Tribute to British Television: A Guest Post by Petie

In the swirl of words [and schoolwork... and babysitting...] that surrounds me this month, I've barely had time to reply to e-mails, much less write blog posts.  Which you've probably noticed, no?  Well, anyway, my dear friend Puddle (also known as Petie or Country Girl) has come to my rescue with a guest post that had me grinning from beginning to end.  Friends are the best-- thanks so much for guest posting, Puddle! Everyone else, enjoy your reading and don't forget to stop by Petie's blog and check out the pictures of her adorable new nephew!

Any period drama lover is familiar with BBC. Any good period drama fanatic is borderline-obsessive with BBC. If you are the latter, please raise your hand. *Petie promptly shoves her hand in the air with pride* C’mon, people, I know I’m not alone. Get those hands up!

The British Broadcasting Company produces a variety of period dramas, from Austen to Dickens to Gaskell to Eliot. And we period drama fanatics soak them all up like sponges, latching onto each and every new drama that is released. Really, those period dramas are our one weakness. They are like the balm for our old-fashioned hearts, our instant transport into our favorite times. And not only that, but they provide countless quotes and one-liners which are so applicable to everyday, modern life. I mean, really. Without BBC dramas, the world would never have been blessed with such linguistic gems. You know, phrases like “SHAKE ME UP, JUDY!”

(Did I really just say that? I’m sorry, it just popt out!)

Seriously, though. BBC shows can be quite addicting. When I receive a new one from the library, I just want to gather my family together, settle in my living room with a cozy blanket and steaming cup of tea, and watch for the next eight hundred years, forgetting any appointments and all engagements. Now, some may say that an engagement is an engagement, but did I say an engagement was an elephant? No. I just said I love BBC.

Lark Rise to Candleford

But, really, why do we love BBC dramas so much? What is it about this British television that captures our hearts? Maybe it’s simply because while Britain is producing epics like North and South, Pride and Prejudice, Lark Rise to Candleford, and Sense and Sensibility, we Americans just get shows like… Glee. Or Modern Family. Yay for America. But really, for one thing, BBC dramas are just deuced fine shows with no begad nonsense about them. However, there are several aspects of BBC shows which particularly draw in us old-fashioned souls and good-television-deprived Americans.

Firstly, between the way they are filmed, the costumes, the dialogue, the sets and scenery, and the dancing, BBC shows just look like they came from a completely different era. Everything about them is purely old-fashioned. It’s really quite a wonderful thing to behold. They are simply beautiful shows, completely transporting you to another time. And you become lost in the world of high society, carriages, silk bonnets, and cravats. And tea. Lots and lots of tea.

Little Dorrit

And let’s not forget the spot-on accuracy of BBC! Not only are they historically accurate to the various time periods, but most of BBC’s shows are adaptations of classic books, and who can deny that BBC tries its utmost to remain faithful to each book they turn to film? Take Pride and Prejudice 1995, for instance. A large amount of the dialogue is taken directly from the book! How cool is that? And this method isn’t uncommon with BBC. Their efforts to make sure their film adaptations are as close to the original stories as possible are so refreshing. Hip, hip, hooray! 

BBC period dramas have mastered the forgotten art of being completely hysterical and side-splitting without being crude, profane, or insulting. (If you don’t believe me, go watch Cranford.) Without exception, every BBC drama I have seen is hilariously funny, clever, and witty. (Oh, you disagree? Be quiet, Sparkler.) And to add to that, for the most part, BBC keeps their period dramas pretty squeaky clean. Of course, like anything, there are exceptions, but BBC series are pretty much the only movies I feel comfortable recommending to anyone. There are almost never any scenes to skip (but why, oh why, did they feel the need to throw in that first scene of S&S’08?), and the rare cases of bad language are always extremely mild.

   

North and South

But now. I have come to the main reason why period drama fanatics (particularly fans of the female sort) adore BBC dramas. Are you ready for this? I’m sure you all know this, so say it with me…

THE BRITISH ACCENTS.

Duhhhhhh. Thank you, Petie. I think we have all apprehended that much.

Seriously, though. What period drama-loving gal doesn’t love her a good, thick British accent? What young lady in her right mind doesn’t completely melt when they hear Richard Armitage a British person speak? What girl doesn’t nearly have a heart attack whenever a British guy opens his mouth? CAN I GET AN AMEN?? 

*Petie is blown out of her chair by the raucous response* Thank you. Faith in humanity restored.

Pride and Prejudice

 And now, there’s really not much more to say. BBC is just amazing. End of story. So. Let me sum up: why do we love BBC? Because the British Broadcasting Company simply IS the very epitome of period drama. 

BBC, we period drama fanatics salute you. And we do hope your family is in good health. 

What is your favorite BBC period drama?

 

Heya! I’m Petie, an aspiring author, wanna-be Brit, and die-hard Okie country girl. I love my Jesus with all I am, and I take great pleasure in good books, laughter, the color red, coffee, and of course, a good BBC drama. I blog over at All Things Bright and Beautiful. Come visit me, yes? I love making new friends. Cheers!