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It should come as no surprise to anyone that I enjoy British television. I love tea (particularly Earl Grey), digestives, and cucumber sandwiches. I own most of the recent (and semi-recent) movie takes on Jane Austen novels.
So of course I am slightly obsessed with Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey. I watched Season 1 last year, and became enthralled with the costumes, sets and slightly soap-opera-esque story lines of this British series. Naturally I am in the middle of watching Season 2.
Part of the interest comes from the Upstairs, Downstairs aspect: it follows not only the lives of the Earl of Grantham and his family (especially the marriage-hunting angst of his three daughters); it also follows the lives of the servants of Downton, and does occasionally show a bit of class friction.
Season 2 is set during World War 1, so the house and its inhabitants are all in an uproar; a much gentler and softer reflection of the horrors of war going on in much of Europe. Several male characters are off in the trenches; the female characters must learn to cope with altered life at home. Carson, the perfect butler, must learn to cope with a reduced staff and army convalescents; the world is changing.
I think my 2 favorite characters are Mary Crawley and Ms. O’Brien (for different reasons, of course). Any fellow Downton enthusiasts who want to share favorites?
“['Downton Abbey' is] as much cake as it is bread. And, sue me, I like cake.” – Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker.
I agree.
I’m more than slightly obsessed with Downton Abbey (and yes, I do make sure I have my cup of tea before I sit down to watch [Lady Grey, if I have it]). As for favorites…I love Anna because of her fierce loyalty; Bates because…come on, Austin, surely you wouldn’t expect me to not love Bates; the Dowager Countess because Maggie Smith is awesome; Lady Mary because she’s really grown on me (and grown in character) over the course of Season 2 (yes, of course I’ve seen the whole thing through the Christmas Special. If you’re interested…). I could go on and on as you well know; this post made me smile. I love you Always,
Rebecca,
Pr.17:17 Always
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Downton Abbey is wonderful. I have yet to write about it on my blog: http://www.ilovebritishtv.com But I’m going to soon. It’s hard to pick a favorite character, but I do love Hugh Bonneville, so I would say Lord Grantham. I didn’t like Mary at the beginning, but began to love her as the series unfolded. And I think Maggie Smith is totally awesome too!
Yes, it is difficult to pick favorites, but I thought perhaps it was all right as Carson admitted, “even a butler has his favourites.”
I definitely should have added the Dowager Countess into my favorites; Maggie Smith is wonderful every time she’s on screen. I would watch a show just about her.