The First Churchills and By the Sword Divided

Just so you know when BTSD is finally released. There are 16 episodes for sure, (I know because I have that many) I've read here and there that there may be 18-20 total but as I've never seen an actual episode list that names over the 16 I have I doubt it. Anyway it aired in 9 episodes in series 1 then 7 in series 2 a year later.
What I've noticed in the DVD sets being released in the UK right now is they being released in smaller sets. IE: They are referring to them as part 1 and part 2 but it's ONLY THE FIRST SERIES SPLIT UP. It is NOT the COMPLETE series.
Just thought I'd let people know so they don't think they're paying for the entire series when they aren't.

That being said, the first series with Malcom Stoddard as a parliamentarian captain-to-colonel was the better of the two anyway. They dealt more with the war itself in the first series, the divisions it caused, how it affected the people and the soldiers dissent, how they as often swayed to whichever side fed them better as well as fought for just cause. You follow the rise and fall of the cavaliers. Jeremy Clyde is awesome as King Charles I.

In series 2 Peter Jeffries is just as awesome as Oliver Cromwell. Rob Edwards as John Fletcher starts out weak, I didn't care for this character initially, but as he comes into his own on the high council of state he's so true to his cause you can't help but respect and admire him for his convictions.

To me as a woman one of the most interesting story lines was that of Anne (Sharon Mughan) contrary to the impression some of the synopsis may give, she was not some kind of defiant daughter who ran off on her family to take up arms agaisnt them. She was a young woman who was married off by her father before the war.
Think how women were raised during that era, she was caught in difficult situation between her husband and her father. She was no twit either, she was a very strong, intelligent woman who saw the good and ill of both sides.

Overall what I really liked about this series was that it dealt with the social aspects rather then just the military battles and government intriques. The servants are interesting, the soldiers are interesting, the religious divisions, the hatred towards the Irish, witch hunters useing fear and intimidation as propaganda, people loosing their homes in the sequstrations, the list is endless...

The first place to look for the DVDs here in the US is at www.acornonline.com They already have The First Churchills available and BTSD is supposed to come out towards the end of November.

Unfortunately, I think the price will be pretty steep. However, I've been waiting and saving for it so I'm ready when it is available.

At last! People who remember and also appreciated "By The Sword Divided"! I loved that production and have been searching for any kind of video of the show but, as someone has said, it appears to be available only if you are lucky enough to find it on eBay or in the library.

"The First Churchills"--excellent as well. I thought I saw a VHS set on it many years ago, but memory may not be serving me correctly. John Newell seemed so much like Churchill it was spooky.

As far as Charles being the last king, I think that, more then James, he was the last to demand to rule absolutely. James was a bit more lenient towards letting Parliament have a say in government.

Nice to see that people are still interested in our heritage and important events in our past. In this day and age, if it's not a sitcom no one seems to bother to watch or considers this material too "stuffy".

Hello!
Yes I have been trying to get my hands on the Last Churchills for 20 years! If anyone has a copy for sale or knows where to get one please let me know.
By the Sword Divided--was that the production about the English Civil War? That is impossible to find (esp. since I couldn't remember the name!) DItto for that one too.

If absolutism is the criteria, than James II would be "the Last King." I think A&E just wanted a dramatic title, as is televisions wont.

What a super suggestion!