TV Series - The Artful Dodger

ATTWB Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about this series—I’m obsessed! After finishing Maxton Hall, I stumbled upon this hidden gem through TikTok. Book lovers, especially those who enjoy sequels to classic literature, will appreciate this one, as it serves as a continuation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.

Set in Australia during the 1850s, the series stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawson (formerly The Artful Dodger). Fans of Thomas may recall his role in Nanny McPhee. The narrative unfolds 15 years after the events of Oliver Twist, with Jack now a skilled surgeon who received his training in the Royal Navy. Despite his success as a surgeon he can’t seem to get away from his past and has racked up quite the gambling debt causing him to be on the radar of the colonies higher ups and crooks. Just when things are coming to a head he finds himself entangled once again with Fagin, an old acquaintance from his dodger days.

The female main character Lady Belle Fox, played by Australian actress Maia Mitchel, is the daughter of the governor. She has spent her adulthood studying to be a surgeon in an era when women were not allowed. She’s smart and witty and gives Jack a run for his money. Their interactions are filled with banter and tension that fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope will eagerly anticipate.

Jack's encounter with Lady Belle begins dramatically when her carriage accidentally injures a boy. Although Jack determines that the boy requires an amputation due to the severity of the injury, Lady Belle, determined to prove her surgical knowledge, insists that the leg can be saved with modern medicine. Jack is intrigued by the thought of being better able to save lives and Lady Belle uses her status to her advantage by helping Jack with his troubles. The two start working together and of course a romance blossoms.

Throughout the series, Jack attempts to distance himself from Fagin, yet he continually finds himself dragged into dangerous situations that draw the attention of the colonial authorities. At times I wanted Fagin to leave Jack alone but their dynamic was entertaining and gave me a few laughs. All of this builds to the finale which will have you on the edge of your seat. We find out that Lady Belle has an aortic aneurysm that only Jack believes is life-threatening. As he is the only one who can save her, the show culminates in a heart-pounding cliffhanger.

This series is absolutely worth watching and I can’t wait for Season 2!

Let me know if you finish this one and what your thoughts are!