Momma Told Me: What I'm Streaming: Masterpiece's Mr. Selfridge (2013), Season 1

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What I'm Streaming: Masterpiece's Mr. Selfridge (2013), Season 1

Masterpiece's Mr.Selfridge
Momma Told Me: The past can be quite entertaining.

It's quite funny, really; I cant focus at all with a television on, if even in the background. And, as we don't subscribe to cable, what I choose to dedicate my viewing time towards is limited in library, and often bordering the more obscure. Pretty much the only time I get to watch 'my programming' in in the precious hour between finishing my work and the other half's arrival home from his- a rare hour of photo editing and cinematic exploration. Recently we had decided we'd grown bored in the Netflix selection and re-subscribed to Amazon Prime, which is cheaper by month (but must be paid for a year in advance), and also offers the Prime benefits of free 2 day shipping. But that is neither here nor there.
Masterpiece's Mr.Selfridge
This week I decided to give the pilot of a new Masterpiece (PBS) show, Mr. Selfridge a shot. The name sounded familiar, from historical references, but I truly had no idea of this show's underground popularity, or the fact that it's first season had only just aired in 2013. Every streamer knows it's a cardinal error to get involved with a show that is still airing, let alone entering a new season of production. This is how I came to buy Downton Abbey by the DVD ever Winter over the past several years! But I digress, I have a general attraction to Masterpiece shows, and am happy to divulge that Mr. Selfridge has yet to disappoint.

Based on the real early 1900's American businessman, Mr. Harry Gordon Selfridge, this series chronicles the impact of Mr. Selfridge's grandiose visions of one of the first modern department stores in London. Opened in 1909, Selfridge and Co faced the cultural stigma of wealthy Americans integrating into British lifestyles, while pioneering groundbreaking and often controversial selling formats, such as over-the-top window displays and a first floor cosmetics counter. Like most Masterpiece shows there is a modest amount of intrigue and drama between the casts numerous central characters; but all is done within taste for the modern viewer. Such a storytelling format always seems to hook me in, after all, the less you see, the more you keep guessing!
Masterpiece's Mr.Selfridge
Mr. Selfridge showcases 3 affluent female positions between clumsy socialite Ellen Love, over-zealous stage performer and 'Spirit of Selfridge's' Lady Mae, and the painfully aware wife, Rose Selfridge. Though, amongst the scandal and intrigue it is the class breakdown, an the interactions of the employees which truly capture my interest the most, as the somewhat bumbling dreamer, Agnes Towler has several suitors bidding for her attention between silk scarves and window displays. With beautifully developed characters and an equally well designed replica set, Mr. Selfridge is well worth an investment towards the too short (in my opinion) first season. Find Mr. Selfridge streaming through Amazon Prime, or PBS.com for cable subscribers, and returning with a fresh season this March.

What Daughter Says: The right balance of scandal and history can be quite entertaining, indeed!

6 comments:

  1. I'll bet the costumes are to die for as well. I've not heard of this one but I've never been disappointed with a Masterpiece show in the past.

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  2. I haven't heard of Mr. Selfridge but it sounds good!

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  3. I heard mixed reviews, but I love Jeremy Piven so I should really check it out. Not that I really need another thing to watch right now. LOL!

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  4. I never saw this but I love Amazon prime!

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  5. This looks awesome! I love Masterpiece shows!

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  6. I am watching a whole season of Downton Abbey so I know how much you are enjoying your period piece!

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