Anyone watching Downton Abbey?

[Elrohwen]

Since Downton Abbey is my favorite topic lately (I chat about it with my British co-worker all the time) I thought I’d see if any BBers are as into it as I am!

For those who haven’t heard of it, it’s a BBC drama (aired on PBS in the US) about a wealthy family in the 1910s in northern England. The main storyline with the family is that the father has three daughters but no male children so his estate is entailed to a distant cousin who is a middle class lawyer (who ends up falling in love with the eldest daughter and drama ensues!). There’s a parallel storyline following the “downstairs” staff of maids and footmen. The second season is currently airing (it takes place during WWI). The first season is available instantly on Netflix now if anyone wants to get started.

The show is just so good! It’s like a period drama meets soap opera

Any other fans? Anybody else cry during last week’s episode?

[RabbitPam]

I’ve been watching it for about a month now. It gets you hooked.
I cried at the end when I thought the next episode was coming on and I found out I have to wait another week.

I like it, some characters more than others of course. I do think that the former servant who is now military in charge in the house and the maid he’s pals with are a bit over the top. I mean, they both need to be twirling their evil mustaches.

[Elrohwen]

I like that Thomas and O’Brien are becoming a little more “real” in recent episodes. They actually seem to have feelings instead of trying to be as evil as possible like they were in the first season.

The Wicked Witch of the West role is certainly being filled by Mrs Bates though. I just don’t see her motivation for being so evil. Ok, she wants to get back at her ex-husband, but why drag down the Crawley family? What’s the point? I’d like to see her character tone it down a bit, but I guess every good soap opera needs a villain.

I’m glad Edith is redeeming herself a bit too. She was just a big ol’ pain in the beginning, but she’s starting to show some compassion.

[Sarita]

It’s on Netflix and I put it in my queue – I’m sure it’s not current though.

[RabbitPam]

Well, I am pretty sure that the first season just ended its reruns, and the second season is only 2 episodes in, so you won’t miss much.
When it airs here on PBS, they show last week’s at 8PM followed by the latest episode at 9PM.

Yes, Mrs. Bates is a whack job, but I just love his romance. It’s so real-people like, rather than pretty/handsome youngsters that must mate all that movie star beauty. Of course, the British are so much better at casting for character.

O’Brien is more compassionate. Thomas just sucks. I hate guys like that – just want to slap ’em. I don’t think a “real” head butler would put up with the stuff they have him do for a minute. I expect we’ll see him get it in the end, so it will be satisfying.
Thomas makes the point of why dragging down the family in other ways, and she echos it. Class conflict – she will because she can, and has very little to lose compared to them. Power over a class of so-called superiors is always a tasty motive.

[MimzMum]

My daughter and I are glued to each ep. It’s only on for a pitiable hour us our biggest peeve!
This last week’s ending had me blubbing like an idiot. But really, I’m so emotional lately I’ll cry if my hat hits the floor.

Taking bets on how long it is before Madame Bates meets with some ‘unfortunate’ accident…lol.

[LBJ10]

I just know of Edward Abbey. Hehe!

We were watching Dr. Who on BBC America and Torchwood. That is about it.

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