The Paradise, Season Two (2014) on DVD and Blu-Ray

Blu-Ray/DVD Overview:
Set amidst the Victorian splendor of Britain’s first department store, The Paradise is the enchanting rags-to-riches story of a young girl who falls in love with the intoxicating charms of the modern world. The second season begins a year after the dramatic events that saw Moray (Emun Elliot, Prometheus) declare his love for Denise (Joanna Vanderham, Dancing on the Edge) and lose The Paradise after breaking off his engagement to Katherine Glendenning (Elaine Cassidy, The Others). But the spurned Katherine has since married Tom Weston (Ben Daniels, Law & Order: UK) – a mysterious, brooding ex-military man with a troubled history. Although she seems to be starting her life anew, her passion for Moray threatens to draw her back into a love triangle, competing with Denise. Meanwhile, Moray and Denise, still at the forefront of fashion and innovation, are plotting to regain The Paradise from Katherine and her husband – whatever it takes.

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Photo Credit: Jules Heath, © BBC

My Thoughts:
As you may know, The Paradise was one of my favorite new costume dramas from BBC/Masterpiece Theatre in 2013 (Read my review of The Paradise, Season One). With that cliffhanger involving Moray and Denise at the first season's conclusion, I was a bit devastated. It wasn't a melancholy scene by any stretch, but this impatient girl wanted to know what happened next without waiting an entire year! Sadly season two, while being just as sumptuous and melodramatic as the the series premiere, did not keep my attention as it's predecessor. A few of the familiar faces from last season including Pauline (Ruby Bentall) and Lord Glendenning (Patrick Malahide) were very noticeably absent from the screen. Seeing as Pauline was sort of the comedic relief and such a sweet, fun character and Lord Glendenning was the voice of reason, their absence took away from the story. That said, this season is still worth watching and The Paradise series as a whole is a must-watch for costume drama fanatics.

As noted above, the absence of certain characters was felt, however, the new additions certainly added flair and a uniqueness to the story of the Paradise and it's evolution. Tom Weston (Ben Daniels), the dangerous and flawed new husband of Katherine Glendenning; Myrtle (Lisa Millett), the Paradise's head cook, a new shop girl and a new arrival from Moray's adventures in Paris certainly add tension to the budding romance between Moray and Denise. Season Two deviates from the romance and the spark of forbidden love to focus more on the store itself and whether or not it can survive with two alpha males in Weston and Moray at the helm.

The Paradise series in it's entirety is a first rate drama. Season One is by far the best, as it establishes each of the characters firmly in your heart! Season Two is a bit more "soapy" (sabotage, fights, abuse, heart attacks, etc.) than the first series, but it's still worth the watch, especially if you enjoy a sweet love story. The BBC produces the best period dramas on the planet and I really hope they continue to send stories like this across the pond!

The Paradise, Season Two is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from the BBC Shop online and other retailers.

 ~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~ 

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/publicist for review purposes. I received no compensation. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*