Shall We Lark Rise to Candleford?

I know, my title doesn't make sense. :) But I had to get your attentions someone, didn't i?? Because if you haven't seen the TV series (now made into DVD episodes) Lark Rise to Candleford, it is about time you did. You won't be sorry--and you may even find yourself staying up late nights "just to see how this one ends..." ;)

Based on novels by 19th century British writer Flora Thompson, the BBC does, as usual, an outstanding job portraying Miss Thompson's sketch of those who are residing in the English countryside. The poor Hamlet town, Lark Rise, and its tiny "bustling" nearby town, Candleford find themselves in rows at times, but they are bound together by lasting friendship that refuses to wither.

Boasting a cast of superb actresses and actors icluding Olivia Hallinan, Julia Sawalha, Claudie Blakley, and Brendan Coyle, these tales will bring tears, laughter, and good old "proper British accents."

Main Characters:

Julia Sawalha

Dorcase Lane

(Some of you might recognize Julia as Lydia Bennet from the 1995 version of Pride and Predjudice.)

Dorcas is the postmistress of Candleford, and a wise woman who is a friend to all. With a good head on her shoulders, she is often heard giving good advice to any who might need it, and truly strives to seek out the best in everyone.

Olivia Hallinan

Laura Timmins

The narrator of the whole 'story,' and the one is writing it all down. Dorcas Lane's cousin, Laura, is a Lark Rise girl who has come to live with her in order to "learn her way in the world" by experiencing a job at the post office. She is highly sensitive, but kind, and dedicated to doing her postal rounds and every other job well. She is also a writer, but has only ever recorded things in her diary (which the whole series is based off of).

On a side note--one thing I don't like about Laura is that she is constantly falling in love. Well, it isn't her fault that the two guys she loves either move away or do something foolish..But then again, she is seriously so gorgeous, so maybe she can't help it? :) All will turn out well, I am certain. Also, she looks almost exactly like a second cousin of mine..:)

Claudie Blakely and Brendan Coyle

asEmma and Robert Timmins

Laura's loving, poor parents, who have sent their daughter to Candleford so that she may find a better way in the world than they have. Robert is a stone mason, and Emma is a wife and mother. Robert doesn't have much money, but does have a lot of pride...much to the despair of his wife and himself, at times.

Matilda Ziegler and Victoria Hamilton

The Pratt Sisters

Two of my favorite characters. :) Yes, they are snobs at times (particularly Pearl), but they have had a hard life and are just making it by, though they would never dare to say, with their dress making shoppe. Their own fashion makes me laugh, and with each episode I eagerly await what outfit they are wearing this time..always matching, of course, though they are not twins. o_O I like Ruby the best; she is not a snob by her own accord, and has a sweetness and patience with her overruling sister that we would all do well to copy.

Mark Heap

Thomas Brown

Thomas Brown also works at the post office under Dorcas Lane (which he sometimes dislikes). He is a comical man without meaning to be--very 'religious;' though I don't really like how they portray Christianity by making it seem strict, good works along with it all, etc. They almost make fun of Christians through Thomas Brown by making him exceedinly snobbish towards things deemed 'wrong' by the church, and having him be so set in his ways. But, he means well, and is tender hearted as well as a good worker...though a little shy and put-offish of things he is afraid to do (like ask someone to marry him after who knows how many years of muttering and dodging..).

John Dagelish

Alf Arliss

Another one of my favorites. :) He isn't much to look at, but has a heart of gold, caring for his siblings tenderly while his mother in in debtor's prison (because of her drinking habits) and his father is away at sea. He is a Hamlet boy, and poor as the rest of them, working on the land for little pay. But he is fond of music, and is {nearly} always cheerful.

Ruby Bentall

Minnie

Not exactly the "maid" of Dorcas Lane..more like, the young girl who needs to be taught to clean a home properly. Minnie is silly, and can be found annoying at times..but I like her, mostly. :) I hate her stupid curly bit of bangs, though..so hideous. :P

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Men in Laura's Life:

Alf Arliss

Philip White

(Oliver Jackson Cohen)

Fisher Bloom

(Matthew McNulty)

Daniel Parish

(Ben Aldridge)

..I won't be a spoiler here, but yes, she does choose one of them in the end. ;) My favorite is Fisher..everyone else likes Daniel, and yes, he is good-looking, ;) but Daniel is always wearing his prim suit, has a refined accent, and I've never seen him get his hands dirty (aside from ink). Despite the unattractive name, Fisher has the coolest Scottish accent ever, wears respectable working clothes, and is a clock maker/fixer. Oh, yeah. And I personally think he is better looking than Daniel. :P

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unlike most modern television programs, Lark Rise to Candleford is fresh, innocent, and timeless. Even the episodes that deal with perhaps more delicate matters are very discreett, and it is even easy to miss what they are talking about, it is so hidden and disguised!

..I have seen seasons one through three so far, and was alarmed when I heard a rumor about the BBC perhaps not finishing off the series with number four. But, they have, and it is now available. Hurrah! <3 Now if only season four will hurry and get to out library...the only bad thing about this series is that they are so wonderfully addicting, you finish them all and are left wishing for more! ;)