Upstairs Downstairs

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...

I tread lightly when I anticipated this new series of Upstairs Downstairs. I was delighted that it was a continuation and not a remake. When I saw Rose walking down Belgrave Square towards Eaton Place I didn't tear up like I thought I would, but instead I was swept over by a warm tenderness. The great Jean Marsh (co-creator and whom played Rose in the original) was indeed perfect casting. All in all, it was a warm-hearted quality production. I just thought it could and should have been longer. It was like a cherry on top to the original. It completes a set, so to speak. The whole time I was expecting to hear ghostly voices from the past, but maybe that's just me.

The next generation of Upstairs Downstairs is excellent. The acting is superb. The scripts are superb. The Costumes are beautiful. Anyone finds fault is malcontent. Claire Foy is a great actress. Everything she does is perfect. Everyone in this series is very good. I wished this series went past two seasons. From what I read Downton Abbey was the hot thing during this time. There are few period pieces from the 1930s-1040s available. World War II dramas of the civilian life isn't out there. This was an excellent depiction of the time in England. I will research the actors and try to find their work.

I watched Upstairs, Downstairs while suffering from "Downton Abbey withdrawal symptoms" and was pleasantly surprised. If they do do another series, and I personally think they should, what they can improve on is perhaps make the episodes longer-and a little slower too so that we have a tad more room to breathe- so that the characters and situations can be developed a little more.

That said, I saw potential. It is not as good as Downton Abbey- which was one of the better programmes airing last year- or the original Upstairs, Downstairs which was full of class and elegance and still one of my favourites, but actually this was one of the more pleasantly surprising(if not perfect) programmes over the Christmas break. While not among the best(Eric and Ernie), it wasn't among the worst(Whistle and I'll Come to You).

As it was with DA and the original US/DS, the production values are wonderful. I always love a series with beautiful scenery, skillful photography and wondrous costumes and US/DS had plenty of those. The music is also pleasant and very well composed if sometimes overdone, the dialogue in general is good and flows well with some both humorous and poignant moments, the stories are interesting(the 3rd episode had the most heart) and the characters are likable.

I think the acting is quite good. I personally don't have a problem with Jean Marsh, and while I am not a Keeley Hawes fan strictly speaking I thought she was good and fitted in with the period more than adequately. Ed Stoppard, Claire Foy, Anne Reid and especially Eileen Atkins were even better though, and while he could have done with more to do I quite liked Art Malik too.

All in all, it wasn't perfect, if they bring it back I think it has potential to grow and be better, but even with its flaws I quite liked it. If it comes back though, please can it more than 3 episodes? 8/10 Bethany Cox

Those that find fault in this program are either being too critical or stuck in the past. They want the original show, but that shows style was stuck in the TV world of 1974 and would not work today in 2010. The only reason I didn't give the new series a 10/10 was that Season 1 was only three episodes. I think the writers and producers were right to set the story in three settings (Upstairs, Downstairs, & the Events of the World both groups are effected by). I have learned more on England's pre-WW2 history from show than I did from the World @ War series. I won't give away any spoilers, but for those who haven't seen the whole series you will need some Kleenex for a scene involving Sir Hallam in the third episode, which caught me completely off-guard! For those who say 'Downton Abbey' is a better show is missing the point. They are BOTH great shows, but Downton Abbey takes place before WWI, like the original Upstairs /Downstairs series. This was 20 years before the new Upstairs/Downstairs and England after WWI mark the end of Edwardian English society and led to the changes seen in the new U/D series. Finally, I can't believe they are only going to give us 6 episodes for season #2 and not at least nine! Fortunately for those of us who LOVE the new series it has achieved great viewership rating and reviews so hopefully they will expand it in season three.