Sanditon Character Review: Samuel Colbourne

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*I apologize for not posting last weekend. There are only 24 hours in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Sometimes, people come into our lives when we least expect them to. In Sanditon, Samuel Colbourne (Liam Garrigan) re-enters his brother Alexander‘s (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) life after a ten-year absence. A lawyer by trade, he knows how to make a good argument.

Knowing Alexander, he can see that he is in love with Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams). Samuel also understands that his brother has loved and lost before. Though he tries to counsel Alexander to come clean to Charlotte, he refuses. While making up for lost time with his brother and nieces, Samuel steps up to the plate for Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke). She is being used by Charles Lockhart (Alexander Vlahos) on the basis that her claim to her fortune is false. At the end of the trial, Georgiana is victorious.

But when it comes to his own life, Samuel’s arguments are not as easily made. He falls for Lady Susan (Sophie Winkleman), who is a friend of Charlotte’s. What starts out as a friendship turns into something more. High up in the society chain, she is the King’s mistress. Though they are both of similar minds and interests, she cannot so easily turn her back on her lover. When the King once again turns away from Lady Susan, they are both free to admit how they feel. When we last see them, they are hopefully headed toward wedded bliss.

To sum it up: It is easy to make the case on certain topics when your own heart/future is not in the balance. It is infinitely harder to do the same when the person you love is standing in front of you and unable to return that love. Though Alexander could easily walk away, he chooses to hope and believe that his love will be returned.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

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Sanditon Character Review: Ralph Starling

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

It is easy to believe that your first love will be your only and lifelong love. But that is not always the case. In Sanditon, Ralph Starling (Cai Bridgen) was a childhood playmate and first love of Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams). It was assumed (mostly by their parents) that their marriage was all settled. Then Charlotte traveled to Sanditon and their relationship was not so certain.

Then Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd Hughes) breaks her heart and Charlotte accepts Ralph’s proposal. He believes that there is nothing standing in the way of their future. When he goes with her to celebrate her BFF, Georgiana Lambe‘s (Crystal Clarke) birthday, it slowly becomes obvious that Charlotte is not over Alexander and visa versa.

By the time Alexander’s niece, Augusta Markham (Eloise Webb) runs away in an ill-fated attempt to elope with Sir Edward Denham (Jack Fox), it is clear that Ralph will return home single.

To sum it up: I feel for Ralph. He is a good guy who genuinely loves Charlotte. Unfortunately, her heart is with another, sending his love life into the unknown.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Augusta Markham

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

* I chose not to write a new post last week in order to watch the series finale. These final few posts will reflect the narratives of the characters (at least the ones I have not written about).

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

When we are initially introduced to the teenage Augusta Markham (Eloise Webb), she is at a stage in life that is very confusing. She is obviously not a child. But she is also not yet an adult who has the experience, wisdom (and heartache) that life brings us.

Cue the Britney Spears song…

When Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) is hired as the new governess for Augusta Markham (Eloise Webb) and her cousin Leonora “Leo” Colbourne ” (Flora Mitchell), Augusta turns into a brat. She thinks she knows better and is not unwilling to inform Charlotte of it.

Orphaned at a young age, Augusta is an heiress and the ward of her uncle, Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd Hughes). Though Leo immediately embraces Charlotte as a mother figure, it takes some time for August to drop the attitude. When she does, she learns that Charlotte knows more than she thinks she does. When Colbourne decides that it is time to rejoin society, he takes Augusta with him. With Charlotte’s support, she starts to come into her own.

After her uncle ends his brief romance with Charlotte, Augusta is devastated. When Charlotte returns to Sanditon, she is thrilled and determined to bring them back together.

She is also in the throws of young love. The man is Sir Edward Denham (Jack Fox). Their courtship is held in secret until Edward asks Colbourne for formal permission to court Augusta. Given their age difference and his reputation, his request is denied. As many young ladies tend to do, she ignores what the adults are saying.

When Edward proposes that they run away and elope (a la Lydia Bennet and George Wickham), Augusta agrees. When they are finally found by Colbourne and Charlotte, Edward turns cold and reveals himself to be the fortune hunter that he was known as. Brokenhearted, Augusta returns home. She eventually recovers and opens herself up to new romantic possibilities, but not before going through a few growing pains along the way.

To sum it up: We can all relate to Augusta. Her narrative of growing up, discovering herself, and accepting that she is not always right is completely normal. Though she has stepped into a few potholes, she is on the path to becoming the woman she wants to be.

Which is why she is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Eliza Campion

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

For some, marriage is not about love and companionship. It is an opportunity to climb up the economic or professional ladder. In Sanditon, Eliza Campion (Ruth Kearney) is the great love/ex of Sidney Parker (Theo James). When it looked like their future was on solid ground, she left for her late husband. He was older and quite wealthy. For reasons that are unknown to the viewer, she chose him over Sidney.

Now a wealthy widow, Eliza re-enters Sidney’s life. Seeing that his relationship with Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) is gaining traction, she does everything she can to break them apart. This includes snidely pointing out that Charlotte is a country girl.

Though it appears that Eliza’s second chance with Sidney has vanished before it could truly start, an opportunity comes her way that cannot be refused. Sidney’s brother Tom (Kris Marshall) has made a huge financial mistake. The family and the business they run are on the brink of bankruptcy. The only way out is for Eliza to become Mrs. Sidney Parker.

To sum it up: In the end, Eliza got what she wanted. But as we all know, their marriage was short-lived. Sidney died shortly after they married, leaving Eliza twice widowed. While we, as the audience, are not privy to her future after her husband’s death, I can’t help but get a kick out of this antagonist getting her due (even when we mourn for Sidney).

Which is why she is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Colonel Francis Lennox

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

There is something about a person in uniform. It makes you curious about them, who they are, and the decisions they made to get to this point. In Sanditon, Colonel Francis Lennox (Tom Weston-Jones) is the leader of the new military regiment that decides to stay for a while in the town. He has the airs and charisma that a man in a military uniform is expected to have.

He immediately captures the attention of Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), who is still in mourning for the death of her first love, Sidney Parker (Theo James). He appears to have it all and be the man who brings Charlotte back to life. During a balloon ride that is an event not to be missed, the romance between them seems to be set in stone.

But this supposed future is not as sewn up as it seems to be. There is another man, Alexander Coulbourne (Ben Lloyd Hughes). Though he is not as exciting as the Colonel, he is steady, mature, and responsible.

But it is nothing more than a mask. When he forces a marriage proposal on her, Charlotte backs away. Then it is revealed that he and his men have been taking advantage of everything Sanditon has to offer without paying the bills. Sent packing by Tom Parker (Kris Marshall), the Colonel leaves, never to be seen again.

To sum it up: A handsome face who looks good in a uniform is one thing. It is another thing entirely to back that up with good character and the consideration of others’ feelings. By showing the man under the redcoat, he has proven to be untrustworthy and unworthy of our heroine.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Charles Lockhart

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*I apologize for not posting last weekend. There is only so much that can be done in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

The image of an artist is often a romantic one. Though they are lauded for their work, they live on the edge of polite society. Unshackled by the rules of what is or is not “proper”, they are free to live as they see fit. In Sanditon, Charles Lockhart (Alexander Vlahos) introduced to the city and its residents an artist on the rise. His charm comes from giving no f*cks and has no problem flaunting the rules.

The first reaction came from Arthur Parker (Turlough Convery). He is the one to initiate Lockhart’s introduction to the larger Parker family circle and to Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke). Immediately taken by the man, he becomes the man’s friend and muse. But Georgiana is not as quick as Arthur to open up. When they are seated next to one another, her walls start to come down. Eventually, they fall in love and he proposes that they run away and get married.

But then the big reveal (dun dun dun) causes it all to come crashing down. Charles is a very good actor. He believes that he is the rightful heir to Georgiana’s late father and pretended to fall for her so he could get his hands on her inheritance. When the plan to marry backfired, his true character as a con artist was revealed. He leaves the city, promising to come back and take what he believes to be his.

When we last see him, Charles has given notice that he is suing Georgiana in order to get his hands on her money.

To sum it up: Charles makes his own luck. He ignores the rules and in doing so, makes himself even more admirable and attractive than previously thought to be. He is also a cad and not unwilling to lie to get what he wants.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Alexander Coulbourne

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

When we lose the one we love, getting used to the fact they are no longer is not easy. Some are able to eventually move on and open their heart again. Others remain lost in their memories and can only see through the lens of grief.

In Sanditon, Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd Hughes) is introduced to both Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) and the audience as a reclusive widower who is in need of a governess. After saving his tomboy daughter Leonora (Flora Mitchell) from being run over by a horse, Charlotte is offered the position. She is also in charge of his rebellious teenage niece, Augusta Markam (Eloise Webb). Instead of mingling with his neighbors and enjoying all that Sanditon has to offer, he keeps to himself.

Their relationship starts out as employer and employee. Alexander has not yet gotten over the loss of his late wife. Charlotte is still missing her late first love Sidney Parker (Theo James). It is nothing more than a business relationship. Charlotte is determined to remain single and earn her keep. Alexander’s main concern is his estate and the young ladies in his charge. But, as time goes on, they begin to open up and understand one another.

This opens the door to an attraction that becomes undeniable. It also reveals a secret and a previously unknown and scandalous connection to Colonel Francis Lennox (Tom Weston Jones). After they finally admit their feelings for one another, he pushes her away, leaving Charlotte heartbroken for the second time. Though Alexander has the opportunity to take back his decision, he chooses not to.

To sum it up: It takes courage to live again when the person you thought that you would be with forever is gone. It takes an equal amount of courage to love again. Unfortunately, Alexander chooses another route, breaking both his and Charlotte’s heart at the same time.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Alison Heywood

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

I apologize for not posting last week. There is only so much writing that can be done in a day.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Life is an adventure. So is being young. In Sanditon, Alison Heywood (Rosie Graham) is the younger sister of Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams). Compared to her older sister, Alison is young, slightly naive, and excited about the unknown. Upon arriving in Sanditon, there are nothing but possibilities, especially in the area of romance.

It is love at first sight with Captain William Carter (Maxim Ays). He is charming, handsome, romantic, and looks good in uniform. She expects to walk into the sunset with him. While she is head over heels for Captain Carter, Alison strikes up an immediate dislike for Captain Declan Frasier (Frank Blake). He seems to disapprove of everything she says and does. He also turns up when she least wants him to.

When it appears that everything is going right, it all goes wrong. Alison nearly drowns when the boat she is in with Captain Carter turns over. Unable to swim, she is brought to safety by Captain Frasier. With her eyes open, she pushes Captain Carter away. It is only then (like Marianne Dashwood), that she realizes that the man she has been looking for has been there along: Captain Frasier.

When we last them, they are newly married and looking forward to a bright future.

To sum it up: You never know where life will take you. Sometimes all you need is an open heart and the willingness to learn from your mistakes. Though she is young and starry-eyed, she is smart enough to know when to change course.

Which is why she is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Captain Declan Frasier

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

It’s hard to watch the one you love love someone else. There are only two things that can be done. The first is to try to move on. The second is to hope and wait that this person returns your affection. In Sanditon, Captain Declan Fraser (Frank Blake) is in love with Alison Heywood (Rosie Graham). But Alison only has eyes for another soldier, Captain William Carter (Maxim Ays).

Like Colonel Brandon before him, he is a stalwart to the end. Captain Fraser knows Captain Carter’s history, but remains silent. When he and Alison initially meet, he acts as if he doesn’t care. She thinks he is rude. Though he drops breadcrumbs about his feelings, Alison cannot see that he loves her. It is only after Alison nearly drowns and is saved by Captain Fraser (Captain Carter cannot swim), that truths are revealed. When we last see the Captain and Alison, they are married and looking forward to whatever life may bring.

To sum it up: Sometimes we have to get to know a person to truly know them. The slow revelation that is Captain Fraser reveals an honorable man who loves deeply and puts others first. This maturity and understanding mark him as a man worthy of Alison, but a husband (and future father) who knows where his priorities lie.

Which is why he is a memorable character.

Sanditon Character Review: Captain William Carter

The schedule for the Character Review posts will be changing to Friday (or Saturday at the latest from now on).

I apologize for not posting last week. I had other writing that had to be done.

*Warning: This post contains spoilers about the characters from the book and the television show Sanditon. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the show. There is something to be said about a well-written, human character. They leap off the page and speak to us as if they were right in front of us, as flesh and blood human beings, instead of fictional creations.

Young love sends us down a path that logic would prevent. But young love is also a powerful force that has the power to change the world. In Sanditon, there is an instant connection between Captain William Carter (Maxim Ays) and Alison Heywood (Rosie Graham). Alison is the younger sister of Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams). Captain Carter is young and enthusiastic and quickly falls for Alison. She in turn returns his affection with equal alacrity.

But while he is head over heels in love, he also knows that his past could come back to bite him in the ass. This reminder comes from a fellow soldier, Captain Declan Fraser (Frank Blake).

What Captain Fraser also knows is that love is more than words. It is action, it is putting the needs of the one you love over yours. This proves true when William and Alison go boating. The boat capsizes and Alison nearly drowns. When they are both back on shore (thanks to Declan), William states that he cannot swim.

This revelation sends her away for good and into the arms of Declan, who she can see with new eyes.

To sum it up: For love (of any kind) to last, it requires compromise, understanding, and honesty. But Captain Carter does not understand this, sending the one he wants into a future that does not include him.

Which is why he is a memorable character.