The Paradise TV Series – Season 1 of the BBC historical drama on DVD.
Set amidst the Victorian splendour of Britain’s first department store, The Paradise is a rags-to-riches story of a young girl who falls in love with the intoxicating charms of the modern world. As Denise finds her feet as a lowly shopgirl, she must navigate her way through power struggles, intrigues and affairs. When the shop’s dashing and reckless owner, John Moray, spots her talents she knows she can use this opportunity to rise to great things. Through sexy, episodic stories driven by romance and glamour, this series creates a world as colourful and captivating as the silks on display in the store. This is a love story, a story of ambition and progress, with a mysterious, dark secret at its heart.
Special Features
- Behind the Doors of the Paradise
The Paradise TV Show Review
"The Paradise, which was created by writer Bill Gallagher (Lark Rise to Candleford), follows the staff and patrons of the titular English department store…But don't confuse this show for something like Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs; The Paradise is more an old-fashioned romantic yarn than social justice think piece, though it does genuinely touch on the latter a bit.
Denise—given an elusive and plucky charm by Vanderham—wants to make a name for herself and find her own place at The Paradise, but she's also inexplicably charmed by Mr. Moray. This is stuff that's been done countless times already on British television..but the parts all add up to something that's really comforting. Part of it is the enjoyable cast, especially great supporting players like Stephen Wight (Sherlock) and Ruby Bentall (Lost in Austen), who steal every scene they're in. Part of it is the wonderful atmosphere the show builds—great attention is paid to candle glow and natural lighting, which gives some of the sets a permanent Christmas-y vibe. Part of it is the wonderfully Dickensian plotlines carry over from episode to episode. And part of it is how the show treats those minor plotlines like they actually matter to the characters. This all results in some really enjoyable television, no matter how familiar it might be…While The Paradise may not bring anything new to the world of costume dramas, it's still a delightful show." DVD Verdict