From 2012 to 2013 there was a series of popular vlogs called
the Lizzie Bennet Diaries which
followed a contemporary version of Pride
and Prejudice throughout 100 video blogs.
These were created by Hank Green and Bernie Su. The series was an
incredibly popular, Emmy winning project which spawned several more series
within the same universe. One such spin-off was Emma Approved, a similar series of vlogs documenting the story of
Jane Austen’s Emma.
Emma Approved has
been running since October 2013 and is currently up to 42 episodes (more to
come). I’ve watched the first 17 episodes so far. Emma Approved chronicles the business ventures of Emma Woodhouse
and her partner Alex Knightley. They run a lifestyle coaching and matchmaking
business in which Emma personally contributes to the coaching and matchmaking while
Knightley focuses on logistics and profits. Emma thinks about fame, attention,
and personal success. Meanwhile, Knightley often criticizes Emma for her rash
decisions which might hurt the company. The explanation for the vlog style
within the series is that Emma wants to document her life for the inevitable
moment when she gets a lifetime achievement award.
Her position as a powerful business woman and entrepreneur
echoes some of her feminist ideas within Emma.
She is constantly matchmaking for other people but does not consider it
necessary for herself to marry because she is already happy and successful. She
has money and resources which contribute to her independent status.
Emma’s selfishness and Emma-centric lifestyle is also
represented in the vlogs. She wants the matches to work out for the sake of her
business and her desire for a lifetime achievement award. She bases her
decision making on what she wants and what will further her entrepreneurial
endeavors, not necessarily on what the client wants. She often gives advice
throughout the videos. A piece of advice from episode 6 highlights her
self-centered ideals: “Always remember when you want something from someone to
think of what they want first. And if you’re lucky their social media pages are
public so you can see what things they like. This is how you make favors. But it’s
really not a favor to them; it’s an obligation. Make people want to help you!” The
title of the show is also called Emma
Approved and Emma uses this catchphrase (with a lot of winking) throughout
the series. It’s not so important what other people, but whether Emma approves
or not.
Annie Taylor/Weston is one of Emma’s clients and the first
few blogs are centered on her upcoming marriage to Mr. Weston. Harriet Smith is
hired as Emma’s assistance. Later in the series Emma decides to make Harriet
one of her projects with serious objections from Alex Knightley. Bobby Martin
works in an IT department and occasionally fixes the computers of the other
characters while falling for Harriet. Emma wants to use her matchmaking skills
to push Harriet away from Martin and towards Senator Elton. Presumably the rest
of the cast will all appear in the unfolding series.
I definitely recommend at least watching the first episode
or two (or more).
This link directs you to the Pemberley Digital youtube home which has playlists for the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Emma Approved, and other related works:
There is also an Emma Approved website and a tumblr blog which can be found here:
