Belgravia

The creators of Downton Abbey have seamlessly transitioned from the country estate to a London neighborhood for their new project, keeping everything that defines this genre intact. They've once again succeeded and delivered exactly what I expected from them. But then again, I must admit I'm not the most objective viewer. There's something about that old England that I just can't get enough of — full of snobs, clearly defined classes, and romance intertwined with pragmatism. I found myself thoroughly satisfied with the casting choices for each role, the impeccable costumes, and the overall visible professionalism of the production. It's a solid accomplishment. / Lesson learned: Check your genealogy and hope. (01.04.2022)

It's often said that everyone has their Achilles' heel. I'm no exception. Most of the time, I'm a cynical bastard who can make fun of almost any situation. I don't flinch at the sight of a dissected human anatomy, and I don't consider myself soft in other regards either. However, show me an English tale with manors, and people above and below the stairs, and I'll eat it right up. I'm quite satisfied with the first episode, especially since the creators managed to deftly intertwine historical events into the narrative. However, I still suspect I'll enjoy the English setting much more than Belgium. / Lesson learned: Are you looking forward to war? Unless you're a scavenger, you're making a mistake. 3*+ (31.03.2022)

Just as I expected, Napoleon set out to explore the wonders of Saint Helena (the island, of course), the English returned home, and suddenly, the plot became much more enjoyable. The nobility remains stagnant, the merchants are thriving, and the servants are displaying their enterprising spirit — all while various social intrigues and manipulations unfold seamlessly. It's the perfect blend that keeps me entertained in these narratives, even though I have to put up with the naivety and sentimentality that, under different circumstances, I would sharply criticize. / Lesson learned: You can't deny genetics. 4*- (31.03.2022)

The third episode wasn't quite what I had anticipated. It's not that the plot lacked interest, but I missed more interactions between the masters and the servants. Instead, the focus shifted to the industry, with the likable Alice Eve playing a character who turns out to be the biggest bitch. I'm curious to see which direction the second half of the season will take. (31.03.2022)

This time, the creators brought the plot back to where I wanted it to be. While I didn't delve into commodity prices and business plans, I was treated to the traditional manipulations and intrigues of Victorian England. It was these cunning schemes, executed by seemingly moral characters, that I had been eagerly anticipating. The only thing that threw me off was Tara Fitzgerald playing the mother of the female heroine. It's at times like these when I realize just how old I am. / Lesson learned: Always use contraception, no matter the circumstances. (01.04.2022)

The episode felt identical to the previous one, with the finale looming ahead at a dizzying speed. Surprisingly enough, I found myself quite impressed. I couldn't have imagined that the creators would manage to tie up all the loose ends in the remaining time, but they might just pull it off. / Lesson learned: Not all clergymen are the same. (01.04.2022)

I have to say, the creators handled the finale quite well. They didn't go overboard with the final speeches and heart-wrenching insights; they gave us just the right dose to handle without plunging into a silent depression. Everything wrapped up as expected, which isn't surprising for stories like these — it's more of a romance novel kind of vibe. Despite the predictability, I had a good time because I knew what I was getting into, and I'm definitely not one to complain. / Lesson learned: When you're drowning, forget about clutching at straws, and just grab onto a rope. (01.04.2022)