BASED on BOOKS. “A Woman of Substance.” / “Lord of the Flies.”

“A Woman of Substance” (Britbox) British historical drama, based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Spanning six decades, this series charts the rise of Emma Harte from penniless Yorkshire maid in the early 1900s to powerful 1970s business mogul. Stars Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds.

       The obvious attractions of this neatly-crafted series: The infectious “rags to riches” melodrama, the fiery feminist passion, the allure of the period vibe, plus the inspired performance of Jessica Reynolds as the young Emma Harte, and Brenda Blethyn's less intense but commanding screen presence as the “current” Emma. 

        A binge-watch guilty pleasure, indeed. 🎥💻📽

“Lord of the Flies” (Netflix) drama adventure, based on the 1954 novel of the same name by William Golding. Following a plane crash, a group of young boys become stranded on a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean in the early 1950s. 

       How many versions of this classic have I already seen--including a Filipino adaptation, “Alkitrang Dugo” in 1975 and the TV series “Yellowjackets” (though it isn't PR'ed as a take-off from the obvious)--so there's nothing much to savor here. 

       Yet the terrific platoon of exemplary child actors and the mystifyingly disheveled production design makes this new take, refreshingly “new.” And extra accolades to David McKenna. His Piggy is what makes this series different from the others. 🎥💻📽