Yes we watch Downton Abbey. That lovely, Upstairs, Downstairs imitation (though, as it is being produced now rather than back then, with much more extravagant settings and details). It’s a thing of beauty to behold.
Well, unless you’re the scullery maid or poor Mr. Bates in that depressing looking prison.
We’re well into the third season here in the U.S. now, and I’ve heard rumors from across the pond they’re beginning filming of the fourth in a few weeks.
We own the dvd’s (or perhaps they’re blu-rays – I can’t recall at the moment. Probably dvd’s – I’m notoriously cheap thrifty) of the first two seasons. But this season I choose not to buy them ahead of time, rather I thought I'd just watch along with the rest of the U.S. (not counting all those sneaks who downloaded them from the internet – you know who you are!)
Frankly I wasn’t that impressed with this season’s first episode or so; they were too predictable. It seemed the same plot playing out yet again.
But, after Lady Edith being left at the alter by ole toothy Sir. what’s-his-name, and then last night’s heartbreaking horror… (During which I used up nearly an entire box of tissues).
Well holy crap, I ordered the third season first thing this morning.
I need those U.K. editions and that Christmas special right now!
I can’t imagine life without them, just as I can’t imagine it without a wood fire, hot tea, or books.
{Well – honestly I’d choose books over Downton Abbey in a New York minute.
(Isn’t that the dumbest expression?)
And probably tea as well.
Alright, and the wood fire...
But you get the picture.}
Honestly to an anglophile like myself, Downton isn’t a bit original. I’ve seen it before; and have been more surprised by what I saw, more inspired by the dialogue.
But the production details of this series are exquisite, the acting is wonderful. And it has Maggie Smith in it.
Which naturally makes it worth watching all on its own.
{N.B. “They” do say the actor who plays Matthew isn’t coming back next season. I'm rather sick of Matthew anyhow, he's so holier than thou and priggish. Where is the man's sense of humor? I hope Robert goes with him.
But what will happen do you think?
If you know, don’t tell!}
