Handbuch einer Anstandsdame

My mom (a recent widow) and I (a single girl) both love The Lady's Companion, to the point we didn't want Season 1 to end and are devastated we have to wait for Season 2.... There better be a Season 2. We both greatly appreciated how it tackled big emotions (i.e. Death of spouses, miscarriage, societal pressures, and the search for a husband) without feeling too heavy nor depressing. Rather, it exemplified resilience and the ability for us, particularly women, to find strength in subpar circumstances. I think we were able to relate to the characters, and it provided comedic relief to our stressful lives.

The creator and writers of the successful Netflix series, Cable Girls (2017-20) go back further in time for this exquisite Spanish production period piece set in 1880s Madrid, of a cheeky matchmaking chaperone, Elena (Nadia de Santiago made for the role) servicing aristocratic socialites. She manages to swindle her way into a grieving motherless family with the arduous task of attempting to find a suitor for 21-year-old, Cristina, and at the same time keep an eye out on the younger female sibblings who get up to mischieve. What eventuates is a ribald screwball poking fun at strict social norms of the time, with a modern sensability that is perfect entertainment for the romantic cynic at heart...

The series is as advertised. A light 1880's series, with cheeky jokes and a classic plot.

If you are looking for deep intense captivating series, this is not it.

If you are looking for something easy, warm, cute, cheesy and also well-done, go for it.

I like that no character is perfect and they try to navigate their imperfections. They are loveable and annoying at the same time. There is no truly bad guy or good guy, just normal people making a ton of bad choices and trying to navigate the consequences. It makes it more relatable and realistic.

A nice drama where everyone care about each other.

If you enjoy period pieces like Bridgerton, this Spanish comedy set in Madrid during the late 1880's will entertain you. The lovely Elena starts right off by breaking the fourth wall, talking directly to you, giving her opinion of what to expect, and what not to expect from the love story that she is about to be a part of. If you read the basic plot summary of this series, you already know the gist of what it's already about, so I won't bore you.

This is why I enjoyed it: I loved the colors selected for the wardrobe. Ranging from vivid corrals contrasting with intense turquoise, and chartreuse. I'm sure that liberties were taken with what people actually wore during that period, but it creates a frivolous fantasy that is very opulent.

Flower arrangements are splashed in every decor and the outdoor landscapes and gardens are lush with blooms. Even the carriages can be colorful. Picture a sky blue coach drawn by a team of prancing chestnut horses. Sigh.

The sets are done in some Spanish mansions on location, and are lavishly decorated to the hilt.

The outdoor countryside parties are gorgeous, and the food and drinks cover every possible table setting.

These rich people love to eat and drink in excess, no matter where they are.

You never really see any downtrodden poor people, as in some other series.

There are not as many indoor balls as Bridgerton, but the ones that occur are filled with some well choreographed, modernized ballroom dancing accompanied by classical versions of modern day hits. Some of the soundtrack features memorable hits preformed by artists in the 70's and 80's.

Nothing is off-limits. It's humor is quick-witted, and there is a lot of back and forth sarcastic put downs between various romantic couples. It's light and spicy. The drama is never really tense, but there is just enough intrigue, hidden secrets, and plot twists to keep you interested. Flashbacks fill in critical plot holes going back hours or a few days, but happen in later episodes, to keep you guessing. Many times you will follow one plot, only to have Elena break out, and tell you that that's not what happened, and then proceeds to correct the plot. She constantly let's you know what she's thinking about. It can get a bit repetitious, but that's her charming self. I'm sure that Netflix is counting on a successful series rating, and already has season 2 in the works.

Someone put a lot of work into this. The sets, costumes and colors are like nothing I have ever seen before. There are colors in this show that I have never before even seen, in my entire life. Every scene looks like a Monet painting but even more colorful. And it's more than just the saturation turned up on the film. I hope it gets some recognition or reward for this because it's the GOAT. The story is a pale rehash of Bridgerton and probably can't stand on its own but with the rest of the elements combined, it's quite watchable, at least I think so. Watch at least one episode and see if it isn't a novel experience for you too.