The BBC never gave 'Upstairs Downstairs' a chance..
Diane_Rob
Posts: 1,261 Forum Member
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I admit it, when they revived it (2010 I think, then it returned for the second series in 2012) I wasn't keen on it. I hadn't even seen the originals but after watching the first episode I gave up on it. However I've just been rewatching Series 1 (which was only three episodes) on TV channel 'Drama' and this is a really good & strong series.
I've already seen series two and in my opinion it is better than 'Downton Abbey', which is what the show suffered comparisons with at the time. Downton was brilliant in series 1/2 but lately it's kind of becoming a shadow of itself with the influx of new characters and exits of memorable ones (anyway this isn't a Downton debate). But the revived 'Upstairs Downstairs' was really refreshing and is definitely something I recommend people give a second chance to (second viewing I mean).
The characters were really good and the cast was excellent also, Eileen Atkins, Keeley Hawes, Anne Reid etc.
Also, the Series two final episode is one of the most gripping episodes I've seen from UK drama in years! Utterly brilliant.
Let's not forget this is the same writers who now produce 'Call The Midwife'...
I've already seen series two and in my opinion it is better than 'Downton Abbey', which is what the show suffered comparisons with at the time. Downton was brilliant in series 1/2 but lately it's kind of becoming a shadow of itself with the influx of new characters and exits of memorable ones (anyway this isn't a Downton debate). But the revived 'Upstairs Downstairs' was really refreshing and is definitely something I recommend people give a second chance to (second viewing I mean).
The characters were really good and the cast was excellent also, Eileen Atkins, Keeley Hawes, Anne Reid etc.
Also, the Series two final episode is one of the most gripping episodes I've seen from UK drama in years! Utterly brilliant.
Let's not forget this is the same writers who now produce 'Call The Midwife'...
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I think there you have your answer for why Upstairs Downstairs didn't continue. The BBC were looking for a safe success to be their own Downton. Call The Midwife was it. Upstairs Downstairs didn't get the popularity they were looking for, and it cost quite a bit to produce too.
I think the problems with the show - the long shadow of Downton aside - was that the show, other than Jean Marsh, had next to no connection to the original series. I think it would have been far better if a distant relation of the Bellamy family would have inherited 165 Eaton Place and retained that connection to the original.
I love Heidi Thomas' work and really enjoyed Upstairs, Downstairs, but I do think that Call the Midwife's success might have made it far easier to get rid of UD which wasn't rating anywhere near as well as CTM.
That said, I do know it was beset by backstage problems, from Eileen Atkins' departure to Jean Marsh having to be written out for much of the series due to illness. If these problems hadn't resulted in the delay of over a year before the second series airing, it would have done better. People just seemed to forget about it after it was debuted to much fanfare and then disappeared from the airwaves for well over a year.
She and Jean Marsh had something of a fall-out (or loss of closeness, maybe) in real life, according to the tabloids. I wonder if that's the real reason she left the show...
Not for the first time in recent years has the BBC seemingly caved in to ratings, whereas some years ago it would have persevered and nurtured the series whilst allowing the show (and its viewing figures) to improve.
I do wonder if maybe in a few years they could try again, link it from the end of series two but maybe not have Keeley Hawes and some other cast members back, jump a few years to a new heir. It does deserve a second shot.
I thought the best character really was Agnes's sister, Lady Persephone. She was just so complex and interesting to watch, brilliant actress.
DVDs out..
But the BBC are only interested in competing with ITV and chasing viewing figures, oddly since they're not a commercial channel, and cut many good programmes in their prime e.g. The Hour and my personal favourite Ripper Street.
Yes, the new Upstairs Downstairs was very much a genuine period drama compared to the soap opera style Downton Abbey. It's a pity we didn't get a third series as it was very watchable.
Indeed. The whole project just felt a little bit cursed. I can see why they decided to cut their losses with it.
That said, I did enjoy some of the more political elements - it felt a lot meatier than at least the last couple of series of Downton.
(have I just spoilt it for people or can we speak about that now?!)
Yes, I think Lady Persephone was a great character but, like the old series, I thought the downstairs cast was the best. How much could have been done in WWII with the pacifist butler (Adrian Scarborough) and Mrs Thackeray (Anne Reid), the cook! I do hope the BBC's decision to discontinue the series didn't weigh too heavily on Jean Marsh.
1) It tried to be too big, too fast. The original stories were little pot-boilers on how events affected a few characters who we knew well. That's what people were expecting, not "big" plots. "Downton" (the early ones, at least) were very low-key. From "UD", people expected a more claustrophobic atmosphere (as is living in a house like that).
2) Needed more character development. Too many plot strands, not enough characterisation. The obvious box-ticking (e.g. homosexuality, disability) annoyed some people.
3) It had a pedigree (unlike "Downton") - the media were waiting for it to "not be as good" as the original.
4) Behind-the-scene bust up with Eileen Atkins. I mean, when one of the creators of it seems to be thinking it ain't much good...
5) And, quite simply, "Downton" had already stolen the thunder on reviving the servants/masters period-drama thing. Almost pointless to have another one. Had the "UD" revival been the first one, I think it would have lasted longer.
If it was as tense on set I mean..
I've only heard that Jean Marsh has said she was disappointed that it was axed but doesn't regret bringing it back. She blames the timing of it (and she's right). The sad thing is that it was in the pipeline for years before it finally appeared.
The new series only shared the name and nothing else!
The BBC spent ages and ages obtaining the rights iirc but it was doomed once the press made a competitive link between the two. UD was a straight drama but DA is effectively a lush glamorous soap, every frame of which is designed to hook viewers in.