Episode no. Season 2
Episode 1 Written by Rosemary Anne Sisson | Directed by Raymond Menmuir Original air date 21 October 1972 | |
"The New Man" was the first episode of the second series of the British television series, Upstairs, Downstairs. The episode is set in the summer of 1908.
Contents
Cast
Plot
Without consulting her daughter, Lady Marjorie has engaged a house cook for Elizabeth and her new husband, the effete show-off and moderately famous (but not financially successful) poet Lawrence. On a flight of fancy, Lawrence insists on engaging a valet, rather than the more economical alternative of a mere boot-boy. Despite not being consulted, and not being given a chance to manage the household budget, Elizabeth has to bear the cost out of her moderate dowry.
Thomas Watkins applies for the job as valet, and is engaged to start after a superficial interview by Lawrence, whom he quickly assesses as a complete pushover.
In the new Kirbridge residence, Thomas makes advances towards Rose, who is flattered, and she almost succumbs, but Elizabeth discovers the two flirting.