Linda Rein

The terrific British actress Sarah Lancashire creates a whole new Julia. It’s not an impersonation, like Meryl Streep‘s, but a more subtle and original evocation of Julia Child. She is so much fun to watch. Lancashire doesn’t try to replicate the voice and yet she manages to convey Julia‘s distinctive and odd speech. More importantly, she makes Julia somebody you want to spend time with. I don’t know to what extent she’s padded but she looks the part. David Hyde Pierce is her perfect foil of a husband, and how good to see Bebe Neuwirth as Julia’s best friend and confidante - a role worthy of her wit and intelligence. Special props to the creative team for casting the great Judith Light as Blanche Knopf and equally great Isabella Rossellini as Julia’s co-author Simca. Can’t wait for season 2!