Excellent series although often lacks some of the atmospheric drama of the later version. Having read the book, I felt that this version captured the Victorian atmosphere with the restraints of the era very well as depicted in the book. The later version gets more in to the mood of the players and the passionate undercurrents do sweep you along. I do think that the earlier portrayal of Mr. Higgins is far superior than the later version. On the whole, this version is what one would expect after reading the book and the ending is more faithful to the story and in my opinion better than the fictitious ending in the later version. Both are great though in their own way and I would rate them equally.
Review of North & South
