‘One of the most underrated period dramas ever’ is streaming on Amazon Prime
This ‘charming’ period drama is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, having long been praised by viewers for how its story ‘pulls you in.’
Titled The Paradise, the BBC costume drama premiered its first series in 2012, with a second following in 2013.
Still today, fans are gutted that a third instalment was never commissioned, with its arrival on Amazon Prime allowing past audiences to relive the magic, while others can discover it for the first time.
Starring Joanna Vanderham, Emun Elliott, Sonya Cassidy, Stephen Wight, and more, The Paradise begins in 1875.
It follows the lives and relationships of those who shop and trade in and around England’s first-ever department store, The Paradise, which is owned by widower John Moray (Elliott).
Denise Lovett (Vanderham) soon enters the world from her small town of Peebles in Scotland, and she’s swept up in the charm of a modern world.
She quickly catches Moray’s eye, as he believes her to be a promising talent, much to the annoyance of long-standing, older staff members, such as the head of ladies’ fashion.
Meanwhile, Katherine (Elaine Cassidy) is determined to marry Moray, who is already financially dependent on her father, Lord Glendenning (Patrick Malahide) – so, to her, Denise is a threat.
As for the second season, upon its return with new ownership, The Paradise has fallen on troubled times and is at risk of being sold – can its fortunes be revived?
The series, which is an adaptation of Émile Zola’s 1883 novel Au Bonheur des Dames, was filmed at Lambton Castle in County Durham, which offers grand scenery after being converted to resemble a booming Victorian department store.
It was reported that The Paradise had an £8million budget, allowing creators to splurge on style to match the substance.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, The Paradise has an 84% score from audiences, with the first series averaging a 4.2-star rating out of 5.
Among the comments, Christiana H writes: ‘I thought it was wonderful, witty, funny, a good period drama and amazing! The colours, the clothing, the storyline and the actors I give 5 stars!! I loved it!’
‘It pulls you in and you can’t wait for the next episode. I love period dramas. I wish there were more than two seasons,’ says Jennifer S.
Robbie K also compares the series to a ‘comforting blanket,’ while others praised the ‘immersive’ performances from characters who will ‘never be forgotten’.
As for critics, Dorothy Rabinowitz of the Wall Street Journal calls it ‘spectacularly entertaining,’ and Scott Elingburg says it has ‘all the right moves.’
‘Its sexuality is subtle and charming. Its characters are magnetic and distinct. Its scenes pop with colour and vibrance,’ he pens.
‘Buyer beware: You’re about to be charmed,’ quips Matt Roush of TV Guide.
The Paradise consists of 16 episodes, with its guest stars also a major selling point.
They include the likes of Mark Bonnar and Adrian Scarborough, as well as award-winning Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire, who appears in several episodes as Madame Aurélie Lhomme.
Furthermore, the plot is accompanied by a stunning soundtrack, composed by Maurizio Malagnini, to transport viewers back in time. The score, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, won a Music + Sound Award in 2013.
Alas, The Paradise ended after two seasons due to low ratings, as the broadcaster confirmed in 2014.
At the time, other relatively new dramas such as Death in Paradise, Sherlock, and Silk were performing better, as was Mr Selfridge.
The rival ITV series starring Jeremy Piven followed a similar story of how the American retail tycoon moved to Britain to open up high-end department store Selfridges
The Paradise is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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