So there it is. I’m all caught upon Downton Abbey, I finished the feature-length Christmas special last night, which seemed to effectively tie up a lot of plot lines from the first two series in one 90 minute go. It also, however, set up a lot of things I expect to follow-up on in the series ahead. If you have not seen all of Series 2, or the Christmas special, everything below could be considered a SPOILER!!!
Our good friend, and my favorite character, the valet Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) is on trial for his life, after being accused of murdering his ex-wife. By his side through it all, is his wonderful wife, Anna (Joanne Froggat), who also serves at Downton, and every time something comes along to impede their relationship she brings out this adorable quivering bottom lip. The two of them have a relationship they have fought long and hard for, and I do like the scene in Series 2 when Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) arranges for the two of them to have a room together.
Lady Mary of course has her own problems as well, with Sir Richard (Iain Glen), and Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) both of whom covet her, though Matthew is engaged to Lavinia (Zoe Boyle), and Sir Richard is basically blackmailing her into marriage.
Through it all, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) tries his best to maintain decorum and order in his household as World War One savages Europe.
Downton has its casualties, and also serves as a convalescent home for officers during the course of the war, letting Lady Edith (Laura Carmicheal) begin to find her place in the world.
Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) is noticeably missing from the Christmas special though she is mentioned, and I have to admit, much like Robert, I’m not happy with the choices she made that led her to not be there for Christmas.
Oh well.
Thomas (Rob James-Collier), the footman, is conniving as always, and is very much one of those characters you simply love to hate.
This show is amazing, and so well-written. It has simply blown me away, and has captivated me with every moment. And this is from someone who knows his television. This is also from someone who usually wouldn’t be so engaged by a period piece like this.
But there is just something to it…
The dialogue is top-drawer, but it’s also all the dialogue that isn’t spoken, all the looks, all the things that remain unsaid that you know everyone wants to say, but doesn’t because of their class, their position, or the dictates of society,
This is one show that I cannot recommend enough.
But now… Now I have to wait until SEPTEMBER!!!! to go back to Downton for new stories.
That seems a long ways off…
Still if you haven’t started watching it, this is a great time to catch up! Or maybe even re-watch it!
This is a show that is worthy of all the accolades that it is being presented with. If you have not seen it, or are worried it won’t appeal, find the time to watch the first episode. You’ll be hooked.
