“Miss Austen” reaches a fever pitch in its third episode, both literally and figuratively. A feverish Cassandra finds herself at Kintbury, her grip on Jane’s secrets weakening. The risk of exposure becomes palpable as her illness threatens to betray the location of the letters. The tension is expertly handled, leaving viewers on edge as Mary comes perilously close to discovering the hidden correspondence.
Cassandra’s fever dreams transport us back to a pivotal summer in Sidmouth. These memories aren’t just nostalgic glimpses of the past; they’re vital pieces of the puzzle, offering context for Cassandra’s present-day anxieties and motivations. We see young Cassandra grappling with difficult choices, her path intertwined with Mr. Hobday and the complications of family expectations. The episode strikes a compelling balance between the urgency of the present narrative and the emotional weight of Cassandra’s memories.
The mystery of the letters remains central, but the series also explores the sacrifices Cassandra made for her sister.
“Miss Austen” airs Sunday, February 16, 2025 on BBC iPlayer.