The buzz around the new Upstairs Downstairs remake has not been good. Most of the talk has been negative in the sense that it could not possibly live up to the surprise period hit, Downton Abbey.
I never really got into the original Upstairs Downstairs. Frankly, it’s just too old and date for me to get into. The concept is intriguing – but it wasn’t to my taste. So, I was definitely looking forward to a more modern take on the story.
The plot is relatively simple – Sir Hallam Holland, a diplomat, moves into the townhouse along with his wife, Lady Agnes. Along with former parlourmaid Rose Buck now running her own agency for domestic servants, they renovate the house to its former glory after years of being mothballed.
The new series is set against the background of the storm clouds gathering in Europe, as World War Two approaches. There’s a lot going on – it’s a heady time for London as Britain prepares for a new King in the throne. This is pre-abdication London with talk of the King and his scandalous affair with Wallis Simpson. It’s very interesting to watch the house be restored, have it staffed and prepare to hold major public events.
It’s a beautiful old house – the fairy tale type of house that you think of when you think of pre-war Britain. It was an enjoyable 1st episode but I think they tried to cram in too much into one episode. This first series is only 3 episodes and it’s clear that more had been planned but I suspect BBC budget cuts have something to do with compressed episodes.
There’s a good amount of intrigue, scandal and sex to make the show interesting enough. The cast is gorgeous and they look like they fit into their roles well. So, is it as good as Downton Abbey? Not yet. Downton Abbey was sprawling and took advantage of 7 episodes to tell a complete story. It also took place in a different time period. That said - I’m pretty content to like both shows, but hiding by the first episode – Downton pulled me into the world of the show much quicker.
I’ll certainly still tune in next week. As far as I’m concerned there’s not much better than a decent British costume drama on a cold winter night.
What did you think of Episode 1 of the Upstairs Downstairs remake? Let us know in the comments!
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia is now our full time jobs and we spend our time working on the site and planning our yearly trips to Britain. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
I’m a total U/D junkie – have watched all series through several times. This is a completely different show. Totally different atmosphere, with the pleasing presence of Jean Marsh and many lingering shots of the home’s 165 street number for continuity. Enjoyable, but not nearly as well-written as Downton Abbey.
Thought the first episode of the new Upstairs Downstairs was much better than the first episode of Downton (to make a fair comparison) which was full of patronising obvious information and soap-like treatment of the drama. The new Upstairs assumes that its audience knows the role of the servants and doesn’t labour ,for example,over telling the audience why newspapers need to be ironed. The mood is more subtle and I think it will shape up rather well with more finely drawn and less obvious characterisation. I do however hate the continual music underscoring (ditto Downton). The original Upstairs had none of it and stood on the drama alone, which is partly why I believe it will always be better than either of the above mentioned new series.
I never watched the original U/D (I wasn’t alive then) and I actually liked all the stuff in DA explaining why things were like they are. I didn’t know the reason why they ironed newspapers so was very pleased to hear that. I think it also helps set the scene and also the characters and what motivates them.
I also think the way they did introduce characters in DA was far better than in UD. I felt a lot more engaged in the characters from the first episode of DA than I was in the first 2 episodes of U/D.
Jonathan, I haven’t seen either Downton or the new U/D, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy both. And you must give the original U/D another chance. It might take you a few episodes to get into it, but once you do … Wow!
I was disappointed by the first episode, I found the directing poor – scenes looked staged, indeed over-theatrical – and the acting mixed. Actors were trying too hard to be the characters they represented. There is no comparison, for me, with Downton, which was vastly superior in every respect. That said, the second episode I found more rewarding, conveying a good sense of history and I’m glad to see the Mosley problem openly addressed on television. Actors seemed more comfortable in the second episode, too. So I look forward to tonight… Still no comparison to Downton, though. The acting and directing is just not of the same impeccable quality.
I quite agree with your observations. Personally, I forced myself to watch the first episode to the end and found myself constantly comparing it to Downtown. The acting was so forced and even the jokes that were thrown in seemed so contrived. I know I should give it a chance but I don’t think I will be wasting my time watching the second episode.
Upstairs Downstairs has proved to be a great disappointment. Poorly cast, poor characterisation. Eileen Atkins and Anne Reid the stars. If you are going to bring back a classic then you need to use a really top, imaginative writer.Second episode slightly better, but not much.
Loved the monkey.
I was so captivated by the three episodes. Please, please do more. Each character was so endearing, believable and at times brought me to tears. Extremely well done beautifully written and presented I was glued from start to finish. Love to Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins truly brilliant.