Auge y caída

DECLINE AND FALL is a three-part series based on the novel of the same title by Evelyn Waugh. Perhaps you read his masterpiece Brideshead Revisited but at the tender age of 25 he produced a comic novel Decline and Fall partly based on his teaching experience. The principal character is Paul Pennyfeather who is sent down from Oxford for indecent behaviour and goes on a series of strange adventures including obtaining a teaching position at a chaotic school and an engagement to high society beauty. Waugh's novel is generally considered to be a high-society satire exploring the topics of elitism, racism and xenophobia. Although sometimes the point might be difficult to get and some people say that the novel written in 1928 is not relevant at all (but some say the story is still relevant and has many links to today's society) the story retains its universal appeal due to flamboyant characters whose eccentricity borders on insanity. Dr. Fagan who runs the school is afraid of his students, despises his daughter Florence (because she is fat and good-hearted) and adores his daughter Diane (because she is butchy and bitchy). Some of the teachers are literally crazy and some are miserable. The very first episode contains a brilliant line:

We class schools into four grades - leading schools, first-rate schools, good schools and schools.

Dare not to say that it does not ring any bells with you! The cast is great. Paul is played by Jack Whitehall, he is a popular stand-up comedian and you could see him in a hilarious sitcom Bad Education. Legendary David Suchet is Dr. Fagan and high-society beauty is portrayed by luminous Eva Longoria. All in all the series is well made, funny and boasts solid budget with some of the scenes having been filmed in the real medieval castle.

Mr Paul Pennyfather is an educated and accomplished fellow who starts off his career at Oxford but doesn't last long due to the students' bullying and a rigid structure which he struggles to adapt to.

He realises he is not ready for Oxford and gets transferred to a private school on request. There he falls in love with one of the pupil's parents and his life really changes.

It's got a lot of sharp twists and good old-fashioned narrative drama with some superb acting especially the brilliant Stephen Graham as Philbrick; Douglas Hodge as Grimes; David Suchet as Dr. Fagan and Eva Logoria playing the love interest who is Margot Beste-Chetwynde!

The drama has a lot of twists and turns and our Paul really does end up in so many different spots of bother! It's hard to review without giving the story away as so much of it is based on narrative but it is a great show and a thoroughly enjoyable although not too realistic period piece!

A strong 7/10.

This must have been one of the last performances of TPS. Surprised this was not acknowledged in the credits. A great loss of a great actor. First came to my attention in the wonderful adaptation of Paul Scott's "Jewel in the Crown" novels. Admired for many roles since. I had tickets to see him in Northampton this April which sadly had to be returned. Condolences to friends and family.

As a lifelong enthusiast for the writing of Evelyn Waugh, I thought I would never again see a revival of interest in his work. I am glad to say that this adaptation - on the evidence of Episode 1 - ensures that I couldn't have been more wrong, as it will undoubtedly attract a whole new audience. There is sheer quality in every aspect of this production and I found myself laughing out loud throughout. Everything is perfect - casting, script, characterisation, editing; it doesn't put a foot wrong. It seems unfair to single out any one contribution, but Douglas Hodge has so much fun with the character of the deeply dubious unidexter Captain Grimes, you cannot help but be impressed while you giggle. I can't wait to watch the remaining episodes, but simply wish to congratulate the whole team on this first showing. Bravo! On viewing the second episode, there is nothing to add other than that the very high standard has been maintained - a relief and an uproarious pleasure.

This is perhaps the most pretentious and outrageous farce in British style. I think the British simply mistake and fail to distinguish the thin line between comedy and farce, and of course, this is the ultimate farce that I've ever watched. Every thing and every moment in this series were just so over the top ridiculed and exaggerated. If this is what we called "The English Humor", then don't bother. Even it's only three episodes, with so many cast and manpower involved, the production fund and budget were simply moronically wasted. I felt myself so stupid when I watched the first episode and decided to jump out of the plane by my own will; I'd rather crash down to earth instead.