This show has a serious problem. It has to overcome our memories of the first series. The main reason for this is that they used the same names for most of the characters. The series is set in the current era and there seem to be several plot ideas that have carried over from the original series. In truth except for Zoe Telford none of the new characters measure up to the Brilliant originals. I don't think there was every any hope that was going to happen. The original cast of characters were absolutely perfect in every way. Everyone knows one cannot improve on perfection
As a consequence I spent the first episode comparing the new with the old and feeling quite a bit let down. If I had to rate this series based on just the first episode it would not have rated better than four or five.
Even putting the disappointment caused by the characters aside the first episode is really not that great. The only reason I watched the second episode was because I was stuck on a plane and bored and consequently desperate.
Episode 2 was much better than the first. The actors start loosening up a bit. It was almost like someone had given them a real talking to after the first.
Episode three onwards is seriously funny. In fact I really cannot remember laughing so much recently. Was it better than the first, no that is not possible. But it was really good comedy, nevertheless.
The best character is Claire Sutton played by the gorgeous Zoe Telford. The worst is probably Sir Humphrey. He just isn't that beguiling and charming, manipulative and Machieavellian character that he was in the original series. In fact he is quite wooden and doesn't appear to lead the show.
Still the main purpose of a comedy is to make you laugh. If you loosen up and can let go of the past you will enjoy it, quite a bit. If only they had changed the characters' names it would have been seen as a really good show in its own right.
As a consequence I spent the first episode comparing the new with the old and feeling quite a bit let down. If I had to rate this series based on just the first episode it would not have rated better than four or five.
Even putting the disappointment caused by the characters aside the first episode is really not that great. The only reason I watched the second episode was because I was stuck on a plane and bored and consequently desperate.
Episode 2 was much better than the first. The actors start loosening up a bit. It was almost like someone had given them a real talking to after the first.
Episode three onwards is seriously funny. In fact I really cannot remember laughing so much recently. Was it better than the first, no that is not possible. But it was really good comedy, nevertheless.
The best character is Claire Sutton played by the gorgeous Zoe Telford. The worst is probably Sir Humphrey. He just isn't that beguiling and charming, manipulative and Machieavellian character that he was in the original series. In fact he is quite wooden and doesn't appear to lead the show.
Still the main purpose of a comedy is to make you laugh. If you loosen up and can let go of the past you will enjoy it, quite a bit. If only they had changed the characters' names it would have been seen as a really good show in its own right.