I watched a few episodes of this latest historical series on PBS.Its about a bunch of rich country people, on their estate, ca 1830’s. Pretty tough life…although the men have it pretty good. I was particularly interested in how the men liked the pushed-up boobs look-those women must have been uncomfortable after a few hours dressed that way. Anybody notice the party where the nude woman was the centerpiece? Quite rique…I had no idea that these people were so comfortable with public nudity. Anyway, I found eating raspberries off a beautiful woman;'s body quite an interesting idea…will have to try that one out for a party some time!
I was also intrigued by the creepy german doctor and his collection of preserved corpses…pretty morbid, but educational.
How long does the series last?
Oh, one other question: the servants were dressed in the style of the 1750’s (powdered wigs, greatcoats, knee britches).Why was this?eminded me of Mr. Bumble (the warder of the orphange in OLIVER TWIST)-some people kept the styles of the 1700’suntill well into the 19th century.
There’s only one more episode, alas – I’ve really been enjoying this. I saw this episode twice (watched it again yesterday because I wasn’t paying very good attention Wednesday night), and I’m still not sure what the explanation was behind the nude centerpiece thing – esp. since the woman in question was one of the “guests” at the house party.
Good point on the servants’ garb – I hadn’t really noticed that, but you’re right. I’m guessing it was some kind of tradition/status thing – after all, their judges and barristers still wear wigs till this very day. 
The woman (a real-life Countess) read about that in a book from the era and decided to shake things up by recreating the event. With the hostess’ blessing, of course.
Oh, and I think the time period is supposed to be about 1811 not 1830 so the butlers’ costumes weren’t that out of date. More Austen than Dickens.
IIRC the final episode is this Wednesday night.
The center piece (live) was done if the person in question had a high social status and the chaperone was present.
I’ve been watching and taping and I still managed to miss the naked centerpiece!
What bothered me most about the latest episode (with the anatomy lessons) was that this is supposed to be a glorified reality dating show, and none of these people are making any moves, with the exception of the young guy going after the older chaperone. Oh, there have been a few daisy chains and love notes that have fallen flat. But on the last episode, Mr. Carrington had a little cameo where he said something about not being comfortable making a move right now. And Miss Hopkins, who has all the guys a-twitter for some strange reason, finally admitted that she really can’t read men well and always goes for the one who doesn’t like her. But there is so little flirting going on that I’m beginning to despair for the continuation of the British line! Even the huge, grand gesture of the B-Happy sign on the lawn just went…nowhere.
Am I missing some more subtle signs of active libidos?
As for the servant’s clothes, I believe it has often been traditional for servants to dress in a style of about a generation or two behind their masters.