'Cranford' captivates, and makes you think

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008 | by Robert Bianco

Where Judi Dench goes, it's always wise to follow.

Granted, if you're already a fan of Elizabeth Gaskell, the Victorian author whose Wives and Daughters made for an earlier Masterpiece, then you're probably primed for Cranford -- and Dench's star turn is just a bonus. But if the author and the book are new to you, allow the reliably wonderful Dench to be the draw.

Then prepare yourself to be captivated by everything and everyone around her, from the lively comedy of the incident-rich plot to the fabulous ensemble led by Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis and perhaps most impressively, Eileen Atkins. There isn't a role that isn't ideally filled, or a character who couldn't fill more hours than Cranford's five.

Yes, it's another PBS journey to a...