Bleak House is one of the better known novels by Charles Dickens and considered one of the most complete with a large set of characters. Adapted in 2005 by the BBC, the series is divided in 15 episodes (this in the UK) .
The main plot concerns the known case Jarndyce v Jarndyce which involved (in a way or another) most of the characters in this story. This case created by Dickens was meant to show the flaws of the English Chancery system and how lengthy some disputes could become, like the Jarndyce case that was dragged for generations causing madness, despair and false hope for many of the heirs. Among them we find the impatient Richard Cartstone and the pretty Ada Clare both wards of court followed by miss Clare’s companion, the steady and wise Esther Summerson, who’s birth remains a mystery and will become one of the most important parts of the story.
Some characters and scenes were changed but mainly, the story remained faithful to the book. You’ll meet the usual eccentric characters of Dickens novels, like the sweet Miss Flite and her birds, the drunk and greedy Krook or the clumsy Guppy. Of course, like always, Dickens creates a most dark villain in the role of Mr Tulkinghorn, who will to control and manipulate everyone to fulfill his wishes.
The cast includes Anna Maxwell Martin, Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance, Richard Harrington, Nathaniel Parker and many more who helped this amazing book become alive.
The series was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards and become of the biggest successes of the BBC in these last years.
BBC official site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/bleakhouse/
We’ll be discussing 5 episodes each day and we should have started yesterday, but unfortunately the three of us have been extremely busy these past weeks… Let’s try to catch up! 
Who do you think are the main characters? Esther is the only character whose past is shown, could that be relevant?
Lady Deadlock keeps a secret! She seems cold and unfeeling. Do you think her dark clothes are meant to emphasize that?
Ada and Richard are in love but he doesn’t seem the reliable type, could it last without the Jarndyce money? And Esther seems to have lost her opportunity with doctor Woodcourt. In the mean time the plot thickens in what Lady Deadlock is concerned. Will Lord Dealock solicitor discover her secret?
Lady Deadlock sees Esther in church and her reaction continues to awake our curiosity. Meanwhile Mr. Tulkinhorn continues to investigate her past. He seems loyal to his master but ruthless against those who are in his way… What do you think of him?
Richard seems more and more impatient with his inheritance, despite all the advice given by Jarndyce, and his relationship with his protector start to be more tumultuous… Do you understand the young man’s attitude? Or do you think Jarndyce should have had another attitude and allow him and Ada to marry?
It’s clear that Esther will be one of the main characters but I was not sure how. She’s simply the companion of Miss Clare, a ward of Jarndyce. When Nemo crosses her path and gives her that look (like he recognizes her), then the story of her mysterious birth and all (I’m trying not to give any spoilers to those who are still watching the series
) I immediately started to imagine all kind of stories. 
Lady Deadlock is the most fascinating character in the series. Gillian Anderson does an excellent job! In just some minutes and without much effort, she becomes the center of attention. Her loneliness and sadness are so strong, it’s almost heartbreaking. I love that scene in the beginning when she is at the window talking to her husband and suddenly she murmurs: “I’m bored with my life, I’m bored with this house, I’m bored with myself” or something similar. Wow!
Mr. Tulkinghorn is a perfect villain! He starts investigating Lady Deadlock’s past always with the excuse of caring for the family’s reputation, but he clearly wants something else. This man knows no limits, no remorse, nothing. I almost wanted to hide when he gives those dark and menacing looks!
Sleazy, immoral, despicable… He doesn’t think twice before destroying someone to reach his goal. After Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance is undoubtedly my favorite actor in this series.
If Mr. Jarndyce seems to be a very generous and caring person, I felt he didn’t knew how to act with his new wards. It’s perfectly understandable his advice about Ada and Richard’s marriage and even everything he says about their inheritance who destroyed his uncle’s life. He knows firsthand the consequences of the Jarndyce v Jarndyce case. Something that I cannot understand is how can he keep a friendship with someone like Mr. Skimpole?! And this relation will cause great harm to one of his wards in the future. It’s something I really cannot understand.
I’m very curious about Esther, in fact after watching the first episode my immediate questions were: who is Esther and what is Lady Deadlock hiding?
I think not only Lady Deadlock’s clothes are meant to show her seeminly cold character but the whole atmosphere of the series is very dark. It seems to me the perfect setting for such a story with an aura of mystery.
So far I think Richard and Ada are too young to marry and especially Richard seems like he has to grow up a bit.
On a side note did anyone notice that Lady Deadlock’s dress is the one that Margaret wore in the final scene of N&S?
The all serie is very dark, except for some scenes in the country with Esther, Richard and Ada where the sunshine almost blinds you.
LOL Oh yeah! Strangely, because of the surroundings, it almost looks like a totally different dress.
I have to confess that I’m still under Gillian Anderson’s spell. That woman has such a presence!