UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS

Gentle Readers,

A new version of Upstairs, Downstairs is on Masterpiece Theatre and I am positively squealing with delight.

George V has just died. Edward VIII is the new king. And the new inhabitants of 165 Eaton Place are newlyweds who must hire servants. Who runs the agency where Lady Agnes goes looking for servants? Why, Rose (Jean Marsh), of course, who was the upstairs maid utterly devoted to her 165 Eaton Place family for so very many years.

Now Rose is training the new and mostly inexperienced staff. The family's first disaster occurs when Sir Hallam Holland's mother moves in with her son and his wife. When Lady Agnes gives her first party, her mother-in-law announces that she has run into Mrs. Simpson and invited her. Mrs. Simpson asks if she may bring a guest. Of course, of course, and everyone assumes it will be the king.

Well, guess what? It's not.

How will they get rid of their uninvited and unwanted guest who could damage Sir Hallam's reputation?

You must watch to find out.

I didn't know if I could possibly enjoy an update of such a classic as Upstairs, Downstairs because I loved the original so much. But I already find the new version to be absolutely delightful.

Check your local PBS station for days and times, but Masterpiece is usually on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. EST.

Don't miss an episode. The behind the scenes machinations have already begun.

Infinities of love,

Lola