Review of Upstairs Downstairs

The rise of Fascism,the persecution of Jews and the abdication were key to our society in the 1930s and they are viewed in "Upstairs Downstairs" through the eyes of the occupants of an imposing residence in one of London's best addresses. Crucial to the first series being re - shown on "Drama" is the redoubtable Miss E.Atkins as the matriarchal figure. Irredeemably "posh" and late Victorian Empire builder she may be,but she's no fool and can sense weakness in both her son and his wife which she sets out to eradicate by subtle and not so subtle means so that the status quo can be properly maintained. Her equivalent below stairs is Miss J.Marsh who has more compassion but is equally determined to maintain the status quo amongst the servants. Between them the house is run just about a well as it could be in such turbulent times. As Mr Stoppard and Miss Hawes seem out of their comfort zones it falls to this veteran pair to carry the show,which they do,at least when one or other is on screen. Butler aside,the servants have unfortunately little to flesh out,and should have been told to watch the rapport between the domestic staff achieved by the performers and writers of "You rang,me lord?",an exemplary combination of skill and experience. I prefer the new "Upstairs Downstairs" to the pretension and overacting of "Downton Abbey",but I'm pretty sure that puts me in a minority. The sheer quality of these shows stood out on a cold dark winter afternoon in Norfolk and nothing on TV the rest of the day came even close to equalling them.