I think it comes back to money. Austen is a proven money-maker with a built-in audience. In this case, I think the whole project is part of their attempt to re-launch Masterpiece Theatre and they wanted something that would reassure their core audience while pulling in new viewers.
As for the blatant anachronisms, I'm right there with you. I love modern adaptations of Austen (well, I loved "Clueless" and the P&P references in "Bridget Jones' Diary" were a hoot, much as I generally hated that otherwise), but if you're going to do a period piece, make it period, dammit!
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branchandroot
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Date: 2008-01-15 10:17 pm (UTC)As for the blatant anachronisms, I'm right there with you. I love modern adaptations of Austen (well, I loved "Clueless" and the P&P references in "Bridget Jones' Diary" were a hoot, much as I generally hated that otherwise), but if you're going to do a period piece, make it period, dammit!
Without a hat! I'm still aghast over that one.