Sanditon is back and it’s brighter and more colorful than before. Season 2 (now based even more loosely on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel) became available for US viewers on March 20th. I watched episode one and was impressed and delighted with the new production. The set and costumes have been much-improved and taken to a whole new level with far more color and detail.
The producers have said that fictional Sanditon is based on a compilation of south coast British seaside towns. But as someone who has spent much of the last year “living” in 19th century Sidmouth as I wrote The Sisters of Sea View, Book One in a new series, On Devonshire Shores, I cannot tell you how many times I squealed “that looks like Sidmouth!” to my long-suffering husband as we began watching the new season.
The show’s colorful new seafront setting with a promenade seemed so much like Sidmouth’s promenade or esplanade.
Also, one of the buildings shown with a balcony, reminded me of Sidmouth’s York Hotel.
I was interested to read that much of season 2 was filmed inside an airport hangar near Bristol with the sea being added later with CGI (computer-generated imagery). But I happily entered a willing suspension of disbelief to enjoy the show. I was also happy to see one of my favorite actresses join the cast, Lark Rise to Candleford’s Sandy McDade.
While many viewers are upset that Season 1’s romantic lead, actor Theo James will not return, we have all had much notice of this fact and I was excited to see who Charlotte’s new romantic interests might be. Some have said they will no longer watch, since they did not receive the happy “Jane Austen ending” they expected with Charlotte marrying the first man she fell in love with, Sydney Parker.
Yet while the two ending up together would have been more typical, this is not the first time a Jane Austen heroine did not receive her “first choice” of love. Consider Marianne Dashwood, who thought she would die without Willoughby only to find true and lasting happiness with Colonel Brandon. Even Elizabeth Bennet first admired Mr. Wickham, only to later realize that Mr. Darcy was the true love of her life. Let us hope that Charlotte Heywood will similarly find true love the second time around.
Have you started watching Season 2 of Sanditon? If yes, what do you think so far?
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I stopped watching season 1 because of the overtly sexual content. Couldn’t make myself continue.
I can understand that, Betty. The plot between the three competing heirs was distasteful to be sure. So far season 2 is off to a brighter start in more ways than one.
I started watching episode 1 on the treadmill this morning, but I may stop and wait for the entire season to become available. I do most of my watching on the treadmill, and I like when I can just keep watching each time I walk until the season is finished. I will miss Theo James, but his absence wouldn’t make me not watch season 2.
Oh, that’s a good idea, Robin. Excellent way to make television viewing healthier.
I enjoyed episode one. It looks promising! That’s fun to hear your next setting will be like Sanditon.
Thanks, Carrie!
I think it’s wonderful that the setting of your book is so similar to the TV setting of Sanditon! Viewers of Sanditon will be able to easily envision Sidmouth in your novel.
I enjoyed season 1 of Sanditon, mostly because I was a big fan of Theo James as the hero. 🙂 For me, though, the heroine felt too young and naive for him. So while I really disliked the unhappy ending of season 1, I can see how the fact that Theo decided not to come back to the show (thereby stealing the producers’ chance to give Sidney and Charlotte a happy ending) could actually become a lemons-into-lemonade situation. That might allow the heroine time to grow up, become stronger on her own, and eventually find a man who’s a better match for her. ?
I agree, Becky. Well said!
I’d read “Sanditon” years ago and saw the 1st season. The competing heirs story line wasn’t well done.
It was great to see season 2 premiere on Sunday night; I agree with your take on it! I believe I saw Guadeloupe appear in the end credits–the island must’ve picked as the stand in for Antigua. Georgiana’s sugar boycott is based on an actual one in one of the major seaside towns.
I downloaded the digital only soundtrack album on iTunes. It’s available free on YouTube if you’d like to listen. I’m signed up for the special “Sanditon” insider newsletter from “Masterpiece” so subscribers get bonus content the next day. Note: this bonus newsletter is separate from the regular “Masterpiece” newsletter.
Besides Theo James not returning, actors Leo Suter (Young Stringer), Alexandra Roach (Diana Parker), and Mark Stanley (Lord Babbington) signed on for other TV series so we won’t be seeing them this season.
Ohh! I should sign up for that newsletter, too! Thanks for the heads-up, Elisa. And I think I’m saddest that Mark Stanley (Lord Babbington) won’t be returning. Such a likable character.
when i found out that Sydney had died…stopped watching. Wasnt aware of that info prior. When i am in a better state of mind…i guess…will get back to watching ..as i was very into watching and rewatching the first series
I spent most of the first episode trying to figure out who will be the baddies and who will fall in love with whom. :-). Such fun. Love the photo comparisons!
Julie, I watched, too – with mixed feelings. Like Betty, I felt last season was way too “trashy”, but I plowed onward. (I just re-watched all of that season on PBS.) I’m feeling optimistic about this season but will wait and see. And I won’t miss Sidney (Theo James) nearly as much as Lord Babington and Mr. Stringer – neither actor is returning. I agree about the costumes – just beautiful and colorful. And the richer color of the buildings is certainly an improvement.
I haven’t started watching it, but I am going to binge it in one day if I can! 🙂 ROFL! I love Sandy McDade too!!!!!!! i have PBS Passport, so I can watch it all at once!