After five extraordinary episodes, the BBC/HBO miniseries produced by Mammoth Screen and written by Sir Tom Stoppard has screened in its entirety in the UK. Moving from the demise of Edwardian England, through the horror of the First World War, and the hope for a better future, the drama tells of the love triangle between Christopher Tietjens (Benedict Cumberbatch), his adulterous wife (Rebecca Hall) and a young suffragette (Adelaide Clemens).
Read on for our full review of the entire series, but please note it does contain mild spoilers.
Mired in a sea of bureaucracy behind the front line, a wearied Christopher Tietjens receives an expected visit from his wife Sylvia, while life in Britain continues behind a façade of normality.
Please note that while we won’t be discussing plot spoilers in the rest of this review, characterisation, performances and thematic material are discussed in depth, as well as minor references to the previous episodes.
Parade’s End subtly shifts gears in Episode Three, with the outbreak of the First World War bringing a dramatic frisson of tragedy that was absent until now. Rumour and scandal threaten to consume Christopher Tietjens, invalided home from the conflict, while his wife Sylvia and Valentine Wannop finally encounter each other.
Please note that while we won’t be discussing plot spoilers in the rest of this review, characterisation, performances and thematic material are discussed in depth, as well as minor references to the previous episode.
It seems that there is indeed a soundtrack release of composer Dirk Brosse’s score for Parade’s End scheduled. It is due to be released on physical CD and iTunes in the EU and on iTunes in the USA on October 2 2012 by the Varese Sarabande record label.
You can find more details on the release [currently no cover art] on the Varese Sarabande website.
PARADE’S END, EPISODE TWO – SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Following on from the stunning opening episode, Parade’s End Episode two slows to examine the characters in greater depth, as the spectre of the Great War looms ever closer.
Please note that while we won’t be discussing plot spoilers in this review, characterisation, performances and thematic material are discussed in depth, as well as minor references to the previous episode.
The BBC has just officially released the first full length trailer for Parade’s End on their You Tube channel. Please note this version is geolocked to the UK.
The trailer also confirms the series is broadcasting from Friday August 24th at 21:00BST on BBC Two.
Benedict Cumberbatch is on the front page of the Telegraph magazine today and contains an article on Parades End. You can read the article here.
Also another interview with Benedict in The Independent regarding Parades End. You can read the article here.
UK: Parade’s End confirmed to begin screening week of August 18-24
It’s finally been revealed that by the BBC Media Centre that Parade’s End will begin screening in the UK during the week running August 18-24. The exact day and time are still to be confirmed, so watch this space in the coming days.
Or in the meantime, head over and read our spoiler free review of episode one of the mini-series, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall and Adelaide Clemens.
The BBC Books tie-in edition of the original novel Parade’s End is due to be published two weeks today in the UK on August 16, shortly before the television adaptation starring Benedict Cumberbatch is due to air.
UPDATE: We’re seeing queries in the comments about an actual airdate for Parade’s End in the UK. It’s still yet to be announced, but we’re expecting to have the exact date revealed in the next week or so. It’s looking like it will be screened at some point late in August at present though, once the Olympic Games have completed.
Parade’s End article by The Telegraph:
“Parade’s End: ‘Who is this Benedict Cumberbatch?’ Benedict Cumberbatch is the star name in Sir Tom Stoppard’s new BBC adaptation, Parade’s End, but HBO bosses had to be cajoled into casting him.”
Includes quotes from the press screening Q&A held on 26/07/2012
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