Jun 14, 2011
What I’ve Been Watching: Downton Abbey
I think I might be a Brit trapped in an American’s body.
At least that’s what their television and movies make me feel.
Last week I devoured all 7 seven episodes of Downton Abbey.
[photo via The Adventures of Tartanscot]
I can’t believe I didn’t know this mini-series existed until now.
The story begins in 1912, right as the aristocratic British family (the Granthams) is receiving news that the Titanic has gone down. It follows their life and times as they live through uncertain family futures, scandal, and political unrest (as WWI approaches).
I’m not sure I’d love to be at either end of the spectrum of society dramatized in this series (aristocrats and servants), but there’s something so romantic about it 100 years later (and 100 years removed from the reality). But one thing I can tell you about without spoiling the plot is that they eventually get a telephone installed in the house and it’s super funny and cute!
You know you’ve been watching too much British television when you start doing your own inner monologue with a British accent. It was baaaad, friends. But I seriously want to watch it all over again! The costumes, the acting, the scenery, the accents…swoon.
I might have to buy the DVDs so if they ever take it off of Netflix streaming, I’m insured.
I’ve also been googling like a mad dog to find out when season 2 is set to come across the pond. The last thing I read was January 2012. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
Oh you British people, you have no idea how good you have it, getting to watch it months before me!
What’s your favorite British TV show or movie?
I was the exact same way! I finished all episodes in record timing and as soon as they were finished, I wanted to start episode one again right away! Oh, I want to say so many things right now but I think I would spoil it for people who haven’t seen it. We’ll have to talk about it in person.
I feel exactly the same way about being secretly British, but trapped in an American body. I’ve been reading the Secret Garden lately and sometimes I read entire pages aloud with my best Yorkshire accent because I just can’t help myself. There’s a really hilarious show on BBC America called Top Gear. It’s a show about cars, but it’s not just about cars. Somehow it’s mesmerizing and hilarious and perfect. I’d definitely recommend giving it a shot!
We watch “Top Gear” as a family, on occasion. It IS about so much more than cars, isn’t it??
Sounds fun! We’ll definitely give it a try!
Oh no! If you watch Top Gear, please don’t think all English men are like the presenters! They LOVE themselves! Xxx
P.S. You must read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It’s a story told completely in letters and the characters are all processing life after World War II in London and the Channel Islands. It’s genius.
I adored Downton Abbey too! I watched it on Netflix as well. The DVD is waiting patiently in my wish list @ Amazon. I’m anxiously awaiting the next season too!
I enjoy BBC programming. I wish our local cable co. carried BBC America, but sadly it does not. One of my favorite series is As Time Goes By with Judi Dench. I found it on Netflix. At the time is was available instantly but now is available by disc only. It’s a little dated (90′s) but a sweet & funny story of a couple who lost touch during the Korean War but find each other again years later.
I pretty much love anything with Dame Judy in it. Sad that you have to do discs, though!
Ok, now I definitely need to watch it
Someday when you’re feeling exhausted and need rest, this is the ticket!
LOVE this show!!! I watched them all in a week! It’s killing me to know what happens next. I heard 2012 for the next season as well. And, totally with you on the inner British dialogue. I’d get done watching an episode and have to remind myself it’s 2011 and my house is not a mansion with cooks and maids. Ha!
What a great recommendation! We love Netflix streaming and are always looking for good things. I am with you about loving everything, especially being 100 years removed from the trials, something very romantic about everything… can’t wait to watch!
Have you seen Gosford Park? It’s another good one by the same writer/director and has a similar setting. You might also like Upstairs Downstairs.
I’ve seen Gosford Park, but it’s been awhile. Might be time for a re-watch!
And I’ll check out Upstairs Downstairs. Thanks!
Also check out the new BBC/Masterpiece Sherlock if you haven’t already! LOVED it.
JUST finished the new Sherlock too & I want to re-watch it!!! I’m sure there’s so many things I missed the first time because the dialogue is so fast-paced. Yeah, totally loved it. And the ENDING?!?!?! I couldn’t believe that cliffhanger!!!
the sherlock series was so good! but i think i saw that they haven’t even made the next episode yet — the cliffhanger is killing me!!
and this is certainly not british, but we’ve been watching “the kennedys” on netflix streaming. super interesting since i feel like i know next to nothing about american history! or history in general for that matter…
Total Anglophile. I love British television. Pretty much any of it. Recently, I’ve turned into a gigantic Doctor Who fan. Have you guys watched the recent Sherlock Holmes mini-series? You’d like it. It’s coming back again in the fall.
I concur with both of these shows!
I haven’t seen Dr. Who, but I’m not a big sci-fi person. I might be convinced to give it a try, though.
I am not a sci-fi person, either. I don’t even like Star Wars, but I love DW (starting at season 2 anyway, it only gets better).
Don’t miss Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders. Two great British series. Thanks for the Downtown Abbey tip.
I’ve never heard of EITHER of these!!!! So excited for new recommendations!
Hi Molly,
If you like Downton, you might also like ‘Bleak House’ – it’s quite miserable in true Dickensian style, butwonderful! And also a new BBC
adaptation of ‘Emma’ with Romola Garai – very lovely :) There’s a new BBC version of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ which is also great. Costume dramas all the way!
I hope you can get hold of them and enjoy them.
Thanks so much for your blog – you are a real encouragement and godly example, I always look forward to reading what you and your family are
up to!
With love in Christ,
Heather, from York
DEFINITELY watch Foyle’s War — it is marvelous! I adore British shows — Midsomer Murders is enjoyable, as are the new Miss Marple adaptations. You should also see Cranford, and be sure to also check out Lark Rise to Candleford. It has about 4 seasons (the 4th is the last, which I haven’t seen yet), but seasons 1 and 2 in particular are delightful. I love making cups of tea and settling in with British TV!
Hadn’t heard of the show today, though def. sympathize with the “Brit trapped in an American’s body,” bit. That said, when I looked at the image for the show, all I could think was “What is Professor McGonnagall doing dressed like that?”
I’d also recommend the series “Berkeley Square.” It’s about nannies working for wealthy families in the early 1900s. Just re-watched it – still good!
Sounds GREAT! YAY!
Loved it as well. Although, I was watching it as it aired and was so mad that it ended as a continuation. Every year Masterpiece Theater does a whole slew of British dramas, usually from Jan-March on PBS.
But we don’t have a telly, so I’m at the mercy of Netflix! :)
Yes, I also heard January 2012. They tease us, they do. I thought the new “Upstairs, Downstairs” was also entertaining, though I hear it has nothing on the original series. My husband has also really enjoyed the “Jeeves and Wooster” series from the 80′s (?) starring Hugh Laurie from “House.” I think they are a little too silly, but I do love P.G. Wodehouse’s books. Start with Leave it to Psmith–it is delightful.
I own the whole Jeeves & Wooster set! hee-hee! Fry & Laurie are amazing.
I must confess to having my inner British monologue running almost constantly. (I definitely blame it on spending 8 weeks camping through the UK.) “North and South” by A&E was FABU!!! And I must also confess to being a total Doctor Who fan/Patient(?) ‘Cause who can resist campy British sci-fi with awful graphics and funny story lines? Nine/Ten FTW!!!
And now I have to go watch Downton Abbey……….*pulls up Netflix*
It took me awhile to get into North & South, but then I LOVED it!!! Glad I pushed through!
Another recommendation for Foyle’s War. I also like the Inspector Lynley series. A few years ago, there was an excellent miniseries version of Bleak House, if you haven’t seen that. And if you’re looking for comedy, try A Bit of Fry and Laurie – sketch comedy from Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie before they were Jeeves and Wooster. Hilarious!
North and South (Gaskell)
Wives and Daughters (Gaskell)
Lark Rise to Candleford
LOVE these!
(The following to be imagined in a British accent)
Cheers Molly, thanks for this post, I can utterly relate–especially because I live in England at the minute. I love the types of shows you describe but could perhaps caution you that much of British television is complete rubbish. Indeed. It’s a lot dirtier than American telly, for the most part. But the BBC stuff is brilliant.
(Back to Minnesotan)
Molly you seriously need to come and visit me.
lol! You win for best comment! Oh Betsy…you have NO idea how badly I’d like to come!
On the British TV being dirtier note: I was shocked to see a man/man kiss in the first espisode of Downton Abbey. I can only assume that storyline continues, but could anyone tell me if there is any more of that in the rest of the series?
Same here, I watched the first episode, but am afraid to go on after that one scene…
That was an unfortunate part of the series, but happy to say that is all of that storyline….
Oh Molly, you are such a kindred spirit. So glad to hear about this show–will add it to my cue straightaway (she said in a British accent).
A couple of years ago BBC did a reality show called How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria–an American-Idol-like search for an unknown star to play Maria in the London production of Sound Of Music. It was all my favorite things combined…oh, I was so happy!
I second Wives and Daughters. Just delightful.
Monarch of the Glen
Ballykissangel
I am also a Brit trapped in an American body! I actually say that all the time.
Keeps proving we are kindred spirits, Molly.
Jane
Loved the series!
I also enjoyed Monarch of the Glen . . . great for someone Netflix dependent!
Did you see the BBC adaption of Little Dorrit? Might just be my absolute favorite of all times . . . actually I shouldn’t say, “might” – it is!!
Yes! Little Dorrit! I LOVED it. Matthew MacFayden (sp?) is perfection.
We’ve enjoyed Larkrise to Candleford, and Dr. Bramwell. Love the British, period pieces.
Oh, I love this!! I’m a total Brit TV freak and absolutely adore the Netflix for its ability to feed my addiction! I will definintely be adding this to the queue! I second Karen F’s recommendation above – “Monarch of the Glen” is such a treat! Modern and set in Scotland, but highly entertaining. After a marathon of that show my inner dialogue takes on a heavy (and laughable!) Scots brogue!
My other Brit TV addiction is the current BBC series “Merlin”. People are hot and cold on it…there doesn’t seem to be too much middle ground. Some don’t like that they’ve messed with the legend too much and overly modernised (hat tip to Brit spelling;-) the casting, but I love the production value – it’s a beautifully shot/designed show and I really enjoy the characters and storylines. And Julian Fellowes is an Exec Producer in that series too.
And Little Dorrit awaits on my instant queue as well! Karen and I would get on like house on fire! ;-)
Enjoy Little Dorrit!!!
And I laughed about your inner dialogue taking on a brogue . . . that happened to me while watching Monarch of the Glen. I told my girls and they thought I’d gone crazy!!! :)
Another one for you, Molly….
Title: Doctor Finlay
Basic gist: life in a village medical practice
Setting: village in Scotland, immediately post WWII
Episodes: about 26 (~50 minutes each) Done originally as a series, I believe, so if you never have more than 50 minutes to watch, you don’t lose the thread:)
Selling point: add another “accent” to your repertoire
Where to find it: Netflix currently only offers the first 6 episodes, but our library (Anoka County) has all of them. Maybe your library does too. Or maybe interlibrary loan??
Additional note: welcome back to blogging. You were missed.
I was hoping for something good to watch tonight since my hubby is out and that was perfect! Just watched the first episode, can’t wait to see the rest. I’m reading The Shuttle by Frances Hodgson Burnett right now so this fit with my “British summer” theme : )
You might like The Jonathan Creek series. Not period, but good English mystery drama with a guy who sets up intricate magic tricks solving crimes. It’s clever, not too heavy and there are a good few series to get through! It’s from a few years ago.
I’ll keep looking out for good BBC stuff and give you a heads-up for good stuff that should be coming your way! Xxx
Just finished episode 7 at your recommendation! AH! I cannot wait for more. LOVED it!
Doc Martin series too!
The show is filmed on location in the fishing village of Port Isaac, Cornwall, United Kingdom, with filming of most interior scenes and production in a converted local barn.
Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant and successful vascular surgeon at Imperial College London who develops haemophobia (an extreme fear of blood) that prevents him from performing operations. After retraining as a General Practitioner, he applies for a post in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn, where he spent childhood holidays with his aunt. Upon arriving in Portwenn, Dr. Ellingham (called “Doc Martin” by the locals), finds the surgery in disarray, the medical equipment beyond repair, and the patients’ records in a mess. He inherits an incompetent receptionist, Elaine Denham, who resents his coming. (Her character is replaced by Pauline Lamb in the second series.)
The show revolves around Ellingham’s interactions with the local Cornish villagers. Despite his medical brilliance, Ellingham is a gruff man, completely lacking in social skills. His cold, abrasive manner offends many of the villagers and leads to frequent misunderstandings. His aunt, Joan Norton, portrayed by Stephanie Cole, provides emotional support in the face of the disquiet his abrupt manner causes among the villagers. Caroline Catz plays primary school teacher Louisa Glasson. Doc Martin is attracted to her but finds it difficult to express his feelings. Louisa, whose caring and nurturing manner contrasts with his emotionally detached and neurotic behaviour, somehow finds him attractive as well
Thanks for the Doc Martin rec. I just finished all of them and they were great! I am excited for the next season (or series as they say).
Downton Abbey has two versions: the PBS American version, and a BBC British version. We watched (and recorded) the PBS episodes, and now have the BBC version which we like even better! We found the DVD at Sam’s Club. There are more background details that explain the story in the BBC version, and it is a few minutes longer than the PBS version. In our house this is an instant classic.
Foyles War is another all-time favorite must-see. Excellent mix of characters, history, and mystery in WW2 coastal England. Enjoy!
i was soooo excited to read this post! i have been wondering about watching this on netflix. i wonder no more – i am sold! ;) thanks, molly.
Thanks for this post–lots of good recommendtions generated! Also, wanted to put in another word for Foyle’s War….we are enjoying going through that series currently!
I discovered three BBC adaptations of novels by a women named Elizabeth Gaskell. She was a contemporary to Jane Austen, but she is more focused on the whole of a society. My favorite is Wives and Daughters because she takes the characters through sweet stages of life and profound loss. The other two are Cranford, (which is much better than the book) and North and South. All three are on Netflix, but probably not all streaming. The best part about her writing is the ways she shines light on characters who are being faithful in a quiet way to do what is right. My husband teases me about getting dual citizenship because these are my favorite type of books and movies. PG Wodehouse books like Code of the Woosters are like Seinfeld set in 1920s London. He laughs because I also love putting milk in my tea. I am glad that you are finding strategies to help the boys have more responsibility and focus. You could get a little composition book and have Orison write a sentence and picture about his 5 favorite books each week. I bet Orison could write the title at the top of Morrow’s page and then he could draw a picture. At the end of the summer, they would have a huge journal filled with favorite books.
There’s now also an excellent “Return to Cranford”. I second that P G Wodehouse books are better than the “Jeeves and Wooster” series. I also am enjoying the new “Downstairs, Upstairs”.
Thanks for the recommendation, Molly! We’re loving it!
A while back we watched “Manor House” (a PBS documentary-type thing borrowed from the library) where they put present-day people in the same setting as Downton Abbey, reality-style. It was really interesting and I think helped me understand Downton better with background on the roles in that society. Definitely not as amazingly written as DA, but still interesting.
Looking forward to more Molly recommendations! ;)
Well, I am British and I can confirm that ‘Downton Abbey’ was a major hit over here! It was all anyone would talk about for weeks. The new series is on in September over here. I must confess to watching more US dramas (‘The Good Wife’, ‘Brothers and Sisters’, ‘Blue Bloods’…etc) than British ones. Perhaps I am an American trapped in a British body? :)
Molly, I was excited about this recommendation since I love so many BBC productions (most recently Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford.)
I must say, though, I was taken aback in the first episode when it became clear that the homosexual lifestyle of one character in particular would play a prominent role in the drama. I watched a couple more episodes and discovered that it was a recurring theme. How can you reconcile watching this series given this emphasis? I a bit surprised that you recommend it on your blog.
Not wanting to start anything, but just looking to understand.
And in addition, other characters did stuff I don’t like, too. I’m appalled.
Hello Molly,
I’m a British reader who sometimes clicks on here occasionally, just wanted to recommend the ‘Little Dorrit’, ‘Wives and Daughters’ and ‘Jane Eyre’ adaptations which are all faves of mine!
Molly,
I just had to come back and say thank you for this recommendation. I had never heard of Downton Abbey, but I promptly checked it out from the library and shortly after, bought it. I love it and have been introducing my fellow anglophile friends.
Another vote for Lark Rise to Candleford :)
And on a much lighter subject Coupling series 1-4 are such a great laugh!
My favourite period drama is Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, the other adaptations I didn’t like so much.
And if you want great British comedy, check out The Italian Job, the original with Michael Caine, great accents, great film, a ton better than the modern version (totally different plotline, too!)