For the longest time, The Life and Loves of a She-Devil has been unavailable stateside. It got a paltry VHS release at one point that barely anybody carrier. Then, it got DVD releases in PAL. But, it still never made it around here.

This BBC miniseries adaptation of Fay Weldon’s novel has been overshadowed by Susan Seidelman’s Hollywood adaptation She-Devil starring Roseanne Barr and Meryl Streep. Seidelman wanted to make her usual feminist man-hating screed in which all the men are doing rotten things and the women are just getting their revenge. The actual novel and miniseries are far more complicated, dealing with issues like jealousy, desire, and the drive to make it all happen. The second half of the miniseries goes so deeply dark, it’s a completely different experience. There are German S&M houseowners and extensive plastic surgery, to name but 2 of the changes.

The miniseries is a powerhouse, even if it is limited by BBC budget and production styles at the time. The feminist-esque trappings it brings up then decimates are fascinating, and overall, this miniseries is worth a watch if only to compare and contrast to the Hollywood version. It is well worth your time.

But, as I said, it gets dark.