In a busy spring for prestige television, critically acclaimed shows like Succession, Barry, and Ted Lasso signed off with emotional finales. Meanwhile, a more modest production, PBS Masterpiece’s Tom Jones, came and went with little fuss. It’s worth a closer look, however, because it reveals the shortcomings of modern entertainment’s focus on racial identity.
‘Tom Jones’ Is No Masterpiece
The latest adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel shows that changing a character’s race can be superficial.

Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde in PBS' 'Tom Jones'. (Photo: Courtesy of Mammoth Screen)
Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde in PBS' 'Tom Jones'. (Photo: Courtesy of Mammoth Screen)



