Mr. Selfridge

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Starts this Sunday in PBS. Who's watching?

[EricMontreal22]

It started last Sunday here (on the Seattle PBS.) Seemed alright--I'm always up for some Andrew Davies costume drama. Mr Scripps posted in the Downton thread that it was OK--my issue is with *ahem* the lead actor who I think I'll have to see if he can disappear into the role.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

I've already seen the whole thing and I really loved it.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Downton Abbey withdrawl symptoms had me looking for British shows that I normally wouldn't be aware of, and my search lead me to this. I've watched the first two episodes and it's okay so far. I don't think I'll stick with it.

I've also watched the first two of BBC's similar show, The Paradise, which I prefer. If I keep comparing everything to Downton I'm bound to be disappointed I guess.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

JUST WATCH IT.

His wife looks like so much Jessica Harper it's weird.

Maybe save it to binge watch. I don't know. I just really liked it. I want other people to like it, too.

[Reginald Tresilian]

I promise to try my best to like it, Phyl.

[Mister Matt]

I tried watching the first episode but I found Jeremy Piven absolutely excruciating. But I love The Paradise and I can't wait for it to come back. It has dashes of Charles Dickens, the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen. A bit on the light side lying somewhere between Lark Rise to Candleford and Downton Abbey, but totally engaging and addictive.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

I watch so much British tv that no on else sees, so I just get excited when there's one I've seen airing in the US.

[EricMontreal22]

Now that I've seen the full first episode--I like it. I agree with others that (at least initially) it pales a little compared to the similar The Paradise (but they had the advantage of being based on Zola source material and not just dreary real life.)

[Scripps2]

"they had the advantage of being based on Zola source"

Oh, crikey! He's read Zola as well.

[Scripps2]

"I found Jeremy Piven absolutely excruciating"

So did a lot of the TV critics here.

But he's producing as well so he's not going anywhere.

Series 2 has been commissioned.

[EricMontreal22]

(I've never been able to read Zola... But I am a lemming when it comes to lit adaptations.)

Scripps--how did you like it in the end as a complete series? (Selfridge, I mean.)

[~tiny~]

Piven has a horrible, annoying voice.

[Gothampc]

"Piven has a horrible, annoying voice."

And those horse teeth of his. Oy vey!

[theaterdrew]

I found Piven's affect to be jarringly modern.

The shop girl would have been a more classic and compelling main protagonist.

[Scripps2]

"Scripps--how did you like it in the end as a complete series?"

It's probably the best product placement ever.

My opinion stayed the same - it was okay but not in the league to which it aspires. Piven held my attention because of his swagger - not much else did. And the sets were as bad as the Upstairs Downstairs reboot - the Selfridges' hallway looked as though it was filmed in an empty Edwardian bank.

I was surprised to find that Mr Piven is regarded as being slightly odious by people here. No wonder he's trying to progress his career in the UK - maybe he'll take over from Kevin Spacey at the Old Vic.

[Mister Matt]

I was surprised to find that Mr Piven is regarded as being slightly odious by people here.

I don't think he's regarded as slightly odious. I think he's mostly regarded as fully odious.
Is Jeremy Piven the Biggest Jerk in Showbiz?

[wonkit]

Give that man some more sushi!

[Mr Roxy]

How many episodes are there?

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

PBS has edited a few together, so I think there are eight total.

[best12bars]

Anybody here in the U.S. tuning in for the second season?

I watched the first 2-hour episode, and I actually enjoyed it more than Downton Abbey. The storylines were stronger, the characters seem to have more depth than last season, the pacing was fast, and even the production values seem better now (great lighting---probably Downton Abbey's biggest downfall lately is its horrible lighting and cinematography, despite solid art direction and costumes). I thought the technical aspects of Selfridge were far better, all around.

I know some people have a hard time with Piven in the title role, but there is so much else to enjoy in the other characters and plot lines.

I'm really glad I stayed with it, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this season.

[Huss417]

I have watched all of series 2 already. I won't give away anything but I actually preferred this series over the first one.

It has been renewed for series 3. PBS had a documentary about Selfridge. I actually wish I hadn't watched it as I can see where series 3 is going to go. I also think unless they really draw it out Series 3 will be its last.

[wonkit]

Loved the store, can't stand the series. Piven pulls me right out of it. Pity. With no DOWNTON ABBEY and no SHERLOCK, I may have to start watching DOCTOR WHO.

[EricMontreal22]

I won't say I love it, but I did grow to really enjoy the show. I'm so busy with wrapping up grad studies right now I have to wait till then to pick it back up, but I have it on my DVR.

[Gothampc]

They jumped Season 2 by five years? What is this Mad Men-esque rush to get through the decade? Stop and enjoy the scenery.

Mrs. Selfridge reminds me of a young Sally Field.

I too watched the PBS documentary on Selfridge and I wished I hadn't because it tells too much about where the series is headed. But I love the store and every time I go to London, I pay it a visit.

[best12bars]

Goth, they jumped several years with Downton Abbey at both the beginning AND the end of this last season. Upstairs, Downstairs did the same thing in the '70s. It's nothing new with shows like this.

Mrs. Selfridge may look familiar to you if you've seen either "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" or "Mansfield Park." Frances O'Connor had leading roles in both films.

I'm loving Polly Walker as a new addition to Selfridge this season. I remember her from the movie Enchanted April, among other things.

EDIT: And Huss417, I appreciate the lack of spoilers! Many thanks.