If other costume dramas were like Parade’s End, which primarily is a modern, scathing dissection of how it was ‘back then’, that focused on characters and not aesthetics, then I would happily watch them as affectionately as I do this. But they don’t and despite the success of Parade’s End, I have a feeling they won’t.
So, this wonderful miniseries stands as a unique, stunning drama of its own accord, leading the pack. It engulfs you, it challenges you, and best of all it is far from easy Friday-Night viewing (why it was put in such a graveyard slot, I’ll never know). The penultimate episode isn’t far away, catch up while you can, or at least pre-order the DVD or (I am contractually obliged to add) Blu-Ray (I’m not).
Parade’s End, episode 4/5 airs this Friday on BBC2, 9PM. Downton Abbey returns at some point soon- whenever it returns is too soon…
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7 Comments
The monologue about the sounds of war delivered by Cumberbatch was just… I had goosebumps, was on the edge of my seat looking totally spellbound. Fantastic!!! It’s true that these characters are not easy to love, that’s the most realistic thing about them. They intrigue you that’s why you keep coming back.
This just doesn’t feel like a big fat gimmick, no? Unlike Downton Season 2.
Superb show. And my God can Cumberbatch act.
But Downton Abbey (well, the first series) really is pretty good.
Corby Hall???? It’s Groby Hall – the home of the Groby Tree!
Sorry…
Am finding the series spellbinding. Great review – thank you.