Downton Abbey

[clocker]

Downton Abbey is anglophile crack.

Set just pre WWI, Downton Abbey examines England in the final spasms of a mass hallucination.
Inherited wealth conferred godlike status on the fortunate few; born without, one served the rich.
And everyone agreed that this was how it should be.

I'm only three episodes into the first season but am already impressed by the production values and Dame Maggie Smith.
She plays the Dowager Duchess and channels Archer most of the time.
Hilarious.

Soon as I obtain the remaining episodes, I'm going to marathon my way through them and then feel smug.

[clocker]

OK, finished both seasons.
I am hooked.
Pure, uncut British soap porn.

Spoiler: Show

I predict that Sir Richard had Vera killed and will be exposed, thus neatly solving both Mary and Mr. Bates problems in one fell swoop.

[Artemis]

If you enjoyed this another older series worth trolling for is Brideshead Revisisted, based on the Eveleyn Waugh book.Brideshead Revisited is another fascinating expose of upper class british mores, and with Jeremy Irons as the lead, it is sterlingly british, also if you haven't seen it yet, the movie Gosford Park is also another great period piece with a wonderful ensemble cast.

[clocker]

I've seen Brideshead, I think Downton Abbey more closely resembles Upstairs, Downstairs.
It's OK though, I like 'em all.

[Burnsy]

I caught a few episodes during series 2 and was quite impressed. I'm not usually one for period drama's as such but the fact it took place during WW1 kinda grabbed my attention. I was also quite surprised by how funny it was as well and was left chuckling more than once by Dame Maggie Smith, although I couldn't get her role as Prof. McGonagall out of my head at times.

I've managed to download both series now and will watch them both from the start (after I finish the 5 Burn Notice series) as I reckon I could have been missing out on a little gem

[Quarterquack]

Iafter I finish the 5 Burn Notice series

Why haven't you given up? The writers haven't taken a step forward since the first episode. Michael is still playing the same game against the same "people". The entirety of the 5 seasons can be summarized as "Shit explodes, burnt spy proven to burn others."

[mjmacky]

This show is fucking great. I've never really come across theatrically produced drama where it all felt so organic, reflective and empathetic. I was originally put off by the aristocratic periodness of it (before ever watching). I gulped these up over the past 3 days, season 1 on Netflix is what made it so accessible in spite of my earlier inhibitions. All the characters, no matter how pure, droll, cunty or whatever, are no task to keep tabs on.

There was also a "Christmas Special" that aired in December, but it's critical to the plot.

[Artemis]

Actually I'm kind of bummed after seeing the Christmas special, it tied up so many of the plot lines that there doesn't seem to be alot for the third season.

Spoiler: Show

There is Mary's now burgeoning love for Matthew till she rejects him again....sigh, whether John Bates will ultimately get off and whether the mad irish chauffeur will crop up again to forment political unrest, and whether they can pay for it all with the impending estate taxes....

[mjmacky]

Spoiler: Show

There is Mary's now burgeoning love for Matthew till she rejects him again....sigh, whether John Bates will ultimately get off and whether the mad irish chauffeur will crop up again to forment political unrest, and whether they can pay for it all with the impending estate taxes....

Though you weren't sure about the content, you seemed able enough to imagine some of the existing threads. Not to mention...

Spoiler: Show

Carlisle burying the family in the media, Thomas's powerplay antics to make an impression as valet, not to mention observations on the political climate with Ireland's war for Independence, the formation of Communist states and the CCCP, and Mussolini taking power

[mjmacky]

I read up that the season 2 finale is supposed to air Feb 18th. I can't find the specific reference again, is this true? Also, heard that Shirley Maclaine is coming on as Lady Grantham's mother in season 3. Maggie vs. Shirley, place your bets.