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The Daily Beast: "Upstairs Downstairs Returns to PBS’ Masterpiece"

After 36 years, beloved period drama Upstairs Downstairs returns to American television on Sunday with new characters and the original co-creators checking into 165 Eaton Place.

Over at The Daily Beast, you can read my latest feature, entitled "Upstairs Downstairs Returns to PBS’ Masterpiece," in which I speak to Upstairs Downstairs' Dame Eileen Atkins, Jean Marsh, Keeley Hawes, and Ed Stoppard about the new series, set in 1936 and launching on Sunday evening. Among the topics under discussion: how the period drama relates to today's viewing audience, the character of Lady Maud (complete with monkey Solomon) played by Dame Eileen Atkins, the rivalry with ITV's Downton Abbey, and the broad-sweeping political and social themes of the three-episode season.

Upstairs Downstairs launches Sunday evening at 9 pm ET/PT on PBS' Masterpiece. Check your local listings for details.
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Debbie said…
I thought this first episode of the relaunched Upstairs Downstairs provided a nice background for where we go from here. We got to know a little bit about everyone but did not delve too deeply into anyone.

Though I was disappointed that it was only a single hour for the first episode (Downton Abbey at least had 1 1/2 hour episodes), I can only hope the suspense, excitement, and romance get amped up in coming weeks.

My understanding is that this is just a 3-episode season of the show, but I hope we see plenty of Lady Maud and Rose after these initial three episodes. By far, they are the most interesting pieces of the ensemble at this point.
4/11/2011
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