SummaryLouisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes) moves her family to the island of Corfu in this adaptation of Gerald Durrell's triology of books called "My Family and Other Animals."
SummaryLouisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes) moves her family to the island of Corfu in this adaptation of Gerald Durrell's triology of books called "My Family and Other Animals."
More of the same. It’s like returning to the same villa year after year. ... Above all, like the Acropolis towering over Athens, here’s Louisa, the most magnificent Durrell (scrap that, person) on (and off) Corfu, and the reason that this show has stayed delightful and not descended into silliness. Keeley Hawes’s Mrs Durrell is up there with the great small-screen mothers.
The series has the sophistication of PBS’s “Downton Abbey,” only with more laughs. There is something quite modern about the Durrells without it feeling false.
Its themes aren’t quite as ambitious [as "Downton Abbey"]. It can also be a tad precious. But there’s something pleasing about the way it captures a time of innocence and a family in recovery. If you like this kind of escapist fare--and you know who you are--then I expect you will savor this laidback, elegant entertainment.