In Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, the Artful Dodger, mentor to the titular character, faced a significant punishment for a minor crime, leading to various interpretations of his fate. The Artful Dodger is now reimagined in the Australian series “The Artful Dodger,” created by James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor. This Hulu and Disney+ production takes a departure from Dickensian themes, presenting a light-hearted medical romantic comedy set in the 1850s Port Victory colony.
Jack Dawkins, now a decorated veteran and trained surgeon, navigates the challenges of his profession in a medical landscape resembling a bloody circus sideshow. The story introduces Lady Belle Fox, the governor’s daughter, aspiring to become a doctor against societal expectations. Complications arise with the arrival of convicts, including the scheming Fagin, aiming to lure Jack back into a life of crime.
Despite the intriguing premise of an Oliver Twist sequel, the series minimally explores its literary roots. While early episodes reference Fagin and Jack’s past, the narrative lacks the depth and complexity associated with Dickens. The characterizations, including the softened portrayal of Fagin, miss opportunities to engage with the source material’s nuances, particularly concerning Fagin’s Jewish identity.
The series incorporates Dickensian names and archetypes, but supporting characters lack depth, and the plot lacks the intricate complexity of Dickens’ storytelling. The focus on Fagin’s repetitive attempts to persuade Jack into wrongdoing and the medical themes, though invested in a rudimentary way, leaves much to be desired.
Maia Mitchell’s portrayal of Belle adds a spunky element to the series, injecting humor into the character’s anachronistic ideas. Chemistry between Mitchell and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who plays Jack, contributes to the series’ entertainment value. Brodie-Sangster’s casting cleverly nods to the Artful Dodger’s iconic oversized jackets and hats from the novel.
David Thewlis’ portrayal of Fagin is a standout, although the scripts fall short in fully exploring the character’s sympathetic side. The series strives for a bright and poppy tone, occasionally enhanced by modern rock music, despite potential limitations in production values.
While the series may lack the ambition of a high-budget production, the performances of Brodie-Sangster, Mitchell, and Thewlis offer some entertainment value. The potential for a second season could bring more ambition and, perhaps, the introduction of a grown-up Oliver Twist. For now, viewers can enjoy the chemistry between the lead actors but may reserve judgment on fully embracing the series as a family favorite.
