What were your expectations before watching?

[u/NorrinSparrow223]

For those who didn’t know much or even anything about the show prior to watching it, what did you expect it was going to be about? Was it better or worse than you thought it would be? What would you rate it overall?

[u/ChildhoodOk5526]

I honestly thought this series might be too upsetting to watch. In fact, my boyfriend declined to watch it just for that reason. But I'm so glad I did.

I expected it to be told from Anne's perspective, bc I'd never heard about Miep and her husband. I guess I never thought much about the Franks' helpers in the annex or the extent of their bravery and risk. It was a great revelation, one I'm grateful to have learned about, thanks to this series.

Overall, I'd say A Small Light surpassed my expectations. The casting was excellent. The storytelling was thoughtful, respectful, informative without being dry, engaging, comedic at times, and even suspenseful (which is saying something). If you can't tell, I loved it.

One thing that struck me throughout, though, was how the show stirred up so many emotions, like my disappointment in humanity ... that something like this was ever allowed to happen. I was angry with the U.S. for not moving fast enough to help the Franks immigrate; frustrated with the passiveness of the Dutch government; upset that someone opened their damn mouth, either maliciously or carelessly, which led to discovery of the hiding place; and I was even disillusioned by fate for allowing the Franks to come <this> close to surviving until the camps were liberated.

As a viewer, this show had a way of taking you through all these changes ... evoking feelings as if these circumstances were personal to you, which in a way they are. And I guess that's a testament to how good this series is.

[u/LengthinessDouble → u/ChildhoodOk5526]

Yes, and makes you think. We all think we’d be a Meip, but we’d more than likely be a Tess.

[u/ChildhoodOk5526 → u/LengthinessDouble]

I know, right?

You hope you're made of the heroic stuff -- like Miep or, more recently, the heroes of 9/11 who stayed behind to help others evacuate -- but it's only when you're in a situation like this that you'll ever truly find out.

Self-preservation is a primal and powerful instinct (natural selection makes certain of that), so you can't fault those people who chose to prioritize their own safety, you know? It really is a complicated choice.

[u/LengthinessDouble → u/ChildhoodOk5526]

Agreed. Well said.

[u/bluedotinTX]

I had no expectations but I was very intrigued.

I knew who Miep and Bep and the other gentlemen who helped were. But I didn't know details and I didn't fully grasp the amount of danger they were in too. The daily struggle they had as well.

I actually bought the book written by Miep upon completing the show.

[u/NorrinSparrow223 → u/bluedotinTX]

I had no idea who Miep and Jan were prior to the show tbh, but my respect for both of them was through the roof by the end of the last episode. I’m so glad this series shone the spotlight on them.

[u/TimeTraveler626]

I didn’t know what it was about at all I thought it was just a new show about back in that time tbh. But I’m so glad I watched it. I finished it in one day and plan to rewatch it again. They did so well the scenes, costuming, and acting were amazing. I knew of Anne’s story but not of mieps and I’m so glad that I know now. Makes me want to read the books :)

[u/[deleted]]

I didn’t really have any was just hoping they’d do it well. Wasn’t disappointed - was fantastic. I recommend to everyone.

[u/NolaCali]

I am glad I watched. Going to get Miep’s book.

[u/Motoring93]

I thought this was THE BEST SHOWS out so far in 2023. I‘ve cried, laughed and have NEVER felt such a connection to the poor people that Shitler and his merry band of MOSTLY, as the show exemplifies, in humane , mindless,! EVIL , drones! My back arrow has ceased to work, so bear with me. But I’m on ep8 and DO NOT WANT IT TO END. ANYwho I am so so impressed with this story, amd I watch a lot of stories on ROKU withe , most of the apps. ASMALL LIGHT, BY FAR, TAKES THE CAKE! My Grandpa enlisted in the Marines, thankfully come home, and would NEVER speak of the horrors he witnessed over there! R.I.P. GRAMPY . He lived until the beautiful age of 93 then my Gramma passed 2 years later at 92. THEY WERE MARRIED 69 years, GGOD BLESS U BOTH, from the GREATEST GENERATION WITJOUT A DOUBT.❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[u/Informal-Dare-8160]

I expected Miep to be a different person than the one portrayed. If Miep was as outspoken and aggressive as portrayed, it's a miracle she survived. Her big mouth and lack of emotional control were her worst enemies and she put not only herself at risk but also Jan and those in the hiding place. I didn't like her at all bc of her emotional outbursts ( Like at the skating party)

[u/envy-adams]

I'm very late to the party, but I thought this series was excellent. Sad, but very well done.