The Durrells in Corfu: Episode 1.1

The Durrells in Corfu: Episode 1.1
ITV
3 April 2016
Historical Comedy
DVD
A-

Recurring cast:

• Max Befort as Max
• Nick Orestis Chaniotakis as the Monk
• James Cosmo as Captain Creech
• Hara Ermidi as Alexia
• Alexis Georgoulis as Spiros Halikiopoulos
• Ben Hall as Donald
• Keeley Hawes as Louisa Durrell
• Yorgos Karamihos as Dr. Theo Stephanides
• Josh O'Connor as Lawrence Durrell
• Milo Parker as Gerald Durrell
• Mossup as Roger the Dog
• Anna Savva as Lugaretzia
• Daisy Waterstone as Margo Durrell
• Lizzy Watts as Nancy
• Callum Woodhouse as Leslie Durrell

Only a few minutes into this premiere, I fell a little bit in love.  This adaptation by Simon Nye of the autobiographical writings of Gerald Durrell is clever and witty, charming without being a bit sentimental.  The deeply flawed characters are delightful and more complex than they seem, like the "dim" sister who is a budding feminist.  Also, the Greek scenery is of course jaw-droppingly gorgeous.  The 1935 period details are good, although I was under the impression that "bikinis" weren't referred to as such until the late '40s.  There's even romance and friendship, although again, deeply flawed.  I am definitely looking forward to more.

Steve Barron directed five more DiC episodes.