It’s been a long while since I’ve posted about our television watching better known as Netflixing in our home. That, however, does not mean we haven’t been going crazy with Netflix. Deep down inside we really are 80 years old and love any excuse to stay home on the weekends.
As an aside, can I just state for the record that Downton Abbey is off to a superb start? Goodness, I have never in my life been so excited about my Sunday evenings which I used to dread so much. I know, I know. This is old hat since technically, it has already aired in the UK. But…please don’t spoil my excitement.
Downton Abbey: Two years have passed since the last episode and Season 2 picks up right around the middle of World War I. A lot of changes are taking place both in the Abbey and in several of the main characters lives. So far, it is too early to tell how things will unravel but I’m sitting on the edge of my seat couch with excitement for each new episode to come.
With so many characters, each sub-story is perfectly juxtaposed into the main story line. I love how each episode is a chronological continuation of the previous (example: Harvest time is followed by a wintertime Christmas episode) and flows nicely. The story is told in the voice of Laura Timmins, who is a humble hamlet girl that left Lark Rise to work as a postal worker in Candleford. She narrates about life, from the small things to big events.
We have been watching the show now for a few months and honestly, I’m kind of sad that we finished all the episodes and further, it is no longer airing. As the eternal optimist and hopeless romantic that I am, I hope BBC will bring back a new season. Side note: I don’t have Facebook but apparently there are several petitions to bring back the show. Who knew!
I can’t even begin to describe all the emotions present in this series: Joy, vengance, love, heartache, death, passion, perseverance, defeat, humiliation, pride, and I could go on but you probably get my point. Any show which combines all these human emotions and more so flawlessly has my praise. If you haven’t already, you must run not walk to see Lark Rise to Candleford. One more note for fellow bookworms. Flora Thompson wrote a trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels by the same name, which the TV show was based on.
Wives & Daughters: Another novel by Elizabeth Gaskell (Wives & Daughers: An Everyday Story), this period drama touches on life after loss, scandal and unexpected romance. The story revolves around Molly Gibson, the only daughter of the widowed town doctor. You might find yourself cheering her on, from falling in love to standing up to her obstinate stepmother.
Thanks! I just added it to our instant queue. 🙂
How exciting! I think you will really enjoy Lark Rise. My only complaint was that at times, it seemed to move rather slowly. Then again, that can be a nice reprieve from typical shows which tend to move so quickly.
Dickens is probably one of our favorite authors so it's no surprise that North & South is also one of our top favorites. We're going to catch 'The Old Curiosity Shop' tonight since we've not seen it before.
Where was he able to find the ITV versions? Amazon? I can't wait to hear what else is different from those than the PBS version. 🙂
We are just about to start Lark Rise to Candleford! The first disc we received wouldn't play and the new one came in the mail on Friday. We'll get on that this afternoon!
All the rest that you've listed are ones that I have enjoyed. I went back and looked at your first post on this subject and yes, all of them as well 🙂 North and South is one of my favorites. The setting and the music just draw me in. I think I could have that playing in the background all the time.
As a Valentine's Day gift to us both, my husband got us both seasons of Downton Abbey. Each of them are the original, unedited ITV versions and I have to tell you that I found one line that I believe was left out of the PBS broadcast for…uh…decency. Can't wait to see what else we find in there!
Definitely try out Doc Martin. It's one of our favorites!
My husband would fit right into your home. He just loves staying at home and relaxing. I, on the other hand, would rather I go outside walking, hiking, whatever rather than being indoors throughout. Happy watching!
Thanks for the suggestion!
Yes love Netflixing British tv- Have even sucked my poor husband in, who actually looks forward to them now! We are currently watching Doc Martin- Its a very easy cheap way to travel through time and space!
We love the accents, too. It's funny because sometimes I forget how other people we watch British shows with have a harder time understanding the dialogue. Guess we're just used to it now! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
My husband simply loves English films. He says they seem more real and of course, you can't beat the accents 🙂
Thanks, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how things turn out.
Ahhh… I LOVE Downton. Let me tell you – you will not be disappointed by this series, it is brilliant!! I have to admit I liked the first series much more, but there are a lot of plus points for the latest episodes as well 🙂