Lark Rise to Candleford (TV Series) Episode #1.3 (2008) User Reviews

My favourite Lark Rise episode

[geoff-spurr · 10/10 · 26 January 2021]

This is my favourite Lark Rise episode, the Patty/old Amos/young Amos storyline was one of the best and should have been extended over several episodes. Peter Vaughan is a great guest star and his scenes with Brendan Coyle are memorable. The chemistry between Dorcas and Sir Timothy is well written and brilliantly portrayed and Lady Adelaide's emotional turmoil adds a dimension to the series. Dawn French is far less irritating than in the first 2 episodes and the final concert scenes are heartwarming.

Lark Rise peaked with series 1, it's strength was the wide range of characters, some irritated but most were loved. The loss of Sir Timothy and Adelaide was a blow, the new characters added in series 2-4 couldn't save the programme and losing the excellent Brendan Coyle to Downton Abbey was the final straw.

Capitulations

[jarrodmcdonald-1 · 21 October 2016]

In this episode, Dorcas steps in when a new maid comes between Old Amos and Young Amos. Meanwhile, due to political reasons, Laura's father refuses to let her siblings sing a certain song at the church concert. And Sir Timothy asks Dorcas to appear with him at the concert when his wife refuses.

First, I didn't think Patty the maid would really have been the object of affection for both Amoses, since she didn't exactly have romantic chemistry with the younger one (though we were supposed to believe she did). But I can see how it made for more compelling drama if the two men were swooning over her and it threw things off balance in their house.

I love the two sisters who run the clothing store, Ruby & Pearl. They're so catty and unlikable-- which makes me love to hate them. Great actresses, who make mean dialogue so much fun.

Laura has considerably less screen time here than she had in the first two episodes. So though she is the central character, this is truly an ensemble drama. I thought Laura's father would at least set aside his political differences and turn out for the concert, since he seems to respect Sir Timothy on some level.

Dorcas' unusual relationship with the very married squire is fascinating to watch. She has these great little capitulations, and he almost openly pursues her in front of the villagers. Sir Timothy is definitely my favorite male character in the story. Looking ahead, I see he's written out after the tenth episode-- so I will enjoy him while he's still prominent in the action. His wife is such a selfish woman, you can't help but root for Dorcas.