Jamaica Inn

Lona - many thanks, I shall give that a miss too then. If anyone can recommend a good, true to story version I would be very grateful.

I did write to the BBC a couple of years ago and asked them why they don't do more series on British history; if this is the best that they can come up with ...

I too gave up after 30mins, for all the same reasons as others. X

Watched it all, but not going to bother with the rest of it. Like the others have said, I could neither hear nor see it properly and it really is a shame, because the bleak, dreary scenery and the lack of 'romance' in the story makes for a good programme. Read the book years ago, and have looked forward to seeing the drama.

Same here. I lasted 20 minutes and gave up!Couldnt tell what they were mumbling about.Thought it was my hearing, but, sadly, no.Very disappointing.

Well it is a dark story but this dark? I put the sub-titles on as the mumbling made it extremely hard for this tinnitus sufferer . Loved the book and was so looking forward to it. Why is it so difficult to make accurate historical programmes? I don't watch them as there are so many errors in speech and historical details I end up chucking stuff at my TV. It's the same when they adapt novels. They change them.
However, Fargo that was brilliant. Loved the film and this programme is super. Billy Bob Thornton is sinister but hilarious.
The Americans are turning out great programme after great programme, ie The Wire, Breaking Bad, The Good Wife. It's been a long time since we've done the same.

Coped with the dark but we both thought we needed to get our hearing tested! Glad to know we don't. Thanks all.

I think it was very well done. I will watch the rest of it. It is a long time since I read the book, but I know for certain it is very dark story!

Agree about the sound. Sub-titles very necessary. Was amazed how loud the following television sound came out after we had turned it up to what seemed a reasonable volume to make out what was being said.

I don't think you can expect much humour from this story. Romance will surely follow soon!

It seem there is nothing I add as it has all been said. Picture too dark and sound level control worse than amateur. The big problem with the BBC is they really do think they know best and the viewer should be grateful for whatever rubbish they make of things. They also have a terrible left wing tendency to place present day thinking on history. It just wernt like that they had a different set of values in those far off days.

Was looking forward to it and struggled for 20 minutes before giving up. Won't record or watch again. However, wasn't tempted by Tommy Cooper programme. Never did like him and the trailers were offputting.

Dorsetpennt: I also really liked Fargo! I don't usually like so much gore, but it was fascinating. I liked the idea of connection between events. I have not seen the film, but am looking forward to the next episode. X

Missed it. So thanks for all the critiques. A majority of grans can't be wrong.

Watch it and make your own mind up! (So long as you've got subs)

I gave up after 15mins and changed over to BBC2 and watched the start up of Amazon and other companies over the past 10years and as much as I dislike Amazons ethic's I did find the programme facinating.

But jings you shouldn't have to have recourse to subtitles on a mainstream BBC programme unless your hearing is seriously impaired. Simple test: can you hear most TV programmes? If you can, then Jamaica Inn is at fault.

I blame mumbling Marlon in On The Waterfront!

Haven't read the book but I get the impression I should miss the programme and try it out in book form. Can't say the trailers have inspired me to watch.

I liked it.

Think my hearing is a bit down tbh grumppa. And DH never objects to having the subs on, even though he would never admit to needing them. It's low tones I struggle with.

For some reason my recorder didn't start until 10 minutes in, but after watching the next 5 minutes I also gave up. More annoying was that I also lost the beginning of the More4 Monty Don programme!

Mrs Grumppa, significantly younger, couldn't hear it either, jings.

Neither could 33 year old son! I totally agree the sound was ridiculous.

Thought it was trying too hard to be Classical Literature when it really is just a fairly modern novel. This approach will always draw attention to the modern language and quickly begins to grate.
Mind you I could only understand every other character....and if 'whats is face'....playing the vicar, is not a baddie I'll eat my hat.....no I shall not be watching this.

HildaW sssshhh! No spoilers.Agree with most others, too dark [in every way] and so inaudible, it was verging on the ridiculous!In the past, historical drama was made with hardly a nod to the local accents , clothes etc and now it has veered far to far the other way.There was so much mud we could have been on the Somme, I felt I needed a shower myself by the end of it.An Inn on the moors in those days would have had a cobbled yard, or at the least [as it was by the coast] lots of shingle thrown down.Why were all the windows open with holey cutains billowing at every opportunity even though it was obviously freezing cold?Why were all the men wearing mud coloured garments [to hide all the mud?]
Too much nastiness and snarling at each other [and that includes Mary.]
It was all OTT.

Complaints galore reported - not only on G'net. They are blaming 'issues with sound levels'.

I love the book, which I first read when I was about 12!!!! The settings were great, the interiors very dark, but that is how it would have been I know , the acting was first class, but I was disappointed.....it could have been so good. I thought that I had lost my hearing, had to turn up so loud!!
At one time could rely on the beeb for classic series, are they going to improve with the next 2 episodes or do I have to put up sub titles?

I was so bored by it that I went to sleep so I can't really comment. I loved the book though.