Why We Need "Anne with an E"
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy something if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
In January, I finished watching the final season of Netflix’s hit show Anne With an E, a reimagining of the beloved Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The series explores feminism, sexuality, and race (among other subjects) through the coming-of-age adventures of Anne Shirley-Cuthbert portrayed by Amybeth McNulty. In November 2019, it was announced that the series would not be picked up for a fourth season. The news came as a shock to me, as the series had become a favorite of mine over the year I watched it.
I had been inspired to follow multiple hashtags on Instagram and Tumblr with the names of the characters, purchased the original novel to read over Christmas break, and convinced family and friends to give it a try (with positive results). The subject matter was heart-wrenching, relatable, and provocative. It sparked online discussions and encouraged classroom debates in English classes. With every episode, viewers watched as Anne Shirley-Cuthbert inspired life-altering change within her community and her own identity.
Credit: Netflix
Season 3 begins with the looming question of “Who is Anne with an E” as she embarks on a search for traces of her biological family. Early on in the season, it becomes clear to viewers that not only is Anne seeking answers about her background, but she longs for an understanding of her identity and place in the world. During this same season, Anne battles gender roles (this time, in relation to sexual assault), censorship in the world of journalism, the mistreatment of Native communities, LGBTQ+ rights, and the sudden death of a loved one. Just as it had done before, the series approached each subject with respect and sincerity while providing a platform for viewers to do the same… and they did!
The news of the cancellation prompted fans of the show to fight for its renewal. Social media sites were suddenly flooded with fan art, #saveannewithane, and change.org petitions, in support of the show. In January, fans even raised the money for the billboards to be displayed in downtown Toronto and Times Square featuring fan-made art and a list of the important subject matter featured in the series (which was later posted on Instagram by McNulty herself). But is this show worth fighting for? I honestly believe that Anne With an E is everything we’ve been missing from the numerous coming-of-age television series and movies we’ve grown so used to. It deserves every bit of recognition and love it has received in its three seasons and so much more!
A fourth season would allow for the continuation of Anne’s brilliant story and inspire the beginning of your own. After having read the original book series and watched countless adaptations of it, I can say that this one stands out from the rest in the best way. So, I’ll leave you with this: give Anne With an E and see how special her story is for yourself. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original book series or just trying to find a good show to watch while quarantined, this show is worth a watch.