And am just watching season 3, but am already convinced that the best has come and gone, even though I have not quite finished the whole season. For a young, strong-willed and clearly bright (rare) female doctor in those days, you can see how her interactions with her father and others is becoming less 'her' and more of a bitter shadow of herself who reacts and acts like some petulant teenager. I did find the women's dresses to be so over-the-top frilly, puffy and downright weird (apart from the poor ones of course), that it really distracted me too often. The period details were good otherwise, assuming the production was as authentic as is portrayed. The poverty shown, as well as the lack of sanitation and basic medical facilities should really remind us how lucky we are today. Well, most of us in the 'Western' world. The acting is generally fine and the supporting cast often better in terms of character portrayal. Some good solid storylines with the occasional dud, like the religious segments, but fairly enjoyable entertainment. Not the best period series the British have produced, but not the worst. I will skip season 4 and save myself from giving this series an even lower rating. A grim reminder of that period in London, where the class distinction was even more extreme than in recent times.
