The Essex Serpent: Limited Series

Based on: novel of the same name by Sarah Perry

Written & Developed by: Anna Symon

Directed by: Clio Barnard

Starring: Claire Danes (Cora), Tom Hiddleston (Will), Frank Dillane (Luke), Clémence Poésy (Stella), Hayley Squires (Martha)

This short, six-episode series has an intriguing plot and invigorating characters but, in my opinion, never quite delivered on its titular "serpent" promise. 

The period series takes off when Cora's abusive husband dies in the opening scene, allowing Cora to freely explore her own pursuits. She hears reports of a mythical serpent spotted in Essex which locals blame for the recent death of a young girl. 

Compelled by a passion for naturalism and science, Cora doesn't hesitate to move her life to Essex for an extended investigation trip. Along the way she meets religious and superstitious locals and a paranoid vicar (which I learned means church elder or leader), both of whom pressure her against her investigation. 

The Essex townspeople are very quick to blame Cora for anything bad that happens

If the show had claimed itself to be a romance drama about a young woman learning what she wants, I would have received it much better (but also potentially not watched). The serpent was definitely an instigating factor and had a strong presence in most of the episodes, but it took a back seat in the latter three episodes, and was mostly absent (with the exception of a few scenes) in the finale. 

Will and Cora on one of their many romantic & intense walks through the countryside

As stated in a NYT review I read, Claire Danes does the show's heavy lifting in her main role as Cora. Compelling, driven, and intentional, it's hard to imagine her with that abusive husband from the first scene because through the whole show, she's the one calling the shots--and people are happy to follow. Cora not only knows what she wants, but she's empathetic and knows how to set decent boundaries. When she feels that her friends are trying to push her down or distract her from her goals, she interrogates a healthy "Why?" before giving them a respectful "No" and continuing on her way. 

As Cora moves her life to Essex to research the alleged serpent, she's followed by her friend Luke, an intelligent and pompous medical doctor. If it weren't for the former trait, it'd be difficult to tolerate the latter. But Cora seems to find some form of delight in his companionship which brings the love triangle between them and the vicar, Will. (Cora's maidservant, Martha, also makes pointed confessions that suggest there's a fourth spoke to this love square (wheel?), all pointing at Cora.) This is the dynamic that begins and ends the series, with the serpent being more of a vehicle to move the love wheel forward. 

Luke, who follows Cora to Essex to make his interest in her known

It's still an interesting story and although the serpent plot is never fully explained, it makes for an entertaining ride. The series seems to suggest, through its lack of conclusion on the plot, that the serpent really is only superstition. In retrospect, no physical serpent ever appears, only shadows and disturbances in the water. When Will's wife Stella is diagnosed with tuberculosis, effectively numbering her days, all thought of the serpent seems to evaporate in favor of tending to her and finalizing who everyone's romantic partner will be. A bit of a disappointing ending, in my opinion. 

Just using this frame of Will and his kids to show off the beautiful Essex marshes that are much of the show's backdrop. The show also opens with a stunning bird's eye sweep of the marshes.