The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Episode 5 (1997)

 

And so our story draws to a close, mixing all sorts of drama and unfortunate coincidences before reaching its conclusion.  Lady Bellaston, having fallen out with Tom, brings new meaning to the term “hell hath no fury.”  She enlists Lord Fellamar to forever remove Tom from any romantic equation, either through naval conscription or the gallows.  Misunderstandings are made, chance encounters occur, and secrets come to light.

 

As for Sophia, her father and aunt have each championed a prospective fiancée for her, and she can’t stand either of them.  Kept forcibly under a close watch, she has Lord Fellamar thrust before her, offering the promise of land, fortune, and a title.  (Note:  it’s interesting to me that Lord Fellamar is actually in love – or rather, lust – with Sophia.  In stories like this, the Wrong Fiancée is usually only in it for the dowry, all about making the advantageous match.  While it’s true that Sophia’s father is a wealthy squire, Lord Fellamar was head-over-heels before he even knew who she was.  Maybe this sort of romantic villain was more common in the 18^th century?  Admittedly, a lot of the period romances I’ve read are Victorian, which perhaps have different tropes.)

 

Also, I just have to say – Lord Fellamar is involved in one of the best duels I’ve ever seen.  Just stupendous.  Greatest resolution ever.

 

Just a few more actors to mention.  On the Who side, there’s also Ron Cook (Mr. Magpie in series 2’s “The Idiot’s Lantern”) and Rupert Holliday-Evans (Colonel Mace in the Sontaran two-parter from series 4.)  Plus, we can’t forget Frances de la Tour; I’ve seen her in all sorts of things, but I best know her as Madame Maxime, Hagrid’s lady love in the Harry Potter films.

 

Accent Watch

 

RP, as previously stated.

 

Recommend?

 

In General – Quite possibly.  It’s a lot of fun, with some delightful performances.  If you like costume dramas and don’t mind all the scandal, it makes for a good watch.

 

PC-wise – I would.  PC is very good in a role that’s somehow absurd and creepy at the same time.

 

Warnings

 

In addition to what I’ve previously mentioned, there’s a question here of possible incest (probably what got the book blamed for an earthquake.)  Nowhere near approaching the kind of stuff you get on Game of Thrones, but it’s still there, and I know that’s a deal-breaker topic for some.