Tess of the D’Urbervilles: 1x2

Part Two

Tragedy strikes for Tess, after which she leaves home to work in a dairy, where she’s so taken by parson’s son and wistful harpist Angel Clare that she’s soon taking surreptitious peeks at his bare backside. It’s not long before they’re strolling in the bluebells as Angel falls headfirst for Tess’s charms. But will his dad approve of Angel’s devotion when a more suitable match awaits him? As her life starts to unravel, Tess shows signs of having some gumption, but she’s still, to modern eyes, an infuriating drip. Even so, it all looks delightful, a bit like a promotional video for the verdant joys of Thomas Hardy Country.