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By
BILL CONIFF
If you enjoyed your stay at
"The Grand," you're likely to want to check in
again for "The Grand: Series Two." Get ready for
some initial disappointment, and not only because
two characters (Stephen Bannerman and Ruth Manning
Bannerman) are played by different, less effective
actors.
In the initial episodes of the second series
focusing on the lives tied to a 1920s Manchester
hotel, the tone seems off. While the first series
managed to feel like drama rather than soap opera,
the second dives wholeheartedly into the soapsuds
and becomes more episodic. Some characters even
seem to act in ways inconsistent with their
previous actions. It almost feels as if a new
production team had taken over, although that's
not the case.
Luckily, the second series hits its stride with
the fourth episode and, for the most part,
sustains it until almost the very end (with some
nifty surprises and plot twists along the way).
There's some very enjoyable writing throughout --
great credit goes to Russell T. Davies for staying
true to his period and not trying to impose modern
sensibilities on his characters. For example, a
character who realizes he's gay is utterly
confused and conflicted in a way that seems
consistent for an uneducated worker in 1920s
Britain; his self-hatred and seemingly
irresolvable sense of isolation are never glossed
over.
By the end of the second series, it becomes clear,
though, why there were only two series of "The
Grand." Just about every avenue of development had
been explored and there was little ground left to
cover with the characters. So, you check out of
The Grand generally satisfied with your stay, but
feel fine not returning for another. |
