Heh heh...that was quick! :)

Actually, having just reread the book as I said, I thought it was very faithful for how streamlined (as you say) it was. Besides, I can see why they would streamline the first part; the real meat of the story is the Jane/Rochester relationship, and they might have felt that keeping the first part simple would allow more time for that. (Plus, as I said, I missed the first few minutes...she was already at Lowood when I tuned in).

Anyway, to each their own, of course. :) I should say,though, that the reviews I read mentioned that they were quite a bit more faithful to the latter part of the book (where she goes to live with John and the ladies) than many other adaptations. We shall have to see (or at least I shall. ;))

(And of course, I do tend to be overly effusive when I'm excited about something...)

Cheers, M