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Downton Abbey, a new obsession


Sitting in the family room with my loved ones, watching a few of our favorite television shows, is one of my life's simple pleasures.

Once in a while, our friends would recommend "a must see" television series and it usually takes a few weeks before we get to check them out. But when a show happens to entice us, we'll stay up late watching the show back-to-back , be it via OnDemand or  Netflix.

This week's new obsession is "Downton Abbey".

My husband and I were out with some of our closest friends, when they recommended "Downton Abbey".  We had no idea what to expect.

"Downton Abbey", created by Julian Fellowes, is a British period drama television series aired in the US through PBS's Masterpiece Classic.

The series is set at a fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton abbey.  The main characters are the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The first episode was set in 1912.

Mr. Fellowes talent in story telling is admirable -- an inspiration. The way the story was told captures the attention of one's heart and mind. The setting, the characters and the dialogues are so colorful, believable, intelligent, subtle and witty . A classic soap opera that tells a story about a family that is so fascinating and intriguing that at the end of every episode, you are left wanting to know more. You'll feel the characters' happiness, pain and anticipation. Each episode grabs your heart and reminds you of what matters most in life. Each character portrays how people face life's challenges and adventures. 

One of my favorite characters is the delightfully snobby Lady Grantham (Cousin Violet), Dowager Countess, portrayed by Maggie Smith (Harry Potter's Professor Minerva McGonagall). Her facial expressions, wisdom and witty remarks will make you think, laugh and smile.

Here are a few of her dialogues:
• "I couldn't have electricity in the house, I wouldn't sleep a wink. All those vapors floating about."

• "What is a weekend?"

• Lady Grantham: "You are quite wonderful the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming zeal."
   Mrs. Crawley: "I take that as a compliment."
   Lady Grantham: "I must've said it wrong."


When most television shows highlight violence, sex and adult language, it is a pleasant change to watch a show that portrays a more wholesome way of story telling. Kind of makes one wonder why other shows can't be as wholesome and traditional as "Downton Abbey".

Or as Lady Granthan/Cousin Violet said,
    "You Americans never understand the importance of tradition.”

If you have Comcast (which we do, since we just switched from Verizon to save at least $100 a month), Downton Abbey Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are all available OnDemand.
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Comments

  1. AnneFebruary 18, 2013 at 2:25 AM

    Love watching this series too. There's a lot to appreciate and to learn from the show. The most important however is that pain, happiness, joy and challenges come to people, no matter what strata of society one belongs. If anything, the series proves what a great equalizer life truly is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GottaLoveMomFebruary 18, 2013 at 8:41 AM

      Anne, the show was fascinating. The story telling captured my attention from Day 1. It's like a great book that you couldn't stop reading.

      Delete

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