While visiting my grandparents a few months ago, my grandmother and I were sitting on the couch reading and knitting when she exclaimed, "Oh, its time for Downton Abbey!" I asked her what the heck she was talking about, to which she exclaimed she was surprised I haven't been watching the new Masterpiece series.
So, I sat and watched an episode with her and was instantly hooked. Unfortunately, it was the very last episode of the season. Luck for me, Netflix has the entire first season on instant watch, so I hunkered down to watch the entire season as soon as I returned to Chicago.
In terms of the time period concerned: the story opens-up with the sinking of the Titanic and closes with the start of WWI. While the 1910s are not "my" era, I definitely have a soft spot for them in my wee historian heart. The costuming is done very well and the stories are really engaging. My favorite character is the grandmother by far.
I found a clip of the scene depicted in the photo above, of Grandmother Crawley in the cousin's law office. Perhaps my sense of humor is conditioned to old-timey sensibilities, but this scene made me laugh my ass off. I know I'm suppose to hate the grandmother, but she has the best lines and Maggie Smith is magical at delivering them.
I also enjoy the relationship between Lady Sybil (the youngest sister) and Gwen (the housemaid). Not to mention that Lady Sybil tends to have the best outfits and I'm quite envious of this Gwen's red red hair. Lady Mary (the oldest sister), I am sorry to say, I completely despise. I know you are suppose to hate/feel sorry for Lady Edith (the middle sister) because she is an evil plotter, but at least she knows she is doing something wrong. Mary, on the other hand, is just a downright bitch and is completely unaware of it. (Oh dear, excuse my French!) Am I the only one who feels this way? I hope not.
There is no way I can close a post about Downton Abbey without mentioning the sexy vintage cars involved - my my. Anyway, for those of you who have missed the series or want to watch it again, get thee to the PBS store or to Netflix.
This looks like so much fun!
Posted by: Marie | Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 08:20 AM
I watched the first episode, then never made it back for any others (who knew my Sunday nights were so busy!) Now you've reminded me to jump back in :) I loved seeing the interactions between the household staff and the costumes!!
Posted by: kimberly | Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Just finished it and loved it, was sad that it ended. I did read that the next season is in production and will appear in the UK in the fall and in the US winter 2012.
Posted by: Megan | Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Ah, winter 2012 is too long to wait, but it is nice to have a known release date.
Posted by: Kathy Zadrozny | Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 01:32 PM
I was living in the UK for the first several episodes and then I got the DVD set for Christmas from my friend in London! LOOOOOVE the clothes and, oh! the HATS!
It was a huge phenomenon in the UK-- news articles, everyone talking about it.
I can't wait for the next season-- that Lady Mary is Just. Too. Much.
Posted by: YYZ | Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 09:21 PM
O, I love it, too & anticipated each episode every week! Maggie Smith is the greatest! Can't wait for the next release!! I was so pleased that you liked it & posted your review!
Posted by: Glenda | Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I loved this series too-- we had recently watched Manor House (a sort or reality show/experiment- get it on Netflix) and I think I appreciated/enjoyed Downton Abbey more because of it.
I think Lady Mary has more than an inkling that she's so snotty, and hates herself for it- just my opinion, tho.
Posted by: ToilingAnt | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 09:54 PM
umm. sybil is defss the youngest sister. and you aren't supposed to hate Edith you're supposed to feel sorry for her. she's the ugly that even the parents care little for. they even say it. i love mary's character although she is definitely the bitchiest one. edith though is the typical neglected middle child
Posted by: lulu | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 01:13 AM
Oops, you are right about me mixing up the two sisters. I have fixed my error. I do remember the mother saying a comment to the grandmother about Ediths looks; it was sad to hear. If I remember correctly, Lady Edith overheard it as well, which adds to the horribleness of it.
Posted by: Kathy Zadrozny | Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Wow, that looks wonderful! And you got to love the old cars there. They look really sexy yet also big and masculine. I saw a few episodes of this series online and I got to tell you, they really pay attention to detail and accuracy.
Posted by: Ivo Beutler | Friday, July 22, 2011 at 07:58 AM