Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey, Part II
Ahh yes for me there's nothing better than a new Masterpiece film to watch especially since all that seems to be on TV are winter reruns. Last week I posted about Downton Abbey, Episode 1, of course I loved it. This week I felt as if I needed to dedicate more of the post to the servants of Downton and their roles in the household.
Right away I could tell that I was going to like certain folks and I was not going to like others and judging by this week's episode I was correct. I don't like O'Brien, lady's maid to Cora, or Thomas, they always seem to be in cahoots trying to undermine Mr. Bates, Robert's valet, or talking about this one or that one. On the other end of the spectrum Anna and Gwen are two of my favorites! Anna always defends Mr. Bates and Gwen especially when Gwen's "secret" is discovered. We don't see a whole lot of Gwen but I think she's a perfect example of the 20th century working class girl. It's hard to think of sometimes but when a woman wanted to rise above doing household tasks to earn a living one of a few professional option was that of a secretary. And don't get me started on Mrs. Patmore, the cook and Daisy, the kitchen maid, the way they go back and forth had me laughing and fearing for Daisy's mental health! Poor Daisy LOL! Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper and Mr. Carson the butler as played by Phyllis Logan and Jim Carter are as exactly as I pictured, serious as death when it comes to the care of the house and their employers yet still able to show their softer sides when it comes to the troubles of their staff.
As I said last week, this is definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year. I can't wait to see the new Upstairs, Downstairs when it premieres later on in the season. I've heard that it is like Downton Abbey in some respects. If the characters and actors who play them are half as good as those in Downton, I'll be pleased.
Just in case you missed it here's the link to Episode 2 directly from PBS.org!
Right away I could tell that I was going to like certain folks and I was not going to like others and judging by this week's episode I was correct. I don't like O'Brien, lady's maid to Cora, or Thomas, they always seem to be in cahoots trying to undermine Mr. Bates, Robert's valet, or talking about this one or that one. On the other end of the spectrum Anna and Gwen are two of my favorites! Anna always defends Mr. Bates and Gwen especially when Gwen's "secret" is discovered. We don't see a whole lot of Gwen but I think she's a perfect example of the 20th century working class girl. It's hard to think of sometimes but when a woman wanted to rise above doing household tasks to earn a living one of a few professional option was that of a secretary. And don't get me started on Mrs. Patmore, the cook and Daisy, the kitchen maid, the way they go back and forth had me laughing and fearing for Daisy's mental health! Poor Daisy LOL! Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper and Mr. Carson the butler as played by Phyllis Logan and Jim Carter are as exactly as I pictured, serious as death when it comes to the care of the house and their employers yet still able to show their softer sides when it comes to the troubles of their staff.
As I said last week, this is definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year. I can't wait to see the new Upstairs, Downstairs when it premieres later on in the season. I've heard that it is like Downton Abbey in some respects. If the characters and actors who play them are half as good as those in Downton, I'll be pleased.
Just in case you missed it here's the link to Episode 2 directly from PBS.org!
Watch the full episode. See more Masterpiece.
Were you surprised by Carson's secret past? Don't Maggie Smith's lines crack you up? Who do you think the new chauffeur will be drawn to? I loved the scene with Mrs. Hughes and Bates on the dock. And I'm still hoping for good things for Bates and Anna:)
ReplyDeleteLOL Renee you seem to be as big a fan of this series as I am! I was DEFINITELY surprised by Carson's past I couldn't picture him as doing what he said he did. I really like the new chauffer, he's kinda cute plus he's Irish! ;-)
ReplyDeleteLike I said Mrs. Hughes may be as serious as death when it comes to the running of the house but when there are problems within the staff she's there to help. Bates and Anna are two of the sweetest characters but I wish we could get more of Anna's background before she started working in the house, I think it would be interesting.
XOXO~ Renee
The big reveal about Carson's past cracked me up! And I can't wait to see more of the chauffer, he's a cutie! :)
ReplyDeleteOur family is watching this also.
ReplyDeleteWe really enjoy Masterpiece.
Can't wait for the 3rd episode.
Thanks for writing about this.
Trinity Rose
LOL Ruth, Carson is usually so serious it was nice to see the other "side" of him!
ReplyDeleteTrinity Rose- I'm glad there are so many people enjoying this series. I too love Masterpiece! Thank you for visiting!
XOXO~ Renee
I goootta see this!
ReplyDeleteOkay ... is anyone frustrated over the way Downton Abbey ended??? There must be a part 2! Nothing got resolved in the final episode and we were left wondering if Bates and Anna ever get together, if Thomas gets what he deserves, if Mary gets married, etc etc!!!When will the next episode air?
ReplyDeleteI know! I loved DA but the ending does leave you hanging doesn't it? Well I have good news they are currently filming part 2! Yep! I saw some behind the scenes pics on this blog: http://enchantedserenityperiodfilms.blogspot.com/2011/03/downton-abbey-2011-filming-begins.html
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what happens next especially since we know that WWI will be sure to affect all at DA!
XOXO~ Renee
Downton Abbey is a must-see mini-series and we can't wait for season 3 to become available. The photography, character development, costumes and acting are wonderful.
ReplyDelete