Lark Rise to Candleford: Season 1

I love period dramas, and no one does them better than the British. So, when my sister, who is like-minded, highly recommended this series, I was intrigued, as I had never heard of it. Well, when I saw it was available in on Amazon Prime, I jumped at the opportunity to binge watch it. I was not disappointed! This BBC production is top notch, with excellent production values and first rate acting.Based upon Flora Thompson's semi-autobiographical trilogy, this four season series takes place in rural England in the latter half of the nation's nineteenth century. It explores the symbiotic relationship between the citizens of the hamlet of Lark Rise and those of the little neighboring town of Candleford. They are only approximately eight miles apart, yet the differences between the two are as stark as those between night and day.Lark Rise is firmly entrenched in the past, almost feudal in feel, while Candleford is a bustling hub with a stake in the future. Yet, the two co-exist peacefully, united as they are by the Squire, Sir Timothy, who rules benevolently over them, master of all he surveys. The most prominent of the Lark Shire families is the Timmons family, while in Candleford, Dorcas Lane, the Post Mistress, is central to Candleford life. Dorcas is a cousin of Mrs. Timmons. So, when Laura, the oldest Timmons child is a teenager, her parents send her to apprentice and work at the Candleford post office. It is through Laura's eyes that events unfold.As they live their lives, the characters slowly develop. The intricate and often complex relationships that evolve and the vicissitudes of life that engulf them capture the attention and imagination of the viewer, keeping the viewer enthralled. Each episode leaves the viewer wanting more. Kudos to the actors who bring each and every character delightfully and beautifully to life. Those who love period dramas will surely love this one.

Feeling bereft after Downton Abbey ended, I decided to try out Lark Rise to Candleford, and wow, was I rewarded for my curiosity! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical dramas. It is set around 1895, so things are starting to change (railroads, bicycles, etc), but we haven't yet arrived at the massive changes brought about near World War I. I found that I enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the small town life presented in Lark Rise to Candleford, but I also found myself sad on the inside, thinking about how so many of the characters (if they were real people) would have had their lives destroyed in 20 years by The Great War.But, oh, my! What an all-star cast. Every once and awhile, I'd get a jolt when a new character would appear: She's from BBC's Pride & Prejudice! He's from Downton Abbey! She's from Mansfield Park! It was like a celebrity tour of all the best British actors, and I was constantly astounded at how good the acting was from everyone in the cast.Also, the characters were so fun and funny and maddeningly realistic. I loved that there weren't always happy endings, that some of the characters DON'T change for the better, even when you hope they will. That's life, right?And so many strong female characters! I loved that there is such a variety of them, too. Women who have families, women who have chosen careers, and women who are still deciding who they are and what they want out of life.The first season was definitely my favorite. I loved every episode. Some of the stories got a little less interesting as seasons 2 - 4 progressed, but still good enough that I watched all 4. And indeed, some of my favorite events happened after the first season.

If you are reading this to see why it is no longer free,on prime, and why season 4 disappeared, read on: it is because Amazon let their license with the provider lapse. Please go to customer service and click "chat now" and ask them to make it free again. I spoke with an Amazon rep who said Amazon will place this back as part of Prime ($0) if enough people ask for it.This is a great series, very wholesome. I watch with my kids. Much better than pretty much anything. Please chat with amazon via their online chat page and request Amazon re-add this to their Prime ($0) videos.

Very few shows have characters that are immortalized in your head, and cinematography that is so haunting, so beautiful, that I swear I embark on the road between Lark Rise and Candelford each night. The eccentricities of all the diverse characters, their complex machinations, their own well-written stories makes this show completely consume you. And, Dorcas Lane, is extraordinary (as Minnie would cleverly say) in that she is that type of indomitably, unforgettably clever characters, of such tall stature, that I swear the day I meet her in person, I might just lose it altogether. These characters are so fully fleshed out that they feel so real, and it's hard to even convey this to you, until you've seen this series for yourself. So get a cup of tea, brandy, or even a beer, and just enjoy this show, and let it take you away from reality, into a wholly different world, populated with some of the most colorful characters you'll encounter on any televised drama!!

Absolutely wonderful! Well acted, completely absorbing storylines and loveable, believable characters..However, of course, this will not be for everyone. If you like blockbusters with gore, violence or hot steamy sex scenes-this will bore you rigid (and what are you doing here anyway, in that case?!). But for some of us who have had enough of all of the above, it might just be for you too - the perfect antidote to a very stressful job and hectic life (those of us in the NHS - you might need this boxset on prescription)! Take as medicine. Particularly in a British winter. Sit back, dim the lights, candles, a blanket and a nice cuppa - enjoy!

A total classic from the BBC. These series have everything: wonderful costumes, authentic set design, well-drawn characters, engaging scripts and, above all, a fantastic ensemble cast. These series deliver for the most part great plots, genuine drama, appropriate pathos, bearable bathos and plenty of hugely enjoyable comedy. Yes, the stories are cosy, and the "poor folk/rich folk" hokiness will be too much for some, but if you can suspend your cynicism there is much to treasure here. The whole cast is fabulous although for me special mention must go to Julia Sawalha (Dorcas Lane), Ruby Bentall (Minnie); Victoria Hamilton and Matilda Ziegler (the fantastic Misses Pratt), Sandy McFadden (Margaret Browne), Mark Heap (Thomas Browne) and Linda Bassett (Queenie). If you're looking for a beautifully-realised world you can immerse yourself in and perhaps emerge from a little less cynical and a little more joyful, then lose yourself somewhere between Larkrise and Candleford. BBC costume drama at its absolute best.

I saw a few episodes on TV and was quite impressed. I bought the, box set to watch with my wife. I LOVED this! I am not a big fan of period romance etc. Downton Abbey is okay but I couldn't wait to watch another episode of Larkrise. I was disappointed when it came to an end. The writing is superb. The original novels hint of the story's but the screen writer did a superb job. Almost all the actors were perfect. I find Dawn French hard to see as serious but that's because she is so funny in everything else. This may not be most men's idea of a great show but I don't care. This would be one of my desert island box sets!

I'm always amused by those who describe works such as Lark Rise To Candleford as "another British costume drama". They do it so well these commentators. Patronising geese. Some of them may even be professionals. Often they are American. Not that's there's anything wrong with kiss kiss bang bang stories beloved of those on the other side of the Atlantic. No question, The Wire is brilliant drama too, but Lark Rise is also brilliant drama, and the winks, and nods, and smiles, and looks, by the characters in the many stories, in the English countryside, can be just as explosive and meaningful as any kiss or any bang in any American drama.The great strength of Lark Rise is the ensemble nature of the work, and the care, in writing, directing, casting, acting, etc, that has gone into the smallest role to the biggest. It is a powerful piece of work that has themes that resonate today - themes of justice, work, gender, class, law et al.My feeling is that William Shakespeare would himself nod in approval at the work, even to the use of music on the soundtrack, the poetry introduced en passant, and the songs that pepper the narrative."Lords and Ladies and groundlings would like this work!"he may well say.

I had never seen this before and didn't really know much about it but, after thorougly enjoying Cranford, I was looking around for something similar and this series certainly fits the bill.Although not as good as Cranford (not half as humerous in my humble opinion)it has a lot in common including fine acting, script and direction. It also lets many of the great actresses of our day lead the way, which is unusual for any TV series. I have to admit I found it slow going at first and wasn't sure if I liked it or not to begin with. Then again, I think I was comparing it too much to Cranford and had to let go of that to finally enjoy it for what it is. After finishing the first disc I was hooked and suddenly found myself staying up late to watch 'just one more episode'.The characters are fully fleshed out, never just two-dimensional and make you feel for them with every trial and tribulation they go through. Even the tiresome and ever so spiteful Pratt sisters have their moment with an episode which deals with the return of their estranged Father. But this series (so far) surely belong to Miss Dorcas Lane and her attempts to move on with her life whilst working through her heartache. Tea and cake in the garden usually helps her do this - her one weakness!I am greatly looking forward to watching Series 2 (3 and 4) and visiting Lark Rise and Candleford for many more evenings.