Downton Abbey chronicles the Upstairs/Downstairs life in an English country house. Unlike Gosford Park it is set in the Edwardian era, beginning in 1912. It explores the complicated politics that take place within the running of a country house of its time, barriers are crossed, there's inter-marriage (American money is married into English nobility) bonds are formed, within the fictional noble Crawley household. There's romances to root for, plots to intrigue and characters to despise!
Of course the last episode was this sunday, November 7th. But never fear, they'll be filming a second series next Spring. Which does mean that I will have to involve myself in a number of other costume dramas to entertain myself until next Autumn! The last episode did end on an important note, it will be interesting to see how the impact this event had on Edwardian society will be interpreted.
In the meantime I will entice you with some pictures of Julian Fellowe's glorious series. Photo credit here.
The Edwardian dresses are divine! The lace, the colours, draping, textures, details and collars! And oh my word, the hats!
I love the languorous atmosphere of these publicity shots, they don't feel staged.
Apparently this is ITV's most successful costume drama since Brideshead Revisited.
*may be an understatement...
I hate watching TV, but then again, I didn't know they had stuff like this... I'll have to try it out. I'm a die-hard fan of 19th century English lit, and these stills are so dreamy! I love the clothes, the scenery, everything! :]
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look for this on Netflix, I love me some period costumes! I always feel that there's never enough movies or shows set in the Edwardian era...in fact, the only one I can think of is Titanic!
ReplyDeleteOh Colleen I could give you a list. A Room With A View is my absolute favourite and its set in the Edwardian period. Generally, most Merchant Ivory films are!
ReplyDeleteloved this post!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.stephiesays.com
I almost cried after watching the cliffhanger. I wish they had spent more time developing the relationship between Matthew and Mary. But I'm looking forward to seeing more of Branson in the next series, unless you think they will kill him off?
ReplyDeleteArianne from A + B in the Sea
Oh my goodness i love this show so much! I watch it every sunday and i plan on buying the dvd set at the end of the week!!! I love Marry!
ReplyDeleteIm a new follower too! Pease follow me back!!
marja <3
What a beautiful post ! I wish I could watch this serie in the future; but for the moment, in France, it seems to be difficult to find it...
ReplyDeleteYou have an interesting & lovely blog. I'll come back for sure !