Downton Abbey - I'm hooked

[rue]

I know I shouldn't laugh, but that was funny lol

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

I've noticed how so many actors seem to grow beards when they're off screen.

 

[sheeplady]

I know I shouldn't laugh, but that was funny lol

You made the chicken lady mad! lol

 

[rue]

You made the chicken lady mad! lol

Stop it!! :rofl:

 

[vintage68]

Fancy Entourage indeed! LOL.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Next weeks episode is going to be good when the Spamish Flu hits.

 

[dhermann1]

My computer already got the Spamish flu.

 

[AmateisGal]

Next weeks episode is going to be good when the Spamish Flu hits.

Yes indeed.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I dunno, the series nearly jumped the shark for me this week.

The whole burn-vicitim-who-had-amnesia-for-six-years-is-Patrick thing is really straying a bit too much into hardocre soap opera territory, isn't it? And the Sybil-and-chauffer plot is too stupid for words. I'm also annoyed that first-season standout character Mr. Bates is STILL not doing anything compelling this season... though the Escaping Evil Mrs. Bates plotline looks like it's finally likely to bust out of its infinite loop next week.

I mean, overall I'm still pretty enthralled, but I'm definitely starting to understand why there's a second-season-is-much-weaker backlash...

 

[Bruce Wayne]

IIRC, Bates gets accused of killing Mrs.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Yup. But I'm sure it'll be sorted out by the end of the season: dear Mr. Bates just couldn't murder Vera, no matter how EVIL she was!

 

[sheeplady]

And the Sybil-and-chauffer plot is too stupid for words.

I don't know, of all the more outlandish story lines they have going on, I at least buy that a young woman who's a tempest in a teapot like Sybil could fall for the chauffeur; after all she became a nurse (the first woman in her family to work in how many generations?) and has always pushed the boundaries (going to women's suffrage meetings). She really did seem to admire him when he said he wouldn't be a driver forever; just like she wasn't destined to be a lady who sat on her rump in the war. She's a do-er, and I think the idea of being a lady "of leisure" would drive her insane. Even her own grandmother (I think) said she's the only granddaughter who might be happy living in a cottage, unlike Mary.

Her and him running off to be married isn't that far of a stretch to me. She's a rebel, and the ultimate in rebel behavior is marrying out of your class.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I suppose.

But I still think it's a too-familiar cliche in a show that's mostly found more creative, atypical ways to explore its characters and time.

 

[sheeplady]

I suppose.

But I still think it's a too-familiar cliche in a show that's mostly found more creative, atypical ways to explore its characters and time.

With what I said, I do think it could be better done and I'll agree with that.

There should have been more resistance on both their parts, and it would make for better television. It was a bit like: "We like each other." "We shouldn't." "Let's run away together!" In reality, I think it would've been a bit more drawn out, and the idea of the chauffeur wanting to wait for her forever is totally bland and makes the relationship entirely one sided, as if Sybil holds all the keys to the relationship. In reality I think even two rebels would struggle a bit more with this issue. The only part of the struggle (and it isn't much of one) is on Sybil's side. The chauffeur is Irish and a socialist- isn't he a bit bothered by her being English and her relative wealth and status? Doesn't he struggle with questions of if she will be accepted if they return to Ireland? Doesn't he wonder about her ability to adjust to the life they'll have together compared to her life of privilege?

The writers could have spiced that up a bit, and involved the other characters. Certainly the staff can see what is going on? Where's the warnings from them? Is Mary really the only one who knows?

 

[W-D Forties]

The second series was very soapy indeed. BUT you will be pleased to know that the Christmas special more than makes up for it.
I hope you don't have to wait for Christmas to see it over there!

 

[skyvue]

The second series was very soapy indeed. BUT you will be pleased to know that the Christmas special more than makes up for it.
I hope you don't have to wait for Christmas to see it over there!

I felt the Christmas episode continued in the vein of the second season, which I agree was soapy and not nearly as well written.

Not that I won't keep watching, mind you. But I've come across many comments that the Christmas episode represented a sort of return to first-season form, and I can't say I agree.

 

[AmateisGal]

The second series was very soapy indeed. BUT you will be pleased to know that the Christmas special more than makes up for it.
I hope you don't have to wait for Christmas to see it over there!

It does, indeed!!!

 

[Bruce Wayne]

In episode 7 here in the states, Bates goes on trail for Vera's murder. It is also the Christmas episode.

 

[vintage68]

I just finished the second season with Christmas special last night. Strictly meat and potatoes stuff IMHO, visual comfort food. Loved it!

 

[W-D Forties]

The whole thing is a visual spotted **** and custard on a cold night tucked up on the sofa with a cup of tea in front of a roaring fire.

Let's just leave it at that!