Maîtres et valets

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.