Downton Abbey

March 1, 2014 - 5:05pm
At the close of yet another season, the popular drama concludes with a quiet sigh and not a traumatic roar.

I am no stranger to nerdery. I’m a band geek, a theater kid, and an unapologetic fan of all things Harry Potter. But my nerdery took to new heights on Friday night, when I headed off to the Fayetteville Free Library in Fayetteville, NY for their annual Downton Abbey finale party and fundraiser.

February 24, 2014 - 4:58pm
In the second to last episode of the season, many characters are standing on the precipice of personal growth and change. The question is: will they jump in?

In the penultimate episode of Downton Abbey’s fourth season, it seems like everyone is at a crossroads. I guess that’s what happens when you’re setting up for a season finale though, right?

For several characters, the choice that lies ahead will involve a serious step across that proverbial line the Downton crew has been toeing for years: the line that separates their cherished past from the uncertain future.

February 16, 2014 - 12:41pm
As the current season is unfolding, the characters of Downton show a new light with the women all the while growing stronger.

Mrs. Hughes is everyone’s savior. She is everyone’s mother, everyone’s friend, everyone’s confidante. As Downton Abbey’s guiding light, she provides both a sensible moral compass and a gentle, loving touch of friendship for characters in need. 

February 9, 2014 - 11:53am
Julian Fellowes wields his drama for serious reflection on the present-day issues of racism and sexual assault.

This week, Downton Abbey played out some familiar story lines, but the conflict between pomp and circumstance (tradition and reality) played out in a way that moved the story forward - a movement sometimes lacking in the Abbey.

Just when I thought that Fellowes was going to abandon the interracial dating story that he teased earlier in the season, cousin Rose throws the whole household into the deep end.

January 31, 2014 - 11:30pm
Anna confesses her dark secret to Mr. Bates amidst an increasingly changing Downton estate.

 

This week’s episode of Downton Abbey was filled with a series of unexpected (and somewhat expected) reactions and subtle twists. And, of course, we continue to plod along with the series’ running theme, as Mary so aptly articulates: “The world moves on and we must move with it.”

January 26, 2014 - 4:00pm
As Anna and Tom Branson try to recover from their respective ordeals, a suitor arrives at Downton for Lady Mary's hand.

This week at Downton, upstairs we found the Crawley family recovering from their busy weekend of entertaining and moving back into the mundane reality of dealing with the estate’s affairs. And downstairs, harsh realities abound for some, and new opportunities for others.

Perhaps the most consequential new development was Lord Gillingham’s proposal to Lady Mary. Caught up in the fervent throes of residual childhood ardor, Gillingham breathlessly professes his love for the beautiful Crawley homewrecker - er, heiress.

January 19, 2014 - 5:40pm
As the current season begins to unfold, grave subject matter strikes at the heart of Downton.

What could be more surprising than Matthew Crawley’s death? How about the rape of one of the show’s most beloved and dynamic characters?

In a move no one expected - at least not so soon - Fellowes has again thrown a flaming wrench through the middle of one of the Abbey’s most enchanting love stories.

Sunday night around 10:00 pm, while watching and live-tweeting the Golden Globes, I saw this tweet from tv.com:

January 14, 2014 - 4:46pm
As the new season begins, the women of Downton start to experience new found levels of power, influence and camaraderie.

Join me as I raise a glass to the ladies of Downton Abbey. The new season is all about female empowerment and friendship.