Downton Abbey

[YoninahAliza]

^I had herd that Julian Fellows said this in an interview. It makes sense though that the show wouldn't have many seasons because the class system does break down quite a bit in the years leading up to WWII and during the war. And the subject of class is the whole fabric of the show. Without it, Downton Abbey wouldn't be the same.

The show probably could have had more seasons if they didn't go through so many years in so little episodes. It seems like every episode is set a different year. And although it breaks my heart saying this, it's probably best that the show only has about 3 seasons so that way it doesn't get old. And everything can be resolved without dragging on for so long. Also, the characters do have to age, obviously. Like for example, wouldn't Mary be around 40 when the second war began (I don't know her exact age but she's in her twenties now... and the period between the two wars was 21 years)? So that would be quite difficult to make Michelle Dockery look older and make sure it looks good (unless she's like Cora who looks eternally youthful). Although with Downton's massive budget.... you never know. I think too many shows haven't known when to end and just dragged on. And I would hate for Downton Abbey to be one of those shows!

 

[sobriquet87]

I just watched all 5 episodes! I really don't know where to start, but the last episode is SO sad.
The show is brilliant and I would love it if it went on for 10 seasons, but I understand if they stop at 3 or possibly 4.

I just hope Sybil and Branson get it together very soon.

 

[MulletProof]

Just finished tonight's episode..

Sybil's face when Patrick pushes the table.
I feel bad for Edith,once again her need to be loved by someone has made her such an easy target. She did look quite pretty on this episode, I have to say. And I knew that new maid would be causing trouble with Mr. Crawley!

I'm glad the war is over and finally we'll be able to see how everyone settles into their new life. Next episode looks exciting. Matthew's totally going to walk . Do we know if it's the season finale??.

Oh and, I'm seriously keeping count of Mary's red dress. Jeez. I'm missing the point of wearing it on 6 different occasions already!. I already got it's the war, budget's carefully managed, but more fashion never hurt a TV show!.

Love Lavinia's wardrobe by the way, so forward and rich in color and textures.

 

[YoninahAliza]

I still liked last weeks episode more, even if it did make me sob like crazy. This one wasn't as eventful in someways. There should be two more episodes MulletProof, I'm pretty sure it's an eight episode season. Oh and I agree, I'm getting tired of that red dress. Sure it's pretty but that can't be the only dress Mary owns! Maybe she'll celebrate the end of the war with a new gown? Like I've said before the wardrobe on Downton Abbey is spectacular. I wish people still dressed like that!

I feel so sorry for Edith, the poor girl still hasn't ever gotten over her love for Patrick. I'm kinda skeptical about the whole situation though. To be honest I'm on Mary's side about this Patrick story. Although, I wouldn't put it past Julian Fellows to make it really be true. He does love creating situations that seem improbable at times. Cora is really starting to irritate me in these last few episodes. She's quite selfish about wanting to keep Downton as a home and not a public house. That scheming she did with Carlisle was just awful to Mary and Matthew. And this thing between Sybil and Branson is killing me. They seriously need to get together! Hopefully next episode will be when it happens.

 

[Squizree]

Holy sh!t, the next episode looks so good! This episode was not that exciting but it was perfect at setting up what is to come next.

Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson should totally hook up

My love for Lady Mary continues to grow She's such a sweetie.

 

[glitterpeacock]

This episode was like one big cliffhanger. Nothing actually happened in it, it just hinted that quite a lot will happen in the next one.

 

[littlepaperstars]

Link contains SPOILERS about the season finale & Christmas special!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055226/Downton-Abbey-Who-die-Spanish-flu-crisis.html

 

[advo]

^It better not be Carson or Cora. Which means it will be Lavinia. But that makes me possibly even madder, as it means Matthew and Mary won't be reunited out of love but because Lavinia conveniently dies

 

[YoninahAliza]

This episode was awesome! Loved it. It was quite eventful that's for sure!

My Sybil/Branson shippers heart is very happy after this episode! Finally the moment I've been waiting for after about a season and a half! They are so adorable together although Mary really told Branson off. Mary's going to be just like Cousin Violet when's she's older I suspect. And as for Thomas, he should've looked in the bags before he bought the lot... clearly someone didn't learn to inspect before making a purchase. But I do feel terrible for him because something of this nature can really ruin a person. One bad business deal and it ruins everything. Also, what was Robert thinking??? Completely idiotic of him. I suspect he did it because his relationship with Cora hasn't been smooth sailing lately. Although this is not an excuse for his behavior. And as for Matthew... I'm shocked that he can walk again. Very typical of Julian Fellows to make it seem like a real tragedy but not be one after all. It would have been more interesting, I hate to say, if Matthew had remained wheelchair bound. But I'm probably the only one who thinks that.

Anyways, next episode looks killer, I bet it's going to have me in tears!

 

[advo]

^Predicted the Matthew thing a mile away.

Also, I don't know. I read other spoilers that Lavinia WILL indeed die. So Cora won't. Of course, not sure how attached you are to Lavinia. Her death might touch you too.

 

[MulletProof]

Somehow I found this episode very unexciting.
I'm more inclined to think Cora will die, in tonight's episode there were already signs of Lavinia showing awareness of Matthew's feelings for Mary and I think the producers' approach to her character has been quite dignified, they've never reduced her to be Matthew's shadow/obstacle so I think that she will get out of the way similarly, on her own, killing her would be too obvious and convenient for the show, and I don't think they're about that. I think that if they're going to pull that one out, they would kill the newspaper guy first.

Cora on the other hand, I think the war did put things into perspective when it comes to her marriage.. she seems to have lost some sensibility while her husband's done exactly the opposite, I think they're going to get rid of her and give him a new start.. which WILL make things a lot more interesting.

I love speculating.

I felt so bad for Thomas on this episode.. actually, in this season, he's surely one major pain in the a*s, but I love how they've made him more dimensional, you can almost understand all the bitterness he has.

Oh, and I'll be pissed now if the red dress doesn't make at least one more appearance in the remaining episodes!.

 

[Squizree]

What a heated episode. So many interesting plots. Ethal's story is especially interesting, I wonder what's going to happen to her and her child. I think it would be interesting if she came back and became a major player in other parts of the story.

Lady Mary I could gush over her forever. Her character is by far the most charming and endearing. I love how she's grown so much. She used to be so naive and snobby, now she's independent and sharp!

What I LOVE about Downton Abbey is how the producers have incorporated WW1 into everything. WW1 really was the most important war in the 20th C, and changed everyone's role.

Meanwhile, I find the romance happening between Sybil and the chauffeur irritating and pathetic. It's such a silly and cliche story. Mary and Matthew's relationship is the only romance I find to be engaging.

Looking forward to seeing more action from O'Brien, she's totally kickass.

 

[advo]

MulletProof, I think Cora is a red herring. There were other spoilers that point at Lavinia and let's be honest, DA has never been an original show. Most of the stuff is very predictable. The show's strength is in the acting, imo.

 

[glitterpeacock]

Meanwhile, I find the romance happening between Sybil and the chauffeur irritating and pathetic. It's such a silly and cliche story. Mary and Matthew's relationship is the only romance I find to be engaging.

I completely agree. I don't have any issues with either Sybil or Tom as characters, but their relationship is so uninteresting. When they kissed, I just thought 'that's nice for them' but when Matthew wouldn't let his mother give away the teddy Lady Mary bought him I squealed at my flatmate 'SEE? He still loves her' Maybe if we saw more of his personality coming through, other than the empty 'rebel' character they keep putting forward he'd be more exciting?

Does anyone know when the next episode will air - is it next week, or is the next episode the Christmas special?

 

[Squizree]

^ Next week's episode will be on the 11th I think. But Im not sure if its the XMAS Special.

 

[pavonine]

The thing about Downton is that on many levels it's quite daft and has become utterly predictable nowadays. Yet, it still retains a certain class (pun not intended) and delightfulness.

Which was, and still remains, one of the main reasons why I love it so much.

The script of the second series may have left a lot to be desired, but I can watch the show for solely the characters. Especially the Dowager, Lady Mary, Mrs Patmore, Daisy, Thomas and O'Brien.

 

[littlepaperstars]

^^^ Next week is the series finale then there will another episode over Christmas. I suspect they'll get the Xmas day slot on ITV.

 

[advo]

The thing about Downton is that on many levels it's quite daft and has become utterly predictable nowadays. Yet, it still retains a certain class (pun not intended) and delightfulness.

Which was, and still remains, one of the main reasons why I love it so much.

The script of the second series may have left a lot to be desired, but I can watch the show for solely the characters. Especially the Dowager, Lady Mary, Mrs Patmore, Daisy, Thomas and O'Brien.

Season 2 has definitely not been up to par with season 1. The strength of the show is the characters and the acting of them. But even so, Mary's been too subdued this season. I perked up when she snapped at Branson .

 

[advo]

Trailer for the 8th episode



Pretty obvious who dies. Lavinia.

And Matthew will feel so guilty it last throughout the entire third season

 

[littlepaperstars]

A third series of Downton has just been confirmed. It's officially the most popular drama series on UK for over 10 years.

Eight new episodes are to be filmed, set in 1920 and 1921 and covering 18 months.

The continuing cast list has some spoiler in it so
Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Penelope Wilton, Dan Stevens, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Rob James-Collier, Siobhan Finneran, Joanne Froggatt, Brendan Coyle, Allen Leech and Amy Nuttall all return for the third series