Ep 7. The Most Awkward Dance Ever

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern YouTube adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Episode 7, titled "The Most Awkward Dance Ever," follows protagonist Lizzie Bennet as she attends the Netherfield ball with her sisters and friends. Lizzie arrives at the ball feeling insecure about her dress and dancing abilities, but quickly perks up when she sees her longtime crush, Bing Lee. Bing introduces Lizzie and her friends to his haughty friend, William Darcy, who immediately rubs Lizzie the wrong way.

Throughout the night, Lizzie navigates the various social interactions at the ball, including fending off the unwanted advances of Mr. Collins and observing the awkward courtship between her flighty sister, Lydia, and the roguish George Wickham. As the night wears on, Lizzie finds herself increasingly drawn to Bing, but also increasingly annoyed with Darcy's rude behavior. When Darcy makes an offhand comment about her family's lack of class, Lizzie loses her temper and publicly rebukes him on camera.

Despite her heated exchange with Darcy, Lizzie continues to enjoy herself at the ball, dancing with Bing and even sharing a sweet moment with him outside on the balcony. However, her happiness is short-lived when she overhears Darcy and Bing discussing her on the other side of the balcony. Hurt and humiliated, Lizzie retreats back into the ballroom, where she is consoled by her older sister, Jane.

"The Most Awkward Dance Ever" is a standout episode of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries due to its excellent pacing, witty writing, and strong performances from the entire cast. The ball itself is a marvel of production design, with every character dressed to the nines and the grandeur of the location serving as a perfect backdrop for the series' signature vlog-style filming. The episode also does an excellent job of balancing the various plot threads of the series, including Lizzie's crush on Bing, the tension between her and Darcy, and the ongoing drama with Lydia and Wickham.

One of the standout moments of the episode is Lizzie's confrontation with Darcy, which showcases the series' commitment to modernizing Austen's story for a contemporary audience. Rather than simply accepting Darcy's snobbery, Lizzie calls him out for his rude comments and challenges him to reexamine his own biases. This scene is a testament to both Lizzie's intelligence and her unwillingness to bend to social pressures, and sets the stage for a fascinating dynamic between her and Darcy moving forward.

Another standout aspect of the episode is the chemistry between Lizzie and Bing, which is both sweet and heartbreaking. Lizzie clearly feels a strong connection to Bing, but struggles to express her feelings due to his friendship with the detestable Darcy. This tension is expertly handled by the writing and acting, with Lizzie's conflicting emotions coming across as both genuine and relatable.

Overall, "The Most Awkward Dance Ever" is a standout episode of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries that expertly balances humor, heart, and drama. It showcases the strengths of the series' unique format, while also pushing the story and characters in surprising and exciting directions. Whether you're a longtime Austen fan or a newcomer to the world of Lizzie Bennet, this episode is sure to entertain and delight.