What's with the acting?!?

Hate to say it, because I'm a huge fan of British drama, but I found some of the acting in this highly rated show simply gruesome. While the script is partly to blame, I was nonetheless shocked by the performances of most actors, even those playing prominent characters like Mattie Storin, Patrick Woolton and Penny Guy. I know the show was made 25 years ago and the many unnecessary close-ups didn't make it easier on them, but too many actors were simply not up to their roles...