Le miserables

[Doobydoobydooyeh]

Anyone watching? Not quite the same without the songs!

It was very strangely portrayed. She didn't even go inside the house or make the shallowest enquiry as to their character. Nor did she visit, despite it being doable for that bitter little old lady from the factory.

It wasn't done right imo. I kept thinking 'ffs just go and get her'.

Also, could have done with at least a montage showing how JVJ went from penniless child robber to small town mayor. I wondered if I'd missed an episode. Maybe they'll do it later in flashback.

Also, could have done with at least a montage showing how JVJ went from penniless child robber to small town mayor.

He nicked a load of silver, but because Derek Jacobi (as a cleric) also gave him the candlesticks to save him from a life in prison, he also told him to turn to God - thus JVJ's conscience when he nicked Petit Gervais's coin. JVJ sold all the silver save the candlesticks, and used the proceeds to set up in business under a pseudonym, thereby avoiding the requirements to show parole papers. As a leading businessman, he has gained influence and is seen as someone suitable to be elected as maire. (Am realising how Anglocentric my history has been - have no idea of electoral history in France, and who would have been eligible to vote.)

I think that they expected you to fill in those gaps yourself, though. I have a vague memory the book also makes similar jumps in time. And it's still quite impressive rags to riches progress in about 7 years.

In the book it goes into quite a lot of detail about how Valjean becomes so wealthy - he comes up with an idea of how to manufacture those black beads that you see the factory girls making into jewellery. They are superior to what has previously been manufactured, but can be made much more cheaply. There is great demand for the product. So yes, the stealing/being given the silver helped him on his way, but the manufacturing process was Valjean's invention and created most of his wealth.

Here are the pages which describe the meeting between Fantine and the Thenardiers. Still a quick decision in the book. I suppose it had to be, otherwise she'd change her mind.

I like how Hugo describes Fantine as having breastfed Cosette, which weakened her chest and gave her a cough. Her illness wasn't a rapid one then, but was obviously made much worse after being forced into prostitution.

I’ve just caught up. I’m really enjoying it and pleased with the amount of grit. It’s uncomfortable viewing and so it should be.

I saw the first episode as playing out some of the songs in the musicals that gave background, particularly ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ and thought that was quite clever.

Her illness wasn't a rapid one then, but was obviously made much worse after being forced into prostitution.

The poverty which forced her into prostitution probably also meant poor nutrition, poor accommodation - damp, dark, vermin, poorly ventilated - also no medical care or anyone to look after her when ill. Prostitution would have just been the final straw.

The poverty which forced her into prostitution probably also meant poor nutrition, poor accommodation - damp, dark, vermin, poorly ventilated - also no medical care or anyone to look after her when ill. Prostitution would have just been the final straw.

Yes, I agree. I was a bit blunt in my previous post and didn't intend to overlook Fantine's horrific living conditions. I had just lost a more eloquent post, so quickly re-wrote it before heading out.

having her teeth ripped out i would not be surprised if she didnt get an infection

A newcomer to this thread.

Does anyone else think that Lily Collins is badly cast as Fantine. She's meant to be a woamn of 28 or so and a mother, yet looks 14 and seems to have no idea of motherhood and life in general.

Hugh Jackman, David Oyelowo and Olivia Coleman are good. Lily Collins and Adeel Akhtar not so much.

Ooh, didn't spot Hugh Jackman!

Lily Collins is 29.

Hugh jackman? I'm pretty sure he's not in the BBC version

The reason there is no bursting into song is the reason I watch. I detest all musicals.

Apologies for my brain fart - Dominic West not Hugh Jackman.

Still not at all convinced by Lily Collins

I don't think Fantine is meant to be in her late 20s ("he took my childhood in his stride") - maybe a late teen when she met Felix and had Cosette.

It's been a long time since anything on tv has made me cry but this did. Poor Fantine, having her teeth pulled out (horrific) and then treated like dirt by everyone. So sad.

Didn’t even know she was Phil Collins daughter. Wow. She looks nothing like him. I thought she was doing well tbh, I was convinced - although I can’t see why she wouldn’t just go and collect her child and have her full wage to spend on a better house/pay a lady just out of town to have her in the day... I suppose that wouldn’t drive the plot very far though 😂

That supervisor was a disgrace. I agree about the daily and why did she leave Paris?

The post up above with the book pages says that she wanted to go back to her home town.

Strange that she had no relatives to support her or knew her family?

I know I overthink things

Strange that she had no relatives to support her or knew her family?

She was a foundling.

IamPickleRick
'Didn't even know she was Phil Collins daughter...."

I remember when she was born ()
They had a Phil ( dad) Jill ( mum) and Lil ( Lily)