I recently crawled out from beneath my rock and caught up with episodes of Downton Abbey.
(I know, I know. Where’ve I BEEN all this time?)
Image courtesy EntertainmentWallpapers.com
In case you’ve been under your own rock, Downton Abbey is a British television program that’s become a global phenomenon. Produced by the UK’s ITV, it’s in the same vein as the old series Upstairs, Downstairs.
(Yes, I’m dating myself.)
Anyway, this popular period drama is set in the early 1900s and follows the lives and intermingling of the family and staff of the fictional British estate, Downton Abbey. Its broadcasting rights have been sold to over 100 countries, and its DVDs are among Amazon.com’s best sellers.
I must confess that I was reluctant to start watching. I’m not an Anglophile and couldn’t figure out everyone’s obsession with a stodgy British show. But episode one hooked me, and now I’m clamoring for my next DA fix.
Among DA’s highlights:
- Strong characters
- Interesting plots
- Stunning scenery
- Beautiful costumes (and hats!)
- Glorious accents
- Wicked one-liners
“I have plenty of friends I don’t like,” retorts Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith. (And yes, she’s every bit as fabulous as her title.) She’s my favorite.
Regal.
Sassy.
Unflappable.
She’s also self-serving, conniving and pretentious, so there’s much to dislike about the Dowager Countess. But she’s not completely flawed. (Like Thomas.)
I admire her attitude toward:
- Family. They’re your first priority. Be there for them, especially in a crisis.
- Respect. It’s fine to expect it, but you have to extend it.
- Change. You can resist it; but, when it’s inevitable, accept it and work within that framework to uphold your values.
If you’re not up on Downton, here’s a fun five-minute recap of the first two seasons:
Watch Downton Abbey: Official Seasons 1 & 2 Recap on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.
Season three begins this Sunday on PBS and it’s sure to be great fun. And feature even more fabulous hats 
Are you a fan? Who’s your favorite character, and why?
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Where to begin? I’ve been a fan from the get-go. Violet Crawley is also my favorite character for more reasons than I have space.
With my Christmas gift card I just ordered “Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Memoir That Inspired “Upstairs, Downstairs” and “Downton Abbey”"” by Margaret Powell. I can hardly wait to dig in!
I’ll be thinking about you Sunday night.
Ooh, that book sounds great, Cathy! And I would’ve bet you liked Violet
A friend mentioned “The Jewel In The Crown” today, an oldie but goodie. I’ll have to check it out on Netflix!
I have never seen it, though I have heard of it…I’m not completely under the rock! I’ll give it a look-see.
Check out that recap, Di (I fixed the link). I still can’t believe I love it as much as I do!
Welcome to the World of DA! I’ve watched every episode from the beginning and if I’d known you were not watching, I would have planned to view one from your living room!
And no, I did not plan to be living in the USA while Season 3 was airing. God gave me a major hug when that little detail was worked out! LOL
I love Anna. So sweet and deserving of happiness.
All characters, regardless of their unlike-ability, are so authentic.
Golly, Sarah and I spent SO much time catching up, and then I found the recap on the PBS site. Oh well, it was worth it
I’m glad God worked out the Season 3 snafu for you! That’d have been rough to be all the way in China and miss it.
We love Anna, too. So happy she and Bates got married
TK Sharpley has me HOOKED!!! I caught up on this show over the weekend and can’t wait to watch on Sunday. How I LONG for those days where formality reigned! The thought of ‘dressing’ for dinner is fabulous. Of course having someone else tie my shoes is pretty fantastic too…..although I wonder if I could get used to that.
I also love Violet’s saying, “Vulgarity is no substitute for wit” !!!! Ha! How true!
And Susan…..we would look superb in the dresses and hats. I’m also desiring ‘tea’ too…….
I sign off with “FREE BATES’………..
Oh wow, Sandi — can you IMAGINE how regal and gorgeous we’d look in those beautiful gowns? All decked out for dinner, complete with the long gloves and sassy shoes… and someone to rub our feet, massage our shoulders, give us a facial, do our nails and hair and make up…
Yes, I believe we could get used to that… and “ringing” whenever we needed something…
Do I dare confess…coming out from under my rock. Thanks so much for the recap. I’m in!
Oh Marcia, you’re going to LOVE IT. Such a great story!
I’m so glad you love this series! We got hooked this fall. My husband and I watched one (or more) episode nearly every night until we were caught up and then we felt like we were going through detox! Looking forward to this season which starts on SUNDAY!!
As for characters, I’d have to say Matthew’s mother (blanking on her name at the moment)….and Mr. Bates – he’s such a good person, but always keeps you guessing about the truth of his past. 
Wow, Jeannette – I’ll have to tell Steve that your hubs watched with you! He laughed at us every night for a week, but maybe he’ll watch an episode with me. That’ll hook him.
Ah yes, Mr Bates is such a great character. Who HAS great character, from what we see. And Matthew’s mama is a real trailblazer. I love the witty banter between her and the Crawleys!
Well…I sorta monopolized the big screen TV so he watched the first few episodes and got hooked. He actually enjoys the historical context of the show, which I too, find fascinating. It’s truly amazing to think of all the changes in that period of time. My Oma grew up in Germany. She was born in 1904 and often talked about not having street lamps and coming home from a dance by the light of the full moon. Enjoy season 3!
Hello friend,
Thanks for sharing this. I watched some of it but got confused as to when it came on, etc. so I missed a lot. I love the recap and I’m ready and waiting to record season three.
After being absent from blogging since September, I plan to post next week. I hope all is well with you and your family. I’ve missed you!!
Liz
I’m glad you’re back, Liz! It was fun to hear about your Poland adventures, and I can’t wait to see what you share on your blog. Hope you and Jay have a wonderful 2013!
Oh come on y’all. Violet, of course, but I love that interaction between O’Brien and Thomas. Devious! So much fun. Such good actors.
And don’t be hatin’, but I saw the first episode of season 3 at the NC School of the Arts a couple of weeks ago. I have connections.
I guess you think you’re somethin’ else, huh? (Monica is my sister
)
Ooooh! I’m so glad you caught up. I, too, delayed in partaking of such a fine show. However, sometime last year I spent money on a Hulu Plus account just so I could watch season two. (Season one was free on PBS.) My dear mother gifted me with both seasons on DVD this Christmas, and now I am impatiently awaiting season three’s start this Sunday.
My favorite characters are three-fold: I love Anna and Mr. Bates, separately and together. Their character is so pure, and they are always watching out for others, honest, and morally grounded. I also love Sybil’s adventurous and courageous spirit.
Ah yes, Alycia – Lady Sybil is a catbird! And I love Anna and Mr Bates too, and it broke my heart when they sentenced him. Her shriek was gut-wrenching.
See you at the DA Twitter party Sunday night!
Wow. That was quite the re-cap! I think you have me convinced.
You won’t be sorry, Tereasa. You love a good story!
Thanks for the re-cap; We don’t get PBS bc we don’t have cable so I will have to check out our library…I saw one episode of Season 1 and I remember admiring Anna’s kind and honest nature…Happy New Year, Susan
Check out PBS Online, Dolly. It’s worth a watch!