Thomas and Sarah

This lovely series has recently been re-run on Granada. The two main characters made their first appearance in Upstairs Downstairs. This series follows their mixed fortunes when they try to make it on their own.

The series captures Edwardian England in a way that only the English seem to manage with accuracy and sympathy.

Each 1 hour episode is self contained and whilst not always completely plausible, the series is a great pleasure to watch. Then again with such two outstanding actors in Pauline Collins and John Alderton, what could possibly go wrong? Pauline Collins even manages to breathe life into the otherwise very ordinary current series "The Ambassador".

The episode in the Welsh village was quite excellent. And, in a typically English manner (thank god), the ending of the series is left open to the viewer to interpret.

Why the hell aren't they making TV series like these anymore?

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.

Moments ago, I savored the final episode, after enjoying the entire series over the past couple of weeks. First I must confess, I was an immediate fan of both characters in Up/Down. For me, Pauline Collins as Sarah was my favorite, and certainly she was the most interesting and complex of the bunch. Then enters John Alderman (Sorry about that, chief. You know I meant Alderton!). From his very first lines, facial expression, voice tone and accent I was sold on this intriguing, semi-lovable rogue. You knew something was up, the plot had thickened, the game was afoot from his very first lines with "Miss Elizabeth" during the 'job interview.' From the first to the last, you were never quite sure if Thomas is being sincere, facetious or calculating! What a talent, and what a delightful viewing pleasure. Thank you, Pauline and John! (FYI - they are and have been married in 'real' life for many years - how cool is that! And, make sure to check out Pauline's rave success in 1989's, "Shirley Valentine".)

In Thomas & Sarah, I love their ambiguous, dynamic relationship, and thought all the plots, situations and various characters were most entertaining. Entertainment, for me, on par with Up/Down -- again, possibly in large part due to my entrancement with the characters/actors (i.e., I have no interest in reading stories about T&S, as I need Pauline and John to be part of the equation). So much so that, I'm eagerly looking forward to watching them in "Wodehouse Playhouse," and hope that I can, someday,find "No, Honestly".

Last comment: Most definitely, first get to know these two characters in Up/Down, before watching them in this classic, sadly-short TV series

We just watched the last episode and we were thoroughly charmed by the series. Each episode stands alone, but it's helpful to have watched Upstairs, Downstairs to have a bit of context. Settings, costumes, staging are all authentic and the scripts are witty and and plots are clever, if sometimes far-fetched. That said, each story is diverting and the relationships between Sarah and Thomas and their casts are well drawn and believable. You really care about the people and their predicaments.

After leaving the Bellamy's, Sarah and Thomas have become equals, they push and pull and the plot lines seem to give each character equal worth. The idea that a woman could choose to simply travel and work and live with a man she's not married to is a surprise for that era. And the idea that a woman of that era not only challenges but succeeds in knocking back polite snobbish society is fun to watch.

These period pieces are enjoyable and interesting, and Pauline and John are exceptional actors who've worked in theatre, TV, movies. They are attractive and adept in building their characters.

If you're tired of screeching car chases, exploding body parts, pathologically abusive relationships that get more graphic with each episode... then you'll enjoy Thomas and Sarah.

Give it a try!

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!!