Masterpiece Theater

I think I'm becoming obsessed with Sunday night Masterpiece Theater on PBS. I keep stumbling upon wonderful new movies that I just can't help but watch.

Last Sunday, after spending 3 horrible hours on the longest homework assignment known to man (optional end-of-period accounting spreadsheets are useful, but time consuming, just fyi), I needed a little break before tackling my accounting quiz also due that night. I settled into my comfy chair, turned on the telly and started flipping through channels. I usually flip right past PBS, but this time my eye was caught by an interesting-looking period piece. It only took me about 30 seconds to realized that I was watching one of Masterpiece Theater's Jane Austen movies; and then it only took me an additional 15 seconds to realize it was Persuasion, one of my favorites! I don't think this story gets nearly enough credit; it's constantly over-shadowed by Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. True, I madly love both of those stories as well, but Persuasion has always given me a warm and fuzzy feeling whenever I watch it.

I'd never seen the Masterpiece Theater version of Persuasion, and I must say, I was hooked immediately. It is certainly my favorite adaption to date! In fact, I just purchased my very own copy, so I can get swept away by Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth whenever I need a little pick-me-up. I cannot wait to get the DVD in the mail this week!

Speaking of Captain Wentworth, (Rupert Penry-Jones in real life) imagine my surprise when I saw his handsome face peering at me from the telly as soon as I flipped to PBS tonight. No, I was not lucky enough to have an encore performance of Persuasion; rather, tonight's Masterpiece Theater is Hitchcock's classic The 39 Steps...another fantastic movie!

Prior to Persuasion, Masterpiece Theater drew me in with it's 3-part mini-series of Jane Austen's Emma. This was beautifully done, but confirmed what I'd been thinking for years: I love Mr. Knightley, but really cannot stand Emma!

So, for the past 5 Sundays, Masterpiece Theater has won my nightly attention...and I truly hope it continues to do so for the next 5 Sundays.