Thomas and Sarah

I could not believe that anyone could reduce themselves to this mediocrity after the success of Upstairs Downstairs. What were the producers thinking of? I only watched it because someone had the bright idea to attach it to the Box set of Upstairs Downstairs. After few episodes I quit. It is the same oxymoron. Sarah and Thomas with their shameless and shady antiques which is so far fetched at times that it comes down as an insult to our intelligence rather than entertainment. I found Sarah's overacting, loud and ear scratching cockney diction quite irritating and Thomas' dishonesty and conniving superficial and borderline ridiculous. I strongly recommend that the fans of Upstairs Downstairs stay away from it not to diminish their uplifting enjoyment of UD. The fact that Thomas and Sarah only lasted a few episodes speaks in volumes.

To answer the first comment - They aren't making series like this anymore because they've forgotten how. They did recently try with "Berkeley Square" about a group of governesses/nannies in 1902 London. Even though that series manages to work on its own terms, it doesn't come close to having the kind of heart that "Thomas and Sarah", and its predecessor "Upstairs Downstairs" did.

I've noticed a trend with recent historical programming from Britain. They're now more concerned with making the characters (of whatever era is being depicted) have a more modern EDGE to them. The recent series about Henry VIII is a prime example. Since when did Henry VIII have a cool East-end London accent anyway? They no longer care about accurate costuming and period detail either. Costumes and settings reflect this theme of appearing more modern/relatable to today's viewers - and it all comes off looking like rubbish.

I think one of the most tragic aspects of the kind of historical drivel being churned out by English TV these days is that they've forgotten a key component that made both "Thomas & Sarah" and UD work so well - HUMOUR! Humour is sadly missing from these badly scripted dramas that take themselves so damned seriously. Someone at the BBC needs to re-visit the vaults and see what real historical drama is!!

Although the time frame covered a number of years and started in 1910, World War I seems to have been skipped altogether and Thomas would have been prime cannon fodder. Although the stories seemed to cover the time during the money making on Wall Street, they skipped the war. The plots seemed to shift Thomas from being just a rogue looking for an opening to get ahead and to America to a man with a really ugly soul, at least as far as Sarah was concerned. Sarah's character seemed always to think things would sort themselves out for the better even on the gloomiest day. The title for the finale was very apt. After doing some research, I think I know whose funeral it was or at least whose funeral I hope it was.In some episodes Ms Collins seemed uncomfortable, as though she'd rather have been doing something else.Perhaps Thomas'attitude was wearing thin. I'm a fan of both Ms Collins and Mr. Alderton and saw them on the stage in London in 1980 when we lived in England.

Thought struck me - possible sequel.Thomas and Sarah make fortune out of munitions in WW1, get to know the right people - Sir Thomas Watkins?

Twas nice to see a 'spin off' series from 'Upstairs Downstairs', so that the 'Upstairs Downstairs' vibes can continue - and it does for the first few episodes but Thomas & Sarah become a boring couple after a while - ie: The series drags on & becomes un-relatable to Upstairs Downstairs.

I suppose different writers, directors, budgets, cast members & studios etc all add to the very different feel of Thomas & Sarah being a spin-off series. The series then transforms itself into a series that warrants its own merits. I wouldn't have chosen those two characters from the Upstairs Downstairs cast to make a spin-off series. I woulda chosen what I consider to be the 5 main characters: Lord & Lady Bellamy, Rose, Hudson & Mrs Bridges.

However it is in this series that we get to see Sarah perform - 'What Are We Gonna Do With Uncle Arthur...' 'What Are We Gonna Do With Uncle Arthur... 'becomes the Upstairs Downstairs closing signature tune on later episodes.

The ending theme tune 'What Are We Gonna Do With Uncle Arthur...' is what moves my Star Rating from 2 for contents - 5 for entertainment.