Sometimes finding the right words to describe a series can be so very difficult, especially when you have only just finished watching it. Having so recently witnessed the tumultuous climax of Anne and Gilbert’s relationship, I feel as though I am still half in 1890s Canada. The heart felt words that were written but never read were so blissfully romantic, the suspense nothing short of cruel and the potential to carry on the story that will not be fulfilled so very sad. Despite them deciding not to renew for a fourth season I feel that the series was perfect. I loved most of it, particularly as Anne maturity, and Gilbert’s story was so deep and moving. I already feel inspired by the bold ideas and fashion sense of Miss Stacey and one day I hope to feel a love so blissfully deep and soul filling as that of Anne Shirley – Cuthbert and Gilbert Blythe. 

I know that I was a late comer to the series, only having discovered it in the last few weeks, yet I know already that I will be a lifelong fan. My friend has been persistently trying to get me to read the books for the past few years and last month I consented. Having finished the first one, I came across an advert for the series on my Netflix. I found the books incredibly enjoyable, however I found young Anne so very cringeworthy. Therefore, I was a little hesitant about watching the beginning of the first season. Although Anne was as outspoken and unaware of her words and actions as in the book, her story was offset with that of the love interest Gilbert Blythe. Perhaps to say love interest is the wrong term and if you are reading this having not watched the show I heartily apologise for the spoiler! Gilbert Blythe is smart and troubled with a car more complex story than his literary counterpart. Where Moira Walley-Beckett drew inspiration from to create such a heartbreaking tale I do not know, but the character benefits from a fuller backstory. I can imagine there was some controversy regarding the writer’s decision, I myself was a little confused to begin with, however I hope that people came to love the changes – or at least respect them. 

Gilbert wasn’t the only character to be rounded into a more three dimensional character for the screen. Anne herself underwent some changes and was given a very visible backstory. The haunting clips in almost greyscale tones that frequent the first season in particular are so very effective at breathing life into her past. Anne’s troubled past takes some time to right itself and the mistakes she makes along the way are a mixture of well known anecdotes and quirky additions. The actress playing the role managed to perfectly represent the arc of this complex character while being able to five into those truly random moments of mischief and magic.

Alongside this iconic couple were many of the much loved characters that crop up in the books. From the doting Matthew to severe Marilla, all of these characters feel perfectly represented. Despite the tale being Anne’s, we go on the emotional journeys of all characters in screen. This includes one who is not in the books at all. Cole McKenzie appears to be straight from Walley-Beckett’s imagination and from what I have seen she is very proud for the way the young actor who interpreted the role. One could argue that Cole is merely the gay element to the story to make it relevant to modern culture, yet I am inclined to disagree. Just like Bash, Cole fits perfectly into the world of Anne of Green Gables as though he was always there in the bakground and we just failed to notice him. I have to be perfectly honest, Cole is my favourite character and the actor is fantastic! When comparing the crunched artist hiding in the corner of the school house in season two with the swinging hips and confidently flamboyant dress sense we encounter during the third season, it is hard not to be proud. 

Each character teaches us so much about ourselves and there are many underlying themes. I feel that Moira Walley -Beckett has perfectly managed to create a version of Anne of Green Gables for a new generation.