The Downton Abbey estate stands a splendid example of confidence and mettle, its family enduring for generations and its staff a well-oiled machine of propriety. But change is afoot at Downton — change far surpassing the new electric lights and telephone.
A crisis of inheritance threatens to displace the resident Crawley family, in spite of the best efforts of the noble and compassionate Earl, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville, Miss Austen Regrets); his American heiress wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern); his comically implacable, opinionated mother, Violet (Maggie Smith, David Copperfield); and his beautiful, eldest daughter, Mary, intent on charting her own course.
Reluctantly, the family is forced to welcome its heir apparent, the self-made and proudly modern Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), himself none too happy about the new arrangements. As Matthew's bristly relationship with Mary begins to crackle with electricity, hope for the future of Downton's dynasty takes shape.
But when petty jealousies and ambitions grow among the family and the staff, scheming and secrets — both delicious and dangerous — threaten to derail the scramble to preserve Downton Abbey.
Created and written by Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), Downton Abbey offers a spot-on portrait of a vanishing way of life.
i can't remember the last time i enjoyed television quite this much. it aired here in the states on masterpiece classics last month, and i waited each week with breathless anticipation. i just noticed that it's now available on netflix instant watch, so get over there and watch it, then come report to me on whether you loved it or you LOVED IT.
(if you like british period pieces with a great script, this is definitely for you. LJ summers, you have zero excuse not to watch this now.)
now, get in this CF and tell everyone how great this show is, how wonderful matthew crawley was as mr. edward ferrars in the BBC production of sense & sensibility from a few years ago, how excited you are for the next season, or just your favorite films/tv shows in this genre so i know what to add to my netflix queue
click here for downton abbey on netflix
or PM me if you do not have the means to watch it (i can get it to you, darling)
downton OTP for your time: