Mr Selfridge

When I first read about the show I was skeptical, but I found I fell in love with it from first view. The way the story is distributed among multiple characters is definitely something you don't see every day, or at least not with the quality that "Mr Selfridge" has. I'm reminded how relationships run on the fast track, how they lack foundation and are never really secure, how decisions are made on a whim, when you're overwhelmed or when you feel you need more from life that you're currently getting. The fact that everyone is susceptible to passion and making mistakes is at the core of all human beings and the cast of the show portray it beautifully through a much needed emotional acting that most shows fail to provide. The splendor of the fashion world and the eagerness of the workers reveal the inner beauty of times long gone. Mr Selfridge has become one of my favourite period dramas and I have high hopes for its future.

I'm a late arrival to this true gem of a series, giving me the distinct benefit and joy of watching back-to-back episodes in a binge viewing. Frankly, my initial reaction was "what could be interesting about a department store?" I'm glad I went with a friend's recommendation and had a view.

Mr. Selfridge is a finely handled period piece which continues the tradition of exceptional British drama. Jeremy Piven is an inspired choice for Mr. Selfridge, showing his dramatic chops once again in a difficult and demanding role. I've often thought Mr. Piven had more to show us, and this series gives him the opportunity.

As well, the rest of the cast is strong and well-defined. It didn't take long to get hooked into the varied tribulations, trials and triumphs of the characters.

As a confirmed Downton Abbey fan, I thought this series would be a pale copy. I was wrong. It holds it's own very well. The challenge of balancing the factual aspects of Selfridge's history with the fictional, yet realistically painted accounts of the people behind the store, has been very capably managed by the writers. The drive, innovation, quality and forward thinking of the actual Selfridge has been captured here in a way that makes the viewer see how astonishing and astute Selfridge the businessman was.

Kudos to everyone involved. And the theme music for the series is truly inspired. Every time I hear it, I want to shop.

As the old saying goes.. What the previous bad reviewers of this series are watching or expect, god alone knows!! This really is an excellent series! Brilliant acting, well scripted and directed and a great story to boot! Also, regarding Jeremy Priven, I personally think he is perfect playing the roll of the flamboyant American entrepreneur in a rather stayed post Edwardian London. Bearing all this in mind,Please don't allow the tiny number of pathetic, sad, need a life, armchair critics on here sway you from watching it. As you can certainly see yourself from the amount of people who truly don't agree their comments,they are definitely in the minority on this one!

I admit that I'm surprised and puzzled by the number of negative reviews of Mr. Selfridge on this site. I'm actually wondering if I'm watching a completely different show from the one many reviewers describe! Beginning with the dazzling opening credits and stylish musical score, this show is an absolute joy every week. I fail to understand how anyone can possibly be unimpressed by the gorgeous period costumes and sets and the fine, subtle performances of most of the cast. If there's a weakness to be found, it's with Jeremy Piven's acting, though I admit that even he's starting to grow on me as his character begins to acquire a little more dimension. But there's so much else that's wonderful about this series, including engaging story lines, that Piven can almost be overlooked. Overall, it's a light, frothy confection that charms and delights in an easy way that few shows ever manage. But I suppose charm is out of fashion. And please, let's stop comparing it to Downton Abbey, which it's not even attempting to replicate, and judge it on its own merits, which are considerable.

When I saw this series advertised, I thought- Ah yes, another period series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love series set decades (or in this case, a century) ago. However, in recent times, with the growth in number of these shows, I worry that some are churned out lacking the necessary quality and are present more as an exhibition of period clothing than exceptional story lines. This show, however, was just excellent in my opinion. It challenges viewers whilst capturing the time period. The characters are all divine in their ways. One even finds a place in their hearts for the least desirable characters on the show. I think Mr Selfridge, as well as Call the Midwife, should be ranked and awarded as highly as Oscar-winning Mad Men. Mr Selfridge surpasses expectations by tenfold. For viewers reading this review, who agree with my appreciation of Mr Selfridge, I also recommend Call the Midwife.