Gentleman Jack

A series inspired by the diary entries of Anne Lister, one of the first modern lesbians (if you need to give her a label). The 1830s was not a time conducive to any form of LGBT, but that obviously makes it all the more interesting for historical drama. I can't imagine that a substance this complex could work entirely in a single short film, but a mini-series is a great format. That there is a wave of liberating enlightenment, society is slowly but surely flowing towards a new lacing in the Biedermeier... Perfect for viewers of the new Vanity Fair or Harlots treatments. #bbc (08/09/2019)

Conditions in Halifax in the 1930s were difficult. Especially for the protagonist, who loves women, has a considerable fortune, and is educated. Anne Lister is not interested in trouble, but she is stifled by the social manners of the time, arranged marriages, non-existent emancipation, and intrigues between relatives. Yet she would also like to do something for her family, to settle down and find inner peace. That's what the first series of Gentleman Jack, the unique costume drama from the BBC and HBO, is all about. For open-minded viewers, it’s the perfect counterpoint to all those endless Dickens and Austen adaptations. (08/09/2019)

A very satisfying continuation. The second series focuses on the relationship between Anne Lister and Ann Walker and, of course, Mariana Lawton reaches her peak, as promised by the posters. Yes, certainly, the realities of the 1830s may not be to everyone's taste, but they are presented very understandably here. After all, even today's viewer understands very well the efforts of relatives to enrich themselves at the expense of the seemingly weakest link. In this case, the planned victim is Ann Walker and when the rumors based on her relationship with Anne Lister fail, her brother-in-law will try to impoverish her on the basis of feeble-mindedness. But there is a beautiful message in the final episode that you can read in its title. You can't sue what's not illegal. No matter what greedy and slanderous people think. Another series would be nice, but even this way it's a good and functional whole. (06/05/2024)