They insisted I would love Downton Abbey and must watch it immediately!
When the show first aired a few years ago I made a couple of
attempts to watch, but, Aunty and I were always doing something on Sunday nights
at that time. Now, with the urgency from my pals I knew I had to see it from
the beginning and in its entirety like they assured me. And I had no excuse
because my friends owned the DVD’s for Seasons 1-3!
They told me I had one month to watch every episode in
sequence and then I would be ready for Season Four which would air on Sunday
night January 5th! It was
Christmas time and I was busier than usual. But, somehow I made the time. And, I
found myself instantly and utterly fascinated and thoroughly into Downton Abbey.
The show is spellbinding; the casting, the direction, the actors, the writing,
the splendor of the castle, the costumes, the music, the 20’s! It all made quite an impression with me. Each
time I would put the disc in and press play, I would pull my chair right up to
the TV to be as close as possible. I would swoon; I sipped more tea than ever
before, and become transported to another time and place. I was mesmerized and
seduced. I was hooked. I would watch the
series every chance I could get. And,
since I wasn’t the only friend my friends were lending their DVD’s to, there
were a couple of times I found myself running out even late at night, and
meeting in a doorway and a street corner to get my fix…A Season 1-3 Downton
Abbey DISC!
And then Season 4….
I was gearing up to call
this blog post PLEASE SIR I WANT SOME
MORE, AS I eagerly awaited the season premiere. This past Sunday night I had
a “Downton Date.” I drove alone down a dark, foggy and twisty road to watch the
season opener with yet another die-hard Downton Abbey pal. I brought my slippers, we made tea, she gave
me a blanket, and we were counting the minutes like millions of others. Then we
watched and waited for that excitement and tension and moment by moment drama
and cliffhangers that are signature Downton Abbey. But, I will say it straight
out…..as far as the first episode of Season Four; you do feel the loss of
Matthew. I liken it to real life how when one family member dies and it throws everything out of whack, so it does on
our beloved show. Something felt very different and not quite right.
Because this is Downton Abbey I will absolutely give them
the benefit of any doubt and certainly continue watching. The writer is tops. I
don’t envy him though. It is not easy to keep something so awesome going for so
long especially when one of the best characters dies. In this case the actor
who plays Matthew, Mr. Dan Stevens, wanted to leave the show to do other things.
How dare he, say I?! I really cannot
believe he left. It may only be a TV series but it was quite lovely when Mary
and Matthew graced the screen! They became instant classics. And millions of
people around the Globe were able to look forward to enjoying something so good
every Sunday evening.
I am hopeful the show will come back to life soon. We’ve
still got Carson, and Lord and Lady Grantham, and Mary. My beloved Anna and Mr.
Bates are still in love and together. And I’ll keep rooting and hoping for Mr.
Molesley and wanting the best for Branson. I will put my hands over my eyes and
only peek at the ominous Thomas. I will enjoy each twist and turn of every
character and storyline.
But for right now it’s about family dynamics and
transcending a profound loss; for the actors, for the viewers, and for the
writer and director. Once we all get used to Matthew being gone, we can get
right back to sublime. It might take an episode or two but, I trust they will
deliver.
~Cheers~
