her stories are so memorable and just… classic.
Bummer. I've been hearing about Lizzie Bennett lately, and I was considering giving it a try… but I'm disappointed to hear about the language and innuendo. Grrr! Why do they always have to stick that stuff in everything!? :(
Thanks for the post, Rissi. I really appreciate your blog, it's pretty much the only place I've found that offers insight into the content of stuff like this. :)
I've only seen about ten or so episodes, Valerie but the crude humor is a bit off-putting. So far, it hasn't turned me off of watching it altogether as I plan on watching the rest, nonetheless, it is annoying. :/
Like you, I crave cleaner entertainment and sadly, Hollywood is determined to convince us that what society says is PC is "normal."
Thank you for being a part of the readership, Valerie! I appreciate it and your comments. Visit anytime. :)
I started watching the Lizzie Bennet Diaries earlier this year and enjoyed them a great deal. I was a bit reluctant first because I found out that it's a modern version. I'm not a Austen purist, but I tend to stay away from the modern versions of her books and movie adaptations because I feel they don't do the author justice. This, however, was different, and I felt that it brought Pride and Prejudice to the modern world in a way that the original meaning and intent of Austen wasn't destroyed. I enjoyed the wit, the dialogues, even the delivery. Yeah, it could do without all those innuendos and some scenes (in some later videos), but other than that, it was a great "film." :D
As do I, Alyssa. Since I am not an Austen purist, I basically go for any modern re-telling. With this, there are some great tributes to Jane's original story and I love the humor that the actors seem very "genuine" and comfortable with. The writer's also bring some of their own originality to the scripts and that is as it should be. :)
I am one fan excited about the DVD set – should be fun! :)
Thanks for the blog follow.
I felt guilty and *wrong* for watching these because of the "sexual innuendo" and language and …. yeah. I haven't watched the final one or two episodes and may not ever. I have to say that I hope it doesn't come out on DVD. Thanks for posting on it, though, Rissi.
…and I respect that, Hannah. You raise some excellent points and I don't disagree in the least. The innuendo is unpleasant and that does put a damper on what is otherwise a clever, delightful little web series.
Thank you for sharing, Hannah! :)