Some Sort of Trick

The beauty of this show is that many of the characters are so ensconced in their own self-importance that they walk over everyone. They have no principles and take their greatest joy in outdoing each other. It's as if they were in a real war where the casualties are two competing Opera Houses or a marriage proposal or a house in the country. Right now, Mrs. Russell is on a roll. But who should show up but a former servant who has the goods on Mr. Russell. In the background is bad blood among the servants. That witchy woman can't seem to figure out that all she has to do is mind her own business. And, at some point, these "pillars" of industry are going to take action against striking workers. A lost is at stake.

The Russells are why we're here. Their chemistry, their storyline, the presence, makes the show. Christine Baranski continues to do a poor Maggie Smith impersonation and I don't know what's going on with Cynthia Nixon. Was she kicked by a horse or something?

Miss Brooke's acting has improved since season one. Everyone else in the scene still acts circles around her but at least she's not doing the same hand gestures over and over again and that's refreshing.

I'm really intrigued by the Russell's son and his new romance with the seedy woman from The Good Wife. The sets are gorgeous and while the dialog feels a little stilted, I suppose it's meant to sound that way.

I look forward to each episode; it took way too long to get to season two.