Bramwell: The Complete First Season (DVD, 2005, 3-Disc Set)

Don't be misquided by most sellers information regarding the relationship between Dr. Eleanor Bramnwell (Jemma Redgrave) and the senior Dr. Bramwell (David Calder) who is depicted as Eleanor's "husband". False. David Calder is a splendid addition to the cast but he is cast as Eleanor's father, NOT her husband.

That trifle out of the way, I purchased this out of fondness for Victorian drama generally. It was money well spent. I own each series and watch them repeatedly. One doesn't need to be bourgeois to enjoy British drama at its best and that is exactly what Bramwell is - the best!

The Thrift is a charity clinic situated in the slums circa 1890. The Bramwells attempt to overcome a variety of obstacles equipped only with the primitive science and methods available at that time. One interesting episode deals with an outbreak of cholera treated with an experimental arsenic laced solution with fatal results.

Another interesting episode finds Eleanor coping with a prominent physician who, despite his credentials, prescribed nothing more than rest and quiet for a patient, failing to notice that she was suffering from acute peritonitis diagnosed by Eleanor.

One can be awed by the efforts of the Bramwells during this period of time, especially when compared to today's standards.

Season one gets you into the heart of this charming drama about a lady doctor in a time when that was a no-no.

I adore period dramas, and this one has that BBC authenticity to it. It's best if you watch the first season prior to the others, so you grow to know and love the cast of characters. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable TV series. I've watched seasons 1 thru 3 a couple of times and find I love this sort of thing.

I didn't care for season 4. But 1 thru 3 are delightful drama.

Blessings, Max Rainet.

**If you found this information at all helpful, please take a moment to select the "yes" button below. The more people that select the "yes" button, the better the chance this REVIEW is seen by more eBay members

I watched this back when it came out and now I show episodes to my chemistry class (High School) when I'm out sick--they love it! Not many chances in science to show programs with a woman as the main character. Even if it is fiction, the non-science kids love the drama. The first one is a bit graphic at the beginning and may require some explaining. As I recall, the later episodes get kind of romantic, but this first series is very mild.

Very good drama, takes place late 1800's, the entire series is great, Dr. Bramwell works in the poor sides of town, various characters as patients, season 4 seemed a little off beat to me compared to seasons 1-2-3