Upstairs Downstairs

I was hesitant at first to watch the new Upstairs Downstairs, knowing that it would be impossible to equal the quality production that was the original series. However, with the paucity of decent shows at present (and the fact that Downton Abbey had finished for the time being) I decided to give it a try with as little prejudice as possible, determined not to make comparisons.

Impossible of course. Although this new series is entertaining TV, pretty on the eye, fast moving (not something all that necessary in a show such as this) and relatively well cast, it just is not in the league of its predecessor, or its current "competition" Downton Abbey.

I found it hard to relate to most of the characters, of which there are way too many for comfort. Although the production falls short of using modern language, it certainly has an unsuitable modern way of depicting an era where royalty was revered, where shortcomings were either hidden or not mentioned. Instead we get a "boots and all" depiction of a class of people who would have never related to their servants the way they are shown to do and of servants who would never have behaved the way we are led to believe they might have done. Maybe if all the drama had been stretched out over a long series it would have been believable, instead of being thrown at us will nilly, one thing after the other in each and every episode.

Taken only for entertainment value, this is a watchable soap opera set a century ago - but, as the quality production it is presented as, it falls down on the job.

Oh for Mr Hudson!

It was with much trepidation that I watched this series on BBC over the Christmas break, I was sure that it was going to be a major disappointment as a remake of the classic 1970s TV series. However I am glad to say that I was very wrong.

Rather than a remake, this is a continuation of the story of 165 Eaton Place in Belgravia, the scene of the original series.

Jean Marsh, who appeared in and co-created the original series, returns as Rose Buck, and helps the new tenants assemble a new retinue of housekeeping staff.

The new series is set in the late 1930s and to add to the trials and tribulations of the new servants, we see initial interest in British fascism and the ensuing riots, Jewish fugitives from Germany and evidence of aristocratic flirtations with Nazi Germany.

The three episodes were very poignant and involving and included much humour also. The entire cast were uniformly excellent and I can only hope that the episodes were successful enough to result in a full blown series.

Rose is supposed to be six years older than she was at the end of the seventies series. Well... It isn't easy to make 35 years look like 6. But who cares. After all, Jean Marsh is the clip between the legend and it's sequel.

The first season is exciting to watch - the characters, the costumes, the story, the humour, the pathos... it's great! However, season is a mess. Eileen Atkins refused to return because she didn't like the scripts for season 2, and she was right. The first couple of episodes are okay, but when the writers ran out of ideas they dredged up some non-sequitur throw-away stories that include a lesbian affair and a boxing match that have no overall impact on the story. The last two episodes are dark and depressing and rush towards an unsatisfying conclusion. My advice is watch season one as a movie in three parts and pretend season 2 was never made...

If you enjoy Belgravia& Downton Abbey then you will enjoy Upstairs Downstairs.

The 2010-2012 version of "Upstairs, Downstairs" is a revival of the beloved British drama, set in the same iconic house at 165 Eaton Place, but this time during the tumultuous years between the two World Wars. While attempting to capture the charm and essence of the original series, this adaptation introduces new characters and storylines, providing a fresh perspective on the interwoven lives of the upper-class Bellamy family and their dedicated servants. Despite its attempt to recreate the magic of the original, some viewers found the revival lacking the same depth and authenticity. However, the series still manages to offer an engaging portrayal of a bygone era, with its lavish costumes, elegant settings, and compelling performances from the cast. Ultimately, "Upstairs, Downstairs" (2010-2012) serves as a respectable homage to its predecessor, though it may not fully recapture its timeless appeal.