HBO hit it out of the park with this. Stellar cast, stellar script & story based on the real Anne Lister who refused to be left behind in her time nor conform to what proper society thought a lady should be or do. Leaves one to wonder how many other brave women stepped up like she did, but didn't leave a diary behind or no one cared enough to save it for prosperitys sake, sadly. I'd hate to think she's the only one. Thank you HBO & BBC for bringing this to life. It's by far the best of period pieces we've had to choose from in a while...I applaude BBC for always getting behind great period pieces and HBO for supporting BBC this time round for bringing this wonderful series to fruition.