First of all I've seen that every review here raves about Gemma Jones portrayal. I'm less enthusiastic. I think she got half of her portrayal spot on ; the plucky, independent, never give up woman but she was far less effective at playing the beautiful woman who became the mistress of the king. Regardless of how pretty, a long standing mistress/ courtesan was required to portray the gracious lady. Jones' Portrayal was so forceful and unapologetically lower class Cockney that you constantly ask yourself why so many nobleman were attracted. Had Jones been stunningly beautiful you could say" oh that's why" but she's at best an average sort of pretty.
Aside from that, the only flaw IMO were the storylines about the visitors to the hotel. Some were entertaining and others were just plain silly and campy. I would have preferred far less attention to those and more to Gemma, Charlie and Marie.
Overall, this is a good series but nowhere near Downton, Middkemarch, the new Poldark.
Aside from that, the only flaw IMO were the storylines about the visitors to the hotel. Some were entertaining and others were just plain silly and campy. I would have preferred far less attention to those and more to Gemma, Charlie and Marie.
Overall, this is a good series but nowhere near Downton, Middkemarch, the new Poldark.