Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey was only meant to be a one time movie but has become so popular that it is now a series and season three is underway. Downton Abbey is lavish mansion in N.Yorkshire that is run by Lord Grantham and his family. A number of servants keep everything running smoothly (mostly) In series one you get to know all of the people.Dear Maggie Smith is the dowager of Downton and seems to get all of the best lines, she is funny. It is the day to day workings of a family and their servants in this marvellous home.The heir to be, has been lost in the Titanic disaster and now the family believes that strangers will take over Downton Abbey. Julian Fellowes (Killwilly fr. Monarch of the Glen)has written a great series.

I just finished Season 1 of Downton Abbey and can hardly wait until Season 2 comes out on DVD (Feb. 2012). It is like Upstairs Downstairs, without the stagey feel, and follows the lives of servants and the aristocratic family they serve. The filming is beautiful, with rich colours, and the characters are just so interesting. It is set in the English countryside at a beautiful palatial home, in the two years leading up to World War 1. Great acting, drama and humour, make this series a must-see. A resounding two-thumbs up!

This mini-series is beautiful to look at. The costumes and scenery are stunning. The peek into the workings of a great estate at the turn of the century is compelling and engrossing. However, some of the storylines seemed rushed and forced and the ending is less than satisfying if you like your stories tied up in a neat little package.