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Lilies
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I have been very surprised with this show as I have found the acting and writing to be very good.
I am very much enjoying stories and learning about the characters, how they lived and dealt with issues surrounding the UK after World War I.
The only disappointment I have got is that BBC chose the wrong time to show it because many go out on a Friday night and therefore it is loosing its audience. Plus Ugly Betty is on at the same time on C4.
I only hope BBC continues to make such quality programs.
I am very much enjoying stories and learning about the characters, how they lived and dealt with issues surrounding the UK after World War I.
The only disappointment I have got is that BBC chose the wrong time to show it because many go out on a Friday night and therefore it is loosing its audience. Plus Ugly Betty is on at the same time on C4.
I only hope BBC continues to make such quality programs.
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It is however, from a historical aspect, very accurate with great costumes, sets and none of the ladies look like they are a bunch of WAGS. This is a rarity these days from the BBC with inaccuracies from shows like Robin Hood, Life On Mars and Doctor Who. The makers of these shows could take a lesson from this production.
Firstly, pubs like The Baltic Fleet NEVER served food of any description, including scouse, around the turn of the 20th century! Food in pubs is a relatively new idea.
Secondly, a Liverpool father of that time would NEVER cook a meal for his three daughters! The idea would just be unthinkable. Cookery was very much woman's work. My grandfather, who would be the age that Dadda is in the show, didn't even know if he took sugar in his tea because it was always handed to him ready to drink. I don't even remember ever seeing him in the kitchen...
Other than that it's been excellent, with very few of the jarring speech anachronisms that ruin many other shows.
As my Great-Great Grandmother was from Toxteth in Liverpool I watch this programme with an added interest. My mom's nan used to use some of the sayings/expressions used in the show especially the one about the Tallyman. My mom used to live with her parents, grandparents, sister and aunt, uncle and cousins in a small terraced house in the '50s. Her nan always used to say the Tallyman would be round but never understood what she meant until she watched this programme.
Great acting, costumes, script etc.
May is my favourite character.
The acting and writing is top notch, though I don't think that Iris's scouse accent is particularly good. :rolleyes: The red haired one (the middle daughter?) is spot on though.
The actor playing 'Dadda' is very good too.
I hope the BBC see sense and commission a 2nd series of this....
I hope they schedule it better next time though. What about 9pm on Wednesday evening? Traditionally a very poor night for BBC1?
Love the period
Love the fact that its not based in London
Love the acting!
My fav character is the daughter who is 'in the family way' (love that expression!). Im a few weeks behind btw!
Hopefully it will win sone awards. How are the figures for it?
Tc
I think what makes it interesting is its during a time period when things were really starting to change - particularly for women and given there are three young women featured I think it really shows the challenges they had to face and overcome which allowed women more freedom that we enjoy today.
I think its a great drama.
From Liverpool myself and still love reading the books of Helen Forrester and Lyn Andrews, 'Tuppence to cross the Mersey' etc, this programme is like a visual version of them!
Really hope it gets a second series - any chance the BBC's comissioning editors go on Digital Spy? If not, they should!
Or has has my Sky Plus box failed to record it?!
The last one we saw dada came home.
Tc
Has anyone heard if it will be returning?
Lillies should have had the Rough Diamond slot and its promotions.
BBC Lilies website says it has still not heard if is being re-commisioned.
I think it's assumed Lilies won't get a second series because the ratings suffered because of a) poor scheduling - why Friday night?, b) same problem as a) but Celebrity Big Brother took a lot of viewers away from the show, which had opened pretty well, and c) atrocious marketing from the BBC ... they clearly never had faith in the show, which is ridiculous, considering it's one of the classiest drama series they've produced in ages.
However, looking at the poor showing of Castaway in the same slot, I wonder if Lilies might be given a reprieve? Or perhaps I'm clutching at straws .... Either way, we haven't had 'official' info.
The logic driving a second series is reasonable - the show wasn't given a proper chance but secured an 88 AI (appreciation index) rating amongst those who DID get to see it. Lilies ticks lots of BBC 'charter' boxes. Lilies costs about £700k per episode - that's not alot for period drama, and the sets are still standing in Aintree. The writer, Heidi Thomas, is a huge talent and clearly has a big career with the BBC (adapting Cranford next year for example). The actors are relatively unknown (though excellent) and comparatively cheap. The Yanks would love this too. It makes sense for the BBC to re-commission.
But I'm not optimistic.
For the first time ever I have actually emailed BBC execs over this show. I genuinely feel that this is a true test of the BBC's mettle, its future direction, its role and its value as a public service broadcaster, to which we pay good hard cash hoping for quality TV, not just jumped-up ITV wannabes and soapy drivel ratings chasers. Don't get me wrong. I like a lot of populist people-pleasing stuff, but I also want difference, choice and quality in my viewing pleasures.
I loved the series. It was charming and timeless!
Tc