Emily Dickinson was arguably one of the most exceptional American poets. The iconic poet wrote over 2,000 pieces of work, although only less than a dozen poems were actually published in her lifetime. It’s not surprising that a new television series celebrating the famous poet is now streaming on Apple TV Plus. However, Dickinson, created by Alena Smith, is not your typical period television series. The comedic, coming of age series centers on a young Emily Dickinson who has decided to yield to her aspirations of becoming a writer despite being a woman. That’s right, a woman. Women in those days didn’t become respected writers. They got married, had children and tended to the house.
In the beginning of the series, Emily is tired of her mother, played by the talented and funny Jane Krakowski, pushing potential suitors on her. She is only interested in pursuing her “one purpose on this Earth, and that is to become a great writer.” But her father, played by Toby Huss, isn’t having it. After he proudly tells his family he plans on running for public office, he spends five minutes chastising Emily during dinner when she reveals she’s finally being published.
Everything from the characters’ modern language (except Emily’s parents whose language is reminiscent of the 19th century) to the hip hop-centric soundtrack is deliberately over-the-top, including the perfectly cast Wiz Khalifa, as Death. While many of us run from any mention of him, Emily, played by Hailee Steinfeld, is seemingly seduced by death. While exchanging sexy banter, Death suggests that Emily’s writing could make her immortal.
Death and immortality are two factual themes we see throughout Emily Dickinson’s real work. There are some other factual elements to the show. The series takes place in the 19th century in the Dickinson family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. The costumes are elegant and speak to the time period and the show also infuses lines from Emily Dickinson’s published poems.
The hyper-exaggeration of the show is not the only thing that makes it interesting. Dickinson highlights Emily’s much-speculated forbidden relationship with her best friend and future sister-in-law Sue Gilbert, played by Ella Hunt. There’s no ambiguity when it comes their relationship in Dickinson. Sue and Emily are passionately in love. It’s refreshing to see the show take on the poet’s personal life with such unapologetic certainty. Their relationship balances out the absurdity of the series. I’m not sure if Emily Dickinson scholars will approve of the comedy. But I’m confident many twenty and thirty-something streaming enthusiasts will get a few laughs out of it. All episodes are streaming on Apple TV Plus now.
