Parade's End

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 24, 2012
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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Critic Reviews

  1. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Feb 26, 2013
    60
    While Hall (who plays Tietjens' wife, Sylvia) and Cumberbatch do a fine job of portraying two mismatched people who are nevertheless stuck with each other for a bunch of social, cultural and personal reasons--some of which even they don't understand--Parade's End is often at war with itself.
  2. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Feb 26, 2013
    60
    Sometimes unwieldy, sometimes beautiful, Parade’s End is--like the turbulent new order it ushers in--a bit of a mess, with no easily identifiable good guys. This miniseries doesn’t tell you how to feel, and it’s not exactly bursting with charming, loveable characters. But there’s a poignance to its story of people realizing their orderly parade is breaking up all around them.
  3. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Feb 26, 2013
    58
    Although affecting at times, Parade's End tends to congeal rather than gel.
  5. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Feb 26, 2013
    50
    Despite fine acting from Cumberbatch and especially Hall and rare moments of comic relief, this adaptation of Ford Madox Ford's novels feels heavy and suffocating.
  6. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    Feb 25, 2013
    50
    Beyond doubt, great talents and noble ambitions are at play here, but somewhere in the process, those talents seem to have confused "good" with "dull" and "serious" with "tedious.
  7. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Feb 25, 2013
    50
    Snail-paced and difficult to relate to, Parade’s End feels twice as long as its total running time. And yet it’s an exquisite and thoughtful sort of slog, with sound British pedigree and bone structure.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Feb 20, 2013
    50
    Ultimately, though, the story boils down to its central love triangle, with the sides stretching out a little too long as viewers wait for Tietjens to return home and choose whether to pursue happiness and risk public humiliation, or remain in his shattered and unhappy marriage.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best TV Season of 2012
79
#79 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
65
#65 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 5 out of 41
  1. OneArmedBandit
    Mar 20, 2013
    10
    This is an extremely ambitious, loyal and high-end adaptation of Ford Madox Ford's tetralogy. In essence, it's about an old fashioned,This is an extremely ambitious, loyal and high-end adaptation of Ford Madox Ford's tetralogy. In essence, it's about an old fashioned, eccentric—part Don Quixote, part John Keats—and gifted aristocrat who is self-destructively and at times comically out of his time. His moral code is constantly challenged and tested by those around him, which creates ample conflict and drama for us to feast on. Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall and Adelaide Clemens' performances are exceptionally magnetic. Keep in mind, the miniseries plays like a literary novel in its narrative pace and character development; definitely not suited for the mass culture consumers.… Full Review »
  2. franclinolin
    Mar 5, 2013
    10
    In spite of ravishing cinematography, beautiful dialog, and impeccable acting, this series will most likely have limited appeal in the USIn spite of ravishing cinematography, beautiful dialog, and impeccable acting, this series will most likely have limited appeal in the US because of subtle character development and deliberative pace. For those such as myself who found Downton Abbey' a yawning bore, this series will represent a lush alternative. For the mainstream masses, the opposite will be true.… Full Review »
  3. PinBB
    May 11, 2013
    10
    I don't like watching series or movies based on the wars but I watched this because of Benedict Cumberbatch and I have fallen in love withI don't like watching series or movies based on the wars but I watched this because of Benedict Cumberbatch and I have fallen in love with this series. I have not read the novels or have any idea about the writer but if the books are even half as good as the TV adaptation, they must be a must- read. Christopher Teijens is a brilliant, very committed and decent gentleman. He has a wife who cheats on him and he is love with a girl. At the backdrop is the world war 1. If you are looking for a story, there is not much of it but the true star of the show is the direction, cinematography, amazingly poetic dialogues and unblemished acting by the whole cast. The music compliments the settings and the backdrop very well. Benedict Cumberbatch has shown the world how talented he is. Flawless acting, deep emotions and superb voice modulations. Rebecca Hall and Adelaide Clemens have made the characters of Sylvia and valentine unforgettable.

    Don't watch this if you are a fan of fast paced action. This is for patient, connoisseurs of literature and romantics. Watch it for intelligent viewership.    … Full Review »
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