Masterpiece Theatre has been something of a one-note series for as long as I could remember: screen adaptations of novels about white people in England. Some variety of Dickens or Austen.The new adaptation of Andrea Levy's Small Island infuses the Sunday night dramatic program with new life. I've watched Masterpiece Theatre since elementary school. It's good to see black folks in principle roles. Let's hope this isn't the last time.
Synopsis from the PBS site: Born into a broken home and an impoverished life in Jamaica, Hortense (Naomie Harris) longs for a fulfilling life in England; one with a fine house and a doorbell. The door of opportunity swings open, and Hortense is married and on her way to the promised land of post-war Britain. Steadfast dreams are soon tested by hard realities as Hortense and her husband Gilbert (David Oyelowo) face racism and poverty. In the small-minded country, their only saving grace is Queenie (Ruth Wilson, Jane Eyre). But Queenie faces her own disillusionment, married to the kind but dull Bernard (Benedict Cumberbatch, The Last Enemy). Bonded by high hopes and broken dreams, these four lives fuse together in a powerful and hopeful story of love and fulfillment. Small Island is based on the award-winning, bestselling novel by Andrea Levy.
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