Anybody watching the new "Upstairs, Downstairs?"- Page 2

[supportivemom]

Posted: 6/8/11 at 6:11pm

http://www.starpulse.com/Movies/The_Waltons:_The_Hiding_Place-V386239/Summary/

Here's the link to that Waltons episode. Such a great episode and I too loved it when she sang the lullaby!

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 6:30am

I know we're all Downton-ed up at the moment, but to switch allegiances for a moment - the new 6 part season of Upstairs, Downstairs starts on UK television in a couple of weeks and looks promising, although Eileen Atkins' departure is a pity.

It deals with the Munich Conference of 1938, and a young JFK even puts in an appearance. Also, some lesbian action featuring Alex Kingston seems to be afoot.

I assume PBS will be showing this like they did last year? I hope so!

Updated On: 1/31/12 at 06:30 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 6:39am

I just hope they make the upstairs cast more likable and interesting for viewers. They were so despicable and snotty last time, it's the main reason I lost interest in the show, for the most part. I didn't care what happened to any of them, good or bad. It's like whoever created these characters really hates rich people and only feels a connection and affinity for the servants. That would be okay if the show were called "Downstairs." But their should be a balance, especially if they're emulating the original series.

Even Downton Abbey knows "upstairs" needs to be just as accessible and interesting as "downstairs" to make it work. It wasn't.

I knew something was really "off" then.

Updated On: 1/31/12 at 06:39 AM

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 6:49am

I agree, though I did manage to warm to at least some of them by the end - the fact I can't remember their names is probably not a very good sign, though.

One series where the "upstairs" truly are horrible (save for one American) is Berkely Square, where it actually worked well...it's about three Edwardian nannies in 1901. I discovered it last year after Downton/UpDown ignited by British period drama kick, worth a look if you ever come across it.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 12:32pm

My latest PBS addiction currently running is Season 1 of Rosemary and Thyme. It's silly fluff, but I've adored Felicity Kendal since The Good Life.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 12:39pm

If you are interested in the upstairs/downstairs relationship, get the tv series "The Grand" from Netflix. It's set in a hotel, but has the same dynamic. Season 1 is good, Season 2 they brought in some cast replacements who weren't as good as the Season 1 cast. And if any of you have seen "Monarch of the Glen" Susan Hampshire, the mother, is a regular at The Grand.

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 12:54pm

Besty, I agree; I couldn't take stomach that awful woman in the new "Upstairs," and stopped watching after two episodes.

"Berkley Square" and "The Grand" are both wonderful!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/31/12 at 12:54pm

"My latest PBS addiction currently running is Season 1 of Rosemary and Thyme. It's silly fluff, but I've adored Felicity Kendal since The Good Life."

I enjoy R&T as well, love both Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris. But don't you think it's a bit strange that everytime those two gardeners show up a murder happens?

[best12bars]

Posted: 2/4/12 at 10:14am

My partner and I have been re-watching the original "Upstairs, Downstairs" series lately. It's interesting to view it while going through the new (for the U.S.) series 2 episodes of "Downton Abbey." There are so many parallels, it's a little more than uncanny.

I was sorry to learn yesterday that the actress Jenny Tomasin, who played scullery maid Ruby, passed away last month. She was one of my favorite characters on the original "Up-Down." I always loved her interactions with Mrs. Bridges.
RIP, dear Ruby

[Scripps2]

Posted: 2/20/12 at 5:40pm

The new 6 episode series of this began on BBC1 yesterday evening. I didn't watch it as it was scheduled directly opposite the first episode of Homeland, and I decided that was to be my priority. I'll catch it later in the week.

In addition to Eileen Atkins' departure, Jean Marsh apparently only makes fleeting appearances due to personal ill-health.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 2/20/12 at 7:00pm

While I enjoyed the three episodes last year, I admit that the idea of the show without those two ladies (or very little of Marsh) loses a lot of appeal for me...

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 2/20/12 at 10:38pm

SPOILER

So I see Lady Maud is dead...I just assumed that she would've gone back to India or something - guess Eileen Atkins won't be back.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/21/12 at 9:54am

Oh best12bars, I'm sorry to see that Jenny Tomasin passed away. I loved the episode where Mrs. Bridges went away to see her sister and Ruby had to do the cooking. She couldn't read Mrs. Bridges handwriting and instead of adding a cup of butter, she put in a cup of bitter and had a sloppy mess. The writing on that show was so clever!