Masterpiece Theatre: The Wind in the Willows (2006)

The Wind in the Willows from Masterpiece Theatre is a delight -- even a hoot. To see the human cast made up and playing Mole, Rat, Badger, and the stoats and weasels -- to say nothing of the lugubrious Mr. Toad! -- induces a constant sense of adventure and satisfaction. Granted, Wind in the Willows is an Edwardian character-based story that unfolds in the pastoral English countryside. It is the antithesis of Michael Bay's Transformers. (Thank God.) Almost every line and facial expression is delivered with a stiff upper lip -- except for Toad's ever-wagging or quivering lips -- so dialog and developments are what make this show a pleasure to watch. I love all the characters but Toad is quite the star of this show and played resoundingly over-the-top -- Matt Lucas has to be seen to be believed. Kudos to the whole cast and to the production values of this masterpiece! 4 stars.