Downton Abbey

[zibazinski]

I think we are going to see Cora come out of her blandness mode. She went off, for her character, on hubby last Sunday! I love that Dowager, what a hoot!

[Icelandic Woman]

I received notification from Amazon yesterday my Season 5 DVD has shipped!!! Woohoo I can't wait to watch the whole season at once.

[Chocolate Lover]

Don't be spoiling it for us when you do watch it 

[Icelandic Woman]

Jan 27, 2015 12:59:40 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Don't be spoiling it for us when you do watch it 

I won't, I promise! I probably won't get around to watching it until the weekend after next so you all will be at about episode 5 or 6 so not far from the end yourselves.

[NancysSummerSip]

Hubs and I are both Downton fans.

I am a fan of the way Rob James-Collier is handling his role as Thomas Barrow. This is a time and place where the words to describe him could not and were not spoken anywhere, much less the polite, upperclass society of the Abbey. He is a furious, evil and yet very sad soul, barely contained and now we see the anger bursting out in places, only to be stuffed back in under the genteel face of service. I am curious as to the medication he is taking (his apparent reason for time away to visit his "sick father") and I assume it is one of the many quack potions of the time that were prescribed to rid him of his "impulses."

If Elizabeth McGovern (Cora) were to leave at the end of the season, I cannot really picture it as anything other than death, though divorce is possible, now that Rose's parents are divorcing  At the time, unhappy couples of that class did live separately (and she could go back to America) but there is also that moony art historian to consider. Divorce was a reputation-killer, though. You were a literal nobody to everybody who mattered if you divorced.

I'd hate to see Maggie Smith go, but she just turned 80. This show is a grind to film, and at that age, I applaud her for doing it this far.

I don't see Branson getting together with anyone, really. I think Sybil was the love of his life. I think Branson has to find his own way, and that means leaving Downton. I realize they love him, but he is not one of them.

Mary and Edith are getting annoying. Mary needs to kick Charles and Tony to the curb and just move on, and quit playing on their emotions. Edith is just a nervous breakdown waiting to happen, and it's understandable why. Jilted once, another man disappears, she's pregnant and gives up the child...she's a walking soap opera.

[kittensaver]

Jan 27, 2015 13:53:51 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

Edith....she's a walking soap opera.

LOL! Downton Abbey is really nothing more than one gigantic walking soap opera in Edwardian clothing . I think that's part of it's charm .

[Icelandic Woman]

I'd hate to see Maggie Smith go, but she just turned 80. This show is a grind to film, and at that age, I applaud her for doing it this far.

I agree except they only film 8-10 episodes a year, it's not like the 20-24 they do here in the US. And Betty White just turned 93 and still going strong!
I just don't want her to go, it would really suck a lot of life out of the show.

[kittensaver]

Jan 27, 2015 14:00:08 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

I'd hate to see Maggie Smith go, but she just turned 80. This show is a grind to film, and at that age, I applaud her for doing it this far.

I agree except they only film 8-10 episodes a year, it's not like the 20-24 they do here in the US. And Betty White just turned 93 and still going strong!
I just don't want her to go, it would really suck a lot of life out of the show.

I agree. Maggie Smith is a hoot as Violet Crawley.

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 27, 2015 14:01:19 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Jan 27, 2015 14:00:08 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

I agree except they only film 8-10 episodes a year, it's not like the 20-24 they do here in the US. And Betty White just turned 93 and still going strong!
I just don't want her to go, it would really suck a lot of life out of the show.

I agree. Maggie Smith is a hoot as Violet Crawley.

She's the best part! She doesn't have to speak, they can just have her make faces at everyone....... "I know what you're thinking" ....."mild amusement"....etc

[NancysSummerSip]

It's not the number of episodes that's difficult. It's the costuming, the attention to details and the home itself, the sets and the sheer investment of time and money it takes to get it all exactly right. That's wearing on actors, writers and other staff. And these actors do other things: movies, other TV shows, live theater.
And Downton is shot at someone's real home, which means they have only a certain time period allotted each year to get those episodes done. Fewer episodes true, but the time schedule is tighter.
And to be honest, the style of living depicted on the show did not really outlast WWII. I think Julian Fellowes' idea was to bring the series up to WWII, but not beyond. I agree with that premise. I don't want to see a forlorn Abbey in ruins. Like an awesome relative, the place should be remembered in its prime and glory.

And I do not want a Downton Abbey Revisited: The Sequel.

[Icelandic Woman]

Do any of you also watch Call The Midwife?

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 27, 2015 14:30:33 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

It's not the number of episodes that's difficult. It's the costuming, the attention to details and the home itself, the sets and the sheer investment of time and money it takes to get it all exactly right. That's wearing on actors, writers and other staff. And these actors do other things: movies, other TV shows, live theater.
And Downton is shot at someone's real home, which means they have only a certain time period allotted each year to get those episodes done. Fewer episodes true, but the time schedule is tighter.
And to be honest, the style of living depicted on the show did not really outlast WWII. I think Julian Fellowes' idea was to bring the series up to WWII, but not beyond. I agree with that premise. I don't want to see a forlorn Abbey in ruins. Like an awesome relative, the place should be remembered in its prime and glory.

And I do not want a Downton Abbey Revisited: The Sequel.

I suspect the owners are enjoying the money they make off of being the location.

I think it would be interesting to see how some of them adjust to the new normal after WWII, but I know....it'd be an entirely different show.

[NancysSummerSip]

Jan 27, 2015 15:00:04 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Jan 27, 2015 14:30:33 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

It's not the number of episodes that's difficult. It's the costuming, the attention to details and the home itself, the sets and the sheer investment of time and money it takes to get it all exactly right. That's wearing on actors, writers and other staff. And these actors do other things: movies, other TV shows, live theater.
And Downton is shot at someone's real home, which means they have only a certain time period allotted each year to get those episodes done. Fewer episodes true, but the time schedule is tighter.
And to be honest, the style of living depicted on the show did not really outlast WWII. I think Julian Fellowes' idea was to bring the series up to WWII, but not beyond. I agree with that premise. I don't want to see a forlorn Abbey in ruins. Like an awesome relative, the place should be remembered in its prime and glory.

And I do not want a Downton Abbey Revisited: The Sequel.

I suspect the owners are enjoying the money they make off of being the location.

I think it would be interesting to see how some of them adjust to the new normal after WWII, but I know....it'd be an entirely different show.

The castle has also been opened to the general public for overnight stays. Not sure if that was done for additional revenue or to meet demand, or both.

FWIW, to visit for the day costs US$27.00. The castle costs US$1.5 million annually to operate. Not to do repairs, just to keep it operational in its current state.

Interesting piece from the NY Times on keeping up the castle. The current lady of the house, Lady Carnavon, admits that the fees from the TV show "won't even keep up the roof."

www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/fashion/trying-to-turn-a-castle-into-a-cash-register.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[Artemis Windsong]

That was an interesting read.  The Lady certainly is doing her part to keep things going.

[yogiii]

Jan 27, 2015 14:35:31 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

Do any of you also watch Call The Midwife?

I do!  I love that show too.

[Icelandic Woman]

Jan 28, 2015 6:51:04 GMT -5 yogiii said:

Jan 27, 2015 14:35:31 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

Do any of you also watch Call The Midwife?

I do!  I love that show too.

I wasn't sure if there were enough people that watched it to warrant it's own thread so since it is also a UK show I thought I would ask here.
I love it too but not quite as much as DA.
Several of my posters recommended it to me about a year ago. At that time they were in the middle of season 3 and I tried to watch an episode but just couldn't get into it. I probably didn't pick the best episode to start with. There are certain shows you really have to watch from the beginning to understand the characters and premise and this is one of them. So I ordered the first 3 season's on DVD and spent the last couple of weekends catching up.
Chummy is my favorite character!
The season 3 finale threw me for a loop but after googling I now know how they are moving forward and am looking forward to seeing what develops.
For those that do enjoy British dramas really should check out this show.

[yogiii]

Jan 29, 2015 13:06:20 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

Jan 28, 2015 6:51:04 GMT -5 yogiii said:

I do!  I love that show too.

I wasn't sure if there were enough people that watched it to warrant it's own thread so since it is also a UK show I thought I would ask here.
I love it too but not quite as much as DA.
Several of my posters recommended it to me about a year ago. At that time they were in the middle of season 3 and I tried to watch an episode but just couldn't get into it. I probably didn't pick the best episode to start with. There are certain shows you really have to watch from the beginning to understand the characters and premise and this is one of them. So I ordered the first 3 season's on DVD and spent the last couple of weekends catching up.
Chummy is my favorite character!
The season 3 finale threw me for a loop but after googling I now know how they are moving forward and am looking forward to seeing what develops.
For those that do enjoy British dramas really should check out this show.

I like Chummy too.  What threw me for a loop is when Trixie got that pixie haircut, I didn't like it.

[Chocolate Lover]

All I have to add to the Midwife discussion is that I've thought about watching it.

[Icelandic Woman]

Jan 29, 2015 15:00:27 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

All I have to add to the Midwife discussion is that I've thought about watching it.

If you do you definitely have to watch if from the beginning to be able to get into it. At least that is how I felt.

[Icelandic Woman]

Jan 29, 2015 14:59:07 GMT -5 yogiii said:

Jan 29, 2015 13:06:20 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

I wasn't sure if there were enough people that watched it to warrant it's own thread so since it is also a UK show I thought I would ask here.
I love it too but not quite as much as DA.
Several of my posters recommended it to me about a year ago. At that time they were in the middle of season 3 and I tried to watch an episode but just couldn't get into it. I probably didn't pick the best episode to start with. There are certain shows you really have to watch from the beginning to understand the characters and premise and this is one of them. So I ordered the first 3 season's on DVD and spent the last couple of weekends catching up.
Chummy is my favorite character!
The season 3 finale threw me for a loop but after googling I now know how they are moving forward and am looking forward to seeing what develops.
For those that do enjoy British dramas really should check out this show.

I like Chummy too.  What threw me for a loop is when Trixie got that pixie haircut, I didn't like it.

LMAO there is that dreaded Pixie cut again. I agree I liked her hair better longer but she actually does have the face that can pull off a Pixie.

[jeep108]

What is Thomas shooting up?  Is he sick or is it heroin?

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 29, 2015 15:49:05 GMT -5 Icelandic Woman said:

Jan 29, 2015 15:00:27 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

All I have to add to the Midwife discussion is that I've thought about watching it.

If you do you definitely have to watch if from the beginning to be able to get into it. At least that is how I felt.

I like to start at the beginning anyway now that it's easy to do so.

[yogiii]

Jan 29, 2015 16:03:13 GMT -5 jeep108 said:

What is Thomas shooting up?  Is he sick or is it heroin?

I think it's anti-gay serum

[Icelandic Woman]

I got my Season 5 DVD in the mail today!! So I will be all caught up by Monday.
Don't worry I wont post any spoilers for you that are still watching each week. But we will talk when you are done.

[Chocolate Lover]

Please tell me some of you skipped the Superbowl to watch last night.

[swasat]

I watched it.

Cora

What a boring episode. The only thing I liked was Lord Grantham's enthusiasm in fight  And Cora stood next to him with her bland facade. What kind of a woman is she? Couldn't even muster enough courage to slap the other guy across the face?!?!


And Edith...Double
Has no strength of personality. Cries and whimpers all the time.

[Chocolate Lover]

IDK what is wrong with Cora, she seemed to have backbone in previous seasons, but in this one she can't be bothered to put Mr. Flirty in his place? 

Edith, blargh. I like how Rosamund thinks they can just move the kid around willy nilly and the people caring for her won't say a word. :S

[swasat]

Feb 2, 2015 12:09:49 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

IDK what is wrong with Cora, she seemed to have backbone in previous seasons, but in this one she can't be bothered to put Mr. Flirty in his place? 

Edith, blargh. I like how Rosamund thinks they can just move the kid around willy nilly and the people caring for her won't say a word. :S

Seriuosly!!

Mrs Drew, the farmers wife, seems to be a much better character. She is strong, stands her ground and will go to nay length to protect Marigold. And Edith stands there whimpering all the freakin time!

I LOL'ed so hard during the conversation between Violet, Rosamund and Edith. Just pick up the child and deposit her in some boarding school. Simple! LOL

[Chocolate Lover]

Feb 2, 2015 12:13:40 GMT -5 swasat said:

Feb 2, 2015 12:09:49 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

IDK what is wrong with Cora, she seemed to have backbone in previous seasons, but in this one she can't be bothered to put Mr. Flirty in his place? 

Edith, blargh. I like how Rosamund thinks they can just move the kid around willy nilly and the people caring for her won't say a word. :S

Seriuosly!!

Mrs Drew, the farmers wife, seems to be a much better character. She is strong, stands her ground and will go to nay length to protect Marigold. And Edith stands there whimpering all the freakin time!

I LOL'ed so hard during the conversation between Violet, Rosamund and Edith. Just pick up the child and deposit her in some boarding school. Simple! LOL

OF course it's simple, there's no way anyone on either side (Mrs. Drew or Marigold) has formed any attachment, they'll all be fine! I keep waiting for Mrs. D to figure out it's Edith's kid.

[yogiii]

Too bad the Gillingham drama is in the way because I think Mary and Mabel could have been besties.