davoshannon

Rufus Sewell is here, and we all know he's tricky. Ably backed up by Keri Russell, who isn't as tricky, but has similar looks in her eyes. Great team.

The script is first class - turn up the quiet stuff so you don't miss anything. And the acting is very, very good - all round.

We're mainly in England's "Green and pleasant land", central London and hideaways in Kent, opulent settings and fawned over by aides of all levels. Amazing that anything of substance can get done.

But apparently diplomacy is carried out with guarded, but extremely straight talking. Very unexpected, but refreshing - and very funny in certain pieces.

Whatever way it turns out in Episode 7 & 8, I don't care - but I'd still recommend this Series to anyone. It's a real gem!.

Now have a greater understanding of the term "Steam Punk"; certainly a style integral to the telling of this tale - particularly Series 2.

Series 1 sets the scene with a combination of power politics and whodunnit. Excellent acting and sets. And certainly introduces us to diversity and magic.

Series 2 gets criticism in places. But it's much more subtle. Shades of our past over a century ago, Obvious parallels with the political trends back then, and by sheer happenstance fitting in perfectly with the technology of the "steam punk" style. Better again as the this tale is illustrated from several radically different perspectives (in every sense). I would imagine most sound systems will need careful control - because the softer parts definitely contain the most interesting dialogue.

Should there have been more?. Maybe, but these two series can stand alone, and still be lauded.

(Should mention that I was similarly mesmerised by "Carnivale" all those years ago).