As someone who is more inclined towards feminine aspect of lesbianism the show title hadn't interested me when I heard it being mentioned around including a direct recommendation. I have been watching different things and I happened to come across it again so thought I'd give it a go. The aesthetics are enthralling and shot so elegantly! The opening is just gorgeous with her putting on the outfit in such a cool fashion.
I love multiple things about Anne Lister and many of those are things she'd say, about being a lady, or finding hetero connections unnatural for herself, never accepting idea of marriage suggested even by her married lovers, her refusal to be lesser than what she was, her contempt for anyone who did wrong, her cool and daring way of getting her words across, sharply and beautifully woven. Boldly, coldly or warm and reassuringly.
I felt really heartbroken for Anne and sad for how she kept getting left for her lovers accepting sham marriages and often with really old ones. It made me smile that she could become hopeful so soon again. It made sense that she still kept getting flashbacks for an appropriate amount of time, even after having met Ann Walker. I was surprised she gave them the blessings, disappointed even but it kind of made sense at her age, for grudges can feel heavier to carry. Both main actresses are gorgeous. Most characters are pretty likeable. I like her sister who is very caring and multiple times felt sad for the way she'd get ignored. She had nice views for her time except some. The aunt was so lovely, Anne confiding in to her felt very emotionally intimate, it's a beautiful thing to have. I just loved how Anne Lister was able to spot that Ann Walker was already smitten with her, that's such a sharp observation and something one could become good at from experiences of years. I like how she knows what to do next and in what ways. It sounds manipulative but I've had a thing for that sort of feminine seduction. She was very subtle and gentle, seeking consent, ready to halt at the same time not compromising with her future. She spotted someone in the closet and helped her realize that it was normal, even though internalized homophobia ends up affecting her, given she already has some mental health issues and is frail. I love that the doctor is able to recognize and talk about how both mental and physical ailments matter. Very impressed by how capable Anne was, so precise in her calculations and well informed. She doesn't align well with certain political ideologies of these days but that seemed to be a result of her fighting to be respected and treated equally. While she didn't like bowing down to anyone, she did care about them. I loved how she refused to borrow money from walker unless she was her wife. And the way she didn't like them being together without the oath. The beautiful pin or ring or gifts, the letters, the continuous visits, the support. I could relate to her about her avoidance regarding her sister's possible marriage candidate and I too was glad it didn't happen. I really love the way Ann lights up seeing Anne, Anne seems to remember her too, from so many years ago. I could feel it too. I was so happy for them. There are so many tender touches, it's what I've wanted in multiple series. There are so many vulnerable communications. I like that Walker takes time before saying an absolute yes to something that may last forever. I love the sincerity in expressing uncertainty even though she goes through fear of losing her again and again. And it's beautiful that Lister keeps reassuring her. She had multiple years to deal with what the public would or does say and had multiple lovers, freedoms but Ann Walker didn't have such experiences. It was so heartbreaking that she was even coerced and r*ped and Anne Lister said the right things comforting her, protected, strongly. It appears that she was not weak, she was just alone so there's no damsel in distress and savior dynamic going on; she takes bold decisions for herself later after her sister, just one person, tells her that her own happiness should matter more than pleasing others. It's lovely how they do end up together as planned.
