This is a reboot/sequel to the popular '70s series "Upstairs, Downstairs." Like its predecessor, takes a closer look at the lives, work and passions of both the wealthy English nobility (upstairs) and their servants (downstairs) in a posh London home. Here, the family is Sir Hallam (Ed Stoppard) and Lady Agnes Holland, and it's set from 1936-1939 as World War II threatens. Season 1 is very short--only 3 episodes--but features a sparkling blend of humor, romance and tragedy. Agnes (played beautifully and sympathetically by Keeley Hawes, who masters both the funny and sad scenes) is struggling with fertility, Hallam is worried about the threat of the Nazis, the hunky chauffeur is dallying with both the British Union of Fascists and Agnes' wild, devious sister, Lady Persephone (Claire Foy, who looks gorgeous in '30s clothes, hair and makeup). Secrets are revealed among both the residents of upstairs and downstairs. There are brief appearances by real-life figures as well, including Edward VIII and his then-mistress Wallis Simpson, and his brother, George, Duke of Kent, who becomes a recurring character (played very sympathetically by Blake Ritson). We see that the upper classes can get away with a lot of misbehavior that would ruin the lives and careers of those in service.
Season 1 benefits greatly from the presence of Dame Eileen Atkins as Sir Hallam's mother, and I read that she opted out of Season 2 because she didn't like the quality of the scripts. She was wise to do so. Season 2, with twice as many episodes as Season 1, veers into soap opera as war approaches. There is far more tragedy and sadness in the characters' lives that deflates the ebullience of Season 1. The writers must have a fascination with Sir Oswald and Lady Diana Mosley (nee Mitford), and I was left wondering why they didn't write a biopic series about them instead.
Throughout, the best aspects of the series are the gorgeous costumes, set designs and music, the gleaming 1930s roadster cars, the wild 1930s champagne and martini soirees, and formal dinner parties with famous guests. But some of the storylines, even when loosely based on history, seem jumbled and hard to believe.
Season 1 benefits greatly from the presence of Dame Eileen Atkins as Sir Hallam's mother, and I read that she opted out of Season 2 because she didn't like the quality of the scripts. She was wise to do so. Season 2, with twice as many episodes as Season 1, veers into soap opera as war approaches. There is far more tragedy and sadness in the characters' lives that deflates the ebullience of Season 1. The writers must have a fascination with Sir Oswald and Lady Diana Mosley (nee Mitford), and I was left wondering why they didn't write a biopic series about them instead.
Throughout, the best aspects of the series are the gorgeous costumes, set designs and music, the gleaming 1930s roadster cars, the wild 1930s champagne and martini soirees, and formal dinner parties with famous guests. But some of the storylines, even when loosely based on history, seem jumbled and hard to believe.