In the gripping finale of MGM+'s A Tale of Two Cities, titled "Resurrection Man," Sydney Carton, played by Kit Harington, makes the ultimate sacrifice. After Charles Darnay (François Civil) is arrested during the French Revolution and sentenced to death, Sydney realizes there's only one way to save the woman he loves, Lucie Manette (Mirren Mack), and her family. His decision to trade places with Charles is both devastating and heroic, a moment that Harington describes as "clear as day" for his character.
In an exclusive interview with Collider, Harington delved into the challenges of adapting Charles Dickens' classic novel for a modern audience. He emphasized that the love triangle at the story's core is essential to making the historical drama resonate today. "You can do the French Revolution as big as you want, but if the love triangle doesn't work, people won't care," he said. The actor also noted that the love story is more feasible to produce than a full-scale revolution, but the team aimed to deliver both.
One of the biggest hurdles was modernizing Lucie and fleshing out Charles Darnay. Harington believes Dickens himself was so enamored with Sydney Carton that he neglected other characters. "A lot of Dickens fans will hate me for saying that, but I think it's true," he admitted. The adaptation therefore focused on giving Lucie and Charles more depth, making the audience believe she could genuinely struggle between the two men.
Harington also discussed the unique dynamic between Sydney and Lucie. In this version, Lucie takes the initiative, approaching Sydney and sparking their connection. Harington explained that Sydney, a self-destructive alcoholic, is completely shaken by her presence. "If she never walked in, he would drink himself to death in 10 years," he said. But their relationship is complicated by Sydney's "addict-y" tendency to see Lucie as his salvation, which ultimately becomes too much for her.
The actor highlighted a pivotal scene in Episode 3, where Sydney, after ruining a dinner with his erratic behavior, pleads with Lucie to give him another chance. Harington described it as heartbreaking because Sydney is "digging himself a deeper hole" by placing the burden of his redemption on her. This fatal flaw leads to his final, selfless act.
Harington praised Sydney's intelligence, noting that he's "always two steps ahead of you." Even in the trial scene, Sydney knows what must be done before anyone else does. The actor also touched on the experience of working with a guillotine, which added a visceral weight to the finale.
Beyond A Tale of Two Cities, Harington is set to join the Harry Potter TV series in Season 2, a role he's excited about. He also shared his thoughts on the final season of Industry. For fans of Harington, this performance is a far cry from his iconic Jon Snow days, showcasing his range as an actor.
The finale of A Tale of Two Cities is a powerful conclusion to a story that has captivated audiences for generations. Harington's portrayal of Sydney Carton is both tragic and inspiring, a testament to the enduring power of Dickens' tale. As the series continues to find its audience, it's clear that this adaptation has struck a chord with modern viewers.
