Making the Grade (aka Up to Scratch)

At a time when industrial and commercial wealth was being welcomed into the ranks of high society, proper etiquette was crucial for a nouveau riche family like the Olliff-Coopers to hold and improve their position at the top. In episode two, the Olliff-Coopers are upstairs settling into a lifestyle of wealth and privilege, making plans for their first dinner party according to complicated protocols covering everything from the seating arrangement to the wines. Downstairs, the staff is grumbling, particularly Kelly Squires, the new scullery maid. They try a modern management solution, unthinkable in Edwardian times, whereby jobs are swapped for one day. Charlie, the first footman, becomes the scullery maid, and Kelly takes over Kenny's duties as hallboy, while he steps into the role of first footman. On the day of the big dinner party, Mr. Edgar, the butler, finds Charlie and Kenny passed out by the lake on the estate grounds, recovering from a night of excessive partying. Nevertheless,