Little Women viewers divided over latest BBC adaptation
Some fans were pining for previous takes on the classic novel, but others wanted to see how the three-part BBC1 adaptation plays out
The BBC’s latest adaptation of Little Women has proved divisive amongst viewers after the first of three episodes aired on Boxing Day.
Many devotees of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel and its previous adaptations took to Twitter to bemoan a “boring” start to the miniseries, complaining about the score, casting choices, and the writers’ decisions to omit certain plot points.
However, others said there was “a lot to like” about the series adapted by Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas.
Director Vanessa Caswill faced an uphill battle from the beginning by taking on such a deeply beloved story, and though the reaction from critics has been positive, it appears the fans are not yet convinced.
???????? I cannot take this anymore. They have skipped a lot of the plot, aged up Amy, the acting apart from #AngelaLansbury is not great. This is not the story of #LittleWomen I know and love. @BBC. Switching this off.
— Robin Of Sherwood Fan (@thebigloc) December 26, 2017
Some had particularly brutal put-downs…
It's a bad sign that's twitter's reaction to #LittleWomen is more entertaining than actually watching it.
— Ailish | drop the ableism pse (@femininelawless) December 26, 2017
Others were more hopeful for The Minaturist…
Sorry #TheMiniaturist, all my hopes are pinned on you because this version of #LittleWomen is pretty bad. https://t.co/DE94gHxS7E
— Sarah Shaffi (@sarahshaffi) December 26, 2017
On the Radio Times Facebook page however, viewers praised the casting of the main characters.
“I’m really enjoying it. Good adaptation and brilliant casting. All working well so far. Could have been extended to a four hour programme but three will have to do,” Debbie Mead wrote.
“Overall I thought the adaptation for TV was very good although some of the scenes were too short and hopped about too much,” Diana Blake added. “The casting was good though and Laurie and Jo perfect.”
The March sisters are back on our TV screens – but can they live up to the legacy of those who've gone before them?Tell us what you thought of Little Women!
Posted by Radio Times on Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Some viewers yearned for previous versions, including the classic 1949 version featuring a young Elizabeth Taylor and the 1994 film adaptation starring Winona Ryder and Christian Bale.
Been waiting months for this #LittleWomen – however it's never going to beat the original (1949 – NOT the Winona/Christian Bale version) pic.twitter.com/KgbP5GyF03
— Rebecca McDaid (@bexx0588) December 26, 2017
But others were more willing to give the new adaptation some time…
I think #LittleWomen is one of those books that nobody will ever be happy with a film or tv adaptation of unless it’s the one in their head.
— Susan Reed (@sureed67) December 26, 2017
…and some argued that fans were being particularly harsh because of impossible high expectations.
So much hate for this adaptation of #LittleWomen on twitter… Am I just blind because I LOVE the story and characters so so much, or was it really not that bad people?
— Stephanie Shrubb ???????? (@stephsiu) December 26, 2017
And one user in particular did NOT get what they were expecting…
Goodness me this #LittleWomen is a slow burner. I wish they'd hurry up to the science experiment that goes wrong and shrinks them all.
— Gaz Weetman (@GazWeetman) December 26, 2017
Did the new version of Little Women live up to your expectations? Vote in our poll below.
This article was originally published on 27 December 2017
