Wonderful episode. It is realistic, from what I know of the social history--how servants were little more than poorly paid property without lives of their own. Sarah poses for an artist who doesn't care about how he uses people (or how art uses people). When Scone hangs both pictures in a gallery, side by side, Lady Marjorie and Richard are embarrassed. Ready to dismiss both servants--despite Roses' history, they reveal their total participation in the social class system. The only objection, upon reflection, is that this is uncharacteristic of Richard as we come to know him. In a later episode he is willing to stick up for servant--Mary-- because he can not deny his background as a preacher's son. All in all, this is a terrific episode.
3 Reviews
Standing up for your rights!
arrival6 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This was the second episode in this award-winning series, and the first to be made in black and white only.
Sarah, having already previously caused trouble 'below' stairs, now it seems is to start her 'agitating' of affairs 'upstairs' too! In 'The Mistress And The Maids' she gets caught up in the life of a visiting artist (played by a handsome Anton Rodgers) who is doing rather more than painting a portrait of Lady Marjorie! This is an interesting episode as we get to know the characters a bit better - particularly from the viewpoint of the relationship between 'master and servant'. Some humble pie is eaten after what appears to be a breach in conduct and integrity of the servants turns out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding by the 'upstairs' folk! It's also interesting to note that had this story been played out differently, we could have lost what would turn out to be two of the best-loved characters ever in the series! A 'close shave' indeed, that even after all these years is still too painful to contemplate...
The character Sarah shows considerable 'backbone' - both against Hudson and the Master as she stands up to both for what is 'just', with a successful outcome for all concerned.
Pauline Collins was very adept at comedy - and this can be seen in a few priceless scenes with a 'comic' slant.
Sarah, having already previously caused trouble 'below' stairs, now it seems is to start her 'agitating' of affairs 'upstairs' too! In 'The Mistress And The Maids' she gets caught up in the life of a visiting artist (played by a handsome Anton Rodgers) who is doing rather more than painting a portrait of Lady Marjorie! This is an interesting episode as we get to know the characters a bit better - particularly from the viewpoint of the relationship between 'master and servant'. Some humble pie is eaten after what appears to be a breach in conduct and integrity of the servants turns out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding by the 'upstairs' folk! It's also interesting to note that had this story been played out differently, we could have lost what would turn out to be two of the best-loved characters ever in the series! A 'close shave' indeed, that even after all these years is still too painful to contemplate...
The character Sarah shows considerable 'backbone' - both against Hudson and the Master as she stands up to both for what is 'just', with a successful outcome for all concerned.
Pauline Collins was very adept at comedy - and this can be seen in a few priceless scenes with a 'comic' slant.
The Mistress and the Maids
Prismark109 March 2022
Scone is a bohemian artist who also comes from a life of privilege.
Having lived in Paris, Scone is experienced in modern art styles. As a rising name he has been commissioned by Richard Bellamy to paint a portrait of his wife Lady Marjorie.
Scone also persuades Sarah to pose for him in her spare time at his studio.
The Bellamys are aghast to find a portrait of Lady Marjorie side by side of another one of their servants at a public exhibition. Sarah is shown scantily clad.
The Bellamys have both Sarah and Rose fired. They wrongly think that Scone must have snuck up Sarah's room to get her to pose along with Rose.
It is only the second episode and once again Sarah causes trouble with Rose being an innocent victim. It also shows how precarious the life of a servant can be. Fired over a misunderstanding and no support from other servants.
Sarah is willing to go to battle with the Bellamys. It is left to Scone to salvage something for both Sarah and Rose. The question is will he discard Sarah now that he has used her?
You can already see the contrast with this and Downton Abbey. The latter was written by a toff who lived the upstairs life. The creators of Upstairs Downstairs are strongly side with the servants.
Having lived in Paris, Scone is experienced in modern art styles. As a rising name he has been commissioned by Richard Bellamy to paint a portrait of his wife Lady Marjorie.
Scone also persuades Sarah to pose for him in her spare time at his studio.
The Bellamys are aghast to find a portrait of Lady Marjorie side by side of another one of their servants at a public exhibition. Sarah is shown scantily clad.
The Bellamys have both Sarah and Rose fired. They wrongly think that Scone must have snuck up Sarah's room to get her to pose along with Rose.
It is only the second episode and once again Sarah causes trouble with Rose being an innocent victim. It also shows how precarious the life of a servant can be. Fired over a misunderstanding and no support from other servants.
Sarah is willing to go to battle with the Bellamys. It is left to Scone to salvage something for both Sarah and Rose. The question is will he discard Sarah now that he has used her?
You can already see the contrast with this and Downton Abbey. The latter was written by a toff who lived the upstairs life. The creators of Upstairs Downstairs are strongly side with the servants.
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