The Paradise: Season One

Retail Therapy: Eight Episodes Of Lightweight Escapism Set In A Posh Department Store
Looking for a stately British period piece about a burgeoning retail empire? No, I'm not talking about "Mr Selfridge." Prior to the ITV Studios depiction of London's elite shopping emporium Selfridges in 2013, the BBC had already unleashed the handsome production "The Paradise" in 2012. Somebody has a love of shopping! Or maybe they just think that the birth and heyday of department stores makes a sexy setting for romantic entanglements and personal intrigue! Of course, "Mr Selfridge" was the first to receive distribution in the North American market being picked up by Masterpiece Theater, undoubtedly due to the presence of Jeremy Piven in the lead role. But don't let that dissuade you from sampling "The Paradise." Ostensibly based on the novel "The Ladies' Paradise" (Au Bonheur des Dames) by Emile Zola, the adaptation may not fully satisfy purists looking for Zola's vision. There are glimpses of his style, but this is a decidedly soapier affair. But that's not all bad for a...

Enchanting Period Drama
Set in an undisclosed location in the north of England during the 1870s, 'The Paradise' is a historically accurate period drama regarding Britain's first department store, and the lives of those people affected by it. From Mr Moray, who struggles to make his visionary enterprise thrive, to the small shopkeepers he has inadvertently put out of business, to the the wealthy Glendennings and humble employees alike. Everyone, including the side characters, are richly drawn and come to life. Especially Denise, who quickly proves adept at her position in lady's wear (much to the chagrin of Miss Audrey, the strict departmental head who Sarah Lancashire plays to such perfection, she steals every scene), and becomes something of a love interest to Moray. The tension there, I might add, is lovely, and plays a role in the last episode's cliffhanger. Thankfully, 'The Paradise' has been recommissioned for a second series.

In addition to the character driven story lines, this made for a...

Excellent start for a new Masterpiece Theater series
The Paradise is the new Masterpiece Theater series that started Sunday, Oct. 6. Amazon viewers are almost unanimous in their praise of this fine program.

We are immediately introduced to our heroine Denise, well played by Joanna Vanderham, who has just come to the city from the country. She tries to get a job from her uncle, but his store is being slowly put out of business by an exciting new department store called The Paradise. Denise applies for and is given a job on probation as a trainee in dress sales.

The owner of The Paradise, Mr. Moray, played well by Emun Elliott, is determined to make his establishment the finest store of its kind in England. He has plenty of good ideas, but lacks the money to put his ideas into practice. He seeks financial assistance from Lord Glendenning, well played by the veteran actor Patrick Malahide. Lord Glendenning takes an interest in Moray only because his daughter loves the young man and begs her father to help him...

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