Unsung Heroes Review: Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell
As I continue my commitment to this series of underappreciated television and film, it can sometimes take a while to find that fantastic work of art. I am forced to rummage the various offerings on streaming platforms and DVD screeners, focusing on those that, frankly, I have never heard of. I’m learning that for the sake of satisfying the theme of this column, I have to kiss a lot of proverbial frogs before I find that show worth writing up. After having voiced my frustration about a rather dull run of “frogs” I’d watched, my sister, Margarita Del Mar mentioned a show she had started about magic that looked promising. Thus I discovered Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell.
Let me begin by saying that this show is absolutely fantastic. The plot and premise is based off a novel of the same title by writer, Susanna Clarke, and while I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the book, I have placed it in my reading queue with much anticipation.
The story revolves around the adventures of the two adversarial and titular characters. Spurred by their distinctly different relationships with magic amidst England in the 18th century, they unwittingly begin on an incredible adventure. Mr. Norell, a by-the-book conservative magician opens the show by ousting The Learned Society of York Magicians by proving that magic is very real, and that their self-proclaimed authority on the subject, is invalid. Mr. Norrell, played wonderfully by Eddie Marsden, is an obsessive collector of books on magic, and rises as the one true magician in England. Ever present in his company is Childermass, played by Enzo Cilenti, his personal servant and a major player in the story as it unfolds. Mr. Norrell has big plans for the use of magic for the betterment of his country, and needs the support of Parliament. In order to prove himself, he attempts a spell far beyond his skill and a nasty fairy king, known as The Gentleman, steps in, offering him a bargain that brings about terrible suffering to an innocent woman. Mr. Norrell gains his political sway, but shrinks behind a veil of conservative philosophy to avoid facing the awful guilt and knowledge that a young woman is paying the horrible price of his rise to power. It remains a secret as the spell also prevents the tortured Lady Pole (Alice Englert) from speaking in anything but jibberish, if she tries to reach out for help.
Enter Jonathan Strange, played by Bertie Carvel, an impulsive young man from a well-to-do family. As the only son from a wealthy family, he is a bit of a vagabond, with no calling to duty or work. The only dedication in his life is his love for Arabella, (Charlotte Riley) and his father is none too thrilled with his son’s lack of direction. Once his father dies, and he becomes the sole heir to his fortune, Jonathon stumbles upon magic and discovers that he is a natural magician. Unlike the studious Mr. Norrell, Jonathon Strange has a knack for magic and an instinctual albeit undisciplined talent for casting spells. He meets up with Mr. Norrell as his first pupil and the second true magician in England. As time goes on, the relationship between the two magicians becomes ever more complicated and exciting, as does the plot.
The performances in this show are absolutely outstanding, and I got a particular kick out of an incredible performance by Vincent Franklin as the odious Drawlight. The writing is also intricate and witty, thus the actors must be sharp and precise in intention and timing. This is not a problem, as there is no weak link in the group.
The set design is as elaborate as the plot with a beautiful feast for the eyes in almost every shot. Esthetically, this television show is marvelous and the only tiny flaw is the entire look of the fairy king. His character’s esthetic is a bit clumsy compared to the rest of the show, but it’s forgivable and represents grain of sand in an ocean of wonderful.
Truly a masterpiece in television, I’m proud to shed some light on Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell. It’s a delightful journey into fantasy and magic, full of wit and charm. And the best news, is that they very clearly set the show up for a second season. Let’s hope it comes to magical life, and I highly recommend you watch it! Let me know what you think!
Thanks for reading!
The Diva Del Mar
