Downton Abbey

[Dinki Di]

So, anybody else a fan of the show? I watched the first season not too long ago and was very impressed. It was mainly due to the inolvement of the Godsford Park writer that I gave it a chance. It does get a little predictable and episodic at times, however it still has it's charm. I could not wait for the second season to air as part of Masterpiece, so I took care of that. I am not sure which one I like better, they both have their high and low points.

Somebody in Britain report back on how the Christmas Special turns out!

[Dra508]

I ran into the first season earlier this year and watched it. I thought it was pretty good until the end - sort of went flat, so I'm hopeful the story has more legs. I do like historic fiction that take real events and intertwine them well - not so sure this one did it well. Gosford Park was a good film.

[Jadezuki]

I am a major fan of Downton Abbey. I think I waited with more anticipation for the Christmas Special than I did for the one for Doctor Who. The second season drags a bit in parts, and I wasn't very engaged by some of the new characters, but the Christmas special totally made up for it - the plot absolutely flew.

[orestes]

Watched the first season on netflix instant watch in a matter of, oh, two days. It's such an engaging show and I've liked Hugh Bonneville's work in the past. Oh, and Maggie Smith is such a saucy bitch as the Dowager Countess.

By the way, Patton Oswalt's been providing hilarious commentary on twitter.

[Jadezuki]

Whether you've seen only one or both seasons, this is awesome:

[Dra508]

^^^^ that's awesome.

[orestes]

Ahahahaha the Adele cover.

[orestes]

So who watched the two-hour season premiere tonight on PBS?

[Dra508]

So who watched the two-hour season premiere tonight on PBS?

I did and I got to say, a bit disappointed in the writing. I know they were moving the plot forward, but some of the characters seemed to be doing things that didn't fit, to me, their original character. That middle sister was so judgmental then she goes and Spoiler: kisses the farmer. I liked that they sent Thomas to war and giving him more heart, but he was a good character that you loved to hate. Now you really can't. I'll keep watching. The clothes along keep me watching.

[Jadezuki]

Don't worry, both Thomas and O'Brien go back and forth with their softer sides, which to me makes them more interesting. I think you'll find reasons to hate Thomas again. Also other characters to root against. And as for Edith... well... she'll take affection where she can get it, poor girl.

[orestes]

Heh.

http://arresteddownton.tumblr.com/

[Jadezuki]

I love this! Note, though, there are a ton of Season 2 images, including ones from the Christmas special, that could well spoil you.

[Pemulis]

Just finished the first season tonight on Netflix. Spectacular show.

Not surprised to find out the Gosford Park writer is involved as within the first few minutes the first thing I thought was "Hot damn this is like Gosford Park the TV show!".

[Dra508]

Episode 2 - meh, I'm just not buying Thomas as in charge.

[orestes]

Lady Crawley and Cora were rather catty last night.

[Dra508]

Lady Crawley and Cora were rather catty last night.

And there's a character.

O'Brien annoys me.

[orestes]

William!

(ten characters.)

[orestes]

Was everybody creeping around Downton Abbey last night? One episode left in the season!

[Dra508]

Was everybody creeping around Downton Abbey last night? One episode left in the season!

Holy aristocracy! That was the best episode of them all. Maggie Smith gets the best lines of all the entire cast. I'm almost convinced that she writes her own. She just owns it. Quote of the night: "Don't be a defeatist, it's very middle class". That was only one of a dozen she had - so glad to see she won an Emmy - well done - well done.

I need to go watch her in Murder By Death, Death on The Nile, Evil Under The Sun, and Gosford Park again.

[Jadezuki]

Rumor has it season three started filming today. Eeeeexcellent.

[orestes]

So who watched the Christmas special tonight? So happy for Spoiler: Mary and Matthew. The ouija board stuff was a bit silly, though.

[Dra508]

So who watched the Christmas special tonight? So happy for Spoiler: Mary and Matthew. The ouija board stuff was a bit silly, though.

I was sort of hoping Mary Spoiler: went to America to Gran ma ma's in Newport - that would have been cool to see what big manse they would put her in

So, yes to a third season?

[orestes]

Yes, season three should be underway as we speak. I'm looking forward to seeing Shirley MacLaine as Cora's mother.

[Dra508]

Yes, season three should be underway as we speak. I'm looking forward to seeing Shirley MacLaine as Cora's mother.

No way?! Cora is so refined. I can't see Shirley dialing it back.

[Jadezuki]

Cora is refined after having lived that life for twenty years. And they STILL give her crap about being an American. I don't think Shirley will need to dial it back, and I'm interested in seeing what sides this will bring out of everyone else in the family.

[orestes]

I can see her and the Dowager Countess volleying verbal barbs at each other.

[Dra508]

^^ That will be awesome. I pretty much agree with everything in this review.

This is why I like reading historic fiction and now watching it. You learn a lot. Plus I love food.

Books To Aid ‘Downton Abbey’ Withdrawal

[Dra508]

http://www.bustedtees.com/freebates

I just bought this shirt.

[orestes]

Soooooo who's been watching season three thus far? The last episode hit right in the solar plexus.

[Jadezuki]

Arrgghhhg hhhhghargh. I know they're not real people, but yikes.