Nicholas Nickleby is often put on the Dickens "B-list" because of the episodic nature of the story and its over-dependence on unrelated and eccentric characters. But if these are weaknesses in the book, the producers of this adaptation have embraced them with joy and turned them into striking assets. Victorian costume drama too often chooses between mannerly drawing room theater and sobering social realism, Dickens tending toward the latter. And while the social themes of Dickens' works are not to be taken lightly, the entertainment value of his stories and of his characters -- especially the baddies -- is often not fully realized on the screen. Thankfully, the producers of this miniseries have followed Dickens' purpose in creating bold and memorable entertainment, while not losing sight of the moral center in the lovely, understated performances of the protagonists. (Make no mistake, though: James D'Arcy in the title role leaves no heart unthrobbed.) Charles Dance is evil incarnate as Ralph Nickleby, and this makes his comeuppance all the more enjoyable.
