“It is a truth generally acknowledged that we are all longing to escape.”

For readers unfamiliar with Lost in Austen, it is a four-episode television miniseries (British; I have no idea what channel) about a woman who is obsessed with Pride and Prejudice and accidentally swaps places with Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzie goes to real world 2008 London; Amanda finds herself in the beginning of her favorite book.

I discovered this series my senior year of high school. I don’t remember how I heard about it, but I bought all the episodes on Amazon Prime video and have had them in my library ever since. I haven’t re-watched since college, at least, but I know the miniseries is actually a fairly popular P&P retelling/adaptation. Since this summer is all things Austen, why not revisit this one?

Episode One

We open on Amanda Price, played by Jemima Rooper, reading Pride and Prejudice. Her living room melts away to a montage of Regency scenes.

Cut to real life. Amanda works at a bank and lives in an apartment in London. She has a nice boyfriend named Michael and a pretty roommate named Pirhana (Gugu Mbatha-Raw! — This is the first of many big names in this little television special.)

Michael “proposes” with a beer can tab while drunk. Amanda turns him down, and he passes out on the sofa. In the middle of the night, Amanda discovers Elizabeth Bennet herself (Gemma Arterton) standing in her bathtub.

In Elizabeth’s world, there’s a door in the top floor of her house that should go nowhere and has never been opened before. In Amanda’s bathroom, there’s a small painted-over door behind the bathtub. This is an opening to the plumbing — but today, it’s their door to the early 1800s. Elizabeth shows Amanda the way through… then lets the door fall shut, trapping Amanda in the Regency world (and Lizzie in 2008).

Amanda adapts to her new situation at first. We’re introduced to the various members of Elizabeth’s family: Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Bennet, Florence Hoath as Kitty, Ruby Bentall as Mary, Perdita Weeks as Lydia, Morven Christie as Jane, and Alex Kingston as Mrs. Bennet.

Tom Mison plays Mr. Bingley, whose morning visit to Longbourn is the first of many indications that something is going askew. Bingley’s attention is entirely taken by Amanda. Her arrival — and Lizzie’s disappearance — is throwing the entire book off-course.

Christina Cole plays Bingley’s beautiful, cunning sister Caroline. We get a mysterious glance at Elliot Cowan’s Mr. Darcy, but no look yet at his face. Michelle Duncan plays Charlotte Lucas, who is immediately suspicious of Amanda’s not-so-successful attempts to blend in.

As time passes, Amanda begins to worry seriously about how her swap with Lizzie has affected the progression of the plot. At the first ball of the novel, Bingley continues to favor her over Jane, while Lizzie being absent means she can’t meet Mr. Darcy. Amanda panics and gets drunk, making a fool of herself in front of Caroline, Charlotte, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy, who we now finally meet head-on.

In Darcy’s favor, he goes along with a blatant lie that Amanda tells to avoid dancing with Mr. Bingley. This leaves Bingley free to, hopefully, flirt with Jane (he doesn’t), but also puts Mr. Darcy out of sorts with Amanda’s lying. Quite drunk, she then runs into Mr. Bingley and kisses him. It’s a mess.

The first of many unexpected characterizations is the serious and intimidating side of Mrs. Bennet. She takes Amanda aside to warn her severely against getting in the way of her daughters’ chances for marriage. This adaptation takes Mr. Bennet’s view of Mrs. Bennet’s nerves — she enjoys putting on a show but can be quite serious and sensible as needed.

Amanda frequently attempts to get back to her world. She can’t open the door, but eventually a note from Lizzie appears underneath, which tells her father (and Amanda) that Lizzie plans to stay alone in Hammersmith (Amanda’s part of London) much longer. She advises her father to pay particular attention to Amanda, who knows so much about their family and is their “most devoted and formidable ally.”

This note, and Mr. Bennet’s assurance to Amanda of his trust, is followed by a scene that begins a close friendship between Amanda and Jane. Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet are highly suspicious of Amanda’s presence, for different reasons, but at least in other ways Amanda is starting to fall into Lizzie’s steps.

Since the Bingleys did not invite Jane to Netherfield after the ball, Amanda undertakes Mrs. Bennet’s role in the novel in sending Jane on horseback to Netherfield in the rain. It turns out, however, that Jane’s illness in the book was far more serious than Amanda realized, and Amanda pursues her in fear for Jane’s life. Which, of course, puts her still on Lizzie’s path. Thus ends the episode.

Episode Two

Amanda helps Bingley nurse Jane, with the help of British Tylenol. After lying on the spot to fend off Bingley’s attentions, Amanda’s redirection of his affection is a little too easy; then again, Bingley was literally destined to love Jane.

Darcy continues to take issue with Amanda’s lies, which admittedly would make no sense to an outsider who hasn’t read P&P. Caroline makes the night hellish for their unwanted guest, forcing her to sing for the group. (There’s an edit here that’s a little jarring; for some reason, Amanda’s performance is cut from the North American version. I’m assuming it’s a copyright issue. This and a ringtone referencing the 1995 P&P miniseries appear to be the only changes to the American release.)

Caroline tries to get in another cutting remark after Amanda’s lacking performance, saying that at least Amanda won’t starve if she can sing for her supper. Amanda’s reply: “No, I suppose I shan’t, 27,000 a year.” Caroline’s complete lack of response is quite satisfying. Of course, she uses the information the next day to increase everyone’s dismay at Amanda’s poor manners.

Mrs. and the Miss Bennets arrive to fetch the now-recovered Jane. On the way home from Netherfield, due to a broken carriage wheel, Jane and Amanda have a moment for private conversation. Jane advises Amanda to set her sights on Mr. Darcy.

The group is saved from their roadside troubles by a group of soldiers including Captain Wickham, played by Tom Riley. The Bennets are friendly and inviting to the charming man, but Amanda wants nothing to do with him.

Meanwhile, Mr. Collins (Guy Henry) has arrived at Longbourn. This Mr. Collins is… memorable. He is old, disgusting, just an utterly skin-crawling man (the actor was 48 when this aired; the Bennet girls are mostly teenagers, though the actresses were in their 20s). He is absolutely predatory. Shudders. Unforgettable in a terrible way.

In an attempt to get the book back on track, Amanda accidentally finds herself engaged to Collins, having badly upset both Charlotte and the Bennet women in the process. Of course, she has to maintain the commitment to keep Collins away from Jane, which is exactly as uncomfortable as it sounds. Bingley, Darcy, and Wickham all arrive at Longbourn as Collins and Amanda are announcing their engagement, leading to a bizarre gathering.

Amanda tries to warn Wickham to stay away from the Bennet ladies, to which he responds with an attempted invitation to sleep with him. At least her work at reuniting Bingley and Jane seems to be halfway succeeding. Bingley finally throws his ball at Netherfield and dances with Jane.

For debatable reasons (annoyance? amusement? pity?), Wickham spreads a rumor about Amanda that causes her engagement to crumble. At the same moment, Darcy’s interference ruins Jane’s chances with Bingley. Collins says some nasty things about Amanda’s character, leading to an altercation and Amanda being thrown out of the party.

Wounded by Bingley’s sudden loss of interest, Jane takes council from her mother and sets her sights on Collins. Charlotte catches the bouquet at their wedding and announces her intention to leave for Africa as a missionary. Mrs. Bennet, furious with what she sees as attempts to prevent her daughters’ chances for marriage, sends Amanda packing.

The episode ends with a confrontation between Amanda and Darcy. It’s a mirror event to Darcy’s first proposal to Lizzie in the book, but it seems to give much greater disappointment to Amanda without making any impact on Darcy’s pride or arrogance.

Episode Three

Amanda tries again to return to her world by taking a pickaxe to the upstairs door. It doesn’t help.

With no idea where else to go, Amanda finds an unlikely ally in Wickham. He helps her get proper clothing, teaches her the use of a fan, and advises her to visit Jane immediately — putting her in the circles of Lady Catherine and Darcy. Jane forgives Amanda. Amanda uses some made-up royal Parisian acquaintances of Wickham’s to get herself a seat at Rosings and support Jane in her misery there.

The formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh is played very well by Lindsay Duncan. She’s a spirited character in this version of the story. Bossy and nosy, of course, but not entirely unlikable for viewers. More fun than most versions of the character.

Amanda and Darcy have a spirited bout of banter which reveals that Darcy, while insisting he is not to blame for Miss Bennet’s marriage, is still plagued with guilt for interfering in Bingley’s romance.

Later that night, Darcy visits the Collins house for an audience with Amanda. He expresses frustration at her presence, nearly kisses her, and storms away.

“He is in love with you,” Jane observes from a shadowed corner.

“No, he can’t be. That doesn’t make sense at all. That’s crazy,” pleads Amanda. “Darcy, okay, and Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. Not Darcy and Amanda Price of W6.”

And yet, Jane points out, Lizzie is not here, and Darcy is in love with Amanda Price. So what will Amanda Price do?

Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters visit Jane at her new home and attend dinner at Rosings. Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet plot for Jane’s sisters to marry Mr. Collins’ brothers. Lovely (/sarcasm).

Amanda teaches the whole party a card game. Bingley bets his father’s gold watch — it’s implied it is all he has to bet — and Amanda tries to bluff a loss, but Lady Catherine sees her cards and orchestrates her turn. To save Bingley the loss of such a valuable heirloom, Amanda insists the first round is always a practice round. This catches Darcy’s eye — and Lady Catherine’s warning to Amanda to keep away.

Bingley has seen that Jane still loves him and blames Darcy for his interference. Darcy apologizes to Amanda for his behavior. In a twist of events, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Amanda head for a visit to Pemberley.

(I can understand Amanda’s attitude of “I’m losing my mind but at least I can control my hair,” but that 2008 straight lob and bangs just don’t do her many favors next to the elaborate styles of Regency women. At least the cut frames her face well.)

Upon the ladies’ arrival at Pemberley, Amanda learns that Wickham is on the premises, having brought a very drunk Bingley home. When she confronts the supposed scoundrel, she accuses him of orchestrating her match with Darcy so he can “scoop up” Caroline — but of course the charming knave is unbothered.

Collins, Bingley, and Darcy form a shooting party while the ladies and Wickham watch. Jane pleads with drunk Bingley that he accept what has happened and marry happily for them both. The conversation doesn’t end well. Even Mrs. Bennet can finally see that the marriage she celebrated has made her daughter miserable.

Amanda finds Darcy standing by a large pool, reminiscent of a certain 1995 BBC scene. He takes her by the shoulders and tries to proclaim his love. She pushes back with the argument that she is not Elizabeth, but he insists that they should be together. She relents. They are as good as engaged.

On her walk back to the rest of the party, Amanda finds Mrs. Bennet crying. Amanda promises her that she will soon be a position to help Jane and the Bennets. Their conversation is interrupted by gunshots — fired by drunk Bingley at Darcy. Bingley punches Darcy and storms off. Caroline finds Darcy and advises him to “know Miss Price better” before taking any further action.

Amanda stumbles across Georgiana’s room. Genevieve Gaunt plays a pretty but cunning Georgiana Darcy. She tells a very different story of Wickham than the one Amanda knows, which casts both Georgiana and Wickham in different lights.

When Amanda next finds Darcy, he worries that any secrets in her past could ruin him and asks that she be truthful. She repeats declarations of love, but admits in the process that she lived with her boyfriend for a year. He cannot marry her; she is “not a maid.”

Amanda processes her heartbreak by tearing the pages out of the beloved copy of Pride and Prejudice that she’d kept in her jacket and throwing them out the windows of Pemberley. While packing to leave, she receives a… surprising visit from Caroline. I love this particular twist and refuse to spoil it.

Amanda admits to Wickham her knowledge of his true story, and he consoles her after the loss of her almost-engagement. I love their weird friendship.

Darcy finds the loose Pride and Prejudice pages in the fountains outside Pemberley, and reads the torn-up remains of the book. He believes Amanda wrote it and is grievously upset at her for toying with the lives of good people. She says he doesn’t understand, points out the ways his pride and presumptions have affected the lives of the people around him, and runs away in tears.

Episode Four

Darcy gets engaged (not to Amanda). With Jane married off and Wickham warned away from Lydia, Bingley and Lydia take up the elopement plot and run off together — to Amanda’s supposed hometown of Hammersmith.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Amanda travel to Hammersmith. At the last moment, Wickham saves Amanda’s time-travel truth from discovery. He joins the group in search of Lydia. Everyone, now including Darcy, meets in an inn room where Mr. Bennet fulfills his wife’s greatest fear and challenges (still drunk) Mr. Bingley to a duel. Blood is shed. Mr. Bennet’s life is in peril. Amanda must find Lizzie, now.

Suddenly, we’re back in London, 2008.

Amanda finally uses a toothbrush, and talks to the boyfriend we all forgot. On her way to find Elizabeth, Amanda runs into Darcy — yes, he’s in 2008 now too. Commence swelling music and romantic speeches. The oddly dressed pair are off to find Elizabeth.

Lizzie Bennet in 2008 is a macrobiotic-dieting nanny with a pixie cut and a cell phone who likes to watch television with the sound off. Group introductions lead to fighting in the streets before a return to the door in Amanda’s bathroom. Lizzie, Darcy, and Amanda walk through to Regency England to find Mr. Bennet and set the whole story right.

Lizzie is reunited with her father and tends to him with some 2008 first aid. Darcy explains away his hours in 2008 as a disturbing dream. Lizzie and Darcy take a walk at Amanda’s urging. Despite her own feelings, Amanda is determined to fix the story she’s mucked up. The world’s greatest love story must go on.

Bingley, Caroline, the Collinses, and Lady Catherine all arrive at Longbourn. Bingley apologizes to Jane for his behavior with Lydia. They admit their love for each other and kiss, expecting this to be their last moment together. Mrs. Bennet stands up to Lady Catherine, then Jane stands up to her terrible husband. Lady Catherine pulls Amanda aside for the classic “don’t marry Darcy” speech. She agrees to annul the Collinses’ marriage in exchange for the promise that Amanda will disappear forever. (Caroline never leaves the carriage.)

Having her marriage annulled will ruin Jane’s reputation, but Bingley wants her still. They make plans to travel to America and start a new life together there.

Amanda says her goodbyes to Darcy, who is returning to Pemberley with plans to fulfill his duty, per Amanda’s charge, by marrying Elizabeth. Amanda gives some final words of encouragement to Elizabeth before… well, I can’t spoil everything, can I?

Concluding notes

Wickham is a mysterious character in this adaptation, seeming to see right through Amanda without ever giving away what exactly he knows. And he himself is not at all what he seems to Amanda. Many characters surprise Amanda — and viewers familiar with the original book — by having personalities, desires, opinions, and secrets of their own, outside the limits of Austen’s head. This is one of the most entertaining parts of this miniseries.

There are a few unaddressed loose ends. What happened to Charlotte — are we just supposed to accept that she’s lost to her misery in Africa? What about Jane’s marital annulment — will she still be free to marry Charles in America if Amanda does not keep her end of Lady Catherine’s deal?

What of Lydia’s honor (and the rest of the Bennets by extension)? I think the modern writers of this adaptation forgot how horribly her fling with Bingley would still affect her reputation after the fact, and this version has no shotgun marriage to redeem her. Are we to assume that because they ran off to quiet Hammersmith instead of London, and were found within a day, that nobody else knew what happened? It’d be nice to have that explained/confirmed, if so.

There are times the plot doesn’t completely make sense. There especially seem to be jumps where it would make more sense as a storyteller to show a bit more, but nope, we’ve got a schedule to keep. The story jumps straight from Jane’s first attempt to flirt with Collins to their wedding, for example, making Mr. Bennet’s sudden outrage at their marriage after the wedding a little weird. Shouldn’t he have had plenty of time during the planning to voice his disagreement or even flat-out veto the marriage?

Also, the character motivations are sometimes too vague. We know why Darcy went along with Amanda’s lies at the ball, but why did Lady Catherine pretend to know the fake people she was talking about at Rosings? Wy did Wickham spread the rumor about Amanda’s wealth? And why the heck did Darcy go straight from almost-engagement to proposing to someone else within the same hour? He has literally no reason to need to get married right now.

If you’re protective of your favorite literary characters, maybe skip watching this one. It paints a lot of people in a very different light than Austen’s original work, and not all in a good way. (Bingley spends most of his on-screen time drunk and whining about Darcy’s single conversation at the ball ruining his rich-boy life.)

This show is absolutely, obviously not a serious or faithful adaptation of Austen’s book. That’s the point. It’s a fun exploration of both what realities might be revealed beyond book pages if these people were flesh and blood humans, and what would happen if a modern-day reader fell into her favorite classic novel and had to live through it. Nothing and nobody is what Amanda expects. Brushing teeth with chalk and hiding your true feelings behind manners isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The spirit of the series reminds me a lot of Shannon Hale’s Austenland, especially the movie adaptation. (Highly recommend both that book and movie!) Modern woman longs for the chivalry and class of Austen’s world, but Regency reality clashes with daydreams and expectations.

This isn’t a serious take on the story — definitely a “romantic comedy of errors” — and takes many turns Austen herself would probably horribly disapprove of. For a modern audience capable of poking some fun at a book we love, it’s still so fun to watch.