Downton Abbey

Today I am grateful for the PBS, Masterpiece Classic series, Downton Abbey.  No spoilers, here, so if you haven’t watched the final show for season four don’t worry.  My lips are sealed.

I have always been a slut for all things British.  I’ve watched every wedding, every historical celebration and every juicy bit of scandal that is out there regarding British royalty.  When Diana and Charles got married, I set my alarm so I wouldn’t miss it live.  Twisted, I know.  I don’t care.  Thankfully the DVR recording capacity allows me to have a more normal existence and I now record everything so I can watch it when I want.

What is it?  The accent?  Probably.  I love the British accent, even when I’m making fun of it.  The words seem so veddy, veddy proper.  You can be ripped a new one by someone with a British accent and not even know it happened until two days later. Can I understand everything that’s said?  Not hardly.  Subtitles and rewind help me grasp every delightful gem uttered by Dame Maggie Smith, the Dowager Countess.  All she has to do is enter a scene and my heart beats quickly wondering what will spout from her pursed lips next.  Delicious.

The writers of Downton Abbey do an amazing job of introducing new characters and plot twists, keeping our attention and making us love/hate as we, the viewers see fit.  The actors implement direction and portray each role, not as a role, but as though they are the character.  You forget they are acting and that’s the highest compliment you can give any actor.  The combination is a brilliant depiction of the classes in an English manor house where each person knows their role, even if they aren’t always pleased with it.

Downton Abbey is my secret pleasure. Well, maybe not so secret anymore but I’m palpitating already for season five!