Masterpiece Classic: The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Masterpiece Classic: The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a riveting two-part mini-series from PBS originally aired in 2012. This compelling adaptation is based on Charles Dickens' famous unfinished novel of the same name. The intriguing story of Edwin Drood, brought to life by an incredible cast and immersive scenery, presents a tantalizing tale shrouded in suspense, mystery, and drama.

Edwin Drood is played by actor Freddie Fox, a talented and passionate performer who superbly tackles the nuances of his role. The mini-series begins by introducing audiences to Edwin, a young engineer who's promised in marriage to his cousin Rosa Bud, played by the brilliant Tamzin Merchant. Their betrothal, however, is bereft of romance—a detail that installs the initial hint of impending drama. Rosa, meanwhile, is also the object of desire of the troubled and tormented choirmaster and opium addict, John Jasper, portrayed with great intensity by Matthew Rhys.

Masterpiece Classic: The Mystery of Edwin Drood isn't just a tale of a romantic triangle. As the story moves forward, it delves deeper into a labyrinth of secrets as Edwin Drood mysteriously disappears on a stormy Christmas Eve. Conundrums and questions start to pile high as the quaint and once peaceful town of Cloisterham is thrown into turmoil. Is Edwin Drood dead? If so, who is the murderer? The suspense thickens with each passing scene, each clue and red herring, leaving the audience continuously second-guessing and speculating.

The mystery unravels amidst a backdrop of Victorian England, which is beautifully depicted with a precise attention to detail. The production is remarkable and serves as a testament to the commitment to realism, from the authentic costumes that transport you back in time to the atmospheric set designs of cobbled streets, stone buildings, and gothic cathedrals, which evoke the torment and tumultuous emotional landscape of our characters.

What sets Masterpiece Classic: The Mystery of Edwin Drood apart is its brave attempt to provide a distinct and conclusive ending to an unfinished tale. Dickens' death left the novel incomplete with no known outline or notes about how he intended to wrap the story. Hence, screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes had the arduous task of developing a satisfying conclusion while maintaining respect for Dickens' original work. The result is a solution compelling enough to keep purists entertained while pleasing those yearning for a definite conclusion.

A profound performance by Alun Armstrong as the Reverend Septimus Crisparkle infuses a striking depth of character, while Julia McKenzie as Mrs. Crisparkle brings warmth amidst the gloomy mystery. Rory Kinnear as Neville Landless and Amber Rose Revah as Helena Landless, both from Ceylon, engage as key characters who add more complexities to the narrative with their troubled pasts and intense sentiments. The ensemble cast, each excelling in their roles, brings Dickens’ enigmatic characters to life, adding layers of intrigue to the unfolding drama.

Although the series derives from Dickensian roots, it manages to retain relevance to a contemporary audience. The themes extend beyond the confines of the Victorian era, touching upon timeless human vices and virtues - obsession, unrequited love, addiction, envy, and friendship. The blend of these universal sentiments gives The Mystery of Edwin Drood a timeless appeal that is captivating and emotionally resonant.

PBS's Masterpiece Classic: The Mystery of Edwin Drood is not just an adaptation of a classic work but a homage to one of literature's brilliant minds. It likewise serves as a social commentary where the society of Cloisterham encapsulates the broader context of Victorian England—its customs, its morals and the deep divisions of class and gender.

Featuring stellar performances, atmospheric cinematography, and a story that keeps you glued to the edge of your seat, Masterpiece Classic: The Mystery of Edwin Drood is without a doubt, a remarkable addition to PBS's lineup of well-crafted period dramas. For fans of Charles Dickens' works and general enthusiasts of suspense and mystery, this is certainly a must-watch series. The adaptation, with its powerful narratives and lush depiction of Victorian ambience, makes it an engaging television experience.