Last week’s Gilbert Blythe meet-n-greet went very well indeed: Not a single person “polled” didn’t like the new Gilbert! Lucas Jade Zumann had massive shoes to fill (the late, great Jonathan Crombie, no less, whose “eulogy” crashed my site almost two years ago at the time of his death), so this was pretty impressive.
In this week’s episode, we see just a smidgen of the gentlemanly Gilbert and fall even more for him. When that knuckle-dragger Billy Andrews bellows that Anne should bake something and let the men do the real work, Gilbert rises to the occasion like a knight. He thanks Anne and Ruby sincerely for the scones, and in his gentle, noble way, he pushes back, showing he is a cut above the other boys in Avonlea. Of course, Anne has just begun her four-year grudge Re: Carrotsgate, so she barely acknowledges his presence, something Gil will have to get used to.
Many viewers of all ages will be saying “awwww” when Anne stomps off and Gilbert’s face falls…Awwww!
So Gilbert is grand, and I am also really loving the addition of Aymeric Jett Montaz, a young French-Canadian actor who plays the part of Jerry, Matthew’s farmhand. I don’t love all the off-book changes to “Anne,” but I do like that they filled in the character of Jerry so wonderfully. He is a sounding board for Anne, a gentle friend. When she quits Avonlea school in a fit of humiliation, Jerry’s quiet remarks about how he doesn’t even have the chance to go to school–he had to quit early to work–get under Anne’s skin and ours. He adds sweetness and a much-needed fizz of humor and charm to this “darker” retelling.
That’s what I loved about this episode. AHEM!
However, I was less pleased about the rest of it. Episode 4 was waaaayyy off-book, as much as Episode 2. I had heard that Moira Walley-Beckett and her team were aiming for lots of “invention” but also honoring the story with “iconic” moments. So, of course, I was waiting for an iconic moment. Other than a meeting of the Story Club, minus Jane Andrews, there were none.
Post Slate Debacle, we find Anne driving Marilla crazy by hanging around the house all the time, dreaming and letting pies burn on her watch. Anne doesn’t want to go back to school, where she kn0ws she doesn’t belong. At first, Marilla decides to bide her time and let Anne get so bored she’ll return on her own steam, but soon loses her temper and forces the girl out the door. Here’s where things get weird. Anne pretends she went to school, lying her red head off for days in an act of devious, premeditated deception. To me, Anne might have been detached from the truth in some ways, but she was never that deceptive. She simply didn’t have the stomach for it. 
Upon being busted for lying, Anne is subjected to a prescriptive visit from the town’s pastor, a pompous, sanctimonious windbag who bears no resemblance whatsoever to the book’s kindly Reverend Allen and his wife, Mrs. Allen, Anne’s most kindred of spirits and encourager.
The book’s Rev. and Mrs. Allen were brimming with grace–why make him so grace-LESS here?
Unless, of course, this isn’t supposed to be Reverend Allen at all. A friend of mine, Rachel, wondered if this smug, bloviating minister might be just a handy male authority figure, meant to show how patriarchal Edwardian Avonlea really was. Could be, but I miss Reverend Allen’s kindness, all the same.
More invention: A fire threatens the Gillis farmhouse, and a level-headed Anne saves their house with her quick thinking. Suddenly, the tide begins to turn in Avonlea and the townsfolk begin to warm to the peculiar orphan girl. In the book, her biggest detractor, Mrs. Barry, is finally won over when Anne saves Minnie Mae’s life. Good old Syrup of Ipecac! This immediately follows the Raspberry Cordial Debacle, and is an absolutely pivotal scene, as it transforms Anne’s enemy into her champion.
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL, PLEASE LET THERE STILL BE THE RASPBERRY CORDIAL DEBACLE! It’s as iconic as anything in the book, and I won’t stand for its omission, THAT’S WHAT!
Overall, I found this episode puzzling. I had been won over to the “invention plus iconic moments” construct, persuaded by this tremendous cast to disconnect somewhat from the book and embrace much–not all–of it. But this week was a hard one, folks.
Here’s hoping next week DOES include some Raspberry Cordial! (In the preview, Marilla tells Anne she may invite Diana to tea, so I am hopeful…). Because as my friend Natalie says, Mrs. Barry still needs some convincing.
And so do I.
Have any of you been able to watch?
What do YOU think about what me and other viewers have been saying?
Are you prepared to buy into some serious revisions here? Or would you prefer, as I do in my heart of hearts, that all of this phenomenal writing and acting and filmmaking would reflect Maud’s original story?
I’d love to know your thoughts! Every comment on my blog until the Anne series has properly aired on Netflix (May 12) will be entered in a contest to win a fetching Anne of Green Gables art piece or frameable quote from my favorite Etsy shop, Carrot Top Paper Shop! 
So comment away, won’t you, Anne Internet Friends??
It must be candidly admitted that I, Canadian Kerri, wish this series were rent from he air waves, this was no bewitching Anne, this version of our beloved orphan was stuck in a time loop between modern and her century. I must admit that I love Jerry, the way this show has fleshed this character out; but the rest of this fetid and festering trash heap of an episode leaves me so harrowed up in my mind that I wish I could stop. The trouble is, I cannot tear myself away. Please enlighten me as to why Marilla became angry with cooking for Matthew, I sense an agenda here. Please excuse my rambling as I am overcome with wrath right now.
Kerri, please don’t sugarcoat! 🙂 I wonder how many others share your “wrath”? I am finding an interesting mix of responses, which include delight AND wrath. Doesn’t seem like many people are indifferent!
After episode 4, I’ve given up watching the 2017 version of what is jokingly being passed off as Anne of Green Gables. This story is nothing to do with Anne as she was originally written. It presents all the values and mind-set of the 21st century – with none of the charm and warmth of the real story of Anne.
I overlooked the huge discrepancies of the first couple of episodes, because, while they were jarring, I thought they might be leading to something really worthwhile. And as Anne herself says ‘if you make up your mind to enjoy something ………” But enough is enough. What a shame that Moira (sorry I’ve forgotten her last name – is it Walley? ) didn’t have the imagination to retain the personality of Montgomery’s Anne through some genuinely well-thought-out, new adventures without destroying the most memorable and important episodes of the story, not to mention changing both Anne and all the other major characters. It’s a great opportunity missed.
And one more thing. Amybeth McNulty may be a great little actress, but she does not have thick, red braids, as Anne did. McNulty’s hair is much to thin and fine to pass for Anne’s. Her braids look positively wispy. Surely someone in the costume dept. could have done something about that. But probably reading the book was not a requirement to work on the series.
At the moment, the whole thing is becoming unintentionally laughable. It’s a far greater disappointment than I expected.
Wow! Elcy, you have strong feelings about this! This episode was hard for me on several levels, for sure. I sort of feel like it might have been better as a modern retelling, not a retelling with modern ideas superimposed.
Continuing to love the new version of Anne. A few scenes had me catching my breath (another gentleman move by Gilbert…for those who saw, you know the scene!). Enjoyed watching Anne and Ruby’s relationship develop (the muffin suggestion, etc.) and thought her skipping school was realistic. Funny how the Pastor twisted things around and got her to rethink her decision (I thought he did it on purpose – maybe that’s just my interpretation). When Anne walks through the school door at the end, it’s like a breath of fresh air just entered the building and Gilbert’s pleased smirk was awesome – he knows things are about to get interesting with her around!
Jill, thanks for this great recap. I have now used “pleased smirk” several times so thank you for that! Things ARE about to get interesting!
Really liking this series and am so glad that I never saw the older versions! Because of this I don’t have to relate everything that happens in the book and the previous series! Will stop reading your column as you have spoiled several things for me. I should have known better but that’s ok.
Well, what do I say? Thanks for commenting anyway! 🙂
Hey there!
I understand why people will have an issue with things being changed and added to this series but so far I truly like everything. If anything, the slightly modern dialogue leaves me confused but it is a small matter.
This series is supposed to be a darker and more dramatic retelling of Anne and I think it delivers thus. I love the 1985 series to death and it was perfect as a show on it’s own as a dreamier, more whimsical version. But I think this show is just as good a show and becoming it’s own thing very nicely.
Amybeth’s Anne is a different Anne but with the same whimsy and spirit and every other character is well done too, in keeping with the darker tone. I’m enjoying the subdued drama of this series very much.
I do think the additions are made to serve a purpose of enhancing each storyline instead of butchering it. Since this is an extended version of the books and they plan to continue for many more seasons, it only makes sense to add some subplots without harming the overall story.
As long as everyone stays in character throughout these subplots, I don’t have any objection.
Also I think I’m more excited to tune in every week because I don’t know how they will approach the familiar storylines and keeps me intrigued.
The feminism also has not seemed preachy to me so far and I hope they keep at that. Even if many ideals are more of the 21st century, it doesn’t seem impossible for Anne to have raised such questions or for Marilla to have doubts at such a time. As long as it’s not preachy, it’s good.
I’ve seen an interview where the raspberry cordial scene is indeed confirmed so worry not! 😀
Love reading your blog!
Hi Mariam, love your comment! Thank you for allaying my fears re: the raspberry cordial scene. I actually ADORED last night’s episode!!! Watch for the new review tonight!
I’m glad to read your honest reviews! I’m nervous to watch it when it comes to Netflix….
Hi Maria! I will be so glad to hear from all of you what you guys think! 🙂
Just catching up on all these reviews now that the series is done (sad face). I enjoyed the scenes with Gilbert, Ruby, and Jerry. I like seeing the beginning of the Story Club. I’m glad we got to see the little tree fort in the woods because I remember there being a lot of detail about that in the book. I hated the deception of going to school- I felt it really took away something from Anne’s character because the whole thing with the broach was that Anne is not a liar.
Elizabeth, I agree. I liked so much about the episode but Anne lying so blatantly rubbed me the wrong way!
I’ve calmed down a bit now since my previous comment. I’m still hugely disappointed with this series and way Anne was portrayed but I’ve had a bit of insight into this revamping of her character and I’d like to know what others think of my assessment.
I think Anne, in this TV series, is Mary Vance! Mary Vance is a character known well to those who have read Rainbow Valley, where her personality drives some major twists of the story. She is also a peripheral personality in Rilla of Ingleside where she cures Rilla’s baby of the croup, just as Anne did.
Mary is a rough and tumble orphan who runs away from regular beating at the household where she works The Blythe children and their friends find her hiding in a deserted barn. Mary’s hard life has made her a survivor. She is capable, resourceful, hardworking and not above all kinds questionable behaviour if it will be the solution to a problem. She is bossy, brash, opinionated and is always ready to to give instructions to the others. If work is to be done, Mary Vance is the one to call on.
To me, she is the antithesis of Anne and the other Montgomery heroines, yet she is also, in her own way ‘a kindred spirit.” She is devoid of imagination and completely pragmatic in her approach to everything. This is who I see in Anne as she has been portrayed. in this series. It’s completely wrong, and off-key, yet I see how it happened.
I think, but I’m not sure that in Rainbow Valley, Anne, now married of course, makes this point herself in when she tells one of Mary’s many critics (probably one of her own children) that she herself was once an orphan in a similar position to Mary.
I’d like to hear the opinion of others about this idea. I hated seeing Anne portrayed this way. But I can certainly see how it happened.
Eleanor.
I’m a real rookie when it comes to Anne of Green Gables. So maybe my comments won’t mean much,or perhaps, a fresh perspective. Anyway I’ve never watched a full episode of any aogg(only saw a few minutes here and there while flipping through tv channels over the years), never read a full book or even comic book version. (which Korea and Japan are full of) My most extensive “Anne” background was from what I learned reading Lorilee Craker’s “Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter and Me.” Anyway my wife us a lifelong passionate fan of everything aogg. Even going so far as to choose “Lucy”(Montgomery) as her english name. Anyway, because of her, when I saw the new “Anne” series on netflix, I decided to give it a try. It was something we could do together in the evenings after our 3 year old son falls asleep. We are currently watching episode 5. And my 1st impression was when I heard the tragically hip’s “Ahead by a century” I the opening credits~ loved it! Love the Hip! Inly 2 things are as iconically canadian (the hip and anne) and to bring them together was a stroke of genius! ! Now on to my impression if the new Anne with an E show. As someone who really has only the slightest idea how the books or original series is supposed to go, and nit having pre-conceived ideas about what is “supposed” to happen, I love this new “Anne” show. My wife constantly tells me~ “That’s not in the books or that wasn’t supposed to happen”… despite these interruptions I’m able to enjoy thus new show thoroughly! !
Hi Gord! I love everything about this comment! I think it is so funny that Lucy keeps interrupting the show to tell you what is off book! 🙂 Alot of husbands are sayingf they really enjoy this new series. And I ADORE the fact that your sweet wife chose “Lucy” as her English name because of LMM, and that your last name is Montgomery! Do you think that’s why she married you??? 🙂
I’m catching up… I’m watching episode four as I type this comment. I spent a lot of time setting my expectations appropriately prior to watching this, but I’m still struggling with the off-bookness of it all. I quite enjoy Marilla in this adaptation. I agree with you on Jerry–I’m loving seeing his character fleshed out and expanded upon. However, Lucan Jade Zumann is the saving grace of this adaptation as far as I’m concerned. That child is FANTASTIC. I couldn’t have imagined a better actor to play young Gilbert. Of course Jonathan Crombie will always have a special place in my heart as Gil, but I never thought that I would enjoy anyone else playing the role of Gil as much as I have enjoyed Lucas. A good or bad Gilbert is the make-or-break point for me in ANY adaptation. AmyBeth McNulty is a fabulous little actress and I can accept her portrayal of Anne–I feel like Anne has so many sides to her that she can be portrayed differently while still staying true to the heart of Anne. However, Gil is GIL–he’s straightforward and steadfast Gil (I think I’ve told you that before, but it’s true). I find myself desperately missing some of the whimsy and romance of the story. I appreciate the angst and the “heavier” perspective to a degree, but the whimsy and romance is why I fell in love with AOGG in the first place. The heaviness is becoming somewhat overbearing at this point. AmyBeth does a wonderful job bringing Anne’s personality and drama to the heavy subjects–but I’m longing for that spark of personality and drama for the light subjects as well. Longing for the whimsy. Longing for the romance. Longing for the Anne-ish belief in fairyland. Perhaps that will come. In the meantime, Lucas Jade Zumann is my saving grace. ☺️❤️
Always love to hear your insights, Bethany! One thing I believe is lacking is humor! There is some, but the actual books were VERY funny and LMM had a deft hand as a comedic writer. Fizz, charm, and humor are lacking, but otherwise I like the new insights. And LJZ is a fine, fine Gil!
Does anyone remember the quote of what Anne says to Ruby about having 2 dresses and so she could give her one of them (after the house fire)? Thanks