I’ve started this post several times, unable to get the traction I needed to move the words forward. Has this ever happened to you? Sometimes I know just what I want to say. Sometimes the words come tumbling forth, my fingertips just the ride they need to get to the next sentence. I’ve been a little sluggish and a lot busy, but, those are not the reasons why this post has taken me so long. It seems I just don’t know how to say what I want to say about Downton Abbey.
I was only going to do the previous post, then move on, but, I just can’t seem to leave Downton yet. I hope you will bear with me here.
I had such anticipation over the first episode, that I wore myself out. Really. I’m sure I did. Like a teenager waiting for the next Twilight movie, I was spent in waiting.
Downton Abbey’s first episode of the second season was worth the wait. If you watched it, I wonder if you agree. If you didn’t, I encourage you to try to see it.
A good many reviews forewarned disappointment, declaring these new episodes weren’t as good as the first season’s. The rest of the episodes still need to play out, but, for me, Sunday night’s feature of Downton Abbey more than met my expectations. In the vast wasteland that is television here, Downton Abbey is stimulating, well-written and acted; an oasis in the desert of what passes for drama on American television. It is sweeping in scope and tender to the bone in spots; Carson’s encouragement to Lady Mary, Mr. Bates and Anna, Lady Edith, so hard to sympathize with, squeaked out some sympathy, and as Lady Mary stood at the station watching Matthew return to war I tried to control a sob.
There were the lighter moments as well, mostly brought on by the Dowager Countess, reminding us that family always “trumps” outsiders, and I watched the traditional roles of women changing at the same time the strict class system of Britain is changing. The scenes depicting Lady Sybil trying to learn how to cook were delightful. “You can boil water, can’t you?”.
This brings me to the Crawley sisters and how interesting their relationships are and how wonderfully they are portrayed.
The sisters are still often cruel and deceptive, but, there were brief glimpses of caring and sympathy. Sisterly relationships can often be difficult and complicated, filled with jealousy and competition. I can only imagine what this must have been like among aristocratic sisters all vying for the perfect matrimonial match in a society rapidly changing as war raged on.
See what happens when you let your fingers control the keyboard?
Dear Penny,
Like you, I find Downton Abbey fascinating. Inexorably the characters, the scenery, the dialogue draw me into a period of almost a hundred years ago. I’m at home with that show. Thank you for saying so well what so many of us feel.
Peace.
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Thank you, Dee. I agree with you. I love period pieces like this one is and enjoyed escaping to it for a few hours. I can’t wait until next week.
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Penny, sometimes you just have to let a subject take over until you’ve said what you have to say about it. Downton Abbey has been immensely popular here in the UK, despite what some critics have written about it. It gets an amazingly high score of 9/10 on the Internet Movie Database, which accurately reflects the public reaction to the 2 series so far. Enjoy….
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So true, Perpetua. It certainly commanded a large Sunday audience here, filling a void of what else is on. I love this type of show, so, I suppose I’m already hooked before I watch, but, yes, I am enjoying it so far.
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All this for Downton Abbey?
No wonder these things are made very much with the American audience in mind.
Okay, I admit, I watch it too; it is an evening’s fairly lightweight entertainment.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that ‘Upstairs’ really cares very much about ‘Below Stairs’, or that they actually have any real contact.
This is a nice story.
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Yes! A large portion of the American audience eats it up, Friko. For many, Masterpiece Theater, which is our public broadcasting that airs such shows as Downton Abbey from Britain, is an island in an otherwise wasteland of television. We do have some excellent productions that are American made that air as well, such as the wonderful series on John Adams.
I’m not fooled, don’t worry, but I appreciate the acting and costumes and storyline just the same. Thanks, Friko.
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Dear Penny,
I agree with your assessment of the first episode of D.A. I was fearful that it could not possibly meet my expectations but it certainly did. My favorite character is still the Dowager Countess who reminds me of my maternal grandmother with her facial expressions, rigid posture, and pithy remarks. But I am drawn to little Daisy and hope that her part will grow as she has such potential. I gasped out loud when Mrs. Bates appeared! Thomas will never have my sympathy. One of the outstanding bonuses for me with any period drama is the requisite review of history. As a retired nurse, I am deep into research on mustard gas and patient care at the front lines. So it can only get better for me. I am such a fool for gorgeous gowns, manners, and the stiff upper lip! And byw, I adore the dog too.
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Isn’t the Dowager a wonderful character? Oh, those looks – there are a few women she reminds me of. I’m hoping Daisy will grow as well, Marilyn. She has a conscience, though it often follows rather than leads, and there is so much potential there. I’m glad you brought her up. You are probably right about Thomas.
How interesting that you are researching mustard gas. How horrible that must have been for those men, both as it happened and the aftermath and care. I’ve read a few books lately about this period of time and want to learn more. Thank you for your insights and comment, Marilyn.
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Boy do I know what it’s like when the words just won’t get traction! However, you finally got great traction with your review of Downton Abbey. Although I didn’t watch last season, after watching 2 episodes on Sunday I’m going to do my best to catch the rest. You are so right about this being a refreshing change from what is on tv most of the time. The acting and the writing was wonderful and the setting was a feast for the eyes. Also, I loved the Maggie Smith character, she was so funny and the woman who I THINK was playing her daughter was just like her!
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I’m sure it happens to most of us from time-to-time. I hope you can continue to watch it, Janet. I know. If it weren’t for Masterpiece Theater, and channel 11 (and its counterparts), I don’t know what I’d watch most of the time. Are you thinking of the woman who says she always speaks the truth and Maggie Smith’s character says “Why? No one else does?”. If so, yes, that is her daughter.
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Yep, I think that’s the one. They seem to have a running joke going about the two of them looking alike and having the same personalities.
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Indeed 🙂 A great review summing this first episode up nicely! And I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’m planning a visit to the Downton house in the Spring…
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Oh, Kate, you simply must post about it after you do. I can imagine your talent and the story you will tell. Is it Highclere Castle? I’m sure there has been a boost in tours there since the series began.
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Yes, what happens is you get to follow your passion and this is a good one. I did not watch the whole thing, got sidetracked for reasons I don’t even know now, but British television is far superior to American in almost every way. Despite what Friko said. Perhaps she doesn’t know what we’re up against! 🙂
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So true, Teresa. So true on British television as well. I’m sure it will be replayed and you will get to see it. It was two hours worth, with the last episode of the first series on first, so, that was a time investment. I’m looking forward to next week.
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You know you’re making me cry now because I missed the first episode. Your fingers did a lovely job!
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Don’t cry, Sallie, as you will see it eventually and you will likely cry at some points when you do. My fingers, and I, thank you.
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Oh, I forgot to watch or record it. Jim and I share one TV right now so I record things I want to see to watch later. I didn’t see the first season either, but I will try to find it.
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It will be there for you sometime, Janet, and when you do I hope you enjoy it as much as I – I think you will. I’m just a bit over-enthusiastic.
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I absolutely appreciate your sentiments on this subject. I hope that Sallie reads my reply, because I also missed Episode 1, but it is going to be played, at least in our market, right before Sunday’s second episode. I’ll be ready this time! I think many of us make so much out of DA because in American television there is just nothing of its caliber. We are a bit starved! And I’m really tired of critics who like to forewarn our disappointment. Each successive season will be a little less original, of course…it is still a mental vacation, and a welcome retreat from what passes as American entertainment. I’m so glad you started this topic, Penny! Debra
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I know there will be many opportunities to see the first episode, Debra. You, Sallie and Janet will have chances, for sure. I wonder if our market will repeat episode 1 on Sunday. There were a few scenes where I missed something or other. Well put, Debra. We are starved here. I like the term of “mental vacation”. Thank you. I’ve enjoyed the comments and have had much to think on.
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