The Other Bennet Sister has successfully enchanted us all the way back into Jane Austen’s era. We already knew Elizabeth Bennet, but the Britbox series — based on Janice Hadlow‘s novel of the same name — delivers a “fresh and relatable” perspective from the eyes of Mary Bennet, actress Ella Bruccoleri exclusively told News47.us at the New York City premiere.
“She’s kind of existing in this world where she doesn’t understand the social protocol or the rules of the game,” Ella exclusively told News47.us. “And the main crux of it is that the more she’s in touch with who she really is, rather than trying to change herself to appeal to other people, the more people are drawn to her and love her.”
Although the show emphasizes autonomy, especially for a woman in 19th-century England, viewers still root for Mary while two eligible suitors fancy her: Thomas Hayward (Dónal Finn) and William Ryder (Laurie Davidson). She may not catch onto their hints right away, but Mary, as viewers now know, realizes that she has some stirrings for both of them.
At the North American premiere, Dónal told News47.us that he learned a lot about courtship and how it’s changed, [and] the strengths of what it used to be” from playing his character, Hayward. Meanwhile, for Laurie, the actor explained what he’d advise modern male audience members.
“Guys, get yourself out the gym, stop watching those toxic men on YouTube, and do yourself a favor. Watch our show, read some Austen,” Laurie said, before pointing to the series’ message on self-love. “The greatest love story in our show is with Mary and herself.”
So, who does Mary choose in the end? News47.us has the breakdown on season 1 below! (Warning: spoilers are ahead on the season 1 finale of The Other Bennet Sister).
In the penultimate episode, viewers see Ryder pull Hayward aside at the top of Scafell Pike during the group’s hike after Hayward was about to — presumably — propose to Mary. Shortly after speaking with Ryder, Hayward becomes quite cold toward Mary, visibly hurting her feelings.
