VReviews What is so satisfying about British productions of 19th century authors is that there is inevitably an ensemble cast of outstanding actors. They all work together from minor to major roles without letting ego or grandstanding overwhelm the story.Cranford and Return to Cranford (RTC) is enjoyable not only for it's acting, but for it's excellent writing. The adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel about a small village with little outside influence, and it's growing pains when old ways begin to change, specifically when faced with the development of the railroad, is consistent and true to the story. As expected for this period, the class system based on the remnants of the feudal system is ever present between the relationships of the townspeople and the aristocrats. Propriety, appearances, and societal rules forever rule the lives of the 19th century Britons. Cranford/RTC will draw you in and immerse you in the conflicts, misunderstandings, and joys of its characters.

elias_devries It is one of the best pieces of work I've seen in all of 2007. A juicy mixture of stars and I looked forward to every Sunday. Beautifully shot and acted and single handedly put me on to period dramas now. Ms Pole needs to come back on the screen. A real class act of a project!! Judy Dench is subtle but endearing. Someones not much actually happens and yet you wonder why on earth is it still so incredibly captivating. It's really works because everyone of the characters is beautifully played, and the story line is layered and passionate. And did I mention Ms Pole!! I am now a big fan of this actress. I LOVED HER. Don't miss this gem.

bilko-1 Not a dry eye in the house as this came to a close last night. Absolute perfection. Never has a better cast been assembled for a t.v. drama. For me, Imelda Staunton shone, with her fantastic comic timing, but they were all excellent. A departure from the usual Dickens or Austen ( which I adore) in that the plot is more episodic and less dark. There are no obvious villains and few mysteries to unravel. More of a 19th century Archers. However, the insight into the people of the time and into social history is fascinating. Some hilarious lines mixed with occasional haunting tragedy which makes you empathise with its many characters regardless of their faults. Everyone I know has been watching this and all would rate this as the best thing on t.v this year.

alfa-16 If you thought that North and South 2004, Bleak House 2005 and Jane Eyre 2006 were heroic steps forward in period adaptation you are absolutely going to adore this. I'm hoping, on the strength of the first episode, that we may be about to ascend new heights.Liberties are taken. The material is being reinterpreted for the screen with a dashing disrespect for fidelity that is bound to offend those critics who watch screen adaptations with their Everyman edition on their knee but what Thomas has done here is bring the spirit of Gaskell and the humour of the age (specifically northern humour), magnificently to life.Eileen Atkins' performance alone will carry this series to every Award ceremony worthy of attention but there is so much more you may be left agape with wonder or clapping your hands with glee at the stories surrounding Cranford's womenfolk, many condemned to spinsterhood by the Napoleonic Wars. And there's much more still to come.You won't see the novel reassembled piece by piece, but what you'll get instead is a mordant, hilarious, moving, masterpiece of the art of adaptation and a brilliant cast extracting every last every drop of juice from the fruit (sucked separately, of course).Cranford is vibrantly alive and kicking as it never has been before. Bring on the rest. If you please.