Manor House Season 1 Episode 2 Making the Grade

In Manor House season 1 episode 2, titled "Making the Grade," the servants are starting to settle into their roles and adjust to the demands of the Edwardian upper class. This episode explores the strict hierarchy within the household, from the head butler Mr. Edgar to the scullery maids at the bottom of the ladder.

As the family prepares to host a dinner party, tensions rise between the cook Mrs. Crocombe and the housekeeper Mrs. Villiers over the menu. Mrs. Crocombe wants to impress the guests with modern dishes, while Mrs. Villiers insists on traditional fare. The clash between the two women highlights the class divide between upstairs and downstairs and reveals the importance of status in the Edwardian era.

Meanwhile, the footmen are tasked with polishing the silver to a high shine, an arduous job that requires hours of manual labor. The camera captures the toll this takes on their hands and illustrates the physical strain of working in service.

One of the most fascinating storylines of this episode involves the eldest daughter of the family, Lady Beatrice, and her education. Unlike her male counterparts, Lady Beatrice was not sent away to school and instead received her education at home. In an attempt to catch up with her peers, Lady Beatrice enlists the help of a governess and spends hours studying every day. This glimpse into the life of an upper-class woman in the early 20th century illustrates the limited opportunities available to women at the time and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

As the dinner party approaches, the servants work tirelessly to ensure that every detail is perfect. The footmen practice their bowing, the housemaids arrange the flowers just so, and the cook and her assistant prepare the elaborate meal. The tension is palpable as they wait for the guests to arrive, knowing that any misstep could reflect poorly on the family and ultimately on themselves.

Throughout the episode, the camera cuts back and forth between the lives of the servants and the family they serve. We see Lady Beatrice practicing her French with the governess, while downstairs the scullery maids scrub pots and pans. The juxtaposition serves to highlight the vast differences in the lives of those at the top and bottom of the social ladder.

Overall, "Making the Grade" is a fascinating look at life in a wealthy Edwardian household, from the strict social hierarchy to the demands placed on the servants. It provides a glimpse into a bygone era and sheds light on the lives of those who worked tirelessly to keep the wheels turning.