This series is OK. The amazing adulation it receives on IMDb from American viewers is mysterious, however. It think we must put it down to that famous American sentimentality (remember the Waltons, anyone?) and the roses-round-the-door England of their imaginations.
Dench and Palmer are extremely good, and would be good even if you just told them to read out the phone book. Their characters are realistic and believable, and they act in a naturalistic fashion. They and the two girls are almost the only cast members who do this, however.
Philip Bretherton seems miscast. Although he plays the part well, it always stands out a mile to me that he is very much acting against type. I think they needed someone just a little showier for the role. And let's face it, Alistair is not a realistic character.
When we get to Rocky and Madge and their world in the so-called 'country', we are suddenly on a completely different planet. Total overacting is the order of the day. It's as if we were seeing a drawing-room comedy on the London stage of a long bygone era, complete with voices designed to reach the back of the auditorium. The plot equally loses all touch with reality as soon as they and their coterie appear.
As for Aunt Penny, words fail me.
Dench and Palmer are extremely good, and would be good even if you just told them to read out the phone book. Their characters are realistic and believable, and they act in a naturalistic fashion. They and the two girls are almost the only cast members who do this, however.
Philip Bretherton seems miscast. Although he plays the part well, it always stands out a mile to me that he is very much acting against type. I think they needed someone just a little showier for the role. And let's face it, Alistair is not a realistic character.
When we get to Rocky and Madge and their world in the so-called 'country', we are suddenly on a completely different planet. Total overacting is the order of the day. It's as if we were seeing a drawing-room comedy on the London stage of a long bygone era, complete with voices designed to reach the back of the auditorium. The plot equally loses all touch with reality as soon as they and their coterie appear.
As for Aunt Penny, words fail me.