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So far only 2 seasons have made it to PBS TV in the US( check your local listings) of this wonderful English upper-class turn of the century drama that no one does better than the Brits.I have only reviewed 3 TV series before and they were all completed so this is a first as it's still on going.Even though I do movies,in the rare case of a special TV show I have done a review.So for the 4th time,here goes.
It's always been fascinating to watch royalty thats why we all love the Royal family even today.Back in the early 1900's there were a whole lot of aristocrats copping with a changing world complicated by the war to end all wars and a changing of the class system amongst the turmoils of the day including the "Irish problem"motorcars,telephones and politics of the preliterate to name but a few.This series follows one such family with their own issues of fidelity,money and personnel honor as well as a large service staff with much the same issues.Although both groups are separated by standing,they share the same devotion to the "house"they serve,Downton Abby.We experience death,betrayal,infidelity and loyalty and honor as only a upper-class can extend and a working class can understand.
Lord Crawley hires a ex military commoner who served with him in Africa even though he might not be able to handle the work a demanding staff entails.
A daughter who is enchanted by a chauffeur.
Another daughter who may marry for money but loves another ( it's complicated)
Another daughter who foils her sibling at every opportunity.
And thats not even the staff !!!
The cast for the most part is not well known here in the US but you will recognize a few.
Ah but the setting is truly splendid with nothing like it here .
Yet all the time the shadow of the war covers 3 from the abbey by direct service and everyone else as the abbey becomes a convalescent stop for returning wounded officers.
There is NOTHING not to love about this series.Do yourself a favor and check it out.
PBS can show you some past episodes online.There is probably other sites on the internet as well.It plays sunday nights on my local PBS TV area station.
Beginning in the years leading up to World War I, the drama centers on the Crawley family and their servants.
Lord Crawley sees his family heritage, especially the grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. The death of his heir aboard the Titanic means distant cousin Matthew Crawley, a Manchester lawyer, suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, who clashes with his lordship's domineering, conservative ma the dowager. Marrying off the daughters is another concern. Meanwhile the butler presides over a staff which serves the family but also lead most of their entire lives in the servants quarters, intriguing amongst themselves. Written by KGF Vissers
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