Based on one of Hardy's most tragic and enduring novels, this BBC adaptation is woefully miscast. Gemma Arterton has the emotional range of an ironing board, pouting her way through Tess's vicissitudes like a LOL doll, Hans Matheson lacked the sexual menace of Hardy's Alec and even Eddie Redmayne's suitably simpering Angel Clare couldn't save this flop. There is no chemistry in any of the relationships and all pathos is lost. Four hours of my life I'll never get back; truly awful, don't bother!
