This show popped up on Tubi recently, probably due to the algorithms, as I was watching some other Brit period pieces like Upstairs/Downstairs. (Tubi has a lot of junk, but it does help me find little unknown gems)
This show is in the vein of Upstairs/Downstairs, with not much Upstairs to speak of. A bit of Downton too. However, I would not call it a little gem. It is mostly mediocre.
I am surprised that I am writing the first review here, and there is not much info on this now over 20-year-old miniseries. At least, I'd expect it would be of interest to Felicity Jones fans. I've always liked her too. This show appears to be her first adult role, although she looks about 14, even though she was probably around 19 when it was filmed. She is definitely a bright spot in the show and absolutely adorable.
The series is watchable but has many flaws. The acting is excellent, but the story and writing are on the weak side, with inconsistent themes and tonal issues. The music is terribly unsuited for the period, though not bad on its own. (I almost stopped watching halfway through the first episode due to the music)
The standouts are Jones. One can see in hindsight that she was destined for a great career. The actress playing Ms. Ryan, who does look familiar, was superb, as well as her counterpart in Mr. Jarvis. All the actors are solid.
However, despite the interesting love scenario with Jones' character and the new guy, and the very subtle "Remains of The Day" thing going on with Ryan and Jarvis, there is not much story here. The show was mostly upbeat, but some of the darker bits went nowhere, and were honestly morally confounding.
Regardless, the series is entertaining enough to push through simply for Jones to see some of her early work before fame.
