I know I’m not the first to rave about Masterpiece’s Downton Abbey, but I have to rave. There’s nothing I love more than a good story (I love a good story even more than good chocolate), and this show is the best story I’ve discovered in some time.
Two weekends ago, I watched a marathon of the first season. This was promptly followed by a dream in which I had a British accent and was wandering around a grand English estate. Yes, it really is that easy to become obsessed.
Though it has been years since I’ve been on stage, I’m still an actress at heart. I still treat my closet like a costume shop and find that different pieces change my personality ever so slightly. Right now, I’m longing for some dresses like the ones these ladies get to wear.
And as if a brilliant story with amazing costuming and settings isn’t enough to want to lose yourself in, there are the men of Downton Abbey to fall in love with. I think that alone is ample temptation, don’t you?
Have you been watching? What’s been your favorite moment so far?
{first image from Vogue, other images from BBC}
I watched the entire first season in ONE sitting. I’m not even ashamed. It’s THAT good. I’m so glad I’m not alone in my obsession. The costumes, the accents, the scenery, the story lines! It’s entirely enchanting.
I have heard great things about this series, i have it on my queue to watch the first season, i love all things English and last century. my love of Englishness started around 10 years old with Agatha Christie’s mystery novels.
This is a new item on my list. Thanks, friend!
I just got swept away by Downton Abbey this weekend and am surprised just how much I adore it, I even got the mister hooked! I think all fans love the Anna and Mr. Bates storyline, myself included, but I also adore everything about Lady Sybil. Isn’t she just lovely?
Oh yes, completely obsessed. I am into season two and have been to bed weeping every night this week. And I can’t get their accents out of my head! My inner monologue is very British these days… (although I wish it had their writer too).
I haven’t heard about this – what’s the story (in a nutshell) or is it not easy to summarize?
Well, this is an exceptional recommendation. I’m about to finish The Wire and I’m dreading it coming to an end. I’ll start this one up for sure! THanks for the recommendation.
The Wire was an awesome show. I randomly started watching it and then couldnt stop. I mourned when it ended.
I’m obsessed! I pretended to be sick so that I could lay in bed and watch the entire first season. Pathetic I know, but I couldn’t pull myself away from the show. The characters are all so fantastic. I love them, I hate them, I pity them…it’s a vicious cycle.
I ordered this from the Library the other day- Gotta see what everyone is raving about-
My favorite moment, oddly enough involved Edith. I loved it in Episode 2 of Season 2 when she got the shout out from the visiting military guy. She seemed so genuinely surprised, and she never gets recognized for doing anything good (because she hardly ever does), it was a tears moment for me.
I love this show! I was a little apprehensive at first because one of my friends with a differing TV taste recommended it to me. But by the time of the Turkish man’s death, I was hooked! (Also my favorite moment – along with everything the Dowager Countess says). Almost died when I found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs5_E1J_9hY
Oh, yes! Another addict here. This show is spectacular; as I don’t have regular TV, I’ve been watching it on Netflix streaming (even the boyfriend loves it, and he’s very particular). I’m trying to pace myself – I only have the last episode of the first season left, and I want to savor it. All of the acting is superb, but I especially love Maggie Smith. She’s brilliant. Brendan Coyle (Bates) is my favorite male character; there’s a lot going on with him underneath the surface.
So well done!
I just posted about it this morning. It’s SO GOOD. I saw the first episode a few weeks ago, watched the rest on netflix one day when I was sick, and now I’m watching every week. If only I could dress like the ladies every day…and throw out brilliant lines regularly like Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess.
Where do I start about this? Where? CAN’T GET ENOUGH EVER OF THIS SHOW. It pretty much made my holiday, I started with season one between Christmas and New Yrs, and then I only had to wait like a week for season 2!
I haven’t watched Downton Abbey yet, and I feel like I should seeing all the good things I keep hearing about it. I love good writing! It deserves all the praise it’s getting.
Oh how I love Downton Abbey! It is such an addiction. The only downside to it is its year long hiatus. That is such a long wait. I need to find something else to feed the addiction.
oh dear. ive been loyal since the first episode last year on PBS. my favorite by far is the whole scandal with Mary moving the corpse last season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, that settles it….
I’ve heard of Downtown Abbey, but I’ve thought, “Do I really need another addiction?”
But, I trust your opinion on these things more than most, so I’m going to give it a go!!
xox
Just to let you know…I went to Netflix after leaving the above comment, and Downton Abbey is streaming!!!! I’m getting over a cold, so I guess I know what I’m doing the rest of the day…..
I’m so glad I popped over here after reading your wonderful answer to Design Mom Asks! Little did I know I’d find fellow Downton Abbey lovers. I just started watching (Netflix streaming, all in one weekend), which is probably a good thing because I didn’t have to suffer through the year-long hiatus.
If you don’t mind a little irreverence, you have to check out the two-part Comic Relief version: Uptown Downton Abbey. It’s hilarious. (I saw it on YouTube, but if you can’t find it there, you could always come visit my blog for the link.)
Whoops: it’s Upstairs Downstairs Abbey, and here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5dMlXentLw
Oh my goodness, let me try this again: Uptown Downstairs Abbey. It’s been a long week. Don’t let my tired brain scare you away from watching!
i’m seriously addicted to this show… i can’t wait for sundays and get really upset when it’s done… my favorite characters are cora and robert… and mary and matthew…
I’ll have to look into this show! I remember hearing about it a while back when the show first came out; makes me think of Jane Austen. And those dresses in the first photo! To die for!
And do we want to speak of the hats?
Of course I’ve been watching… the first series, the second series and the special Christmas episode too!
I must say the second series has been object of harsh criticism from the oldest ladies of my book club. Have you watched that yet?
I love this show too! We’ve been waiting AGES for Season 2 to come along. When oh when?
I literally JUST watched the entire first season this weekend on Netflix. I was hooked! I think my favorite moment was when the Duchess gave the flower trophy to the man with the best roses, even though her name was on the paper. Thanks for sharing!
A Mom's Year » Happy Weekend! // 3 Feb 2012 at 10:21 am
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