Downton Abbey

[Darklord Dave]

I can't believe there's no thread for this show. I hadn't heard of it until the Golden Globes and hearing about it I dismissed it as a "Upstairs, Downstairs" bore-a-thon, especially since it was a PBS show.

But when Patton Oswalt started live-tweeting the 2nd season I decided to check out the first season. And I was soon hooked. Yes, it's a fin de siecle exploration of British noblesse oblige, but the characters are lovable, the plot is sometimes outrageous and it's always charming. And the setting of early 20th century is a fascinating time as British society is dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age.

I'm half way through the second season now and really, really enjoying it. I'm downloading from Amazon - but I'm sure there are other ways to see it too without sitting through those PBS pledge drives.

 

[Sidewinder]

I loved it and finished season 2 last month I'm not sure when season 3 is starting, but I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[ProgMatinee]

I like the show a lot, I wouldn't call it always charming and lovable as some of the characters are downright evil. But its a good show.

 

[Batty]

The first season is available on Netflix.

 

[Jen]

I love this show. Watched season 1 on Netflix last year and ended up watching the whole season one weekend. I couldn't stop - it really had me hooked.

I ended up missing season 2 because it was on here during a time I'm not at home and I don't have a DVR...but I just bought the series on DVD and will be watching it soon.

 

[Crimsonbob]

I haven't seen it yet as it's not normally my kinda thing, but i'll give it a try sometime.

 

[Lookin4Precious]

The last 2 eps of Season 2 were SOLID! Really looking forward to Season 3!

 

[TheObsoleteMan]

I've seen some of the episodes on PBS. It feels like typical BBC period drama stuff to me. It's not a bad show by any means, but I must admit to being a bit baffled by the big obsession people seem to have with it.

 

[Darklord Dave]

Just as I post this and while I'm still working through Season 2 the mainstream media is flooded with spoilers! Damn it Newsweek - shut the ____ up!

 

[toylion]

Got to check it out. Love dry humor.

 

[toylion]

Checked the show out last night on Netflix and ended staying up all night and watch all 7 episodes. Was expecting Fawlty Towers at first but was pleasantly surprise. Wasn't an English Comedy like I expected, but definitely had funny moments, as well as moment that made me mad. Some of those people are truly evil. Now I have to track down Season 2.
The funny thing is I can relate to a lot of it as for 10 years I was one of six security guard in a household that also employed a large staff. I worked for a Multi-Billionaire and his family with a staff of about 32, including a House Manager and office staff, 2 chefs, Main Houseman and 3 housemen, 2 on site painters and hand-men, Laundry lady and various House-ladies. And believe me, there was a lot of gossip and politics in that house. Even one of the guards that was stealing and drinking the booze from the Library Bar and the taking a nap in a Doll House on the property. I once sent one of the House-lady to act like she was going to clean the Dollhouse in preparation for a party and catch him sleeping. His excuse was he was told by the Head of Security to keep an eye on the Gardeners, lol. He was finally fired when caught reeking of booze. Like his Lord, my Boss hated firing people. Lots of other drama and excitement as celebrities also stayed from time to time. Then the economy took a turn for the worse and thing changed fast. House was sold, people layed off. No more private jets and sports cars.

 

[toylion]

Found Season 2 on line.
https://video.pbs.org/video/2185945769

 

[Star Puffs]

Finally finished Series 2 last night with my friend. OMG I have to have figures from this show. Tops on my list would be the Dowager Countess and

Spoiler

Sybil + Branson!

 

[Wetanut]

Addicted to this show. Hadn't commented on this because there is sometimes a reverse snobbery regarding these types of shows on forums like these and I really wasn't in a mood to read any smart*** posts on it.

Had seen a couple of episodes in the beginning, but because of conflicting shows, never managed to catch it again before the season ended. Then my hubby asked "what's this Downton Abbey folks have been talking about?" Gave me an excuse to pull it up on Netflix and we watched entire season 1 in 2 evenings. Hubby got hooked and he's normally hates English costume drama stuff. He particularly likes Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess. Season 2 was bliss. Can't wait for season 3.

Spoiler

Can't wait for Maggie Smith to go toe-to-toe with Shirley MacLaine in Season 3. Fireworks I'm hoping!

 

[toylion]

I thought it was a great show and watch both seasons in two days. Has me hunger for more. Looking forward to season 3.

 

[Darthrazz]

A friend lent me seasons 1 and 2 on DVD. At first I was hesitant, it didn't sound like something I would watch.

After a few episodes my wife and I were hooked. We're almost done with season 2. It's really well written and has great characters.

 

[Rorywan]

The big shock ending at the end of season three has pretty much ruined the entire show for me. I will still watch for Maggie Smith though.

 

[Darthrazz]

The big shock ending at the end of season three has pretty much ruined the entire show for me. I will still watch for Maggie Smith though.

Oh No! I'm not there yet, that bad huh?

 

[pixletwin]

The big shock ending at the end of season three has pretty much ruined the entire show for me. I will still watch for Maggie Smith though.

Yup. Totally out of the blue shocker on par with Ned Stark losing his head. It didn't turn me off though. I can't wait for series 4.

One of my favorite shows though I can't imagine I would want figures based off it though.

 

[Darthrazz]

Yup. Totally out of the blue shocker on par with Ned Stark losing his head. It didn't turn me off though. I can't wait for series 4.

One of my favorite shows though I can't imagine I would want figures based off it though.

Wow! I can't wait. Agree about the figures!