Ask a Brit III

[Sandra Craft]

I hope there are other Downton Abbey fans, so somebody at least knows what I'm talking about.  What's the big deal about calling the former Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Carson?  It's not like saying "Mrs. Carson" and "Carson" is going to confuse anyone. 

[Ecurb Noselrub]

It highlights how difficult it was for them to break with tradition.  Even the servants had a hard time seeing themselves in a new way.

[Sandra Craft]

It highlights how difficult it was for them to break with tradition.  Even the servants had a hard time seeing themselves in a new way.

It was traditional for servants not to marry?  And I thought their lives were hard before . . .

[Ecurb Noselrub]

It highlights how difficult it was for them to break with tradition.  Even the servants had a hard time seeing themselves in a new way.

It was traditional for servants not to marry?  And I thought their lives were hard before . . .

Servants married, but Carson was an old bachelor and Mrs. Hughes had been there a long time.  It was difficult for others to accept the change.  These are just my thoughts - I'm not a Brit.

[Sandra Craft]

This question is regarding The Great British Baking Show's move from BBC to channel 4, which caused both presenters and one judge to leave the show -- what the heck is wrong with channel 4?

[Tank]

This question is regarding The Great British Baking Show's move from BBC to channel 4, which caused both presenters and one judge to leave the show -- what the heck is wrong with channel 4?

C4 isn't the BBC. It's a simple as that. It has adverts.

[Dave]

It highlights how difficult it was for them to break with tradition.  Even the servants had a hard time seeing themselves in a new way.

IIRC at one point servants needed to either get their employef's permission to marry or find another job.

This even applied to other jobs, especially in banking. The woman needed to get her boss's permission if she wanted to remain in work.

[Sandra Craft]

This question is regarding The Great British Baking Show's move from BBC to channel 4, which caused both presenters and one judge to leave the show -- what the heck is wrong with channel 4?

C4 isn't the BBC. It's a simple as that. It has adverts.

So it's basically a low rent channel they wouldn't be caught dead on?

[Dave]

This question is regarding The Great British Baking Show's move from BBC to channel 4, which caused both presenters and one judge to leave the show -- what the heck is wrong with channel 4?

C4 isn't the BBC. It's a simple as that. It has adverts.

So it's basically a low rent channel they wouldn't be caught dead on?

For some, over here, adverts are just breaks to make the tea or go to the loo. Otherwise they just get in the way of the programmes.

Channel Four gets some public money and used to do some good science and archaeology progs. Dunno about now, I have not watched any TV for 12 years, unless I was at another's house.

[Tank]

This question is regarding The Great British Baking Show's move from BBC to channel 4, which caused both presenters and one judge to leave the show -- what the heck is wrong with channel 4?

C4 isn't the BBC. It's a simple as that. It has adverts.

So it's basically a low rent channel they wouldn't be caught dead on?

It's very difficult to explain. TGBBO is one of the most popular TV programs in the UK. It's become 'abitofaninstitution' so any company that tried to steal it would be perceived pretty much like a baby snatcher!

[Sandra Craft]

So channel 4 lured the show away from BBC with promises of more stuff (I imagine money) for the producers, who didn't ask the on-air talent for their opinion before saying yes? 

I'm sorry to see Mary, Sue and Mel go but I think (I hope) the show can survive a personnel change.  I read somewhere that Jamie Oliver has already thrown his hat in the ring as a new judge.

[Kekerusey]

C4 isn't the BBC. It's a simple as that. It has adverts.

The BBC has its moments and C4 even has a few good programs on it ("Gotham", "Agents of Shield" etc.) but broadly speaking yes, C4 has adverts and is shyte!

Keke

[Kekerusey]

So channel 4 lured the show away from BBC with promises of more stuff (I imagine money) for the producers, who didn't ask the on-air talent for their opinion before saying yes?

Pretty much.  Bet they're regretting it now.

I'm sorry to see Mary, Sue and Mel go but I think (I hope) the show can survive a personnel change.  I read somewhere that Jamie Oliver has already thrown his hat in the ring as a new judge.

Apparently the Oliver rumour is just that and no, I think this sounds the death knell for the show in it's current format ... Mary Berry is apparently going to lead a new BBC Bake Off show which I am absolutely sure is the one my family would watch since they have been rather caustic about the C4 news. I don't watch any of them ... I regard them all as disposable reality television and, thus, inherently crap.

Keke

[Dave]

C4 isn't the BBC. It's a simple as that. It has adverts.

And commercial TV started in the UK when I was11 yoa, in 1955,  so it is still "something new" for many adults. There was not even commercial radio at the time.

[Pasta Chick]

Do y'all seriously not have pumpkins? I'm a dog forum (background - plain canned pumpkin is a common remedy for mild stool problems) and a user is claiming to be in the U.K. and completely unable to access canned pumpkin because it is not sold anywhere in the U.K.