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.
Pat's Addition says
Our 12 yo twin boys love it. One turned his girlfriend’s mom on to it! And watch Dancing on the Edge….black jazz band, 1930’s London .
susan maclean says
Glad you are loving it Rhoda! Over here it’s a real “Marmite” programme (you either love it or hate it!). I have seen every episode, and loved them all – and my favourite too is Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Duchess – what a part! Beware everyone, some real up and downs and tears and laughter to come if you have not watched all episodes yet. A few will get the come-uppance they deserve, and the costumes will continue to charm you all!
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Yes, Rhoda! Where HAVE you BEEN?!? My favorite character is, without a doubt, the Dowager Countess! Maggie Smith and her one-liners are absolutely the best! In Season 3, you get to meet Cora’s Mother (Shirley MacClaine) and the two of them together are great! Of course, everyone loves to complain that it’s not as good as the first season, but, alas, I still watch. I can’t help it! There’s nothing else like it on TV! A drama with class and history all wrapped up into one!
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Oh and PS If you want to “cheat” like I do, then you can actually BUY Season 4 of Downton Abbey (out today) and binge watch the remainder of the season before everyone else (including the Christmas special!). Yes, I’m a bad, bad person and I don’t care! LOVE IT!
An Island Mom says
I came in after season two, and am hooked, too! I can’t which is better: watching the episodes as they air (as I did for season three and am now doing for season four) or doing the whole marathon thing like I did for the first two seasons. Either way, it’s addicting.
Marianne in Mo. says
I jumped in on season three, so some day must get one and two. Love the show, but have to dvr it, so I hate to get on the internet on Mondays, for fear of spoilers! Somewhere I saw a program about the castle and it’s owners, and that they are allowing filming some of the show on site so they can raise funds to do much needed repairs and restoration. The place is crumbling terribly in some spots, and the upper floors are closed off due to severe damages. Age has not been kind to the old girl, can you imagine the costs just to keep it livable?
Judy Clark says
Rho,
Love Downton Abbey! I love Maggie Smith’s character and I love Mrs Crawley, Mathew’s Mother. She is always fighting for the underdog. one of your readers is correct. Call the Midwife is wonderful. Based on a true story. Oh, you should read Lady Alimina and The Real Downton Abbey. It is who Cora’s (Downton)character is based. True story. You will enjoy it.
L,
Judy
diane c says
I too love Downton Abbey. I discovered it last year and watched all three seasons fast! Then I got my sister and my best friend hooked on it….so we all watch it. Season 4 is on it’s way to our mailboxes now….can’t wait! I’ll have to check out some of the other shows people are talking about on here too!
Marie W. says
Adore Downton! Have been “on the train” since the beginning. Love, love it. Call the Midwife too.
The third season of Midwife will air here starting the end of March. You can catch the first two seasons on JustJune. If you start getting caught up now you will be ready when the next season airs. Promise you will LOVE it!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Yes, I am hopelessly hooked! Glad you’re jumping on board!!
Sheila Thompson says
I love it too! I out watching online on PBS, then decided to get the DVD’s. Season 4 is on it’s way to me now and I can’t wait! 🙂 I also love “Call the Midwife” & highly recommend it. It’s an entirely different time period & setting. I read the book also!
Tracey Renfro says
Try “Duchess of Duke Street”, starts in 1900 and based on real people, a Masterpiece Classic from 2005/2006 maybe. Accents are sometimes difficult to understand but I’ve found if you increase the volume you either understand them or just give up.
Emily says
Love, love, love Downton Abbey! I’ve gotten a lot of my family hooked on the show too! I hope I can go back to England to visit Highclere. I’ve seen a lot of castles in England, but somehow I missed this one!
Kirby Carespodi says
I LOVE Downton…some wonderful British ladies asked me to begin writing recaps for them and I have quite the following now. Maybe you’ll check them out!
Amy Davis says
You can watch all of season 4 on simply june. No need to record. Season 4 was available on there beginning way back in September. I finished watching it in December.
Carol says
I’m so glad you are watching Downton Abbey! My favorite characters are Anna and Mrs. Hughs. Quilters can even purchase Downton Abbey fabric! I have! Yes, and watch Call The Midwife. It’s excellent!
Jena @ Involving Color and Home says
I am working through the seasons now too! I just started on season 3. I love it and also find myself wanting to say their little funny sayings. The only thing is I have to watch it with the subtitles or I miss bits of it here and there! 🙂
KC says
Mrs. Hughes, Anna and Bates are my favorite! And the quips between Violet and Isobel Crawley are the BEST!!!!!!
Paula says
I would love to watch “Downtown Abbey” that is a show I know I would enjoy since I love England. That is what I should be doing during all this snow fall, instead of painting and redoing closets !!
Paula
Donna Kelly says
I was a little late getting on the bandwagon with Downton also! Someone sent me all 3 seasons last year , via facebook. I watched them all, (as I hang my head in shame) in 8 days!!! Yes, I was obsessed! I then was actually ahead of it airing and didnt know it. I am now watching week to week as it airs. Love it!!! I really did think that after that 8 days, I spoke with a British accent and drank a ton of tea!!!!
Terry says
ack! I haven’t seen any of it yet either, but want to! I had to hurriedly zip past when I saw references to who got married, etc.!