The BBC’s most unlikely diamond of the season has been none other than The Other Bennet Sister. The series based on the novel written by Janice Hadlow and adapted for the screen by Sarah Quintrell (The Power, Ellen) and Maddie Dai (Ministry of Jingle, We Were Dangerous) has managed to rake in 7.3 million viewers since May. Sprinkled with nostalgia, a few Darcy hand moments and some relatable awkward interactions. Much like its heroine, the series truly found its place.

Let's face it, most of us are not the Elizabeths of the world. These heroines always seem to have a ridiculously quick wit and unabashed confidence. Whereas most of us can hardly string a sentence together and often look dishevelled heading to our local Sainsbury’s. The key to The Other Bennet Sister’s success lies in the hands of those who most relate to Mary Bennet, which is actually a lot of us. Mary Bennet is the middle child of the Bennet sisters, heavy on the middle child syndrome. Throughout literature, we know her as peculiar, plain and never without her prescription glasses. The series invites the viewer to look beyond appearances and see another perspective. It is like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the stuffier historical dramas. It’s real. Ella Bruccoleri takes Mary Bennet and reframes her as a misunderstood and often overlooked character, rather than the tragedy that is usually the classic's route. She is intelligent, sensitive, curious, awkward and a little scared. Mrs Bennet, played brilliantly by the beloved Ruth Jones, can only be described as cruel. You can empathise with her as much as Mary does; however, you cannot forgive the mistreatment she bestows upon Mary throughout the story. The Other Bennet Sister is all about Pride and Prejudice's side characters. Who knew Mr Collins could be redeemed! The series is a terrible reminder of how shallow society can be. Throughout the series, you realise Mary Bennet is not someone to feel sorry for. It is those who choose to overlook her and belittle her whom the viewer should pity. How quickly we are to diminish those who are different.

Of course, as with every piece of work associated with Jane Austen, there is romance. The love story is not heavily reliant on longing stares or heavy breathing. It coaxes the audience into its warmth and kind hearth. There is somewhat of a love triangle between both Mr Hayward, played by Dónal Finn, and Mr Ryder, played by Laurie Davidson. It was written with purpose and not used as a plot device to keep the real love interests apart. Both men bring something out in Mary, whether it's confidence with Mr Ryder or vulnerability with Mr Hayward.

The romance is present; however, it is not Mary Bennett’s purpose. Something women should be reminded of every now and then. Love is not the be-all and end-all. “Our happiness is in our hands”, a quote from Miss Bennet herself. This is a story about a woman carving a life out for herself. Learning to do as she pleases and throwing out society’s rule book. The show manages to briefly provide an alternate ending, one where an independent Mary is happily settled in London, living her best and fullest life. However, yes, love does win out in the end, and when she finally gets to choose her own wallpaper, we are all cheering her on.