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We watched this after having watched all the episodes of the earlier version (1971). This version is set 6 years after the original series but was made 35 years later. The actors who played Mr. Hudson, Mrs. Bridges and Ruby have passed away and barring a few one liners to Mr Hudson we hear nothing of them - pity.
Rose has returned to London following the death of Lord Bellamy (a one liner) and runs a placement agency, but we don't get a good explanation. Rose is the only thing that makes Season 1 work. Jean Marsh's stroke removed her from all but two scenes in season 2 causing some re-writing. As a result, Season 2 was poorly done.
There is no cohesiveness in the groups (upstairs and downstairs). The stories are too contrived. Unlike the original, where one got to know and like the characters. The reverse is true of this production.
No wonder they cancelled the series, and no wonder Downton Abbey won the ratings war.
score 4/10
gary-kramer 4 February 2014
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2954871/ |
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17-1-2021 11:13:12