Set in England in the years leading up to the First World War, Downton Abbey tells the story of a complicated community. The house has been home to the Crawley family for many generations, but it is also where their servants live, and plan, and dream, and they are as fiercely jealous of their rank as anyone. Some of them are loyal to the family and committed to Downton as a way of life, others are moving through, on the look out for betterment or love or just adventure. The difference is that they know so many of the secrets of the family, while the family know so few of theirs. But for all the passions that rage beneath the surface, this is a secure world, serene and ordered, and, at first glance, it seems it will last forever. Little do they know, family or staff, that the clouds of the conflict that will change everything are already gathering over their heads.
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Reviews
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Not intending to be flippant, but this elegantly filmed yet shamelessly copycat series is something of a pleasant yawner when compared to its obvious predecessors. My spell checker keeps prodding me that it should be "downtown" instead of Downton -- an ironic comment, perhaps. I should say that I did enjoy watching it, and will continue to do so. But really...how much can one take of duplication?
Here's one for the film buff: Maggie Smith as an almost word-for-word reincarnation of Dame May Witty (should be spelled with an "h" but the edit machine will not take it). Got it? If so, you qualify for expert! Hint: The reference is not to Upstairs Downstairs but a much earlier film. Think gardening.
I wonder where the Titanic will be sighted next. As we approach the centenary year, there will surely be other dramatic renderings. It was after all the end of one era and the beginning of another far less discriminating, less clearly reminiscent of social division as a mode of theatrical expression. Matters of race and gender are now in the forefront, as traces of political correctness intruding upon this screenplay attest.
This was a great series - I'm a fan of period dramas to begin with, but so often you find that these kinds of series focus either on the lords & ladies of the house, OR their employees/servants. It's not often you find a series that explores stories surrounding both. The historical references to actual events such as the Titanic sinking and World War I bring some realism to it. Dame Maggie Smith's performance is outstanding and hilarious. It's seriously worth watching just to see her!
Not many TV series keep my interest anymore however Downton Abbey is certainly doing that. Love period series and this, so far, is excellent. Costumes and surroundings authentic and very good acting.
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