Season 2 of the award winning television series Downton Abbey aired on Masterpiece Classic PBS last night. I had a blast as co-moderator of the official Twitter Party hosted by PBS. Many thanks to my fellow moderators: @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @VanityFair and @tomandlorenzo. The turnout of Tweeters was amazing and we had great fun dishing about this long-awaited second season. Join us on Twitter, or your favorite aggregator like TweetDeck or TweetGrid, next Sunday by using hashtag #DowntonPBS, and every Sunday at 9:00pm ET & PT (check local listing) through February 19, 2012.
There were many memorable moments in the two hour premiere. Here is a brief introduction to Episode 1, followed by some images of some of my favorite scenes and characters:
Fall 1916 — Spring 1917
In the throes of the Great War, uncertainty and worry have taken up residence in the great house of Downton Abbey. Some newcomers arrive, met with varying degrees of welcome; some young men are absent, desperately clinging to survival in the trenches of France; and some men remain at Downton, their discontent festering.
Robert, ever the honorable patriarch, struggles with the uneasiness of a diminished house and the suspicion that the uniform he wears is empty. The Crawley women, too, attempt to find their place in the new climate, as Isobel helps chart a new course for one sister and Branson exerts his influence over yet another. Among the servants, love is in the air — O’Brien being, as always, the exception — until Bates makes a decision that crushes the hearts of the two people who love him most.
News about Matthew stuns the house, and Mary has a revelation of her own. Downton Abbey itself is to be made useful, transformed into a convalescent home for wounded officers. In wartime, not even the seemingly immutable Dowager Countess, Violet, remains entirely unchanged!
Favorite new character:
Cheeky housemaid Ethel Park,
“I want the best. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.”
Favorite laugh out loud line:
Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham.
“Amputation in the dining room? Resuscitation in the pantry? I forbid it!”
Favorite new evil character:
Wicked Witch Vera Bates,
“You thought you’d got the better of me. But you were wrong.”
Favorite new development:
Mr. Bates and Anna’s romance heats up!
Favorite “ugh” moment:
Matthew introduces his fiance Lavinia Swire to Downton!
Favorite flashback to Gone with the Wind:
Lady Mary at train station asking Matthew to come back safely from the war.
Favorite check with reality:
Thomas at the front in the thick of trench war and facing his courage/cowardice
Favorite threesome:
A cad, a hunk and an angel: Thomas, Branson and Lady Sybil at the hospital
Favorite *snort*:
Lady Edith goes all Greenacres on us and drives a tractor to aid the cause!
What an incredible, mesmerizing premiere. Period drama flourishes at Downton. Bravo creator/screen writer Julian Fellowes. You have us in the palm of your hand.
Do you need to catch up or relive Episode 1 of Downton Abbey? You can watch the full two hour episode on the PBS Video website through March 7, 2012.
Episode 2 of the second season airs next Sunday, January 15 at 9:00pm ET on Masterpiece Classic PBS. Don’t miss it.
© 2007 – 2012 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose
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I really enjoyed last night’s episode. I actually forgot to tweet because I was so busy watching.
I don’t tweet but my own MrB and I were quite enraptured, captivated by such great TV. Excellent story, beautiful cinematography, fantastic writing and talented writing. I SMELL ANOTHER EMMY! My favorite line was definitely Granny Violet,”O good. I hate Greek tragedy. With all the drama happening off stage.” (Or something like.)
Is this the episode when the dowager says to Sybil, on hearing she is going to drive a tractor ‘You’re a young lady not Toad of Toad Hall’!!!
Have finished watching this series over here and the Christmas special and I love love love this series
Yes, this was it! That was my favorite line last night. It had me laughing out loud. I’m hooked too.
Mary
I enjoyed the twitter party but enjoyed watching the replay at midnight without out the chatter too. Awesome job last night!
I love the new depths of Thomas and OBrien, and all the new twists. Every time the music starts I know we are going to have a Matthew Mary moment.
As nasty as Edith was (the matter of that little note to the Turkish embassy)(for which we can also blame John and Anna’s problems now…) I feel sorry for her broken heart version two.
So what has Bates done in the past that he has such low regard for himself? “I am nothing?” was that supposed to help Anna or just make us ponder for a week?
Oh no kidding about being in the palm of the writer’s hand! I was hooked from the start, and damn near lost it when Bates and that evil Vera, well… I also recommend The World of Downton Abbey which has some delicious info on the creation of the story, and the background of Highclere castle, not to mention all those gorgeous dresses.
I found the Season 2 premiere a mixed bag. Graphic war scenes, realistic and great but overdone and too repetitive. Also confused why Lady Edith would suddenly abandon her staunch Victorian values for a married farmer’s advances? Needed more buildup; perhaps a scene with all three sisters expressing their dreams, need to grab love instead of waiting for it, the old Victorian way, as well as providing once lacking, more sisterly bonding/affection, now that their world is changing so rapidly. BTW, was that the same farmer who almost died of dropsy in Season 1? Must watch, Season 1 DVD again, for clarification. Don’t mind, love it and have already watched it several times. I also thought showing Thomas’s more vulnerable side wonderfully layered his character, especially with the blind soldier but again, executed too fast and too neatly tied up with a suicide. Some of Lady Mary’s longing, Matthew in war and Lord Grantham with his former war buddies, scenes, could have been deleted or edited down to more fully explore Lady Edith and Thomas with the blind soldier. Bates is becoming tiring and too one dimensional with his constant sense of duty, instead of finally following his heart and finding the courage to rid himself of his predictable, evil, wife, Vera. Hope we see his other side soon! Where was the payoff of O’Brien dealing with the fact that she was directly responsible for killing Lady Grantham’s unborn son? Needed some kind of payoff besides a long dazed stare at the Season 1 garden party finale. Loved Lady Sybil and Branson, Anna and the rest of the characters. Still loved Downton Abbey and will continue to watch but I hope Season 2 writing will shore up a bit. Continues to be a visual feast for the eyes. Makeup and costumes fabulous. Bravo, cast and crew of Downton Abbey!
I had my son-in-law (who is genuinely English) put on the initial series opener from season 1 as a teaser so I could intrigue my wife. She LOVED just the opening scenes! Neither of us have seen ANY of Downton Abbey at all but it has received so much wide-spread critical acclaim that we are going to watch ALL of season 1 in the proper order. I sincerely LOVED it all at first sight but had to convince my wife it was worth watching all the way through. I myself need no convincing because I knew it is good! Thanks for whetting my appetite some more.
I am so so SOOOOO happy Downton Abbey is back on my TV screen! I’ve missed blogging about it. :) I was riveted for the entire two hours, and I can’t wait until the show continues next week!
oh I was so close to tears for much of the episode but there were fun laugh-out-loud moments. Pretty much everything Dowager Countess Grantham had to say was guaranteed to steal the scene. Bates telling Anna to forget him made my eyes prickle with tears. Mary and Matthew… well… I’m so ambivalent about them. Ahhh I love this show and I’m so hopelessly addicted! This was an excellent recap, Laurel Ann.
I completely forgot it was on! We were busy taking down and packing away holiday decorations and I missed it. Thanks for the re-cap, I won’t be forgetting next week.
Amy, you can catch up by watching episode 1 online at PBS Video. The link is in the post. Enjoy! LA
wanted to add that while I absolutely LOVE Maria Doyle Kennedy, I really loved to hate her last night. She made one heck of an awesome Katherine of Aragon in The Tudors, though. *signed The Costume Drama Junkie*
I LOVED season one, so I’m on board for season two. I’m glad the whole cast is back, with the possible exception of the character Thomas. Although we must have “baddies” and he’s a very good bad guy. I thought Sybil turning to nursing was entirely reasonable and consistant her personality, but I can’t say the same for Edith’s turning her interest to tractor and farmer! I’m not sure my willingness to “suspend my disbelief” will stretch THAT far. But, of course I’ll be tuned in next week!
[...] Season 2, Episode One Recap on Austenprose [...]
Ack, I was using the wrong hashtag, #downtonabbey instead of #downtonPBS. Will definitely rectify it next week.
Excellent review for an excellent program – I’ve been curious how team-Downton Abbey can best season one – such a hard act to follow! And I’m glad you clarified the character Lavinia’s last name – I was hearing it as “Swine”! (and just about fell off my chair guffawing after the first mention of her name). Do you think she was in tears over Mathew or her own fears about possibly being blackmailed by her mysterious past? More to be revealed!
I loved the first episode. I did have to go online to rewatch the beginning since my family was still up and distracting me when it started Sunday night! The costumes and the setting are enough to get me to watch! Beautiful!
I do have to agree that the whole story line with Edith is not very authentic. The very fact that she’s driving a tractor to suddenly falling for a farmer, not to mention a married one, is just hard to believe.
I find Bates’ sense of duty believable. I think duty was so emphasized in those days that it rings true. I guess that’s what makes Edith’s story seem so unbelievable. She wouldn’t just be casually kissing a married farmer without some major innerstruggle.
All in all, a great series! Beautifully done!
I loved this episode. I meant to go to sleep early to nurse a bad cold, but instead stayed up until eleven, devouring the action. The Dowager Countess continues to get all the best lines, true to the first season. I admit to being a bit annoyed by Mr. Bates’ martyr complex – admirable, yes, but how often is the poor man to sacrifice himself? And Edith – this episode says something telling about how hard up the poor girl really is. The juxtapositions in this episode were fabulous, and not just between life at Downton and in the trenches. I felt so bad for Thomas – that’s a first! So many characters exposed their duel natures in this episode. No one is a pure villain (except maybe Mrs. Bates); they all have their tender sides. My last thought concerns my continued speculation regarding the relationship between Thomas and Mrs. O’Brien – maternal perhaps? How scandalous!
Poor Lavinia. She is being used as rebound by Matthew and most of the fans are inclined to view her as something that is “ugh”.
Carson got on my nerves with his snobbish view of Lavinia. Robert got on my nerves with his petulant reaction to Bates’ departure and his constant carping about having nothing to do. The Dowager Countess got on my nerves with her constant one-liners – especially when they were directed at Lavinia Sybil and Branson are boring as a couple. And I must admit that I am finally getting tired of the Mary/Matthew love fest. And I’m getting tired of Bates’ martyrdom. I mean . . . why did he think it was necessary to return to Vera for Mary’s sake? She was the idiot who had decided to have sex with a Turkish diplomat.
Thankfully, the episode did feature moments that maintained my interest in the series – especially the scenes featuring the battlefront in France..
It’s interesting on how everyone comments on Lady Edith’s nastiness and yet, completely ignore the fact that Lady Mary could be equally nasty. After all, it was Mary who made a swipe at her mother’s expense by making that nasty comment about Cora’s “American blood”. Separately, both Edith and Mary can be very nice women. But that pleasantry is usually tossed into the wind whenever they are around each other. It’s strange that very few people tend to notice this.
I doubt very seriously that people haven’t noticed it. It’s right in your face in every scene they are in. It was commented on during Season 1. It was a big part of the plot, too. Sunday’s episode was mild compared to Season 1, I think.
Loved the first episode of Season 2! I watched last season when it was on PBS and was hooked. I received Season 1 on DVD for Christmas and watched it all through again to prepare for this season. My sister and I were on the edge of our seats most of the time. I really liked the development of everyone’s chracters and the introduction to new ones: Ethel, Vera, Robert’s new valet, Lang. We weren’t surprised by Thomas’ cowardice, but his scenes with the blind soldier were touching. We applauded Mrs. Hughes’ eavesdropping as well, glad someone else knows about poor Bates’ problems. Poor Anna! She’ll come through alright, but it’s sad to see her heartbroken. My goodness Molesley moves fast and what’s his deal about going to war? I’m worried for William, that if they decided to kill anyone off it might be him. I just want to kick Daisy sometimes. She’s such a silly girl. Love the moment between Branson and Sybil. I’ve got my fingers crossed for them. And I hope he doesn’t get in to some trouble. I don’t see what Matthew sees in Lavinia. His scene with Mary at the train was nice. Glad too see Mary turning around, but that old guy? Ugh! And Edith! Oh, where to start? She has no concern for Carson and complains about her dress while she drives a tractor and gets involved with a married farmer! All of my eye-roll moments were for her… Loved Violet and all her lines. :) Is anyone else annoyed by Cora? She’s the only character I can’t really stand.
The war scenes are amazing, and i’m glad they don’t shy away from the realities of war and it’s consequences – The blind soldier, Lang, Mrs. Patmore’s nephew, the hopsital.
I can’t wait for the next episode. I’m going to be wishing the weeks away until each new one!
[" We weren’t surprised by Thomas’ cowardice, but his scenes with the blind soldier were touching."]
I applaud Thomas’ cowardice. He was smart to get out of there.
Wonderful summary and images, Laural Ann! I completely agree with you! Although I love Mrs. Patmore’s interchanges with Ethel! Telling her there were no crepes left and than feeding it to the dog!
I am so eager for the next episode! I do have a question though that I thought you might be able to answer. (sorry if it is a silly one!) I was wondering why Branson wasn’t in/enlisting in the war. Is it because he is Irish???
I wasn’t feeling well Sunday night so I just got to watch it online tonight. It was AWESOME! I so want Mary and Matthew to end up together. I think she’s been humbled by loving him for 2 years without him knowing it and then being confronted by his fiancee. And will we see Mr. Bates again? That relationship halted just broke my heart. Can’t wait for Sunday for the next episode!
Truly beautiful start to a beautiful series. I saw E1 last night and it met and surpassed my expectations.
Mary is a better person; becoming a nurse fits Sybil perfectly and the whole Bates/Anna relationship is adorable.
[...] 2 continues to intrigue. (spoilers ahead) Last week in episode 1, we were thrown into the trenches of 1916 France as Great Britain battles the Hun during WWI, heir [...]
[...] my recap & reviews of episode 1 and episode 2 of Downton Abbey Season [...]
[...] Read my recap & review of Episode 1 of Downton Abbey [...]
[...] Read my recap & review of Episode 1 of Downton Abbey [...]
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[...] Read my recap & review of Episode 1 of Downton Abbey [...]
[...] Read my recap & review of Episode 1 of Downton Abbey [...]
[...] Read my recap & review of Episode 1 of Downton Abbey [...]