‘Tom Jones’ series that strives to bring “the best in drama to American public television audiences, This four-part television miniseries reimagines The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, Henry Fielding’s classic novel. A picaresque story of the title character’s complicated journey to find real love, Tom Jones has delighted and scandalised readers since it was originally published in 1749. Solly McLeod stars as the hero Tom, alongside Sophie Wilde as the heroine Sophia Western.
Written by Gwyneth Hughes, Tom Jones is directed by Stephen Daldry and produced by Nigel Lythgoe and Katie O’Donnell.
Plot of the series
Tom Jones is a wealthy, charismatic man who has no manners or principles. His father dies and he marries Sophia Western despite not having loved her for more than two days. He soon realises that he misses the love of his first wife but says nothing. He is ordered to China by his uncle and does not return for three years.
He eventually returns and decides to live with Sophia in London. He falls in love with Mrs. Waters, a widow, but she is not pure and he leaves her. He returns to Sophia who is angry and convinces him to marry her daughter Maria. Tom marries Maria and they go to live at his home in the country where Tom meets the old shepherdess Jenny Jones. He realises that Jenny is his birth mother, Lady Bellaston and Lady Bellaston’s maid are his biological parents.
They stay with Tom until it gets too dangerous for them because they are found out by Lady Bellaston. Tom and Lady Bellaston are finally reunited. They go to France where they have a love affair and then have a child by whom they name Tom Jones Colman. They return to London and Tom is knighted.
Cast of the Series
- Hannah Waddingham as Lady Bellaston
- Solly McLeod as Tom jones
- Pearl Mackie as Honour
- Daniel Rigby as Partridge
- Sophie Wilde as Sophia Western
- Hattie Gotobed as Betty Seagrim
- Laura Marcus as Susan
- Shirley Henderson as Aunt Western
- Tamzin Merchant as Aunt Harriet
- Julian Rhind-Tutt as Fitzpatrick
What is the basic theme of Tom Jones ?
‘Tom Jones’, the miniseries, explores a range of themes. The first is immersion in a very different world. The second is the rather ironic theme of betrayal and loss of love as one grows older. Third, is the theme of self-discovery and an engaging story that has long been recognized for being light hearted and led by Tom’s charm. Tom Jones does not portray an idealised period but uses humour and pathos to highlight rather uncomfortable truths about its era. Through this exploration, it is a remarkably modern series that still reads as contemporary and entertaining.
What is the point of view of Tom Jones ?
This series was a modern adaptation of the classic novel by Henry Fielding. The series was set in Georgian times but it included references that would be familiar to viewers today. This gave the period drama a point of view that helped draw in viewers who may not be familiar with eighteenth century England.
What is the setting of Tom Jones ?
The series was set in eighteenth century London. There was a lot of movement from place to place. The interior sequences were done at Pinewood Studios, which have been responsible for some Hollywood blockbusters. The exterior shots were taken on the streets of London and other locations and repeat, allowing viewers to link back to the time period when Tom and Sophia left for France, where Tom’s mother was living.
Release date of the Series
The date is not final yet but it will be Released around 2023
