Winners and Losers

Conclusion: "Winners and Losers" chronicles the final week for masters and servants at Manderston, where cracks in the rigid social structure are widening. "The staff has imploded," is how Sir John puts it. In fact, the staff is feted, at a catered Servants' Ball, held downstairs, which marks Sir John and Lady Olliff-Cooper's first foray into the servants' area. Then it's time for farewells and philosophizing about the Edwardian era. "Hierarchy and discipline have their place up to a point, but what's missing is communication," says Mr. Edgar, the unflappable butler. "Without the truth, a society is sick." Derek Jacobi narrates.