Upstairs Downstairs: Season Two

One can't help but wonder if the creators of the rebooted Upstairs Downstairs were a tad piqued at all the adulation thrown Downton Abbey's way. Lavishly produced and meticulously mounted, this updated series apparently wasn't able to compete and was cancelled after this 2012 second season of six episodes. Surely not helping matters was the absence of Jean Marsh, the lone holdover from the original series, who sadly suffered a stroke and only appears in just a couple of scenes. Also missing in action is venerable Eileen Atkins, whose popular character Maud was killed off after Atkins complained publicly about creative differences. Joining the cast is Alex Kingston as Maud's outspoken scene-stealing half-sister. Series two begins in 1938 as “this house prepares for war.” Diplomat Sir Hallam (Ed Stoppard) is a lone voice against appeasement of Hitler, while Lady Agnes (Keeley Hawes) returns home after a difficult childbirth, and—during her husband's numerous absences—becomes friendly with an American Jewish businessman. Agnes's willful sister is in Germany still enthrall to the Nazis. Among the servants downstairs, there are the usual couplings and uncouplings, with Laura Haddock making a solid impression as the new maid, who attracts the chauffeur. Upstairs Downstairs looms large on the cultural landscape, and many will want to return to 165 Eaton Place—even for a short while. DVD extras include cast and crew interviews. Recommended, overall. (D. Liebenson)