PBS's Masterpiece ordinarily maintains a high standard of quality, but this BBC series about machinations within the haute couture industry in post-World War II Paris is an exception. The main protagonist is Paul Sabine (Richard Coyle), who strives to make his family's firm the driving force behind France's return to leadership in the world of fashion. But his hopes are jeopardized by his family—manipulative mother Yvette (Frances de la Tour), independent-minded wife Helen (Mamie Gummer), and especially his gay brother Claude (Tom Riley), the company's brilliant designer, whose reckless hedonism threatens prospects for creating a new line. To add to Paul's problems, a gruff American reporter (Stanley Townsend) is looking into rumors of his collaboration with the Nazis during the occupation, and a police inspector (Allan Corduner) is asking pesky questions about a body found on the Sabines' rural property. Meanwhile, Paul hires the reporter's naïve photographer (Max Deacon), who in turn develops a romantic interest in beautiful seamstress-turned-model Nina (Jenna Thiam). Stuffed with subplots about mysterious secrets and characters that never really engage one's sympathy, The Collection is often lovely to look at—especially when the dresses are on display—but dramatically stilted. Compiling all eight episodes from 2016, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Optional. (F. Swietek)
The Collection
PBS, 3 discs, 390 min., not rated, DVD: $49.99, Blu-ray: $59.99 Volume 33, Issue 1
The Collection
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