Kimberly Devine-Brink

I adore this adaptation... As a girl, I read all the books and adored the young lady whose mouth and brains were larger than the typical comfort level at the time. I loved how she was loved for her individuality even as she mourned being so different. As an adult, this adaptation reflects so much more of the reality in her struggles for acceptance. We like to look at the past through rose glasses, but the world is never as clean as postcards would have us believe. This series blends the reality of social structure in Canada at the time while allowing glimpses into the pockets of acceptance people created for themselves. Most importantly, as a woman who has adopted children of abuse/neglect, this show is an amazing portrayal of how strength and insecurity combines inside them. Anne fights to be hopeful and full of wonder, and that battle has never been more accurately... and respectfully... portrayed.

This show is great. It plays to the stereotypes each race has about the other, then it shows how little those stereotypes matter when you're looking at the whole picture. I've seen reviews tearing down the series for not playing up the comedy by caricaturizing the roles, but the realism of these roles is what makes the show enjoyable. Anyone can relate any of the characters to someone they know in real life, race aside. They are all just people putting their best self forward. That is what gives the show heart.