The reviews clearly reveal different tastes among viewers. Massively different.
When I saw the review stating that Season One was lightweight ... well, I agreed. As I continued to read that review, the viewer was happily surprised to find Season Two more complex and more to the viewer's liking. Astonishment barely describes my reaction.
I was also drawn by Julian Fellowes' involvement, and I did like Downton Abbey which had complexities of character and plot, including awareness of timely social and political matters, and benefitted from the cast. Although, it must be said that before Downton there were some very good period drama productions that did not cater to a a more dumbed-down and Americanized audience. In other words, as much as I like Fellowes, I'm not sure I would consider Downon the standard.
The first season of Belgravia was simpler (I'm avoiding using the term simple-minded) and did benefit from casting. The second season: the only word I can use to describe the production value, cast, acting, and the story (granted I am only a few minutes into the second episode, but I fear I won't make it much further) is inane.
When I saw the review stating that Season One was lightweight ... well, I agreed. As I continued to read that review, the viewer was happily surprised to find Season Two more complex and more to the viewer's liking. Astonishment barely describes my reaction.
I was also drawn by Julian Fellowes' involvement, and I did like Downton Abbey which had complexities of character and plot, including awareness of timely social and political matters, and benefitted from the cast. Although, it must be said that before Downton there were some very good period drama productions that did not cater to a a more dumbed-down and Americanized audience. In other words, as much as I like Fellowes, I'm not sure I would consider Downon the standard.
The first season of Belgravia was simpler (I'm avoiding using the term simple-minded) and did benefit from casting. The second season: the only word I can use to describe the production value, cast, acting, and the story (granted I am only a few minutes into the second episode, but I fear I won't make it much further) is inane.