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Manor House Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2003 - 2003
Episode 1
Upstairs Downstairs
Mon, Apr 28, 2003 60 mins
A real-life "Upstairs, Downstairs" that charts Edwardian-era life for servants and masters in a Scottish mansion. Part 1 introduces the staff and the family (Sir John and Lady Olliff-Cooper and their two sons) they will be waiting on for three months. To call the social hierarchy "rigid" is an understatement, with rules for the staff that govern even when they may use the water closet. As a sign on a wall in one maid's bedroom says: "Humility is a servant's true dignity." Derek Jacobi narrates.
Episode 2
Making the Grade
Mon, Apr 28, 2003 60 mins
"Making the Grade" (Part 2 of six) follows the runup to Sir John and Lady Orliff-Cooper's first formal dinner (for 20). For family it's a "minefield" of protocal, but they don't have to do the work. And the staff, which does, comes to resent it more and more, particularly the new scullery maid (the first one quit after two days). And then, after Mr. Edgar decides to allow a staff party to let off steam, footman Charlie and hall boy Kenny are in no shape to work as the dinner looms. As to its cost: it's twice what Kenny would have earned in all of 1906. Derek Jacobi narrates.
Episode 3
The Servants Revolt
Tue, Apr 29, 2003 60 mins
It's four weeks into the three-month "Edwardian experiment" as Part 3 (of six) begins and, perhaps not surprisingly, "The Servants Revolt." One reason: they haven't had a day off yet. "All we have to look forward to is bedtime," moans first maid Rebecca. Upstairs at Manderston (also not surprisingly) it's a different story. Sir John "is taking to it like a duck to water," says Lady Olliff-Cooper. To enhance their standing among the gentry, Sir John has decided to host a charity bazaar for 350 (plus some uninvited socialists). But first, there's that pesky staff revolt to quell. Derek Jacobi narrates.
Episode 4
Tough Love
Tue, Apr 29, 2003 60 mins
Part 4 (of six): Hall boy Kenny and the new scullery maid, Ellen, fall in love, but it's "Tough Love," because romance between servants is forbidden and Sir John, dismayed at recent laxities, wants to "tighten Edwardian standards." But that comes back to haunt him when the chef, M. Dubiard, insists on preparing high-fat dishes common a century ago. And other family members are more unsettled by the Edwardian lifestyle than Sir John (who also concedes that he's putting aside his 21st-century moral code to host hunting parties). Lady Olliff-Cooper is chafing under the "awesome formality" demanded of her, and her sister, Miss Avril, has had enough of it and decides to leave Manderston. Derek Jacobi narrates.
Episode 5
Days of Empire
Wed, Apr 30, 2003 60 mins
It's 1911 at Manderston as Part 5 (of six) begins: George VI is crowned Emperor of India, and Sir John and Lady Olliff-Cooper are celebrating with a costumed Empire Ball for 50 guests. "It's no great difficulty at all," says the increasingly confident lady of the manor (who'll go as Marie Antoinette) offhandedly. Downstairs, no one would agree. But before that grand occasion, comes a smaller "raj dinner", with entertainment planned by Master Guy's tutor, Mr. Raj Singh. It's not without problems, and chef Dubiard's sudden illness isn't the only reason why. Resentment against Mr. Raj Singh surfaces because of his uncertain social status. Even Sir John concedes that he's "between stairs." Derek Jacobi narrates.
Episode 6
Winners and Losers
Wed, Apr 30, 2003 60 mins
Conclusion: "Winners and Losers" chronicles the final week for masters and servants at Manderston, where cracks in the rigid social structure are widening. "The staff has imploded," is how Sir John puts it. In fact, the staff is feted, at a catered Servants' Ball, held downstairs, which marks Sir John and Lady Olliff-Cooper's first foray into the servants' area. Then it's time for farewells and philosophizing about the Edwardian era. "Hierarchy and discipline have their place up to a point, but what's missing is communication," says Mr. Edgar, the unflappable butler. "Without the truth, a society is sick." Derek Jacobi narrates.