heartbreaking

The first season was entertaining and, while containing flaws, created hope for a good second season but alas, no. I would never condone or belittle any type of domestic abuse and feel Jinny's husband should be held completely accountable. The laws of the time were extremely biased against women and mothers. However, so many sacrificed for Jinny and she could not even begin to try to participate even to protect her child. She is a victim but also created situations which could have been avoided. And the serial, never-ending infidelity is now incredibly tiresome. Who now cares at all about Nan's marriage? The Duke is a slimeball. Lizzie is a hypocrite. Total let down for this show. My five out of ten is for costuming, setting, etc and Honoria! She rocks!

I absolutely love this show. It brings all the feels and I genuinely like every character and the actor's portrayal of each. I'm not sure what Emmy category for a show is measured by but this is not a comedy! It's so deeply emotional and there is humor but that is not its overriding vibe. Ok, season 4: WAY too much Syd and way too little Carm. It's all Syd's angst, Syd's decision, Syd's dad etc. It's obvious Carm is struggling and soul searching and so much more could and should focus on that. Each individual staff member has some ongoing focus or story and that's amazing! The thread that binds everyone is the heart of the show! Hope Will Poulter will become a regular. But, please lighten up on the Syd heavy plot.

Seven might even be a little high for my opinion actually. All the production elements-costumes, interior and exterior settings, extra flourishes-are definitely a ten. But, several of the storylines have become so heavy-handed and annoying I fast forward. The temperance pledge is being beaten to a pulp and a once endearing character given a complete personality overhaul and not to her benefit. And good God Bertha! Her ambitions have always been apparent and her double dealing at least handled deftly and with a bit of tongue-in-cheek. But her absolute loss of any humanity this season and her obvious cloying need for power has made her completely unwatchable. In previous seasons you would find yourself rooting for her and now how could anyone possibly be in her corner. Sad to see such a good show drop the ball like this.