Per the tweet from Neil Jackson (Spargo): https://twitter.com/#!/TheNeilJackson/status/193405500031905792
I'm a bit disappointed despite my gripes with the show. Though, with everyone either dead or leaving the house because of the war, I don't see how the "Upstairs Downstairs" aspect could have been preserved. Perhaps the original producers' decision to decline taking the show into the 30s was spot on.
[deleted]
There was a story that could be continued but I felt that it would be 50/50 if there would be a third series. The second series did not do as well as the first, nor was it as good.
Its that man again!!
Hugely enjoyed it myself, despite the negative comparisons with Downton Abbey, but knew the BBC couldn't justify the expense of a third series with the drop in viewing figures.
shareIt really is unfair to compare it to DA. It isn't about a country estate but a city house and there were many differences. I am enjoying season 2 just as much as season 1 and sorry they aren't continuing on. I love period series and movies no matter what else is on and will miss this show.
"Sometimes you have to know when to put a cork in it."
~Frasier
[deleted]
Well, the novel has a very depressing theme because those times were very hard on people. Have you read any Thomas Hardy novels? He wrote Tess and his other works are based on the same themes. Try Far From the Madding Crowd which I read as a teenager after seeing the movie with Julie Christie. His wrote about the Victorian era which he lived through. The Mayor of Casterbridge is not as depressing as Tess and PBS did a fine adaption with the BBC or BBC alone did it, not sure.
"Sometimes you have to know when to put a cork in it."
~Frasier
me too gaeliclass. i adore D.A., but i enjoyed this one as well. i liked seeing this different perspective, a little further along in the history and evolution of service & the working classes, and from the more middle-class POV; a different dynamic altogether from Downton.
.
I am sorry the BBC declined to do a Season 3. I enjoyed this series.
shareThis is disappointing! Season 2 had so many wonderful moments. It felt so contemporary, yet steeped in history all at the same time. I was really looking forward to a season 3. Plus it ended with so many story lines hanging; I wanted to find out what would happen to everyone.
I'm getting pretty tired of all the comparisons among the Brit shows. Just let them all occupy their own space and moment. Constantly comparing them all is just silly.
Wow people, I don't recall a series like this ever having this many outward and behind the scenes problems plaguing it, not to mention how weak the plot lines were and the acting...shiver! This was not a surprise, just wishful thinking.
Sad the news comes from a cast member on twitter. Shameful.
Also partial funding was from PBS/Masterpiece. I am betting they didn't renew.
That's showbiz, folks!
Also partial funding was from PBS/Masterpiece. I am betting they didn't renew.
Also partial funding was from PBS/Masterpiece. I am betting they didn't renew.
I guess I can say I've got a mixture of feelings. I didn't think it would make it, but I sort of had this pain in my heart when it actaully was decided on. I think what stings more than anything is that people are blaming its failure on it's "rival" on ITV, and really, how can you compare them? Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins' comments may have got the fire going, but the media did not and will not stop with this. I almost wish they would just say the show didn't do well because of weak stories or acting or whatever and be doen with it. Just stop making this constant comparison! Least let UD go because of it's own issues, and not because it's not, supposedly, as good as some run- of-the-mill, "been there done that" common, period soap! There! I said it!
I'd say it again if I had to.
"He's the very pineapple of politeness"
Despite problems with scripts and cast changes, I think it was a matter of timing: had it come along a year or two earlier, I think it would have stood a better chance; and of being overshadowed (and unfavorably compared to) DOWNTON ABBEY (ironically, its direct descendant).
"In my case, self-absorption is completely justified."
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118052979.html?cmpid=RSS|News|TVNews
shareDissappointed to hear this. I enjoyed it and was curious to see how the war years would be covered.
You're an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks, to collect a bill
Bloody disappointing, still so much of the story to be told. Should have carried on till AT-LEAST the end of World War 2.
I'm just sorry that the BBC don't know when they're onto a good thing...
_________________________________
I think that's the thing. They weren't onto a good thing.
Such a shame. I didn't watch the 2nd series but just got the box set so I could watch it all in one hit.
I've read so many mixed reviews here that I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it or not. Having just read there will be no further story development - I'm wondering if it's worth the bother to watch it at all.
When you think of dross like 'My family' that is now in it's 37th series - or something like that - how on earth can the BBC dump a 'potential' jewel like UD?
I reckon they should write a new series around Anne Reid's character starting up her own hotel. Oh no wait - they already did that. It was called The Dutchess Of Duke Street.
That's 1 up for ITV I suppose. And a few red faces and gnashing teeth over in White City.
Such a shame. I didn't watch the 2nd series but just got the box set so I could watch it all in one hit.
I've read so many mixed reviews here that I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it or not. Having just read there will be no further story development - I'm wondering if it's worth the bother to watch it at all.
When you think of dross like 'My family' that is now in it's 37th series - or something like that - how on earth can the BBC dump a 'potential' jewel like UD?
I reckon they should write a new series around Anne Reid's character starting up her own hotel. Oh no wait - they already did that. It was called The Dutchess Of Duke Street.
That's 1 up for ITV I suppose. And a few red faces and gnashing teeth over in White City.
A terrible shame. These kinds of decisions really depress me, actually. Personally I don't understand any of the complaints people have made about the acting on the show and am even more baffled by complaints about the writing. It's some of the best I've seen in a long time, and I'm really glad to see quality television tossed unceremoniously on the scrap-heap.
sharelikelickety, I'm curious to know what else you've been watching. I grant you, the writing even on British TV fare has experienced a slump in recent years; however, there are a few series out there that feature better writing and production than U/D (2010 version). U/D's other fatal flaw: it never came close to equaling the original U/D, which at 40, continues to set the standard for period drama, right beside the original Forsyte Saga.
Put puppy mills out of business: never buy dogs from pet shops!