If you're anything like me (and most television viewers), you've probably heard at least whispers about Downton Abbey, especially in the wake of its recent popularity explosion (did you hear it placed second to the SuperBowl?). And if you're like me up until the moment I actually watched the first episode, you're probably wondering what in the world all the hype is about. As a seasoned television watcher and amateur analyst, I like to think I have a certain degree of authority when it comes to telling the people who are silly enough to heed my advice what they should watch. And even if I didn't feel I had that authority, I would probably still be telling you to watch Downton Abbey. It's that good.
Now, you might be thinking that despite my glowing praise you still won't enjoy the show, because let's be honest, sometimes I like very obscure things that don't have as broad an appeal as I think they do. However, I think the case can easily be made that Downton Abbey has a little bit of everything the modern television watcher is seeking: cultural relevance, chaste romance (because come on, aren't we all a little tired of seeing so much sex on TV?), political rumblings, the impact of warfare, and oh yeah, Maggie Smith being the best outspoken grandmother on television. The reasons abound for you to tune in, and the timing couldn't be better: the finale of season 2 airs this Sunday on PBS' Masterpiece Theatre, which gives you about 30 hours to catch up on the prior 13 installments.
Occupy Downton
If you're looking for an interesting examination of the 99% vs. 1% problem that (most likely) doesn't hit too close to home for you, the class division between the Upstairs and Downstairs crews on this show is both intriguing and relevant. Of course, the Crawleys are a bit more benevolent than the Wall Street types who are gobbling up all the money these days (though they might not seem it at first); they are creating jobs, after all, and they are almost always willing to give the servants the benefit of the doubt (excluding Thomas, who of course doesn't really deserve it). The Ladies Crawley are even more progressive than their parents, and are often to be found sympathizing with the servants and actively trying to better their lot (think Sybil helping Gwen score a secretary position, Anna's rapport with and concern for both Carson and Anna, the whole house's investment in Mr. Bates' fate). Add to that the fact that at the end of the day the servants have a consistent roof over their heads and food to eat, and you could do a lot worse than Downton Abbey for minimum-wage employment.
The Times Are A-Changin'
One of the most interesting features of this show is the vastness of the time period it's already managed to span. In the course of no more than 14 episodes (at least the way PBS has divided them), we've literally traveled through almost a full decade, with the first episode opening in the days following the Titanic disaster (in April 1912) and last December's Christmas episode taking us through to January 1920. Needless to say, there is a huge evolution of culture in the intervening time, with the Victorian splendor of the 1800's gradually giving way to the confused and changed world that emerged in the aftermath of the Great War. This is a time span that often gets overlooked in contemporary film and television (whereas WWII and the Vietnam era are given almost too much attention), and it is incredibly interesting (especially if you're anything of a history nerd like I am) to be plunged into such a compelling experience of the moments most of us have only read about in history books. Stories of the past always feel nearer to us when they're given a human face, and Downton Abbey's writers have absolutely mastered this.
Good Old-Fashioned Romance
There's a pairing for everyone who watches this show, it seems. Matthew and Mary are of course the star will-they-or-won't-they romance (Michelle Dockery remarked in an interview that she'd heard them referred to as the "Ross and Rachel of period drama", which is both hilarious and fitting), their longing glances and loaded exchanges surviving even the darkness of World War One and an endless strings of miscommunications and misunderstandings. For those looking for a relationship built on genuine compassion and patience, you've got the seemingly doomed romance of Anna the ladies maid and Mr. Bates the valet. It seems the universe will stop at nothing to try to keep these two apart, despite their endlessly good intentions. And of course, there is the rebellious romance between Lady Sybil Crawley and Branson the chauffeur which is not only a meeting of two politically inclined minds but which shatters the assumed barrier between the Upstairs and Downstairs dwellers (plus he's got an adorable Irish accent to boot). Though the romances themselves occasionally veer toward the soap opera-esque, it is satisfying to see how such well-articulated characters can complement and even improve one another in a world still preoccupied with increasingly archaic social constructs and concerns.
Stings, Doesn't It?
Of course, all of the characters on this show are well-spoken and many of them dispense a great deal of wisdom and wit. There is no competition, however, when it comes to the best one-liners and overall commentary. That honor goes to the Dowager Countess of Grantham herself, portrayed flawlessly by Maggie Smith. Chances are, if the DC is talking and whatever she's saying sails right over your head, someone just got majorly burned. Also, she really hates Americans.
This show has the potential to make you laugh, cry, and lament the death of chivalry all in one sitting. Not to mention, the British accents will make you feel like you're indulging in something classy, even if you're only watching to see the next twist in your favorite romance unfold. And for those who want to appear in the know right off the bat, remember that it's DownTON Abbey and not DownTOWN Abbey. It'll save you a lot of time and embarrassment, take it from me.
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