A rush of adrenaline, a passionate romance, a thrilling series of events, characters to root for and despise, brilliant performances and much more await you in Hulu’s new Australian series “The Artful Dodger”, an inspired new take on the story of Charles Dickens’ infamous “prince of thieves”, now turned surgeon, “Dodger”.
Starring Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones. The Maze Runner) as the Artful Dodger, Jack Dawkins, David Thewlis (Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban) as Norbert Fagin and Maia Mitchell (Good Trouble) as Lady Belle Fox. With an ensemble cast that includes Damon Herriman, Miranda Tapsell, Susie Porter, Damien Garvey, Andrea Demetriades, Jessica De Gouw, Kym Gyngell, Luke Carroll and Tim Minchin. Created by James McNamara, Andrew Knight, Vivienne Walshe, and Dan Knight.
The series is set in 1850s Australia, Jack Dawkins, formerly a navy surgeon, establishes himself as a respected young surgeon in the colony. However, an old acquaintance, Fagin, resurfaces, forcing Jack, once a London-based pickpocket known as Artful Dodger, back into a life of crime. Jack forms an attachment to the governor’s daughter Lady Belle, who aspires to be a surgeon. As Jack’s past intersects with the present and external forces jeopardize his goals, the narrative unfolds, raising questions about whether he can genuinely reshape his life in the colony as he had envisioned. The series includes characters from the classic Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist (1838) as it is set 15 years after the end of the novel. However rather than a sequel or a remake it is more of a re-imagining.
The show is engaging, fun and is enough to have you on edge, from start to finish. Once again we see a show that has successfully managed to mix genres, as “The Artful Dodger” highlights a little bit of every aspect of the show. Of course you have the dramatic aspect which is kept fresh and exciting with the show’s fast paced storyline, the comedic aspect which is mainly delivered by Fagin, the crime aspect which Jack is pulled back into and of course the forbidden romance. Not to mention the show is a period piece.
Although it does have one significant plot behind it, each episode introduces something new to the fold, be it a new enemy, a new job, or in general just a mess that Dodge and his team have to find their way out of. What’s great about the series is how invested it gets you, be it in a heist to steal gold or whale organs, in a character or a couple. In a world before x-rays, modern medicine and anesthesia we see Jack and Belle navigate their way through advancements in medicine and the struggles of a romance between their classes.
The drama in the show is greatly heightened by the incredible performances of the cast. Sangster and Thewlis in particular deliver absolutely spectacular performances. Thewlis as always is a powerhouse, he is completely lost and
Courtesy of Hulu
unrecognizable in the role of Fagin. As for Sangster, I say this is definitely his finest performance yet, even better than”Game of Thrones”, “Godless” and “The Maze Runner” series in which he was also at the top of his game. Sangster will make you fall in love with the talented and charming Doctor Dawkins, the best surgeon in Port Victory with his commanding performance. From the smallest change in his facial expression to a sudden shift in his physicality, despite being only 8 episodes long we see a great amount of character development from Jack in the way that he went from a somewhat arrogant Doctor and masterful thief who was only out for himself to someone who sacrificed everything for the one her loves. Sangster has truly carried this show, with the help of Thewlis that is.
Sangster and Thewlis skillfully balance both humor, hatred and affection. Their chemistry was undeniable as their characters spent most of their time together, their encounters are hilarious. The two brought the mischievous duo to life so well, you could really tell that their performances were heightened by the others. Not to be forgotten is Maia Mitchelle who shines as the stubborn but incredibly intelligent Lady Belle without whom, let’s face it, Jack would be lost. What’s great about Thewlis and Mitchell’s characters is that their story does not solely revolve around Jack’s orbit, rather they are given their own individual plots to follow.
Speaking of chemistry, what’s a series without a couple to root for? From the very first episode viewers will
Courtesy of Hulu
be invested in Jack and Lady Belle, and as anyone who watches a lot of TV would know, those two would eventually end up together. But it was not that simple. This was not just your average love story. However Thomas Sangster and Maia Mitchelle’s beautiful and genuine performances, particularly in the sweetest and most intimate moments between them made you fall in love with these characters and root for them to be together that much more. Their onscreen chemistry is so pure and alluring. During their complicated courtship shall we say, we do get to witness some witty banter between them, and who doesn’t love that. Now like I said, this was no ordinary love story, because how many times do you have to operate on the one you love with no assurance that it will work?
In a world of public surgeries and public hangings, life is all a series of high stakes and high energy for Jack, making this show highly entertaining! With a fast paced story that consists of widely funny escapades as Jack constantly finds himself in trouble and crosses paths with the law, and continuously evades them. The show is fast paced and there is never a dull moment or episode. The vibrant collection of characters is enough to keep anyone interested. This delightful new Dikensian show should be a must watch on your list.
Considering the success of period pieces in recent years like Brigerton, Reign and Medici it would not be a bad idea to keep this show going for a bit longer. If the show gains a bigger audience, perhaps Hulu will consider picking it up for a second season. After that ending, you will definitely be left wanting more.
Watch the trailer below:
This may just be one of the best new series I’ve seen in 2023. Something so bold, fresh, unique, savage and sexy. This show has something for everyone. “The Artful Dodger” is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Fangirl and Writer with a huge passion for entertainment.
