Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell Review: And You’re Sure You’re Not a Doctor?

Having never read the book and not really being interested by the trailers or, let’s be honest, it’s lacklustre title I went into this television show expecting to be bored through its first episode as I’m subjected to a slow period piece with a speck of magic lightly brushed in to then leave it and never have it cross my mind again. But oh boy was I wrong.

The story of Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell takes us to a 19^th century England that is devoid of the magic it once had, now only housing two magicians. And so it is up to these two magicians to bring magic back to the lands of England and make it a respectable practice once again, in some cases no matter what the cost.

Now as that synopsis of the show carefully dodges any spoilers you may be thinking that the show doesn’t sound all that interesting. But not only through further and interesting plot developments that enrich the mythology of an England that was filled and is now once again capable of magic, and interesting characters that enact just as interesting or even questionable courses of action makes this show a truly a surprise treat. But also the pedigree of BBC and their high standard of production can too be felt here as in many of there programmes with a stellar cast, impressive visuals and authentic landscape. In my opinion the best approached to it is blind so you can invest as heavily in these interesting developments as they unfold in surprising and attention engulfing ways.

Now this may be an unfair advantage for the show but the 19^th century is one of my favourite periods of history and to see it so authentically displayed by the costume, set and good old polished English accents on TV was a real delight to experience every week. Not only did the authenticity of the programme create a immersive feel to the show but the aesthetic enabled by the period created a great back drop for the show that not only intrigued me in seeing how the 19th century is warped by the re-ascension of magic but it also added a level of class to the show that was a welcomed fresh atmosphere from the gritty landscape of much of TV today.

Another exceptional surprise was the amount of production that was put into this show. From the special effects that were used to believably create the magical feats being used by these 19^th century sorcerers (a marvel that is seen throughout the show instead of being isolated to one money shot per episode) that weren’t realised in a corny way but a cool and almost visceral capacity to the practical sets that both created an England long forgotten and a world, in the continuity of the show, long lost. This great amount of budge not only created a great and deserving scope for the show and its events but it also helped to create thrilling and fresh action sequences; making the show at may times a true spectacle to watch.

As said before the twisting and unveiling of the story and its out come is a great and gripping journey and this in no small part is due to the refined and well thought out pacing of the show. While you are never bored from laboriously long speeches you are also never left feeling disconnected by fast paced delivery of action or events. The show week by week steadily increased the tension and peril felt as you are allowed to bond with the characters before they are put into these exceptional circumstances where you feel every strike and blow that is delivered onto them. Not a single episode felt wasted as every minuet of the hour long episodes felt perfectly used; all this escalation of dramatic tension lead into a genuinely exciting and satisfying conclusion as the show held my emotions in the palm of it's hand like a mound of clay.

The emotional impact the show had on me would not have been achieved without the amazing acting put into this show by all cast members. Not a single performance was a weak link. I was immediately drawn into the show by Edward Hogg, Segunds’ infectious enthusiasm for magic at the opening of the first episode. From there every character met fully and comfortably fell into their interesting roles from the tragic slave (Ariyon Bakare)  being pulled into the world of fairies and magic or the devious fairy (Marc Warren) that is terrifyingly misguided in every avenue of his existence, to the charismatic and heroic Jonathon Strange who was exceptionally brought to life by Bertie Carvel. Each character is interesting and realistic and each performance behind these characters is equally authentic and just plain fantastic.

So overall if you missed this show you owe it to yourself to go back and watch this series that does magic in a new and interesting way, in a well realised period, with spectacular effects, exceptional acting that brings an emotional punch and a nimmersive plot that draws you into its twists and doesn’t let you go till the final closing credits.

Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell = 9/10