Search - Mapp & Lucia: Series 2 on DVD

Round 2 of a delightfully catty social war

Gwen Kramer | Sunny and not-so-sunny California | 03/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(I shall take for granted that you are already familiar with season 1. This series is linear and MUST be watched in order for full enjoyment)This is not so much a sequel as a continuation of the adventures of everyone's favorite social climbers. Series 1 ended with a victory for Mapp and Lucia vowing revenge and series 2 begins with Mapp (now Mrs. Mapp-Flynt) returning from her honeymoon. Almost instantly, she and Lucia are back at each other's throats. In this series, politics are added to the mix with both Mapp and Lucia vying for a seat on the town council, Lucia making herself into a charitable saint and Mapp being as underhand as always.All of the actors from series 1 return (Lovely! I do not like it when shows change actors) Georgie is given more to do this time around. Actually, all of the characters are given more developement which should delight fans of the series. The series does not end conclusively. I won't give specifics, I'll just say that the social war is bound to continue for all eternity. What a shame there were no more installments into this lovely series.Once again, the costumes are madly original, the acting is all around superb and the writing is very good indeed.Anyone who enjoyed series 1 is bound to like this series too (though to what degree depends on their personal taste) and I suggest buying both series at once so that you are not left on a cliff-hanger.This is a wonderful series and I do hope it comes out on DVD soon. Anyone who loves clean, subtle humor with a twinge of madness would find this series very agreeable indeed. Essential for the anglophile."

Better for you than a box of chocolates.....

Dianne Foster | USA | 10/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MAPP AND LUCIA each spend an inordinate amount of time plotting ways to get themselves in the spotlight while casting the other in an unfavorable light. This series is about as socially redeeming as JEEVES AND WOOSTER, however, watching it is like eating chocolate - you can't eat just one piece. Certainly, you won't find much of a moral to this series of tales, unless it is do unto others before they do unto you. In all likelihood, these stories like those of J&W were used by the communists to demonstrate Western decadence.

Lucia kills with kindness, doing what is best for Mapp despite Mapp's continuous rivaly and attempts to "best" Lucia. Lucia isn't really mean, but she is definitely capable of finding the perfect place to insert the rapier blade. All in defense mind you as Mapp brings it on herself. If she would just accept Lucia is her better all would be settled. Most of the townspeople have done just that, and that of course makes matters even worse, for Mapp was the big cheese before Lucia came to town.

Mapp has tried everything from falsifying her knowledge of a foreign language to getting married in an effort to outshine Lucia. Lucia always manages to undo and outdo Mapp, however. The fun of course is feeling the frisson of fear that Lucia may be foiled, only to see how she cleverly foxes Mapp time and again. Usually, I am sympathetic for the underdog, which is clearly Mapp, but surprisingly, I don't feel sorry for Mapp. Mapp usually hatches a plot to embarrass Lucia only to have it blow up in her face when Lucia turns the tables. Just how she will do this and how Lucia will react in each instance is the basis for the series. For example, if Mapp sells Lucia her disintegrating house located in a flood plain to Lucia, Lucia will probably find Roman ruins underneath and be featured as the house's owner in the Times of London.

Lucia is supreme at turning lemons into lemonade revealing Mapp as the disgruntled looser she is."

Why can't you get these wonderful videos in the UK?

D. Elvin | London | 01/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A wondeful successor to the first series of Mapp & Lucia, dramatising the later Mapp & Lucia books. As with the first series, the cast could not be bettered and the various comic episodes of rivalry between Tilling's two grande dames are brilliantly realised. The ceremony of the dedication of the organ and the local election are particular favourites. I just don't know why we can't get these in the UK and have to invest in NTSC video players..."

Wonderful video but a strange ending

GrayGayGuide | UK | 04/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These episodes are almost better than the first series with the exception of the ending where Lucia berates the local populace outside the church - didn't seem in keeping with the character IMHO.However the performances are superb and the production values (especially the costumes) are tremendous.BTW for UK viewers the tapes are now available in VHS PAL format - and cheaper than the US too!"