The Pallisers - The Complete Collection
What would you get if you combined the BBC, six Victorian novels, and a cheesy 1970s soap opera? Well, this!The Pallisersis as lavish in its aristocratic intrigues (political scandal and opportunity, lecherous dukes, palatial country houses, a world where everyone knows their place) as it is in its soap opera aesthetic (characters' tumultuous struggles for power, money, love). This made-for-television production is a strange blend of exquisite costuming, remarkable sets, and surprisingly good acting on the one hand and video-quality production and an utterly melodramatic script on the other. Definitely pleasurable viewing for all who enjoy watching the period passion, pomp, and politics of upper-class Victorians.The BBC's 12-disc, 26-episode serialization of Anthony Trollope's Palliser novels (1865-1880) introduces Plantagenet Palliser and Lady Glencora, whose politically expedient marriage sets the stage for the rest of the Palliser dynasty's saga. Future episodes follow Plantagenet Palliser and Lady Glencora's rise to an even higher social echelon and the challenges that their growing family, including a new generation of Pallisers, must face. These episodes emphasize two family intimates--the ambitious and attractive Phineas Finn (Donal McCann), who divides his energies between politics and romance, and Lizzie Eustace (Sarah Badel), the comely young widow with diamond troubles. The splendid cast also includes Derek Jacobi as the lovelorn Lord Fawn and Penelope Keith as his overbearing sibling, andBrideshead Revisited's Anthony Andrews (Lord Silverbridge) and Jeremy Irons (Frank Tregear).  Special features include a 36-page viewer's guide, an interview with Susan Hampshire (Lady Glencora), and information on Anthony Trollope, his fiction, and the Trollope Society.--Tara Chace