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Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete Series Megaset | Classification: Television Actors/Actresses: - Angela Baddeley - David Langton - Gordon Jackson Simply Put: The Best Drama Ever Often, when one of those "Top 100 Television Shows Ever Created" lists comes out, 'Upstairs, Downstairs' is listed as Number One, usually just above 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'I Love Lucy.' Well, now I know why. This show stunned me with its quality and vivid characters! For those unaccustomed to a British accent, it may take a few minutes of viewing before your ears adjust. And I kindly suggest that you do NOT watch the 25th Anniversary documentary until you've first seen all the episodes (I wished I hadn't -- it gave away a lot of great twists and surprises). This show is so subtle and respectful of its viewer. For instance, there are characters who are smitten with each other yet who never say or act upon that love: the show doesn't dare to condescend to you by telegraphing it in any obvious or official way. Many fans cite the fourth season (about the Great War) as the show's best, but frankly and guiltily I must confess that I prefer the real soapy elements of the show that have less to do with world events and more to do with the interpersonal relationships and mini moral dilemmas of the householders. There is one notorious episode called 'The Swedish Tiger' that is quite awful and that made it into the series by mistake (fans already know the whole story) so please don't judge the other 67 great episodes by the one awful one! My personal favorite episode is the one that focuses on the Irish scullery maid's forbidden crush on another great family's footman. It's sounds pedestrian, I know, but that's the genius of the show. It crafts seemingly simple situations with so many nuances and facets that you feel as if you're standing in the kitchen with these people! ROCKS! Often, when one of those "Top 100 Television Shows Ever Created" lists comes out, 'Upstairs, Downstairs' is listed as Number One, usually just above 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'I Love Lucy.' Well, now I know why. This show stunned me with its quality and vivid characters! For those unaccustomed to a British accent, it may take a few minutes of viewing before your ears adjust. And I kindly suggest that you do NOT watch the 25th Anniversary documentary until you've first seen all the episodes (I wished I hadn't -- it gave away a lot a great twists and surprises). This show is so subtle and respectful of its viewer. For instance, there are characters who are smitten with each other yet who never say or act upon that love: the show doesn't dare to condescend to you by telegraphing it in any obvious or official way. Many fans cite the fourth season (about the Great War) as the show's best, but frankly and guiltily I must confess that I prefer the real soapy elements of the show that have less to do with world events and more to do with the interpersonal relationships and mini moral dilemmas of the householders. There is one notorious episode called 'The Swedish Tiger' that is quite awful and that made it into the series by mistake (fans already know the whole story) so please don't judge the other 67 great episodes by the one awful one! My personal favorite episode is the one that focuses on the Irish scullery maid's forbidden crush on another great family's footman. It's sounds pedestrian, I know, but that's the genius of the show. It crafts seemingly simple situations with so many nuances and facets that you feel as if you're standing in the kitchen with these people! Expensive and worth every cent The most amazing aspect of this collection is how well it holds up after all these years. Having initially seen in the 70s, I wasn't prepared to be surprised. After all, didn't I know all the plots and characters? But what I found was, while I remembered most of it, there were huge chunks that I couldn't account for. I've watched the entire series now, some five times, all the way through, and it only gets better. The writing alone is worth the price of admission, but couple this with excellent acting, stellar camera work, and knockout sets, and you've got the superb drama that is UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS. Please, don't call this a soap opera--this is an insult to the writers and actors. This is great drama that just happened to be spread out over a couple of years. Here are just a few examples of what I'm talking about: THE WRITING: The characters are not cardboard cutouts, but real, fallible people. Lord Bellamy, for all his wisdom and charm, does make some bad decisions (the stock tip scandal, the attempted bribe of the parents' whose infant Mrs. Bridges has abducted), and this only makes him more likeable. Who wants a stodgy old Edwardian man that's perfect? Then there's the subtle references to what's come before, so that if you've missed an episode or two, you'll still know what the characters are talking about. References to Lady Marjorie and the Titanic, the previous maids and footmen who have come and gone, etc. While this is somewhat standard in television and series writing, the deft handling of these references makes this series unique. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: One of the finest examples of this is Edward, the footman. Always joking and playful, his is probably the most dramatic change during the series. When WWI breaks out, he's off to the front, only to come back shell-shocked. His transformation from a rollicking and randy young man, to that of a worn-out and scared soldier is remarkable. The one scene where Bellamy finds him on the stairs and comforts him in the morning room is worthy of an award. Reminiscent of "All Quiet on the Western Front," the performance Christopher Beeny gives in only a few minutes is one of the best ever seen on television. THE SETS: With exquisite tastefulness, the sets on "Upstairs, Downstairs" are the best example of Edwardian decor ever to grace the screen. Never mawkish or overblown, they nevertheless hark back to a tasteful Victorian era without all the fuss, yet embrace the Edwardian era and the "moving forward" theme that permeates the series. It's amazing what one expertly placed kentia palm will do for good drama. CASTING: This one's a no-brainer. Whoever did the casting deserves a gold star. The regulars are loveable with faults, and the guest appearances add just enough spice to the affair to keep you on your toes. Especially liked was the character of Alfred---surly, evil, comic, and dramatic, he's one of the highlights in the collection. My only dislike of this series was Buy Upstairs Downstairs at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Upstairs Downstairs Search with the Priority Search Engine on Upstairs Downstairs This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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