We just got done watching “Downton Abbey”, all 6 seasons plus the 2019 movie. Enjoyed it very much. It’s a big departure from a lot of the dark, ultra-violent stuff that’s out there now. Lot’s of flawed but very likable characters. The gay guy (but of course, there’s a gay guy) is actually the loathsome villain, rather than today’s version of the “50% of the population is canonized do-no-wrong homosexuals.” He does redeem himself somewhat at the end, but for 99% of the ride, they make it easy to hate his guts.
It’s set in the pre and post WWI era, and focuses on one house in the British aristocracy and the servant class who lives with them. According to this show, this period was the beginning of the end for the do-nothing Lords and Ladies who simply inherited wealth. It’s interesting watching how all the family characters respond to the reality of dwindling power, influence, and money as they face the reality of a changing world, and how the servant class responds to the same events as they see their opportunities for self-improvement enhanced by the changes in the culture.
The on-screen interactions and dialogue between the Dowager Countess and cousin Isabel Crawley is magical; simply magnificent acting and script-writing.
I give it a 9 out of 10, because later in the series, a couple of the plot lines seemed a bit contrived and forced. Nonetheless, one of the better shows I’ve watched in recent years. Nothing gritty or dark about it at all, and I found that refreshing.
