Counting Down to Downton

The series may certainly be over in the U.K., but here in the good old United States,we cannot wait for the final season of Downton Abbey to begin! Having picked it up in Season Two by watching the series on DVD, we weren't sure we enjoyed the series. All it took was episode three for us to go from"It's ok" to "I can't wait to watch more!" Michelle Dockery and Dan Stevens were great fun to watch as Mary and Matthew, as was just about every servant found  downstairs. 

We certainly missed  Matthew as well as other characters that were sent off- particularly Siobhan Finneran's evil Mrs. O'Brien and Lady Sybil, played by Jessica Brown Findlay. With all the changes the series went through, the show faltered only so slightly at times, while Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess sharply kept things from becoming maudlin even in the worst of times.

One week and counting- and then farewell begins...

Downton Abbey: The Drama Continues

Compared to Season Four, this year's Downton Abbey has seemed to rebound- and by a large margin. Gone is the dreariness after the loss of Matthew and Sybil. It's replaced by the return of a fresh and sassy Mary, a determined Edith, and a newly feisty Cora. The men tend to fall into place as usual- especially Mary's suitors- but good old Tom appears to be on his way out. Can it really happen? Will he really leave jolly old England for the States? Stay tuned.

The Return of Downton Abbey

OK, I admit it. I really enjoy Downton Abbey. Television rarely has an evening drama so engaging and never one with Maggie Smith in it. So, what's not to like? And it returns tonight for season six in the States.

My friends in Scotland don't think much of it, but then they are used to living in an area with such grand and quaint and charming homes. The entire mix of lower, upper, and middle class houses combined with lush greenery and a history full of grand tradition.

Confession time: I like the television show enough that I sometimes read ahead... and you'll never guess what happens this year!

Downton Abbey Season Four Tonight

The long wait is over! Sure, Karen Carpenter has always been a guilty pleasure, but now, Downton Abbey takes first place as the guiltiest pleasure ever. My wife and I did not love the first few episodes of Season One, but by episode four, we were hooked.

Season Two is my favorite thus far. The World War I angle was fascinating to watch. Season Three was full of drama- ending with the most unexpected and unwelcome surprise.

What will Season Four hold? Most likely, Downton will continue to draw in viewers with its mix of wit and melodrama. Tom Branson, excellently played by the gifted Allen Leech, pulls us American common folk into the world of the aristocracy he once served. It's a compelling and intriguing storyline. Certainly, the story most viewers are curious about is that of Lady Mary. As a new widow and young mother, I'm betting Michelle Dockery's portrayal is spot on. So, grab a cup of tea tonight, enjoy a scone or two, and enjoy the return of a cultural phenomena.