Okay, kindred spirits, settle in. Remember that feeling after the credits rolled on the original Anne of Green Gables back in '85? That ache for more? That desperate need to know what happened next for our beloved, imaginative Anne? Well, in 1987, director/writer Kevin Sullivan delivered, and remarkably, Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (often bundled on VHS and known simply as Anne of Avonlea) wasn't just a continuation; it felt like slipping back into a cherished dream, only this time the dream was expanding, maturing, and just as captivating. Pulling together threads from three different L.M. Montgomery novels (Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, and Anne of Windy Poplars) was an ambitious feat, but Sullivan and his team crafted something truly special, a return journey that deepened our affection for Avonlea and its most famous resident.
### Growing Pains and Island Dreams
The magic trick of this sequel lies in how seamlessly it picks up Anne Shirley’s story. We find Anne (Megan Follows, stepping back into the role with even greater depth and nuance) embarking on her next chapter: teaching at Avonlea school while dreaming of becoming a writer. It's a delicate balancing act – the familiar comfort of Green Gables with Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst, radiating quiet strength and wisdom) is still there, but Anne’s world is gently pushing outwards. She navigates prickly school board politics, mentors young minds (including the troublesome Pringle clan), and fosters friendships that feel just as authentic and heartwarming as those in the first installment.
What Kevin Sullivan managed so adeptly was condensing years of Anne’s life and multiple plotlines into a cohesive narrative without losing the essence of Montgomery’s world. Sure, book purists might note the rearranged timelines or composite characters, but the spirit remains resolutely intact. The sequel captures that bittersweet transition from girlhood to womanhood, the excitement of new opportunities mingling with the pull of home. Watching Anne wrestle with self-doubt about her writing, or navigate the complexities of adult relationships, felt incredibly relatable, even then. It wasn't just about whimsical adventures anymore; it was about finding your place in the world.
### Kindred Spirits, Enduring Bonds
Of course, a huge part of the sequel's success rests on the returning cast. Megan Follows is Anne Shirley. She masterfully portrays Anne’s evolution – the fiery imagination is still there, but tempered now with maturity, ambition, and a burgeoning understanding of life’s complexities. Her chemistry with Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert Blythe remains absolutely electric. Their evolving relationship, shifting from academic rivals to tentative friends and finally, something deeper, is the beating heart of the narrative. Every shared glance, every playful argument, every moment of quiet support feels earned and utterly believable. I think many of us watching on our flickering CRT screens back in the day were practically shouting at the TV for them to just figure it out already!
And then there's the incomparable Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla Cuthbert. Her presence anchors the series, providing a grounding force of love and pragmatism. The scenes between Anne and Marilla are imbued with such warmth and understated emotion; they beautifully portray the deep, abiding bond forged in the first film, now settled into comfortable, unwavering affection. While the focus shifts more towards Anne's wider world, Marilla remains the steadfast heart of Green Gables.
### The Look and Feel of Avonlea Expanded
Visually, The Sequel maintains the stunning, postcard-perfect aesthetic established in the original. While Prince Edward Island provides the iconic backdrop, much of the filming, like its predecessor, actually took place in Ontario, utilizing locations like the Westfield Heritage Village to recreate the period charm. Cinematographer René Ohashi paints a world bathed in golden light and natural beauty, making Avonlea feel both idyllic and real. The production design meticulously captures the turn-of-the-century setting, from the cozy interiors of Green Gables to the slightly more imposing halls of Kingsport Ladies College, where Anne takes a teaching position.
Kevin Sullivan directs with a gentle hand, allowing the performances and the picturesque settings to shine. Hagood Hardy's evocative musical score swells at just the right moments, underscoring the romance, the triumphs, and the inevitable heartaches. There's a richness to the production that feels grander than the first installment, reflecting Anne's own expanding horizons. It successfully broadened the scope without sacrificing intimacy.
### From Page to Screen: Trivia and Legacy
Adapting multiple books presented unique challenges. One significant invention for the miniseries was the character of Morgan Harris (played by Frank Converse), the wealthy, world-weary father of Anne’s student Emmeline. This storyline, introducing a potential older suitor and a taste of a more sophisticated, albeit lonelier, world, diverges quite a bit from the novels but adds dramatic weight and a different kind of conflict for Anne. It was a bold choice by Sullivan, perhaps aiming to heighten the romantic tension and showcase Anne's unwavering loyalty to her roots and to Gilbert.
Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel was another ratings juggernaut for CBC in Canada and Disney Channel/PBS in the United States, cementing the series as a cultural phenomenon. It swept the Gemini Awards (Canada's Emmys) just like the original, winning Best Dramatic Miniseries, further proof of its quality and impact. These VHS tapes became staples in countless homes, worn thin from repeated viewings. For many, the first two miniseries represent the definitive screen adaptation of Anne's story, often watched back-to-back as one epic narrative. While further sequels followed (1998's Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story and 2008's Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning, taking significant liberties with the source material), this 1987 entry often feels like the perfect, poignant conclusion to Anne and Gilbert’s early chapters.
### The Final Frame
Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel is more than just a follow-up; it's a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of growth, love, and ambition, carried by pitch-perfect performances and stunning production values. It successfully recaptures the magic of the original while allowing its heroine, and its audience, to mature alongside her. It reminds us that even as life pulls us in new directions, the bonds of home and heart endure. Revisiting it feels like catching up with cherished old friends, their story as comforting and inspiring now as it was on that first viewing, perhaps huddled around the family TV with a freshly rented tape whirring in the VCR.
Rating: 9/10
This sequel achieves the rare feat of matching the spirit and quality of its beloved predecessor. While purists might quibble with adaptation choices, the stunning performances (Follows, Crombie, and Dewhurst are simply perfect), gorgeous production, and emotional resonance make it an undeniable classic of 80s television. It expands Anne's world beautifully, delivering romance, humour, and heartwarming drama in equal measure. It’s a journey back to Avonlea that never gets old.