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Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.
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With recent fantasy series being so widely discussed, it's easy to forget that plenty of series from before the genre blew up remain ignored. A prime example is Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, a 2015 BBC series that combines fantasy magic with English history as it explores an alternate version of the early 19th century. Featuring a unique blend of whimsy and dark, disturbing secrets, the series sets itself apart, not with epic action or shocking special effects, but with its vivid characters and fascinating story. Though it consists of only seven episodes, the miniseries develops a compelling narrative of magical rivalry and fate, and it's a shame it's not more widely known.
What Is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell' About?
Adapted from Susanna Clarke's novel of the same name, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is part of a growing list of book-to-series adaptations, and, though there are certainly differences, the series captures Clarke's story well as it weaves its magical tale. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell may not be the far-reaching success of larger fantasy shows, but the hidden gem should be on the list of all genre enthusiasts. Fortunately, the underrated miniseries is streaming on Prime Video, and it isn't even a long commitment to binge.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the series introduces a familiar England, with one major difference: magic is real. However, unlike other such stories, the magic is rarely practiced, at least not by well-respected members of society. Mr. Norrell (Eddie Marsan) takes it upon himself to make magic respectable, and after he proves himself, he offers his service in the war against France. But, to truly reclaim magic, the bookish magician has to overcome the unfavorable reputation magicians have. However, Norrell isn't the only one able to perform magic. The street-magician Vinculus (Paul Kaye) prophesizes that two will bring magic back to England, the second being Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel). Though ambitious, Strange hasn't dedicated his life to the study of magic like Norrell, yet he comes to it naturally. While Norrell works by the book, Strange offers more creative solutions, ultimately pitting them against each other. As each magician performs impressive magic, their contrasting approaches create a rivalry that isn't easily overcome.
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As opposite as they are, the two magicians have a common enemy. After Norrell attempts a rare bit of magic, he awakens a mysterious faerie known as the Gentleman with Thistledown Hair (Marc Warren), who makes a habit of abducting innocent citizens for his pleasure. This storyline highlights the fantastical elements as it introduces necromancy and a secret world that the characters pass into, creating a challenge for the Strange and Norrell to face. The faerie's exploits add an interesting layer as they reveal a connection between madness and magic, putting characters like the unfortunate Mrs. Pole (Alice Englert) in terrible situations. With the faerie's expanding reach and Strange's fascination with the legendary magician known as the Raven King, the ancient and "disreputable" magic is returning, whether Norrell likes it or not, and that comes with many dangers.
'Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell' Is Unlike Other Fantasy Series
Image via BBCThough it isn't long, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell sets itself apart with how it handles the fantasy elements. Despite the magical nature of the show, it is a grounded version of the story, largely due to the setting. Magic isn't an everyday thing, but having been lost to time, the practice is reintroduced into a world that looks much like our own during that time period. Even so, magic is so well woven into the world that it doesn't feel out of place. It seems magic can do just about anything — if the magician learns how, of course. The world's limited understanding of magic plays into Norrell and Strange's rivalry as Norrell hordes magical books so he can carefully and precisely study his spells, while Strange works more impulsively, trying things that Norrell never considers. With these two contrasting leads, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell explores two different sides of magic, ultimately making it feel well-rounded and complex.
Not only is the show grounded by the way it handles the fantasy elements, but the skilled performances of Carvel and Marsan add to the realness. Carvel, in particular, has a challenging job as he must show Strange's gradual understanding of magic, which changes his character as he becomes more determined in his goals. Meanwhile, Marsan offers a more nuanced portrayal of Norrell, as he shows off the character's skill, arrogance, and intelligence simultaneously. Strange's dramatic nature and Norrell's subtlety highlight their contrast, showing exactly how different these two magicians are. Warren's villain is another highlight. Rather than playing into his villainy, Warren makes the character chillingly dignified, which makes him much more terrifying. These three are just the beginning, as others, like Englert, must convincingly pull off madness as they are prevented from explaining the magic they have seen. With such skilled actors to carry the show, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell becomes a must-watch series.
How Does 'Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell' Compare to the Book?
Image via BBCThese days, many fantasy series seem to be adapted from books, from Game of Thrones to the upcoming Harry Potter series. Yet the most common complaint is that the adaptation makes changes to the source material. Admittedly, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell does fall into that trap, yet it is a good adaptation of Clarke's work. After all, it is impossible for a show to follow the story perfectly, especially with such a limited amount of time. Many details are lost in the adaptation process, in large part because the show must move more quickly. After all, the book is well over 700 pages, while the show is only seven hours long.
Many fans point out the differences, such as the relationship between Strange and his wife, Arabella (Charlotte Riley), which is dramatized for the series, making it more of a modern romance than a Victorian marriage, or characters such as Stephen (Ariyon Bakare) and Childermass (Enzo Cilenti) receiving less attention in the series. Yet, overall, these are small changes, and the series keeps the heart of the story. Though most fans will urge you to read the book first, the series is a good alternative for anyone intrigued by the story. Clarke's book met considerable praise, even winning several awards, making it all the more surprising that this adaptation has flown under the radar. As both a fascinating story and a decent adaptation, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell deserves far more attention than it has received.
Release Date 2015 - 2015-00-00
Network BBC One
Directors Toby Haynes
Writers Peter Harness
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Bertie Carvel
Jonathan Strange
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English (US) ·