Get ready to add another underrated historical drama to your watchlist. Known for its clever reimagining of history, ‘My Lady Jane‘ has become one of the most beloved period dramas in recent years. Its cancellation after just one season understandably enraged fans.
If you’re looking for something to fill that hole, we have the perfect pick for you. It might not be fantastical, but here’s why ‘The Artful Dodger‘ should be the next period drama on your watchlist.
The Roller-Coaster Adventure In ‘The Artful Dodger‘
‘The Artful Dodger’ is an Australian drama that first premiered in 2023 and returned with another strong second season in February this year. The show stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as the titular Artful Dodger, David Thewlis as his peculiar acquaintance, Norbert Fagin, and Maia Mitchell as the brilliant Lady Belle Fox.
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The story serves as a sequel to Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, but it flips the narrative with a modern twist. Set in 1850s Australia, it follows Jack Dawkins, a former Royal Navy surgeon, trying to establish himself as a respected doctor.
Things begin to go downhill when he reunites with Fagin, the man who once took him in and taught him thievery. The two had parted ways after a major betrayal, and their reunion dredges up Jack’s past as a London pickpocket, when he was known as the infamous Artful Dodger. Now, he must confront those ghosts before they jeopardize his medical ambitions and unravel the life he has built.
Money is always running thin, and there are always quick schemes to pull off. There’s also a compelling forbidden romance and scientific progress at the heart of the story, all wrapped in a playful, fast-paced tone. However, you can count on some seriously dark moments and secrets, too.
Why Fans Of ‘My Lady Jane’ Will Like ‘The Artful Dodger’
One of the main reasons ‘My Lady Jane‘ was so beloved is its mix of all our favorite elements: romance, adventure, history, and comedy. This blend constantly left viewers craving more. While its fantasy element of Ethians (humans who can shapeshift into animals) added a fun edge, at its core, the story was about breaking rules and defying expectations in a time when women were expected to suppress their true selves to fit into society.
‘The Artful Dodger‘ may not have magic or monarchy, but it captures that same rebellious energy of challenging societal norms.
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Fans who loved the enemies-to-lovers tension between Jane and her arranged husband will especially enjoy the banter and romance between Jack Dawkins and Lady Belle Fox. Much like Jane, Belle dreams of breaking into a profession restricted by class and gender. She establishes herself as Port Victory’s first female surgeon, taking part in risky procedures and contributing to medical innovations and advancements in patient care.
In essence, both shows share a creative and committed approach to rewriting history. Currently, ‘The Artful Dodger‘ is streaming on Disney+.
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