Where in the world have I been? The music begins in grand orchestra fashion, the master and his yellow lab meandering down the stone gravel pathway…….opening credits showing a petal dropping onto the table from the roses in the flower arrangement, a maid dusting the opulent chandelier, and a beautiful table setting in the grand dining room. What, you don’t live like that either? I’ve heard all the talk, the hoopla and energy surrounding this wonderful PBS, set in the UK show, but have only finished watching Season 2. I know, I’m way behind! Actually, I thought it was Down-town Abbey for the longest. I know….ridiculous! I’m a slow starter sometimes, but I’ll catch up, just wait! So, are you watching too? It’s such a delightful show, I find myself wanting to talk in a British accent and clip my words and say funny, oh so stodgy sayings. What a beautiful display of cinematography in this show.  My roommate, Rhonda, borrowed the DVD for Season One and we quickly devoured it and can’t wait to see the rest. I heard that you can watch the shows for free on Simply June, so I’ve been piling up on my bed, earphones on and just finished Season 2 and beginning Season 3, so no spoilers for me please. They really know how to keep you hanging at the end of every show, don’t they? As soon as I get through Season 3 which no doubt will be before the week is out, I’ve started recording Season 4, so that I can get completely up to date. 
(via Masterpiece Theater) Highclere Castle, location for Downton Abbey From the website: Creator and Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes introduces the setting for the story, Downton Abbey, in his script: “The sun is rising behind Downton Abbey, a great and splendid house in a great and splendid park. So secure does it appear, that it seems as if the way of life it represents will last for another thousand years. It won’t.” Indeed, on the cusp of the end of an entire way of life, the house, portrayed by Highclere Castle, transcends location and becomes a character — and one of the biggest stars — in Downton Abbey. Wow, what a place this is, right? Who could imagine living in a castle like this? Not me, but what fun it is to go inside the halls of Downton Abbey and see all the drama going on. We were hooked from the first episode! 
Inside the Highclere Castle What an amazing ostentatious place! I know we are going to thoroughly enjoy the rest of the seasons, so please don’t tell me what happens! I want it all to unfold as we watch it. 
All images from pbs.org/masterpiece. So, tell me, do you watch Downton Abbey too? Who are your favorite characters and who do you love to hate? Of course, they want us to dislike the villains, right? O’Brien and Thomas are at the top of the list for those you want to see get what’s coming to them. I’m cheering for Bates and Anna and really am happy that Mary and Matthew FINALLY got married. That was a such tease, those two! Nope, don’t tell me any more! I want to watch the rest myself. A few observations:
- Poor Edith, overshadowed by both her prettier sisters.
- Grannie is a total crackup. Her lines are priceless.
- That whole upstairs/downstairs thing is just so old world.
- Thomas is such a brat.
- Yay for Sybil marrying the chauffeur.
- Mary is a little rebel.
- My how the world has changed in the last 100 years.
- Bravo, bravo!
I’M OFFICIALLY HOOKED ON THIS SHOW!! Congrats! Phyllis, Nancy and Gwen are the 3 winners of the beadboard wallpaper and have all been emailed! Posted here on the Rafflecopter widget as well.
Because of our enjoyment of “Downton Abbey” my husband and I searched out other BBC historical series and mini series on Netflix. Wonderful productions. Currently we are enjoying the series “Monarch of the Glen”. The author of DA, Julian Fellowes, plays a great part in this series.
I’ve been a fan since almost the beginning. In our area we have a station called WETA UK. I watch all British TV, all the time.
When you are done with Season Three, Google Upstairs Downtown Abbey which is a fun spoof on YouTube that I loved!
Rhoda, Yes! Yes! Yes! It’s wonderful! I did the same thing you are doing. My sister gave me the previous seasons on DVD and I watched it over the holidays. Now I am caught up and watching weekly. The estate, grounds, actors, dresses, decor are all so wonderful…not to mention a fabulous story line. Such a pleasure to watch. So glad you are enjoying. Isn’t it refreshing to watch something that isn’t so polluted with bad language and trashy plots?
Hi Rhoda!!!!
I first saw Downton Abbey in Hello Magazine and thought to myself that this is a time frame
that I really love. Actually I love reading anything by Victoria/Philippa Carr because she writes
stories where horseback riding is the form of travel, along with carriages.
I didn’t watch Down Town Abbey(as that’s what I thought it was called as well LOL) until I wanted
to see what all the hoopla was about on Face Book and on Blogs I follow. So, I went out and bought
Season 1 & 2 and ordered Season 3 from Ebay. Now I seldom watch anything but. I’ve even watched the whole of Season 4.
I study all their finery and see if I have similar!! I collect anything to do with women’s apparel, hats, purses, gloves, compacts, lipsticks and so forth. I love the politeness and the fact there’s no swearing, gangs, guns, etc. I love the English I guess because my ancestry comes from Great Britain and the history they have amazes and captures my imagination.
Enjoy the rest of the week!!!
Pam
xox
I’m glad I’m not the only one who was a little late to the Downton Abbey party, but now I’m hooked too!!! I love it! I am totally rooting for Edith. The poor gal needs a break! I just love how the family and the staff truly do care about one another. The show portrays an interesting dynamic between the two that many had never thought about before.
I’m totally hooked on Downton Abbey too. Just love all the characters, good and bad, especially the Grandmother (Maggie Smith). She has such stuffy and dry humor. The period clothes and hair styles are grand. I can’t wait for the next episode.
Thanks to your link to Simply June, I now am a HUGE fan of Downton Abbey. Since your post, I have watched Season One, Two, and Three, and I am ready to watch episode three of season four. I love binge watching. Thank you ever so much!
Love Downton Abbey, got hooked last year and can’t wait for Sunday nights now. The women’s clothing is fabulous! and the story line always keeps you wanted more more more….Enjoy getting caught up.
Another Downton Abbey-phile here. Love the show almost as much as I love your site! One of my favorite characters is Mrs. Hughes…I love the way she zings Carson every now and thing. Especially when he’s feeling all “butlery” and high falutin’. Another favorite is Matthew’s mom, Mrs. Crawley. She can give as good as she gets and has a lovely sense of decency combined with progressive ideas. And who doesn’t love Matthew?