Review of Downton Abbey
Aug 19, 2015 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
The setting for our tale…
So it’s time for a vintage confession: I am just now getting into Downton Abbey. I know, I know… I can already hear the collective sigh. Truthfully, I have no excuse – it’s just the wacky way I’m built. As all of my friends can attest, I am notorious for catching on to “the next big thing” three years after everyone else is singing its praises. My Netflix queue is littered with opportunities not capitalized on: I’m talking to you Breaking Bad. So imagine my happy discovery when I found out Amazon instant video recently added all five seasons of Downton Abbey. Now I can’t binge dear old Downton; I find it too intense, so two episodes per night is my limit and I’m currently at the mid-way point of the second season. If you are on the fence about getting to know the Crawleys, please check out my initial review of Downton Abbey. And for those readers already keen on the show, share your two cents (or should I say your ten pence) in the comments…
When I first started the show I wasn’t sure. I was a big fan of Upstairs, Downstairs and I think I came into the show with some preconceived notions. And it didn’t help that initially I didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters. I don’t know about you, but I can only get invested in a show if I am rooting for someone in the story. (Even though this program is, like all Masterpiece productions, incredibly detailed & era appropriate – fancy clothes isn’t enough to keep me glued). Just as I was losing hope, the amazing Maggie Smith entered Downton. As the Dowager Countess, her sass and spirit are not only an absolute hoot, but a shining light. As someone who almost neurotically considers every phrase before I utter it, I admire her openness – has to feel quite freeing. And her facial expressions are priceless!
“I am a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose.” – Dowager Countess of Grantham
Ahh.. bestill my heart – a train
For me, her hilarious and biting comments served as a gateway into the other characters. Watching everyone else’s reactions and responses to the outspoken Violet, the towering Dowager Countess of Grantham, helped me connect with this cast of characters. Once I began opening up, I realized the brilliance of Julian Fellowes’ writing: subtlety followed by moments of gripping depth.
For example, Lady Mary Crawley. While I was skipping along through season one I thought – yep, she’s the gal I love to hate. But slowly and surely, her layers started to reveal themselves. I’m a sucker for a good train scene. Let me explain what I mean by that comment. For those of us who have enjoyed North and South (which if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s on Netflix – check it out this weekend!), remember the train scene at the end? The passion bubbling just beneath the surface, it was jumping off the screen as John and Margaret exchange glances. There’s something in the way John looks at her as she is trying to explain her business proposition. Swoon worthy, right? Well beyond making the heart skip a beat, that scene brilliantly captures the core of these two people and their love story. One scene said it all. That kind of performance requires a special blend of talented actors and exceptional writing. When that level of artistry is reached, it is pretty special to be along for the ride as a viewer. And can I just say, for those of you who decide to give Downton a try, the train scene with Lady Mary and Matthew is of the same caliber. In one moment you get a glimpse of her soul and it’s pretty extraordinary. For the readers who have seen up through this episode, what did you think? Did you feel like this was the first time you really understood Lady Mary?
My favorite fashion moment was the reaction to Lady Sybil’s corset-free, pant ensemble. What’s yours?
Harem pants from the early 1910s
My final thoughts on the show: halfway through season two and the program is keeping me as engaged and intrigued as ever. (Admittedly, I think the show is getting better with age, so we’ll see how the next three seasons suit me.) The plot developments keep me on my toes as a viewer, but I find that the writing style maintains a pace that allows for some reflection before the next twist comes. And the ensemble cast is top-notch. I see Mr. Bates as Mr. Bates, rather than the union leader from North and South. I’ve even forgiven Joanne Froggatt for that unfortunate last season of Robin Hood (seriously, that was the worst ending wasn’t it??). I now identify her as the lovely, caring Anna. I am excited to see where the next few seasons take the Crawley family and their staff. Now I just have to get up to speed so I’m ready for the sixth and final chapter.
For our readers, have you gotten into Downton? If so, how far along are you in the story and what character do you most identify with?