Last season's finale was probably the best episode of this show. I've seen three so far this year, and it's getting worse and worse. There are too many archenemies and totally fictitious, caricature characters. This contrasts to "Downton Abbey" where all the characters are believable. The writer doesn't introduce over the top, unlikeable characters that probably don't exist in real life. Every show resorts to made up, totally unreal characters in order to add dramatic tension. Apparently, you can't hold an audience otherwise. Mr. Selfridge is just a caricature of someone pretending to be a strong and successful leader, but it always seems to be an act...and when he needs to be more sensitive and emotional, he falls flat. His new son in law, and mother in law, are perfect caricatures of high class, brazen leeches. Not likable and not believable. His high strung daughter who gets in everyone's face with her loud, annoying American accent is totally unreal. She's made up. How can anyone possibly like her. Agnes is the only actress and character that seems real. She and perhaps Victor are the only ones who seem to be able to carry a scene and make it believable. The scenes with Henre exhibiting post traumatic stress disorder are sometimes laughable. The writing is so bad that the actors can't make the scenes believable. Episode 3's final scene where Mr. Selfridge is making a pass at his new lady friend at her residence is TOTALLY unreal. I didn't buy it for a second. Anyone would have been offended by his words and actions. Yet, the writer makes her succumb to his advances. Yeah...they embrace and kiss. Totally FAKE!!!