Who hasn’t been watching Downton Abbey? Ages ago, it seems, my friend was telling me that he had this new British TV show he was watching about a manor house in England, and how wonderful it was. I had my doubts, but was convinced to give one episode a try after he told me “the Titanic just happened in this show.” I was immediately convinced, especially watching Maggie Smith shield herself from electric lights, which I found charming (and with which I could identify). Her character is especially delightful, but really, all of the characters are compelling, and the writing overall is very strong.
The show has an undeniable appeal for how old-fashioned it is. Not just because it is set 100 years ago, but more because the pacing, the acting, well, everything about it, feels like such a throwback to another time, when a greater level of care was placed into what was made. It’s a delightful series, and it’s no wonder that everyone I know has been watching it. Even the music is delightfully perfect.