Anne with an E

In the first few episodes of Anne With An E, the familiar tales resonate--Anne’s quarrel with Mrs. Lynde, Marilla’s missing brooch--enticing new Anne fans the way the original novels did for Anne Of Green Gables in years past.

Anne With an E captures the winning exuberance of Anne Shirley--who, played by AmyBeth McNulty, is entirely irresistible--while finding some deeper potency in her story. The first two episodes offer a gripping and moving setup for the rest of the season, portraying how Anne, despite improbable odds, persuades the elderly Cuthberts to love her.

Anne with an E dares to get bold and messy. It might push the messaging too far sometimes, but like its heroine it rarely feels insincere.

Walley-Beckett doesn’t pander nor play down the darker elements in the character’s life. ... James and Thompson are great choices as the Cuthberts, neither of whom display much emotion, yet the veteran actors are quite skilled at revealing the characters’ inner feelings. The real find is McNulty. The young Irish-Canadian actress seems perfect for Anne with honesty in her performance.

Its mix of escapism and confrontation of life’s hardships make it a pleasure that comes with no guilt. Like the strong-as-hell female at its center, even when it exaggerates, it never stops aiming for honesty.

You say darker, I say richer. ... Ms. James and Mr. Thomson lend the stability of skilled veterans to the proceedings, which helps Ms. McNulty do the difficult work of selling a complicated character who is simultaneously vulnerable and proud, self-denying and self-absorbed, practical and prone to fantasy. Her portrayal isn’t seamless, but it’s endearing.

The surroundings add beauty to a story that is, at times, intentionally bleak, and the stunning landscape is a constant source of inspiration for Anne.

Anne with an E both stands apart from the 1985 Anne and connects to it in its openhearted eagerness. McNulty gives an exceptionally deft, nuanced performance that is the equal of any adult performance I’ve seen on television this year. Beautifully shot, and full of marvelous supporting performances, Anne with an E is a fresh version of Anne of Green Gables that newcomers and cult fans can enjoy equally.

A darker shade of "Green"? Yes, at times, grim realities are made a trifle more real. Does that work? Yes, often wonderfully well.

The latest entry finds a way to make the tale new again by leaning into its previously untapped darkness. [12 May 2017, p.51]

Anne With an E has made a few perplexing choices in how it is adapting “Anne of Green Gables.” But when it comes to bringing Avonlea’s atmosphere to life, and adding depth to a relatively simple story, it succeeds admirably. It’s an adaptation that looks back on a childhood story with adult eyes, to interpret more than just the lines on the page. And fortunately, it is taking its time.

However much it lingers on the dangers that lie just outside the doors of Green Gables, it’s likely to seem tame to viewers brought up on Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. ... Anne’s never been a simple character. McNulty doesn’t play her as one.

The generations who grew up with previous incarnations of Anne might not have their favorites supplanted, but the new series offers a promising introduction to the character for a new audience.