Britain’s most infamous sisters are taking over our screens in the bold and provocative new series, Outrageous. Based on a novel, this historical drama dives deep into the real lives of the Mitford sisters — six aristocratic siblings with wildly different beliefs — as they navigate love, politics, and scandal in the years leading up to World War II.
Who Were the Mitford Sisters?
Set in 1931, the series begins at the height of the Great Depression. The Mitford family, once living in extravagant comfort, is now being forced to cut back. At the head of the household is Lord David Mitford, a strict traditionalist, who announces during breakfast (where punctuality is non-negotiable) that the older sisters’ allowances will be halved and one of their homes rented out.
The story is narrated by the oldest sister, Nancy Mitford, a 28-year-old spinster with literary aspirations and romantic disappointments. Alongside her are sisters Diana, Pamela, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah, as well as their lone brother, Tom.
While Nancy has given up on finding love, Diana seems to have it all — a wealthy husband (Bryan Guinness) and two children. But things aren’t as perfect as they seem.
Diana and the Rise of Fascism
In Episode 2, things take a sharp turn when Diana becomes enamored with Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. Despite being married, she falls for him completely, leading to a messy and controversial affair. Though Mosley is married and known for his womanizing, Diana leaves Bryan and remains loyal to Mosley — even after he emotionally neglects her and spends time with another woman soon after his wife dies.
This scandal rocks the family, and Diana becomes estranged from her father, though her sisters secretly continue visiting her.
Meanwhile, Unity becomes infatuated with Mosley’s ideology. When Diana decides to visit Germany for a Nazi rally in Nuremberg, Unity joins her and fully embraces fascism. On the other hand, Jessica, a staunch communist, clashes bitterly with Unity over politics. Nancy, ever observant and witty, remains critical of the growing extremist movement.
By the end of Episode 2, Mosley returns from his getaway and reconnects with Diana, solidifying what looks like a dangerous and consuming relationship.
Nancy’s Disastrous Love Life
While Diana’s life is spiraling into scandal, Nancy’s heart is breaking quietly. After four years of waiting, her lover Hamish informs her that he’s leaving for America — only to return shortly after, announcing he’s engaged to someone else. Nancy is crushed.
Soon after, she meets Peter, a charming but suspiciously eager man who proposes to her almost immediately. Though Nancy is skeptical, she accepts. But Peter’s true colors begin to show — he’s jobless, entitled, and insecure. He questions Nancy’s past, demands a dowry, and even brags about proposing to multiple women that same week.
On the night before their wedding, a drunken Peter reveals he quit his job and doesn’t care if she leaves. Despite this, Nancy walks down the aisle the next day, determined and composed. Whatever her plans, we know Nancy isn’t someone who gives in without a fight.
Final Thoughts
Outrageous delivers a striking introduction to the complicated, controversial, and charismatic Mitford sisters. With power plays, betrayals, and politics already at the center of the story, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. The series blends dark humor with historical drama, showing us how the personal became political in the lives of these extraordinary women.
As the storm of World War II looms closer, what more scandals will the Mitford family endure? Stay tuned as we continue to cover each episode of Outrageous.[wide]
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