Actually, not so much dull as starved. The resources - time and money - available to the makers of this TV film were simply not enough to give the show the zest it needs to present a minor Victorian classic novel to modern audiences.
SPOILER ALERT
The ending particularly disappoints. Eliot's novel deploys the pathetic fallacy to dramatic, if somewhat incredible, effect in bringing about Tom and Maggie's final reconciliation. This film settles for a bit of Photo shopping and an unfortunate drowning accident leaving the viewer feeling distinctly short-changed. Whether this was due to a desire to maintain the low-key tone of the rest of the film or the result of budget restrictions the result is perfunctory and fails to give the story the filmic climax it needs.
On the plus side, reliable acting and good locations please. But it's all too polite and restrained.
SPOILER ALERT
The ending particularly disappoints. Eliot's novel deploys the pathetic fallacy to dramatic, if somewhat incredible, effect in bringing about Tom and Maggie's final reconciliation. This film settles for a bit of Photo shopping and an unfortunate drowning accident leaving the viewer feeling distinctly short-changed. Whether this was due to a desire to maintain the low-key tone of the rest of the film or the result of budget restrictions the result is perfunctory and fails to give the story the filmic climax it needs.
On the plus side, reliable acting and good locations please. But it's all too polite and restrained.