Robert Porter Let me just begin by pointing out how some people avoid period dramas because they are fraught with misery & dejecting circumstances. And how these moments of loss & sadness are the priceless backbone for life on the stage & beyond. Sadness teaches us all the importance of that which has more value than money can accommodate for. And it is perhaps the only instance where emotion & thought are in agreement! There are no conflicts. And this symbiotic peace is demonstrated flawlessly in many period dramas; North & South is no exception. No! In fact, it IS the exception! It is the one rare instance where love itself is treated as a loss on two persons throughout the program! And it is done so very well! Even more impressive is how the couple are aware of this irony by the final chapter & how they manage to keep it both romantic & elementary in the consummation of their relationship! So very charming! I envy such a take on love!! I don't know.. who'd be a bachelor! OK. So the production isn't anything particularly spectacular, the score can get in the way sometimes but is overall very fitting, the scenery isn't specifically cinematic, & the dialogue is hardly prose. Just because this has a high rating doesn't mean it is a premium production. But what it does have is fine character screen play, & competent acting of a well paced narrative. It doesn't grab your attention as prompt as Cranford say. It takes its' time & draws you in at a steady rate. The third episode really takes hold. I'd like to admit that I tend to have a real struggle where "strong independent women" are concerned. I hate how they are written (by men half the time) as tough girls who show no fear, confusion, compassion & merely act like.. well.. men. Margaret Hale, to me, is the perfect example of the superior traits that women have. Brave in the presence of fear, responsible during a loss, hopeful when despair is abound, wholehearted against the cold hearted, well spoken when tensions are high, outspoken when emotions are low, & utterly fervent. Something that is entirely lost upon Hollywood. Their women shall be doing roundhouse kicks in skimpy skirts 20 years to come. Something has to be said about the lead couple. Both of them are flawless! I can see how the ladies take to Richard Armitage! Wow! Talk about sex appeal!! Every time he's on screen, I give him my full attention as though he commands it! And Daniela Denby-Ashe is transformed into her headstrong counterpart. A great pair with lots of chemistry. North & South shall surprise you from start to end with it's social commentary & keep hopeless romantics like myself happily transfixed! Give it a go.

Shaily Rahman North & South took my breath away. I can find no fault in it and at the risk of causing a literary uproar, I think this is better than Pride and Prejudice. And Richard Armitage, oh my goodness! Who knew the same guy who played Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit could be such a heartthrob? The beauty of this series though, in my opinion, is that there is so much more to it than just romance. By the end of the series, I was crying for the fictional characters not out of sorrow, for the first time in my life, but out of joy! Brilliant stuff.

babshabits I love period drama on the BBC and PBS. This avalanche of glowing reviews is an orchestrated fraud. I'll make myself quick - I've been watching Masterpiece Theatre and BBC serial dramas for 40 years, and, let me tell you, THIS IS WORST PRODUCTION ON THE BBC THAT HAVE EVER SEEN! None of rings true. The entire story has the trite, simple-minded, devoid from reality of a Barbara Cartland novel The entire enterprise - neither the acting, the script, plot development ring true. I have spent the entire series SMH, hooting laughter, or berating the screen because IT IS SO BAD.I'm just finishing the series right now, because it is so BAD, it is akin to being transfixed by horrible automobile crash

TheReviewPerson This is one of those series that, once you've finished each episode, you're begging for more. With a fantastic soundtrack, perfect acting, and a beautiful plot, this series makes my personal Top 5 favourites. My mother suggested this to watch, as she'd seen it when it originally came out, and I was doubtful. But within the first five minutes, I was intrigued. I know for sure that classic novel fans will adore this, and many will be converted into classical literature through this, if they are not already (a bit like me!!!). It has elements of hostility and intensity, which has all been filmed and produced brilliantly. I cannot fault this series, and I am usually a very critical person! 10/10