I first saw Flambards when it was originally shown on PBS, many years ago. I found the first episode unpleasant. It was about a nice girl thrust amongst unpleasant people who had power over her, and I found it uncomfortable to watch.
But for some reason, I felt compelled to watch the second episode. Perhaps it was the charm of the girl playing Christina. Perhaps it was the lush countryside. But it probably had most to do with the score by David Fanshawe, which I consider the best score ever written for television.
After that first episode, Christina's rebellious nature let her rise above her difficulties, and more likable characters were introduced, and I became very enamored of the series.
There is, though, one glaring flaw. While the three main characters are in their mid to late teens, the actors playing them are in their late twenties, and seem that old. This is a problem because they all do stupid, impetuous, naive things that make perfect sense from a 17 year old but that seem odd from someone on the verge of 30. As much as I like the cast, I think the series would have been better with younger actors. But in spite of that, it is still one of my favorite mini-series.
But for some reason, I felt compelled to watch the second episode. Perhaps it was the charm of the girl playing Christina. Perhaps it was the lush countryside. But it probably had most to do with the score by David Fanshawe, which I consider the best score ever written for television.
After that first episode, Christina's rebellious nature let her rise above her difficulties, and more likable characters were introduced, and I became very enamored of the series.
There is, though, one glaring flaw. While the three main characters are in their mid to late teens, the actors playing them are in their late twenties, and seem that old. This is a problem because they all do stupid, impetuous, naive things that make perfect sense from a 17 year old but that seem odd from someone on the verge of 30. As much as I like the cast, I think the series would have been better with younger actors. But in spite of that, it is still one of my favorite mini-series.