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The Ashford Affair: A Novel, by Lauren Willig – A Review

Posted in Book Reviews, Edwardian Era Book Reviews, tagged Book Blogs, Book Reviews, Books, Downton Abbey, Edwardian-era, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Lauren Willig, Out of Africa, Pink Carnation Series, Reading, The Ashford Affair on 8 April 2013 | 5 Comments »

From the desk of Christina Boyd

In a departure from her Napoleonic spy romances of the Pink Carnation Series, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig ventures into new territory with The Ashford Affair. Entwining one generation’s story with that of another, from post-Edwardian British society to modern day Manhattan to a coffee farm in Kenya, the long veiled secrets of a woman are unraveled.

Clementine Evans, a focused, driven law associate on the cusp of making partner in a large Manhattan firm, attends her beloved grandmother Adeleine’s 99th birthday and is accidentally enlightened to a family secret. At 34, Clemmie, feeling like her life is nothing but a 70-plus hour workweek, and a failed engagement, this intrigue becomes more than a distraction to the un-fulfilling, lonely details of her days.

“Clemmie slid the picture back into the drawer. There was another underneath it, a studio portrait of a woman, her head tilted. Her pale hair was crimped in stylized waves around her face and her pale eyes gazed soulfully into the distance. She looked, somehow, strangely familiar, her cheekbones, the shape of her lips, as if Clemmie had seen her somewhere before.” p. 65.

But trying to get any information from her own tight-lipped mother proves difficult. And how is it that her ex-stepbrother knows more about the family histories than she does?

Adeleine Gillecote’s parents die when she is almost six and she grows up as the mouse-brown ward of her aristocratic aunt and uncle at Ashford Park, a grand English country house. Though brought up with her cousins, Addie never overcomes the status of a poor relation. Despite this, her best friend from almost the start is her vivacious, beautiful, golden cousin, Bea, who takes Addie under her wing, sheltering Addie from her unwelcoming mother, and earning her love and fidelity. As the girls grow and experience the pre-WWI balls and English society, Addie tries not to begrudge Bea’s beauty or her unaffected graces. But when a man comes between the two, it appears all loyalties come to an end, and, escaping to Kenya still isn’t quite far enough. “Addie pressed her fist to her lips, trying not to think what she was thinking. She closed her eyes, fighting a terrible certainty, the certainty that what she was hearing was true, that this was Bea, that Bea had, did, and always would do what she liked, regardless of the consequences, regardless even of Addie.” p. 196.

Although this latest offering is a non-Pink novel, fans of Willig’s the Pink Carnation Series will be giddy with delight when they meet the handsome, cynical and witty descendant of Lord Vaughn. Yes! That Vaughn from The Masque of the Black Tulip.

“He looked feline himself, all boneless grace, with the measureless self-satisfaction afforded by knowing his ancestors had been dining off gold plate when others had still been scratching about in the dirt: the Honorable Theophilius Vaughn, the despair of the ancient line. According to his frustrated family, he had both the morals of a cat and all of its nine lives.” p. 248.

“The spawn of Vaughn.” Ha!! Her words from her website, not mine!

Some have described this novel as Out of Africa meets Downton Abbey. *sigh* Well, use those cinematic visuals if you must, but I can honestly attest, The Ashford Affair is so much more. Much more. This is the kind of the novel that will stay with you; keep you mulling over the vibrant characters and intrinsic detailing long after you’ve inhaled that satisfying last page. Lauren Willig’s The Ashford Affair is brilliant! Glittering brilliance.

5 out of 5 Stars

The Ashford Affair: A Novel, by Lauren Willig
St. Martin’s Press (2013)
Hardcover (368) pages
ISBN: 978-1250014498

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To Marry an English Lord, by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace – A Review

Posted in Book Reviews, Edwardian Era Book Reviews, Victorian Era Book Reviews, tagged Book Reviews, Books, Carol McD. Wallace, Downton Abbey, Edwardian-era, Gail MacColl, Nonfiction books, Reading, To Marry an English Lord, Victorian-era, Workman Publishing on 11 March 2013 | 4 Comments »

From the desk of Laura A. Wallace.

Originally published in 1989, this 2012 re-issue of To Marry and English Lord is an attractive trade paperback edition by Workman Publishing. Promoted as “an inspiration for Downton Abbey,” Julian Fellowes, the screenplay writer who created the series, has been quoted as saying that he was reading this book when approached about writing the series, and that the first character he conceived for it was Cora, Countess of Grantham, an American heiress.

This book has long been on my “to acquire and read” list so I was really looking forward to finally reading it. I found it to be fairly light reading. The chapters are divided up into short sub-headings, sprinkled with lots of side-bar quotations and tid-bits (at least one on every page), and interspersed with little mini-articles on every third or fourth page. Illustrations are copious; decorations are Victorian and Edwardian. Overall it presents a great deal of factual information in a very digestible way.

This is the sort of book that serves as an introduction to a topic, and a launching pad for further research. (It is the type of book that novelists unfortunately use as a primary source, but that is a rant for another time.) It has no footnotes or endnotes, but does have a good selective bibliography which includes a list of period fictional works. The index is good (if imperfect) and there are excellent appendices, including a “Register of American Heiresses” and a “Walking Tour of the American Heiresses’ London” which are handy references.

The text is organized in a loosely chronological way. It begins with the origins of Anglomania (the 1860 U. S. visit of the young Prince of Wales) and the beyond-Almack’s-despotic exclusivity of Old New York “Knickerbocker” society which ruthlessly excluded new money. So the first set of snubbed wives and daughters left New York for Paris and then London in the 1870s, where they scored aristocratic English husbands, got themselves into the Prince of Wales’s social set, and rarely bothered to cross the Atlantic again.

This first set was comparatively small, comprising only about half a dozen women, and it is they who earned the sobriquet “The Buccaneers.” The most famous girl in this first wave was Jennie Jerome, who married Lord Randolph Churchill and became the mother of Sir Winston Churchill.

But that was just the tip of the spear of the “American Invasion.” The ranks grew steadily and kept up the pace until the death of Edward VII in 1910, after which it trickled off and ended with World War I. I had not realized, until reading this book, that the invasion was so extensive. There were at least two dozen who married into the peerage itself, and dozens more who married younger sons, baronets, M.P.s, and gentry. The “Register” at the back of the book lists about 115 of them, and this list, of course, cannot be exhaustive.

It was not just their pots of money that made these women so attractive to Englishmen. Their manners were free, easy, and confident, the complete opposite of those of demure, shy English girls. They were well-educated and very well-dressed, usually by Worth. They were pretty, too, their very lack of “breeding” apparently considered a bonus by their targets, if not by their mamas (appealing at a genetic level, perhaps?). The Prince of Wales loved them, and where he led, everyone followed.

I did find a few factual errors, an occasional absurd assertion, and a couple of errors in titles usage (of course), but overall the information presented seems solid. I encourage readers to use this book as a spring platform to explore other works, whether Consuelo, Duchess of Marlborough’s memoirs, the novels of Wharton, James, and Hardy, or perhaps some of the lesser-known novels of the day. (The latter are featured in a mini-article, but not listed in the bibliography.) The book nicely provides the most general background material to improve enjoyment of the portraits of Sargent (there are hundreds on Wikimedia Commons) or of the costume dramas to which we are all highly addicted.

4 out of 5 Stars

To Marry an English Lord, by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace
Workman Publishing (2012)
Trade paperback (403) pages
ISBN: 978-0761171959

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Circles of Time: Book Two of the Greville Family Saga, by Philip Rock – A Review

Posted in Between the Wars Era Book Reviews, Book Reviews, tagged Between the Wars Era Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Books, Circles of Time, Downton Abbey, Philip Rock, Reading, The Greville Family Saga, TLC Book Tours on 9 March 2013 | 11 Comments »

After re-discovering The Passing Bells – after a thirty year estrangement – I was thrilled to learn there were two more books in the Greville Family Saga. Originally published between 1978 – 1986, this welcome reissue of the trilogy by William Morrow Books is just in time for fans of the popular television series Downton Abbey to plunge back into the era between the wars and cocoon themselves in history, drama and romance.

Set in England during 1921 – 1923, Circles of Time opens two years after the end of the Great War and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles by the Germany and the Allied Powers. The Greville family of Abingdon Pryory, like so many in Britain (and the world), have suffered five years of a devastating loss during the war and are attempting to rebound. How each of the characters deals with their pain and the future is what compels this story forward and captivates our hearts.

The fighting may be over, but the effect of the war continues for many. Patriarch Lord Anthony Greville, 9th earl of Stanmore, a staunch traditionalist chooses to turn back time and restore his ancestral estate back to pre-war elegance before it was abused as an officer’s rehabilitation hospital. Hannah, his American wife, is not only uneasy with the extravagance of living in a huge grand manor house again, but riddled with guilt by the money used for its refurbishment from her trust fund – profits earned during the war from investments in munitions plants in the US. Their three children are also suffering from the fallout of the war. Twenty five-year old daughter Alexandra, a beautiful socialite turned war-time nurse in France, has returned from Canada with her infant son. Now a widow, her father will never forgive her for the indiscretion of having an affair with a married man, becoming pregnant, and marrying a week after he obtained a divorce. Charles, their eldest son and heir to the estate, gallantly served in the war and is a severely shell-shocked amnesiac residing in a mental hospital in Wales. William, recuperating from a gunshot wound to his knee inflicted by his brother is supposedly studying for the bar, but is actually living a dissipated life of heavy drink, flappers and jazz clubs in London.

Friends and relatives of the family are challenged too. The Greville’s American cousin Martin Rilke is still grieving the loss of his wife Ivy who died in Flanders serving as a nurse in a medical unit. Awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his truthful account of his Cousin Charles Greville’s court martial, he has turned his war-time experience into a tell-all book, A Killing Ground, a savage expose on the war that has garnered praise and a libel lawsuit by an angry British general. Fellow journalist Jacob Gold has been working for the United Nations reporting on hunger in the war-torn nations, and their mutual friend Lieutenant Colonel Fenton Wood-Lacy faces painful consequence of not burying the facts of Charles Greville’s breakdown by being blacklisted by the army and sent to a bleak colonial outpost in Mesopotamia without his family.

There is a bit of romance too. Lady Hannah uses her matchmaking skills and researches eligible bachelors again for her daughter. Her top choice is Noel Edward Allenby Rothwell, Esq. – a London financier from a fine family who checks off all of the requirements for the perfect son-in-law for Lord and Lady Stanmore. Alex knows she is damaged goods and that her mother’s choice will make everyone happy – but her. She much prefers Jamie Ross, a man from her past who had been her father’s chauffeur/mechanic before the war. He has gone on to become an acclaimed aeroplane designer and owner of a growing company in San Diego, California. He is in England again on extended business at the local plane manufacturer near the Pryory, and his easy manners and engaging spirit are far more appealing than a life with Noel which seems predestined for disaster.

The grounding force of the novel is my favorite character Martin Rilke who is catalyst for many events. Even though the narrative is told through many different viewpoints, as a journalist he is always in the thick of the social unrest and political changes sweeping Britain and Europe. Through his character and his interactions we see an array of consequences of the Great War and how it changed life so dramatically for a large estate like Abingdon Pryory, the working class who served there, the nation and the world.

Philip Rock skillfully takes us into the decadence of London Jazz clubs, the changing rural life of a country village, the growth of industrialization, social conflicts with the rise of Fascism, Communism and National Socialism, and the crippling reparations imposed by the Allied Powers on Germany and Austria that affect the world economy – all impacting the lives of this circle of friends and family that are connected to Abingdon Pryory. As a screenwriter turned novelist, Rock knows exactly how to shape the narrative to his will with brevity and emotion. I think he explains it best himself through a conversation that Martin Rilke has with his journalist friend Joe regarding the style of writing his own book: “Oh, cool, crisp prose. Nothing overwrought. Perfect use of understatement and irony. About as clean as a left jab to the jaw.” p 22.

After thoroughly enjoying The Passing Bells, I did not think it would be possible to surpass my awe and enjoyment, but Circles of Time matches my expectations with its historical drama excelling with intimate characterization. The battlefields of France and all the horrible devastation of WWI was very gripping and intriguing, but as we move with the characters into the rebuilding of the nation and their lives, it becomes more personal, positive and uplifting. If you love beautifully written historical drama, you won’t be disappointed.

5 out of 5 Stars

Circles of Time: Book Two of the Greville Family Saga, by Philip Rock
William Morrow Boos (2013)
Trade paperback (448) pages
ISBN: 978-0062229335

Book cover image courtesy of © William Morrow Books 2013; text © Laurel Ann Nattress 2013, Austenprose

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Summerset Abbey: A Novel, by T. J. Brown – A Review

Posted in Book Reviews, Edwardian Era Book Reviews, tagged Book Reviews, Books, Downton Abbey, Edwardian-era, Reading, Summerset Abbey, T. J. Brown on 6 March 2013 | 6 Comments »

From the desk of Christina Boyd

Now that the third season of Downton Abbey has ended and left us quite reeling, what better balm to sooth our broken hearts than this new Edwardian series, Summerset Abbey by debut writer T. J. Brown. The year is 1913, the prelude to WWI, and three young women gently pursue their life’s hopes and desires, surrounded by the tacit convention of society. From almost page one, this historical fiction begins to weave its web as Sir Philip Buxton, who has raised his two beautiful daughters alongside the daughter of their governess, who is much like a sister to them, dies. Now the girls must abandon all they know, their Bohemian lifestyle, household and modern manners to live under the charge of their traditional Edwardian uncle at his extensive estate, Summerset Abbey.

Raised to esteem the person and not riches or rank, Rowena and Victoria encounter their first snag when they learn that although they will be welcomed to Summerset, their “sister” Prudence Tate is not, as she is but the daughter of a governess. In a rash moment, and fearing they might lose Prudence forever, Rowena claims they must have a lady’s maid and solicits Prudence for the job. Although claiming it is but temporary until Rowena comes into her own money and can provide for them all, balancing loyalty while attempting to fashion out a place for herself becomes her true cross to bear. “How independent had she been, really? She knew nothing of finances and had never bothered to ask. She’s had all of the freedom, none of the responsibility, and stupidly, she’d never even know what to ask for. She’d been selfish, thoughtlessly flitting from one whimsy to another, never learning anything useful. No wonder her father had given financial responsibility to his brother.” Rowena’s intentions are honorable but to have her so-called sister relegated below stairs, with the duties entailed upon Prudence, is a cruelty “suspended between upstairs and downstairs worlds of Summerset, and truly belonging to neither.”

Prudence, who was raised nearly as one of Sir Buxton’s daughters, is now nothing more than the girls’ lady’s maid and yet the household staff won’t accept her any more than Lord & Lady Buxton consider her family. Moreover she can’t shake this niggling sensation, even when she encounters absolute strangers in the village, why they shy away from her person as well. “Her mother had begun as a maid. She had no idea what her father had done for work, as her mother never spoke of him, but she had family who lived in the village. No doubt many of them had worked for the Buxtons or one of the other titled families in the area. Was there really a fundamental difference between those of the lower class and those of the upper class, aside from the circumstances of one’s birth, something over which a person has no control? Why did those of the lower classes put up with being made to feel as if they were second-class humans?”

The younger sister Victoria, although of delicate health, has a voracious, lively mind and aspires to become a botanist, as was her father. Victoria’s unconventional studies and research steer her to make a scandalous discovery about the family that powers the narrative further into intrigue. “She was putting the books away when a newspaper clipping fluttered out of the back of one of the books. Her heart raced as she realized what it was…”

Meanwhile Prudence catches the eye of Summerset’s dashing houseguest, Lord Billingsly, as well as the comely footman, Andrew, but they only seem to add to her confusion and turmoil. ““I certainly did not promise you the second dance, Lord Billingsley,” she huffed, searching for Andrew over his shoulder. But then his hand cupped her waist, sending a shiver up her spine, and she forgot about Andrew, forgot about everything except trying to breathe.” In addition, Rowena becomes captivated by a dashing test pilot, entangling herself in another family mystery: who is this fine, young man and what does he mean to the Buxtons?

As the early twentieth century evolved with the coming industry, electricity, radio, aeroplanes and the talk of war, it also brought the end to the excesses of many aristocratic families and houses. Opinions were changing and the girls were raised to be open to it. Author T. J. Brown has richly drawn these shifting times through well-drawn characters, compelling plotlines and conspiracy on nearly every other page. My only complaint – and it’s a major one — is that the ending was inexplicably stunted! And shocking! And unforeseen! But blessedly, book two in this three-book saga, Summerset Abbey, A Bloom in Winter was just released on March 5. Note: book three, Summerset Abbey, A Spring Awakening is coming in early August 2013. Albeit this will be catnip for Downton Abbey fans, this novel will dazzle you on its own merit. It’s the bee’s knees!

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Summerset Abbey: A Novel, by T. J. Brown
Gallery Books (2013)
Trade paperback (320) pages
ISBN: 978-1451698985

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Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 7 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 18 February 2013 | 52 Comments »

A bar of soap and solidarity tied up episode six of Downton Abbey of Masterpiece Classic very neatly last week. It was an uplifting conclusion, until this week’s devastating final episode. I wish episode six had been the last of the season. Instead, the Crawley’s went to Scotland to visit Cousin Shrimpie, stalked deer, fished for salmon and danced a reel while the downstairs mice left at Downton Abbey played at the local fair while the cat was away.

My Recap (Major, Major Spoilers!)

Joy arrived with the birth of the long awaited heir to Downton Abbey—but into each life some rain must fall—and in this case, a monsoon hit Yorkshire and swamped our hearts. I will not pad the deep blow with my usual detailed recap but cut to the chase. After spending a very brief time with his wife and newly-born son, Matthew Crawley died in a car crash on his way back home from visiting her and the baby at the hospital. The happily-ever-after will never be possible for him or many at Downton again.

No cliff-hangers here by writer Julian Fellowes—at all—quite the opposite. More on this tragic, startling, ending in my review below, after I point out some of the happier moments during the episode that was called the Downton Christmas Special in the UK when it aired there.

Favorite moments:

“Have a bit of the tart if you like.” – Mrs. Patmore

“I don’t mind if I do.” – Joss Tufton

There is romance in the air at Downton upstairs and down. Many attempted hook-up’s for young and old added levity and humor for most of the episode. There are a lot of sexual innuendos planted throughout. Have fun catching them as they wiz by.

“I love reeling. If I weren’t pregnant I dance until dawn.” – Lady Mary

So, in the opening scenes we discover Lady Mary is pregnant. But, we are immediately distressed to learn that she is due in a month yet traveling with her husband and family to Scotland by train. This seems rather risky after all the couple went through to get in the family way, and how important an heir is to the future safety of the estate.

Duneagle Castle in Scotland

The destination vacation for the Crawley’s is Cousin Hugh ‘Shrimpie’ MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire’s estate Duneagel in Scotland. We first heard tell of him in season two when Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham placed a phone call to him at the War Office when Matthew had gone missing during combat. He is a diplomat and her cousin by marriage through her niece Susan, daughter of her sister. The MacClare’s are the parents of young Rose, the flapper we met in episode six.

“Edith. My basic fact is that I am in love with you…you know that already.” Michael Gregson

“Do I? Yes, I supposed I do.” – Lady Edith

OMG! I am getting peeved that poor Edith is being made into a naïve idiot again. No, please no.

“No man’s wanted to squire me since the Golden Jubilee. Even then he expected me to buy the drinks.” – Mrs. Patmore

The Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was celebrated on 20 June 1887. Since this is 1922, Mrs. P. has been without a date for 35 years. No wonder she’s all giddy and girlish.

“Ten hours crawling through heather and nothing to show for it. Perhaps it’s a parable of life.” Matthew Crawley

There are a lot a parables, euphemisms and philosophy in this episode. Just watch Mrs. Hughes and Matthew Crawley very closely.

“Unless you want Rose married to a third rate colonial official with no money and bad teeth Susan better think again.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

The MacClare’s are being sent to some unknown colonial outpost. This remark is Violet’s way of letting us know what she thinks of the marriage prospects away from England. Considering that she was ready to pack up her granddaughter Mary in season one and send her to Italy or America to find a husband is a telling clue of Rose’s prospects unless she intercedes.

“You don’t want to go to the fair?” – Alfred

“I’d sooner chew broken glass.” – Mr. Carson

After all of the romantic hook-up’s, gambling, drinking and fighting, we are very happy that Mr. Carson did not go to the fair.

“A man of mystery. Edith could use some of that.” – Lady Mary

“You are horrid when you want to be.” – Matthew Crawley

Lady Mary was back to her old snarky remarks about Edith in this episode. We will cut her some slack since she is preggers and well, just Lady Mary.

“What’s going on in here?…you were just taking advantage of the cat’s absence. We’ll see what Mr. Carson has to say.” Mrs. Hughes

Mrs. Hughes catches the two footmen Alfred and James sitting on the settee in the parlor. She has a keen eye in this episode and catches inappropriate behavior all around. This usually falls to Mr. Carson’s watchful radar, so it was fun to see the Great Philosopher of Downton in action.

“Love to be in love, any time any place. I’ll not deny it Mrs. Hughes. I love to be in love.” – Joss Tufton

Telescoping I’d say.

“Does the law expect me to have no life at all until I die? Would Lord Grantham?” – Michael Gregson

“You can’t expect that he would want you to involve his own daughter, what when all you have to offer her is a job as your own mistress.” – Matthew Crawley

“No, I love her. I’m offering my love.” – Michael Gregson

“You’ve been misled by our surroundings. We’re not in a novel by Walter Scott.” – Matthew Crawley

Mr. Rochester/Michael Gregson is corrected by Matthew with a literary euphemism. What irony. This new plot with Edith’s faux beaux really stinks. I know that is not very professional, but there you have it. Edith deserves much better than a married man with a mad wife in the attic. Lady Mary, Lord Grantham and Matthew are all very suspicious and for good reason. We are all yelling at the screen!

“Either way it was the cooking he was after and not me.” – Mrs. Patmore

What a relief that Mrs. Patmore’s romantic incident with the gross grocer ended in laughter and not heartbreak.

“Are you proud of your handy work?” – Miss O’Brien

“Well, I don’t know what you …” – Miss Wilkins

“Never mind Miss Wilkins, it might do him good to let it all go for once.” – Miss O’Brien

We knew “every savage could dance” but Mr. Mosley? Hysterical!!! I felt that we had met O’Brien’s evil twin in Scotland with fellow lady’s maid Miss Wilkins, but she had obviously not earned her evil bangs yet and was no match for her. Touché!

“…be your own master and call your own tune.” – Mrs. Hughes

Great advice to Tom Branson from the Great Philosopher of Downton, Mrs. Hughes.

“There are rules to this way of life Edna, and if you’re not prepared to live by them, then it’s not the right life for you.” – Mrs. Hughes

Again, brava to more Mrs. Hughesisms. New maid Edna gets the boot for having the hots for Mr. Branson and not being able to contain it.

“Love is like riding or learning French. If you don’t learn it young, it’s hard to get the trick of it later.” – Lord Flintshire (Cousin Shrimpie)

Young, wild Cousin Rose is going to live with the Crawley’s at Downton while her dueling parents are away on diplomatic duty. I thought this was very touching of her father to say this to Lady Grantham. He wants the best for his daughter who is always fighting with her horrid mother Susan, who will hopefully be eaten by tigers in India.

“Just think. We’ve done our duty. Downton is safe. Papa must be dancing a jig.” – Lady Mary

Ahhh…another baby for Downton. This one gets to be the Little Prince for about ten seconds and then, tick tock, tick tock, he is Prince Regent.

“Yet, here we are with two healthy heirs, an estate in good order and I wonder what I’ve done to deserve it.” – Lord Grantham

“I agree. But then, we don’t always get our just deserts.” Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Just deserts? Oh Granny, please do not mention levelers of life right now as Matthew is so happy and we are riding along with him on the road to Downton and doom.

My Review:

I saw this episode when it aired in the UK on Christmas Day. It has been almost three months and I am still angry and sad. The writer/creator Julian Fellow offers this explanation. It didn’t help.

I have been an advocate for Downton Abbey from day one. I have blogged about it and reviewed every episode. I have co-moderated three years of live twitter parties hosted by Masterpiece Classic. I have cheered and laughed and reveled in it glorious success for PBS and period drama. I am about as big of a fan girl as they come—but I still do not agree with how this season ended so tragically for Matthew and the fans of the series.

Unfortunately, Dan Stevens who portrayed Matthew Crawley wanted to move on and do other work. He may be remembered as the bloke who ditched the mega-hit series Downton Abbey, or he could win some fantastic role that might save him and move him to the next level. It is all a crap shoot. I try to be philosophical like housekeeper Mrs. Hughes whose advice to Tom Branson was spot on “…be your own master and call your own tune.” Obviously the writer Mr. Fellowes planted that for us to just chew on.

Season four of Downton Abbey starts production in England this month. Fellowes has dug himself a big whole to fill. We shall see if the series can crawl out of it.

Watch Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 7 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Further reading:

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 6 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 11 February 2013 | 33 Comments »

Faith and food filled last week’s episode 5 of Downton Abbey after the devastation of the loss of Lady Sybil. As the family continues to mourn, the future of her baby and husband Tom at Downton are uncertain. Branded the scarlet woman of Downton, former housemaid Ethel’s return as Mrs. Crawley’s housekeeper has shocked the community. When Lord Grantham crashes a luncheon attended by the ladies of Downton at Crawley house, the ladies are united in their support of her rehabilitation and refuse to leave. On an upbeat note, Mr. Bates’ conviction has been overturned and he has been set free! Anna and Bates are now once again together and happy!

Recap of episode 6 (spoilers ahead)

Downstairs: All but one welcome Downton’s prodigal servant Mr. Bates back home with open arms! His return places interim valet Mr. Thomas Barrow in an untenable position and he must give way and let Mr. Bates return as Lord Grantham’s valet. This situation is quickly overshadowed by a sexual scandal that could taint the reputation of the estate as Miss O’Brien’s plotting to ruin Thomas comes to fruition when her nephew Alfred catches him making sexual advances at footman James late at night in his bedroom. After James’ continued complains to Mr. Carson, Thomas is forced to resign without references, ruining his chances for future work. Mr. Bates feels sorry for Thomas and offers his assistance with pressuring Miss O’Brien to convince James to recant. Thomas reveals a certain fact about her ladyship’s soap that immediately does the rick and her scheme is thwarted. This further angers her nephew Alfred who reports the incident to the police.

Upstairs: Matthew and Tom work together to develop a new plan to save Downton and make it self-sufficient. Robert’s resistance to change and his concern for his tenants is supported by his long-time estate manager Mr. Jarvis whose indignation results in his resignation. To stop the scandal that is Ethel, the Dowager Countess is determined to see her move elsewhere and secretly places an advertisement in the London paper for a housekeeper seeking a position. One of the replies is from a woman who lives nearby the home of the Bryant’s, the grandparents who now care for her son little Charlie. Violet orchestrates a reunion of Mrs. Byrant and Ethel so they can come to terms with her working nearby and seeing her son. Lady Edith has a new job as a journalist for a paper in London whose editor Michael Gregson is keen on her. She is cautiously interested until she discovers he is married. He reveals that his wife is a lunatic and there is no hope of him obtaining a divorce. Young cousin Lady Rose MacClare visits Cousin Lady Rosamund Painswick in London with Lady Edith and Matthew. Escaping to meet her married lover in a jazz club, she is caught in the act. Matthew controls her by bargaining with their silence if she will behave. The annual cricket match is in full swing when the local police arrive looking for a statement from Alfred who reported Thomas for criminal behavior against James. Lord Grantham intercedes and Alfred recants claiming to be drunk at the time. Now that Lord Grantham is on board with the new plans for Downton, Matthew and Mary are pleased to be building a new kingdom and making a little prince.

Favorite Moments:

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather cut and run like me?” – Tom Branson

I love the frankness of Tom Branson’s humor. The bromance between he and Matthew is one of the highlights on the series.

“I do think the women’s place is in the home, eventually. But I don’t see any harm in her having some fun before she gets there.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Another great zinger from the Downton whisperer.

“You berate me for not taking responsibility and then you tell me off for doing just that. You can’t have it both ways.” – Matthew Crawley

“I can if I want to.” – Lady Mary

I am relieved to see some genuine romance and less bickering from the love birds of Downton!

“Cousin Violet has never let an inconvenience stand in the way of a principle.” – Mrs. Crawley

“As the kettle said to the pot.” – Violet, Dowager Countess

Young Lady Rose’s introduction to the world of Isobel vs. Violet begins in a throw down. She laughs it off, but she won’t be laughing later!

“Married men who wish to seduce young women always have horrid wives.” – Matthew Crawley

Best line of the night!

“There must be something you know about Miss O’Brien that you can use against her.” – Mr. Bates

“You’ve heard of the phrase “you know when your beaten”? Well, I’m beaten Mr. Bates. I’m well and truly beaten.” – Mr. Barrow

“Well, then give me the weapon and I’ll do the work.” Mr. Bates

Who would have thought that two fierce adversaries would be on the same side? Mr. Bates’ need to fall on his own sword might just kill him some day.

“Shall I tell you how I look at it? Every man or woman who marries into this house, every child born into it has to put their gifts at the families disposal. I’m a hard worker with some knowledge of the land. Matthew knows the law and the nature of business.” – Tom Branson

“Which I do not.” – Lord Grantham

“You understand the responsibilities we owe to the people round here, those who work for the estate and those who don’t. It seems to me if we could pool all of that, if we each what we can do, then Downton has a real chance.” – Tom Branson

Interesting moment where the former chauffeur/family outsider Tom Branson reveals to the Lord of the Manor what he should be seeing himself. A turning point for Lord Grantham and the estate.

“I’m afraid that I find the idea of a married man flirting with me wholly repugnant. So you see…I must hand in my resignation at once.” – Lady Edith

Oh dear a big blow to #TeamEdith. Another mad wife in the attic? Why must the rug be constantly pulled out from her happiness?

“So we will be building our new kingdom while we make our little prince.” – Lady Mary

My Review

Malfeasance, shenanigans, whippersnappers and harlots ran a muck at Downton last night as we experienced one of the sharpest written episodes, whose dialogue had our ears are burning with delight. Our only complaint was that it was too long. We much prefer the one hour length that we have been feed for the past four weeks. There is just too much to absorb in two hours. There. We never thought there could be too much Downton Abbey, but there it is.

Intervene was the key word of last night’s episode as help from unexpected sources arrived to save some, and condemn others. Mary and Matthew have (thankfully) ended their bickering over money and joined sides in Matthew’s plan to modernize Downton. He is very definite about her being on his team now and she did not object as she has in the past. Lady Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham, was in fine form and as Machiavellian as ever manipulating the family and staff into convincing Isobel Crawley that Ethel would be much happier living a new town where no one knew of her past. How she orchestrated obtaining a new position for Ethel by using so many different people to remove the source of scandal was disturbingly brilliant. I never thought I would see Mr. Bates teaming up with Thomas to thwart Miss O’Brien, but he did—and was able to accomplish his goal with one fact from Thomas against her, “her ladyship’s soap.” There were many other instances of characters helping those in need or upsetting plans, but I was most moved by family outsider Tom Branson. As the widow of Lady Sybil, and the new estate manager, he has the unique position of not being deeply entrenched in family dynamics so he can say the obvious to Lord Grantham—that it is everyone’s responsibility to bring their talents forward so they can pool their resources for the benefit of the estate. That is a very socialist ideology that even traditionalist Lord Grantham can agree to.

The Oddest Plot Twist Award of the season goes again to poor Lady Edith and her working girl adventures in London. I am encouraged that they are allowing her to “do” something besides her grandmother’s suggestion of watercolors and charity work, but really Mr. Fellowes—you have taken her character around the bend and through the woods several times in the love department—but fixing her up with her editor (a younger looking version of the infamous altar jilter Sir Anthony Strallen) whose wife is insane is just too close to turning her into Jane Eyre in love with her employer whose wife is madwoman living in the attic. Really? Seriously? This is all you could think up for her?

I will end on that note and ask readers what they thought of all the resolutions and one last dangling conflict?

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun, and totally free.

Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 5 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Join us for the conclusion of Downton Abbey Season 3 when episode 7 takes us to Scotland to meet Cousin Shrimpie and his family, next Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

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Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 5 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 3 February 2013 | 33 Comments »

Life and death weighed in deeply in last week’s episode 4 of Downton Abbey. The birth of Lady Sybil’s daughter and her shocking death overshadowed any of the other plot developments. As the two doctors in attendance stood at her bedside with her family and watched helpless (as did we) as she was overcome with toxemia from eclampsia, I felt that writer Julian Fellowes was using every emotion to rip out our hearts. Sybil was such a kind, sweet soul—a rare commodity at Downton and the world—that her death is doubly hard for all to bear. Here is a link to a lovely tribute video of Lady Sybil created by Masterpiece PBS. Downstairs, the new staff is posturing for position and romance while Miss O’Brien plants the seeds of destruction for her former partner in crime valet Mr. Barrow. Lady’s maid Anna and her husband, former valet Mr. Bates, discover a previously overlooked fact that may overturn his murder conviction of his wife and set him free from jail.

Recap of episode 5 (spoilers ahead)

Lady Sybil has been laid to rest and Downton Abbey will never be the same. The family’s grief and mourning is very acute, especially by her husband Tom Branson whose future there seems uncertain. The baby must be christened and Tom is determined to have her baptized in his own faith. This appalls Lord Grantham who feels her life will be doomed as a “left footer.” Catholicism vs. Anglicism is discussed at dinner upstairs and down and there is a definite division of beliefs. The growing rift between Lord and Lady Grantham over local Dr. Clarkson’s advice to save Sybil vs. the London specialist Dr. Tapsell moves the Dowager Countess to step in and convince Dr. Clarkson to tell her son and daughter-in-law that Lady Sybil was destined to die even with the surgery he recommended. This realization mends the fence and they are reconciled in their grief.

Mrs. Crawley wants to throw a luncheon for the ladies of Downton to ease their suffering and asks her housekeeper Ethel to prepare a simple meal. Ethel is determined that she can cook finer fare than cold ham and a salad and convinces the cook at Downton Mrs. Patmore to coach her. The more elaborate meal surprises Mrs. Crawley and delights her guests until Lord Grantham crashes the party furious that the ladies are endangering the reputation of Downton by associating with a woman who bore a bastard and was previously a prostitute. He insists that they leave immediately, but they refuse. Assistant cook Daisy is still keen on Alfred who is keen on Ivy who is keen on James. Everyone is in love with the wrong person as Mrs. Patmore’s keen eyes so clearly perceive. Mr. Bates’ lawyer interviews his dead wife’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett and it is not surprise that she has changed her story, most likely tipped off and bribed by that irksome prison guard hounding Bates. Well two can play at this game so Bates threatens his cellmate which turns the tide so the witness can recant and Bates is sprung. It is the only good news at Downton in months.

Favorite Moments:

“Did you hear about Tom’s announcement at breakfast? He wants the child to be a left footer.” – Lord Grantham

It was interesting to see all of the household’s reaction to the Catholic vs. Anglican issue. It helped us remember what era this drama is placed in and how important your choice of faith was.

“My dearest boy. There is no test on earth greater than the one you have been put to. I do not speak much of the heart since it is seldom helpful to do so, but I know well enough the pain when it is broken.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

A nice mother and son moment from the whisperer of Downton herself.

“You know the trouble with you lot, you’re all in love with the wrong people.” – Mrs. Patmore

Too true – as I mentioned before, Daisy is keen on Alfred who is keen on Ivy who is keen on James. There is another who is also in love with the wrong person too. When will the shoe drop?

“The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk is a dear friend and she is more Catholic than the Pope.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Lady Violet is referring to Gwendolen Fitzalan-Howard, 12th Lady Herries of Terregles, The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. She was a Roman Catholic aristocrat whose family was the model for the Marchmain family in Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited.

“You are always flabbergasted by the unconventional…not everyone chooses their religion to satisfy Debrett’s.” – Lady Grantham

Lady Grantham is referring to Debrett’s Perrage & Baronetage, a book that is a genealogical reference to the British aristocracy. Austen fans will remember that in Persuasion, Sir Walter Elliot “for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage.” He was a puffed up snob. Lady Grantham’s mention of this is a rub to her husband’s snobbish beliefs reminding him of her American roots and values. Well said Lady Grantham.

“So there’s a country boy inside the revolutionary?” – Matthew Crawley

“Not much of one.” – Tom Branson

“You must hate it here.” – Matthew Crawley

“No. I don’t hate it, but I don’t belong here either.” – Tom Branson

Both Matthew and Tom are outsiders at Downton who have married into the family. This bromance between the two son-in-law’s is developing nicely though it is a bit harder for them to accept the revolutionary Fenian former chauffeur than a middle class former attorney as family.

“I expected her to deny everything once she realized that her testimony would release me.” – Mr. Bates

Mr. Bates’ last chance at freedom does not look promising. Depending on the honesty of his dead wife’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett who hates him is a long shot.

“Of course, if Mrs. Patmore wants to spend her time frolicking with prostitutes.” – Mr. Carson

“Do I look like a frolicker? – Mrs. Patmore

Caught in the act of visiting Ethel at Crawley House by the disapproving Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore back peddles quickly and offers the perfect comeback! Ha!

“It seems such a pity to miss a good pudding.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Huzzah! Prostitutes and pudding prevail at Downton! A very tense scene with Lord Grantham crashing the party at Crawley House is softened again by a bon mot by the Dowager Countess. So perfect.

“A fool and his money are soon parted, and I have been parted from my money so I suppose I am a fool.” – Lord Grantham

Again, Lady Mary is discussing money matters with her father. This time she is running defense for her husband Matthew and brother-in-law Tom. She mentions she is always on her father’s team, but this time he is wrong about disapproving of the Catholic christening of baby Sybil, and Matthew’s concerns about the mismanagement of the Downton estate. Both Lord Grantham and Mr. Carson are traditionalists hanging on the past. Is there a message here that Fellowes is foreshadowing?

My Review

Nourishing our bodies and souls are key themes in episode 5 tonight. Food and religion. Two popular topics often debated but never agreed upon.

We see food preparation and its importance in stature through housekeeper Ethel’s desire to improve herself and impress her employer and the ladies at Downton when she makes a fine meal for luncheon and surprises them all. She takes a risk and is rewarded until Lord Grantham imposes his unyielding traditional values while attempting to banish his family from the house because of Ethel’s tainted past. I love the reaction by the Dowager Countess when he uses the “B” word to shame Ethel and Mrs. Crawley for inviting the ladies to lunch. Priceless!

Food is also an important plot axis in Mr. Bates’ fate too. The newly discovered fact of poisoned pie that his wife baked for herself that her neighbor Mrs. Bartlett mentions might set him free. And, Daisy the assistant cook who thinks she will spend her whole life in the preparation of food may have another option when her father-in-law offers her his tenancy at the farm including equipment and money. She would be an heiress of sorts – not on the scale of the Downton ladies – but still quite a step up from kitchen duties and a life in service. Now, let’s Segway to another dinner at Downton where the topic of religion is so prominent. The local vicar’s opinions of Catholicism vs. Anglicism is not only startling to today’s ears but to some family members in 1920 too. It was a great way for screenwriter Fellowes to show us how religion, values, character, and food are so important to all and how things have not changed as much as they should have in one hundred years.

I was a bit taken aback by Lord Grantham tonight. He has never been one of those cool, calm, stiff upper lip Englishmen types that the nation is so famous for, but geesh, his temper really blew in all directions: mad at Tom, mad at Lady Mary, mad at Matthew, mad at Isobel etc. The only family member who didn’t get their ears boxed was Lady Edith who is usually the whipping boy in the family! I presume it was amplified by the grief of the loss of his daughter Lady Sybil. It was interesting to see Lady Grantham deal with her own grief in the totally opposite way by being controlled and quiet – dolling out her anger in small bursts focused on one person, her husband.

The death of Lady Sybil was a deep blow to the series and I was concerned about how they could move past it. She was such a sweet character and so admired. Only the good die young.

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Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 5 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Episode 6 of season 3 of Downton Abbey airs next Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 4 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 27 January 2013 | 19 Comments »

As rebellion reached Downton Abbey last week in episode 3, we were thrown into the drama of Tom and Lady Sybil’s flight from Ireland, Lady Edith’s venture into women’s suffrage and Cousin Matthew’s resistance of how the Downton estate has been managed over the years. Downstairs, new staff added the needed hands to bring the service back up to the pre-war standards that butler Mr. Carson and housekeeper Mrs. Hughes demand. While two new footman James and kitchen maid Ivy flutter a few hearts, the recently promoted lady’s maid Anna and her incarcerated husband Mr. Bates had a rocky separation before months of their correspondence was released by the prison and delivered to each of them.

Recap of episode 4 (major spoilers ahead)

Downstairs, Miss O’Brien is planting her seeds of destruction against valet Thomas, now rightfully called Mr. Barrow in honor due his position and not his personality. She advises footman James to seek his assistance when he can, hoping to throw them into each others path to fuel her plot to destroy Thomas’ pride and position. Daisy is in a tizzy over the attentions that the two footmen James and Alfred are lavishing on the comely new kitchen maid Ivy. She is doubly hard on her, barking commands and being all-around surly until Alfred sees an opportunity to save Ivy from embarrassment and steps in to fix the Hollandaise sauce at the last minute for her. Mrs. Patmore’s sharp eyes see all and humbles Daisy into acknowledging Ivy’s skill by making her thank her for her good work. Lady’s maid Ann finally visits her husband John Bates in jail and they discuss a new fact previously overlooked that might set him free. It all hinges on the word of a woman who hates him, so extra precautions must be taken with Vera’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett so that she does not know that her word might overturn his conviction.

Upstairs, Lady Mary and her husband Matthew discuss Downton’s management (or mismanagement) as they tour the estate. His understanding of how Downton has been run in the past is from a business perspective which shows his middle-class upbringing, while Mary’s father sees things from an aristocratic view of caring for his tenants as individuals no matter what the financial outcome. Mrs. Crawley offers Ethel a job in her household which causes quite a stir. Her housekeeper Mrs. Bird refuses to work with a women with a past and gives Mrs. Crawley a her or me ultimatum, the outcome of which is not what she expected. Later, the staff at Downton are shocked to learn that Mrs. Bird has resigned because of Ethel. Outraged that a fallen women is working in service for a lady, Mr. Carson will not allow any of the maids or the footmen to go to Mrs. Crawley’s house lest everyone’s reputation be tainted by association. Lady Sybil’s baby is due and Lady Grantham seeks the advice of the local physician Dr. Clarkson while Lord Grantham sends for a famous doctor from London. The two doctors do not see eye to eye and the family is divided during a crisis while she is in labor. A baby girl arrives and everyone is relieved until Sybil’s health takes a turn with the worst possible outcome. Her death is a deep blow to everyone at Downton and the blame game begins between Lady Grantham and her husband.

Favorite Moments:

“There really is nothing wrong?” – Tom Branson

“Nothing at all.” – Dr. Clarkson

Tom Branson asks the family doctor about his wife’s health so close to her delivery. Of course he says nothing is wrong. This from the man who prescribed cinnamon and milk for the Spanish Flu!

“You better ask Mr. Barrow. He’s the clock expert. He used to wind them but it is of course quite wrong for a valet to do it.” – Miss O’Brien

“Mr. Barrow won’t mind?” – James Kent

“Oh no. I can see he likes you and that’s good since he’s got the ear of his Lordship.” – Miss O’Brien

Miss O’Brien the Dear Abbey of Downton Abbey – offering advice to the needy – yeah right! She knows whose clock Thomas wants to wind.

“I think he harks back to a time when money was abundant and there wasn’t much need to keep on top of it. I think he equates being businesslike with being mean or worse, middle class like me.” – Matthew Crawley

Ah. Another light bulb revelation. As Matthew and Mary discuss money matters of the Downton estate we are shown the difference between the classes. An interesting point, but why are Mary and Matthew always discussing money? Since he will inherit the estate and she wears the pants in the family, it is her point of view that must evolve here. This could be fun.

“Don’t bother Matthew. I’m always a failure in this family.” – Lady Edith Crawley

Edith is astounded to receive an offer of employment from the editor of The Sketch who wants her to write a weekly column. Someone values her opinion! How sad that her father Lord Grantham thinks that they only want her for her name and the title. Buck up Edith. If you storm out of rooms every time you get dinged by a member of your dysfunctional family you will be in constant motion. #TeamEdith

“Just one of the tricks of the trade.” – Ivy

“Well done Ivy you played a good one there. Thank her Daisy.” – Mrs. Patmore

Daisy is riding the new kitchen maid Ivy pretty hard while the two footmen James and Alfred vie for her attention. In this scene we get to see Alfred help save the Hollandaise sauce that has separated and make Ivy look like a star. *raised eyebrow*

“Oh don’t look at me. Cora is right. The decision lies with the chauffeur.” – Violet, Dowager Counter of Grantham

In a scene reminiscent of a tennis volley, the two doctors present differing opinions on Lady’s Sybil’s condition while in labor dividing the family: Lady Cora on the side of Dr. Clarkson and Lord Grantham on the side of Dr. Tapsell. Lady Violet, always the voice of reason in the family almost never agrees with her daughter-in-law’s decisions, but finally does, and we are left to applaud.

“She was the only person living who always thought you and I were such nice people.” – Lady Mary

“Oh, Mary. Do you think you and I might get along a little better in the future?”– Lady Edith

“I doubt it. But since this is the last time we all three shall be together in this life, let’s love each other as sisters should.” – Lady Mary

Black. Everything is black. Goodbye Lady Sybil.

My Review:

I am really quite numb after this episode. Sybil’s death was not expected and I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under us. It has overshadowed any of the other plot developments such as Edith’s good news about an invitation to write for a newspaper, or Ethel getting a job with Mrs. Crawley. Sybil was such a bright and energetic soul. Seeing all of her family in black morning and the servants with armbands was so devastating. When people die, one never knows what to say beyond offering condolences – and so, I am also speechless.

The staff story is heating up. #CrankyDaisy is back and miffed over the attention that the pretty new kitchen maid is receiving from the two footmen. It was interesting to see the footman Alfred to the rescue with the Hollandaise sauce. He obviously knows a thing or two about cooking. Miss O’Brien is weaving her evil web over Thomas and innocent James is being used for her selfish purpose. I don’t like where this is going, nor how Thomas is being portrayed like a lecherous stalker. Finally a ray of hope for Anna and Bates, but whenever that corrupt prison guard and Bate’s cellmate put their heads together I am left wondering why. What is their motive?

How did you like episode four? Are you all as stunned as I am with the outcome and new developments?

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Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 4 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Join us for episode 5 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

Watch Downton Abbey: Sybil and Tom on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

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Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 3 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Dan Stevens, Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Lady Edith's wedding dress, Lady Violet Crawley, Maggie Smith, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 20 January 2013 | 45 Comments »

Last week in episode 2 of Downton Abbey Cousin Matthew accepted his dead fiancée’s dead father’s money, gave it to Lord Grantham, and they became business partners (whoa) saving Downton from ruin. Those who were not game to the cause were promptly crossed off the list and sent away – point in case for mama Levinson who because she could not save the estate, again, with her husband’s fortune, exited stage left and was never spoken of again. Hmmm? Plots churn so quickly in this series that we are not given a moment’s repose to think lest we see the wholes.

Was there really any doubt that the money would materialize? After all, the show is not called the Crawley’s.

#TeamEdith went down in flames after the ungentlemanlike behavior at the altar by that infamous drudgemaker Sir Anthony Strallen. We are still reeling over his erratic behavior. Could it be post-traumatic stress syndrome from the WWI? We like to think so and feel the need to rationalize it to death. He seemed like a nice enough chap even though the family thought him a looser. Really harsh—even by toff standards. I just had to dwell on her beautiful wedding dress a bit longer and post a picture of her in it before she has the maid burn it.

Recap of Episode 3 (spoilers ahead)

Now that the coffers of Downton are once again flush from cash from a dead fiancée’s dead father, the household staff will be pumped up to pre-war standards by searching for a new footman, housemaid, and kitchen maid. This means Anna will be a lady’s maid and Daisy will be assistant cook (finally) and not have to carry out the duties of two positions while being paid for one. Unfortunately, Anna does not seem excited in the least because there has been no mail for weeks from her husband John Bates who is locked in the hoosegow in York for bumping off his wicked wife Vera. She thinks he is being honorable and wants her to move on with her life without him. Depressed and downtrodden at Downton won’t do, so Mrs. Hughes to the rescue with a pep talk cheering her up, and us! Jimmy the dishy young footman is quickly renamed James, because Mr. Carson could never take anyone seriously who has a nickname. While James sets hearts throbbing downstairs with the ladies and valet Thomas, Daisy’s working strike is finally over when Ivy is hired as the new kitchen maid to replace her. However, she is not happy that her crush, Alfred the footman, has eyes for Ivy.

Mrs. Hughes has a visit from Isobel Crawley who delivers a letter from former housemaid Ethel Parks, who left service after an affair with an officer recuperating at Downton during the War left her in a motherly way. Once again she would like Mrs. Hughes to intercede and arrange a meeting with her son’s grandparents who she previously turned down for help. Isobel, always eager to get involved and be helpful to anyone would like to make Ethel her new project to get her off the street. The meeting takes place and Ethel surprises everyone by giving her young son to his grandparents to raise. A reversal of finger pointing for Mr. Bates and his cellmate in prison frees up a cache of letters from Anna being held as punishment by the guards, while Anna in turn receives her own stash of letters from him renewing their confidence in their love for one another.

Lady Sybil rings up from Ireland with a cryptic message that Edith reveals to the family shortly before her husband Tom Branson shows up on their doorstep dripping wet with rain and Irish rebellion. He has fled the country to escape the law after helping to burn down an Anglo-Irish country estate. The Crawleys are horrified by his participation in such a violent act, except Lady Violet who thought it an ugly castle anyway. Lord Grantham is furious that his pregnant daughter has been left to fend for herself in a foreign country, but still acts on Tom’s behalf with the authorities in London to clear the waters. Tom’s punishment is the worst imaginable (short of prison) to a rebel who wants to be a part of the Irish revolution: he must never step foot again in Ireland or he will be arrested. Other family members rebel too. Edith takes up a banner for the cause of women’s suffrage and writes a letter in protest of the current laws to The Times which is published, much to her father’s horror. Matthew Crawley goes over the estate finances only to discover that they are being greatly mismanaged. He seeks the advice of the dowager countess who does not see how the news will not put many noses out of joint.

Favorite Moments:

“Other men have normal families with sons-in-law who farm or preach or serve in the army.” – Robert, Lord Grantham

“Maybe they do, but no family is what it seems from the outside.” – Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Wow! That line is like the gun shot at Sarajevo. No one saw it coming because they were ignoring the truth.

“Good God almighty. You abandon a pregnant woman in a land that is not her own. You leave her to shift for herself while you run for it?…Go to bed. I’ll give you my answer in the morning.” – Robert, Lord Grantham

Serious moment for Tom Branson and the Crawley family. I can’t help feeling by Lord Grantham’s last words that he does not treat his children like adults. I thought he would blow a gasket.

“You’ve done a hard thing Ethel, the hardest thing of all.” – Mrs. Hughes

“What chance is there for a woman like her? She’s taken the road to ruin and there’s no way back.” – Mrs. Hughes

Another really, miserable moment in Ethel’s down-spiraling life. I know that her character is there to let us learn how women in this era had little choice if they broke the rules of propriety, and how the aftermath of the war multiplied this and forced many women into a life of prostitution, but it is just so dang depressing to watch.

“Downton is being mismanaged cousin Violet and something must be done. The thing is, how do I do it without putting people’s noses out of joint” – Matthew Crawley

“Oh my dear. I doubt there is a way to achieve that. You must do what needs to be done, but I think I can safely say a great many noses will be out of joint.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Well, Cousin Matthew, personally I would rather carry a deceased Turkish diplomat through the halls of Downton Abbey in the black of night than tell Lord Grantham he has mucked up the estate finances, but if you don’t, your dear dead fiancée’s dead father’s money will be gone with the wind in no time. Even the Downton whisperer, Lady Violet, is stumped and that is a very rare instance indeed. We shall see how you progress with this new business arrangement without alienating every member of your family including your wife (that document forging vixen you sleep next to) who you know will think your conclusions idiotic. Really, good luck with this.

My Review:

After the high drama of last week’s jilting at the altar, this episode seemed rather tame – but there was actually a great deal going on – but none of it good news. Even though many of the plot developments were depressing, this episode was really interesting for me. I am glad to leave behind some of the old, long standing conflicts such as Matthew’s dithering over the Swire money, Edith’s pseudo-decrepit beau and the down-spiraling, wrongfully imprisoned Mr. Bates. It was actually a relief to me that Anna could not visit him in prison and their communication was entirely shut down. It was worth the prolonged misery of both to get our reward of seeing them reading their letters to each other after they were finally delivered. We are also really proud of Edith for using her brain and abilities (at Granny suggestion of course) and struck out from the family strictures by voicing her opinion on women’s rights. Yes, let’s let Edith be a flapper and go a bit wild on us, please-o-please. We want something else happy and fun in this family to be about her that really happens.

Besides Bates’ incarceration, several characters seem to be imprisoned by duty or default. It is disturbing how the family used their influence to cover up the crime that Tom committed in Ireland. Despicable, really. Even his wife Lady Sybil was shocked by his activities. I wonder why they chose to return to Downton where he hates the life of his English oppressors? Ironically, he is now a prisoner there and cannot return to his homeland. What will he do? Matthew is discovering that his business arrangement with his father-in-law is going to be more challenging than he ever imagined. How could he be so naïve? Here is another example of how Cousin Matthew is not very smart (or the writers just don’t allow him to be) even though he is a college educated, practicing attorney! Now he is surprised to learn that the estate is being mismanaged? It appears that it has been happening for generations: first when the current Earl of Grantham’s father needed to shore up the estate by having his son marry an American heiress, and recently by the bit of foreshadowing after Lord Grantham lost the family fortune on the one shot railroad deal in Canada, and then brushed off concerned comments by his attorney about how things should be done differently with the estate. Change will be difficult for everyone as the plot powers up for more crises.

This episode in definitely a bridge to new conflicts. Despite the questionable efforts of its inhabitants, Downton still stands!

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Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 3 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Join us for episode 4 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

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Giveaway Winners Announced for The Chronicles of Downton Abbey

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Giveaways, Jessica Fellowes, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, St. Martins Press, Swag, The Chronicles of Downton Abbey on 17 January 2013 | 3 Comments »

103 of you left comments qualifying you for a chance to win one of three copies available of The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era, by Jessica Fellowes & Matthew Sturgis. The winners drawn at random are:

heidenkind who left a comment on January 08, 2013
Lady Mary’s Eyebrows who left a comment on January 09, 2013
JuneA** who left a comment on January 09, 2013

Congratulations ladies and eyebrows! To claim your prize, please contact me with your full name and address by January 23, 2013. I have several giveaways running, so please mention which book you have won in the subject line. Shipment is to US addresses only please.

Many thanks to St. Martins Press for the giveaway copies. Happy reading to the winners!

Cover images courtesy St. Martins Press, © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Preview & Giveaway of The Greville Family Saga: The Passing Bells, Circles of Time, and A Future Arrived, by Phillip Rock

Posted in Jane Austen Book Sleuth, tagged A Future Arrived, Books, Circles of Time, Downton Abbey, Historical Fiction, Phillip Rock, Reading, The Passing Bells, TLC Book Tours, William Morrow on 14 January 2013 | 67 Comments »

I love a good mystery. I just didn’t know that I would be so personally engaged in one for over thirty years.

In 1980 a read a book about an aristocratic English family during WWI that I absolutely adored. I was so enthusiastic about it that I promptly loaned it to my best friend who never thought of it again until about a year later when I asked for it back. She had no idea where my copy was. I was devastated. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to write down the title or author. I could only remember that bell was in the title.

Decades passed and the book never left my list of “to find titles.” When Internet search engines and online used book stores became available to me I searched again to no avail. Last month I was perusing the new release table at work and a book title caught my eye. The Passing Bells sounded vaguely familiar so I read the back description and checked the copyright date. “Originally published in 1978.” I stood and stared at the cover in stunned silence. I had found it again. It was a book miracle. After never giving up the search—we had been reunited—and, better yet, it was part of a trilogy! A red letter day all around for this book geek.

I immediately purchased a digital copy for my Nook and commenced reading. Would my endearing memory of the story of the Greville family entrenched in World War I stand up to my ideals so many years later? I was compelled to find out and share my conclusions with you all. I shall chuse to increase your suspense, “according to the usual practice of elegant females” by making you wait for my reviews of the trilogy before I reveal any insights, but here is a preview of each of the novels and a giveaway chance to win one copy of each of the novels compliments of TLC Book Tours and the trilogy’s new publisher William Morrow. Fans of the popular period drama Downton Abbey will see certain similarities and be as captivated as I was.

The Passing Bells:

The guns of August are rumbling throughout Europe in the summer of 1914, but war has not yet touched Abingdon Pryory. Here, at the grand home of the Greville family, the parties, dances, and romances play on. Alexandra Greville embarks on her debutante season while brother Charles remains hopelessly in love with the beautiful, untitled Lydia Foxe, knowing that his father, the Earl of Stanmore, will never approve of the match. Downstairs the new servant, Ivy, struggles to adjust to the routines of the well-oiled household staff, as the arrival of American cousin Martin Rilke, a Chicago newspaperman, causes a stir.

But, ultimately, the Great War will not be denied, as what begins for the high-bred Grevilles as a glorious adventure soon takes its toll—shattering the household’s tranquillity, crumbling class barriers, and bringing its myriad horrors home.

Circles of Time:

A generation has been lost on the Western Front. The dead have been buried, a harsh peace forged, and the howl of shells replaced by the wail of saxophones as the Jazz Age begins. But ghosts linger—that long-ago golden summer of 1914 tugging at the memory of Martin Rilke and his British cousins, the Grevilles.

From the countess to the chauffeur, the inhabitants of Abingdon Pryory seek to forget the past and adjust their lives to a new era in which old values, social codes, and sexual mores have been irretrievably swept away. Martin Rilke throws himself into reporting, discovering unsettling political currents, as Fenton Wood-Lacy faces exile in faraway army outposts. Back at Abingdon, Charles Greville shows signs of recovery from shell shock and Alexandra is caught up in an unlikely romance. Circles of Time captures the age as these strongly drawn characters experience it, unfolding against England’s most gracious manor house, the steamy nightclubs of London’s Soho, and the despair of Germany caught in the nightmare of anarchy and inflation. Lives are renewed, new loves found, and a future of peace and happiness is glimpsed—for the moment.

A Future Arrived:

The final installment of the saga of the Grevilles of Abingdon Pryory begins in the early 1930s, as the dizzy gaiety of the Jazz Age comes to a shattering end. What follows is a decade of change and uncertainty, as the younger generation, born during or just after the “war to end all wars,” comes of age.

American writer Martin Rilke has made his journalistic mark, earning worldwide fame with his radio broadcasts, and young Albert Thaxton seeks to follow in his footsteps as a foreign correspondent. Derek Ramsey, born only weeks after his father fell in France, and Colin Ross, a dashing Yankee, leave their schoolboy days behind and enter fighter pilot training as young men. The beautiful Wood-Lacy twins, Jennifer and Victoria, and their passionate younger sister, Kate, strive to forge independent paths, while learning to love—and to let go.

In their heady youth and bittersweet growth to adulthood, they are the future—but the shadows that touched the lives of the generation before are destined to reach out to their own.

Author bio:

Born in Hollywood, California, Phillip Rock lived in England with his family until the blitz of 1940. He spent his adult years in Los Angeles and published three novels before the Passing Bells series: Flickers, The Dead in Guanajuato, and The Extraordinary Seaman. He died in 2004.

A GRAND GIVEAWAY

Enter a chance to win one copy of The Passing Bells, Circles of Time, or A Future Arrived, by Phillip Rock by leaving a comment revealing what intrigues you about the series and why it is a must read for Downton Abbey fans. The contest ends on 11:59pm, Wednesday, January 30, 2013. Winners announced on Thursday, January 31, 2013. Shipment to US and Canadian addresses only please. Good luck.

P.S. We are eternally grateful to the brilliant editor at William Morrow, who by choosing to re-issue this wonderful trilogy, solved my mystery book hunt of 30 years. Our only regret is that author Philip Rock is not with us still to enjoy the revival of his work.

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Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 2 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Lady Edith Crawley, Lady Mary Crawley, Lady Violet Crawley, Lord Grantham, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama, Roaring Twenties on 13 January 2013 | 49 Comments »

Brides, bickering, and retrenching fuel the major plots in the 2nd episode of season 3 of Downton Abbey tonight, challenging almost every member of the household—upstairs and down. Here is a brief recap of the sufferings of the toffs and the ones who wait on them.

Recap of Episode 2 (spoilers)

The Crawley family and staff are in high gear in preparation for Lady Edith’s wedding to neighbor Sir Anthony Strallen. Mary and Matthew’s ongoing disagreement over his reluctance to receive the fortune that Reggie Swire (his deceased fiancée’s father) has left him causes conflict for the newlyweds. The money could save Downton from financial ruin, but his honor and guilt will not allow him to accept it. Because of the loss of the family fortune, Lord Grantham must plan for the future which includes selling Downton and moving to another one of their other estates, a smaller manor house in the north that Lady Grantham has cheerfully names Downton Place. Edith and Anthony have their own Waterloo at the altar, *queue Abba theme song*, while Matthew conquers his own demons and acquiesces to his wife’s insistence that he accept a “bloody” fortune after she learns that Lavinia sent a letter from her deathbed to her father commending his love for her. *sigh*

The feud between valet Thomas and lady’s maid O’Brien continues after last week’s missing dress shirt incident orchestrated by O’Brien embarrassed Thomas in the eyes of his lordship and the staff. To retaliate, Thomas unjustly alludes to valet Mr. Mosely that O’Brien’s position will soon be available. Lady Grantham is caught unawares that O’Brien is leaving when Mosely recommends a family member for the job. Butler Mr. Cason suspects that Mrs. Hughes is seriously ill and tricks both Dr. Clarkson and the cook Mrs. Patmore into revealing more information about her possible cancer. Concerned for Mrs. Hughes’ condition, Carson reveals her illness to Lady Grantham who is then faced with the loss of O’Brien, Mrs. Hughes and her home at the same time. Lady’s maid Anna travels to London to investigate a lead to help free her husband John Bates wrongfully imprisoned for the crime of killing his wife Vera, but her neighbor Mrs. Bartlett, does not offfer anything useful. A fellow prisoner tips Bates off to a search of his cell, allowing him to discover contraband planted by his cell-mate to frame him.

Favorite Moments:

“So this is the moment when you receive a huge fortune to save Downton and you give it away.” – Lady Mary

Guilt and pride often get in the way of what is obviously the right choice in our lives. (Based on Matthew’s continued reactions, one wonders out loud if he was secretly raised Catholic?) This is wholly evident for the future heir of Downton Abbey who still thinks his poor fiancée died of a broken heart after seeing him kiss Mary. I think we need a heavenly miracle to fix this problem.

“It must be strange to receive a letter from a dead man.” – Mr. Charkhum

“It’s very strange.” – Matthew Crawley

It is just plain weird! The miracle has arrived! This is the ultimate deus ex machina to resolve the guilt/pride problem for Matthew. It is highly implausible that Reggie Swire would write a letter to all three of his successive heirs in the event that one of them succeeded the other—but this is a television drama, not real life—so we must just run with it.

“Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.” – Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

The Dowager Countess did not get much screen time this episode, but she did get few good zingers in all the same.

“You don’t have to leave. I’ll explain it later. I’m going to give you Reggie’s money. I’ll accept it and I’ll give it to you.” – Matthew Crawley

Who would have thought that Daisy delivering a letter written by Lavinia Swire on her deathbed would save the day? Not me. Double deus ex machina! When writers resort to this sort of plot device, they lose credibility with me. Please, please Mr. Fellowes, don’t’ resurrect Lavinia because her death was just a dream sequence!

“Everything all right Miss O’Brien?” – Thomas

“Oh yes. Everything is right with me. But, it will be all wrong with you before too long, mark my words.” – O’Brien

And…we’re off to the races!

At one point in this highly angst ridden episode Lady Grantham attempted to comfort her daughter with a bit of wisdom.

“You are being tested. And, you know what they say my darling? Being tested only makes you stronger.”

It seemed that everyone in episode 2 was tested—personally, financially or emotionally. It was interesting to see how each of them dealt with it, but it also caused a lot of frustration for this Downtonite. We realize that the writer is building up conflicts to carry us through five more episodes, but, really? I struggled with some of the logic of the confrontations – and there are so many!!!

My first grievance is with the story line of poor Anna and Bates. Every scene with them at the prison feels like a ground hog day rewind. Here they are again seated at a table, facing each other in a dimly lit room. The outcome of the conversation is the same: Bates is pessimistic. Anna is optimistic. Will she find the evidence to clear him of the crime of killing his wife? Enough already. Either let her find it, or kill Bates off, because this is boring me to death.

Secondly, I am not convinced with the Matthew and Mary conflict. If he is so guilt ridden over causing the death of his fiancée Lavinia that he will not accept the fortune that her father has left him, how could he marry the woman that caused the rift in the first place? One would think that he let that go to marry Mary, but I guess not. What results is a bicker-fest between newlyweds that is just no fun. It makes Matthew look like a wimpy sod and Mary a shrew. I was relieved to see him move beyond it because Mary learns that Daisy did indeed post the letter Lavinia wrote on her deathbed *cough, cough* allowing Matthew to accept the money to save Downton.

Thirdly, O’Brien and Thomas are now adversaries? After the evil dynamic duo of Downton schemed and plotted and contrived for two seasons, now they are enemies because of O’Brien wants her nephew Alfred the footman to be a valet? I’m not buying it.

Fourthly, we travel with the Crawley family for a picnic at an estate in the north that they own and are moving to after they are forced out of Downton. They are all grumbling (expect Lady Grantham the American) at the need to retrench to a less grand style of life. I was expecting a hovel on the moors, but what we are shown is a gorgeous English country house with extensive grounds. WHAT? Then, Lady Violet asks where SHE will live, because goodness know she cannot live with them, and Lord Grantham states that they also own most of the town! *falls off sofa* This is what aristocrats feel is poverty? Big mistake Mr. Fellowes. All of the empathy you had established for the ruling class just went up in a giant plume of purple smoke. I was surprised that the Irish republican son-in-law Branson did not go off on a tirade. What was the point of the scene? You just squashed the fairytale. Let’s hope we just forget it, or better yet, it was a dream sequence.

Lastly, poor Edith. We could go on forever about #TeamEdith, but shan’t. Someone needs to remove the pins from that Edith voodoo doll that Mary has hidden in her lingerie drawer. Seriously! Does being the least pretty daughter really condemn one to a life of misery and ridicule? How shallow. Will they ever let her find a little happiness?

Okay, now that I have vented my spleen, I am still glued to the screen and anxiously awaiting episode 3 next Sunday, January 20th. What did you all think of episode 2?

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Watch Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 2 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013.

Join us for episode 3 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Preview & Giveaway of The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era, by Jessica Fellowes & Matthew Sturgis

Posted in Downton Abbey, Jane Austen Book Sleuth, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Books, Downton Abbey, Edwardian-era, Giveaways, Jessica Fellowes, Masterpiece Classic, Nonfiction, PBS, Period Drama, Reading, Roaring Twenties, Swag, The Chronicles of Downton Abbey on 8 January 2013 | 105 Comments »

Did you catch the season premiere of Downton Abbey last Sunday night on Masterpiece Classic PBS? It was a great kick-off to a promising third season of this incredibly popular period drama. Written by Academy Award winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, it has truly embraced the sensibilities of viewers world-wide with its splendid English grand manor house setting, cast of endearing and contemptible characters, cultural insights, drama, and romance. I can think of no other period drama, excepting the A&E/BBC Pride and Prejudice in 1995, that has had such an impact on the viewing public. As Andrew Davies adaptation of P&P turned a new generation of Jane Austen fans into Janeites, so has Julian Fellowes created Downtonites.

In 2011 we were treated to the sumptuously appointed, full-color coffee table book The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes, the niece of the series creator. Given carte blanche by her uncle, Fellowes gave us the inside story of the award-winning series with tons of film stills and vintage images. To bring us into that in-between the wars era, she has written a new volume with Matthew Sturgis entitled The Chronicles of Downton Abbey. It is the perfect companion to the first volume and will be indispensable to Downtonites.

This new edition has been published again by St. Martins Press and is just as impressive in size and quality as the first. Julian Fellowes offers a prologue; there are quotes by the characters; reams of text; a bibliography for further reading; and oodles of images. Interestingly, the chapters are broken down by characters – and in an irony befitting Jane Austen herself, the upstairs and the downstairs inhabitants of this stately manor have not been segregated to their class, but integrated throughout the book! Egalitarianism one assumes. This is very forward thinking. Were characters Tom Branson or Martha Levinson the editors? It would appear so. Placing the upstairs aristocrats of Downton next to the serving class is a very republican notion indeed! No…Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham would not approve of this breach of decorum, but I do. Traditions die hard at Downton, but obviously not at St. Martins Press!

Regardless of my first impression of the layout, the book is stunning. I will spend hours poring over it. You will too. Here is a brief description from that bastion of social revolution, St. Martins Press:

“Americans can’t get enough of ‘Downton Abbey,” said The Boston Globe. As Season 3 of the award-winning TV series opens, it is 1920 and Downton Abbey is waking up to a world changed forever by World War I. New characters arrive and new intrigues thrive as the old social order is challenged by new expectations.

In this new era, different family members abound (including Cora’s American mother, played by Shirley MacLaine) and changed dynamics need to be resolved: Which branch of the family tree will Lord Grantham’s first grandchild belong to? What will become of the servants, both old and new?

The Chronicles of Downton Abbey, carefully pieced together at the heart and hearth of the ancestral home of the Crawleys, takes us deeper into the story of every important member of the Downton estate. This lavish, entirely new book focuses on each character individually, examining their motivations, their actions, and the inspirations behind them. An evocative combination of story, history, and behind-the-scenes drama, it will bring fans even closer to the secret, beating heart of the house.

Author Bios:

Jessica Fellowes is the New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author of The World of Downton Abbey. Formerly the Deputy Editor of Country Life, she has also been a columnist for the London Paper. Jessica also writes for the Daily Telegraph, Telegraph Weekend, The Lady and Sunday Times Style, and lives with her family in London.

Matthew Sturgis is a writer and critic who has written for Harpers & Queen, The Sunday Telegraph, and The Independent on Sunday. He is the author of Passionate Attitudes: the English Decadence of the 1890s and the highly-praised Aubrey Beardsley. He lives in London.

Julian Fellowes is the creator, writer, and executor producer of Downton Abbey, which won six Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe for best mini-series. Previously, he won the Academy Award for best original screenplay for Gosford Park, and wrote the bestselling novels Snobs and Past Imperfect. A member of the House of Lords, he lives with his wife and son in London and Dorset, England

A GRAND GIVEAWAY

Enter a chance to win one of three copies available of The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era by leaving a comment revealing your favorite ~~republican~~ character of the series and why, by 11:59 PT, Wednesday, January, 16, 2013. Winners to be announced on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Shipment to US addresses. Good luck to all.

The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era, by Jessica Fellowes & Matthew Sturgis, forward by Julian Fellowes
St. Martin Press (2012)
Hardcover (320) pages
ISBN: 978-1250027627

Cover images courtesy of St. Martins Press © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 1 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – A Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 6 January 2013 | 31 Comments »

The premiere of Season 3 of Downton Abbey airs on PBS tonight at 9:00pm (check your local listings).

Like so many of its ardent fans, I have enjoyed every (almost) moment of the last two seasons of Downton Abbey. They say that the third season of a hit television series is the most challenging to write and produce. After being hooked in the first season by the very British characters, the glamor, ambiance and prestige of an English grand manor house during the Edwardian-era; enthralled with some of the resolutions, new characters and harrowing plot developments during WWI in the second; can they really keep the momentum rolling during season 3? That was the big question in my mind when I viewed the first episode of the phenomenally popular series. Will it be as fresh and engrossing as the last two seasons? We shall see…

If you want a sneak peek of the entire season check out my preview, then sit back with your cup or tea (or port) and get ready for your bonnet to be blown off.

Many of the original all-star British cast is returning including: Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham, Maggie Smith as the redoubtable Dowager Countess of Grantham, and Dan Stevens as the handsome, but reluctant heir apparent Matthew Crawley. There are also a few new faces to liven up the party, namely, the esteemed American actress Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson, Countess Grantham’s freewheeling American mother. Just the thought of the two formidable grandmothers, Violet, the Dowager Countess, and Martha Levinson, in the same room together engaging in fiery repartee (and you know with those two strong personalities that it’s going to be a fireworks show) that the first episode has a very promising premise. Having seen the entire season in advance, I can tell you that they are not the only eyebrow rising, laugh-out-loud scenes in the new season—there are plenty—and some real shockers too. Here is a brief description of episode 1 (includes some spoilers).

Recap of Episode 1 (spoilers)

In the spring of 1920 the wake of WWI is deeply felt at Downton Abbey as change is in the air for England and the Crawley family and their servants. Long standing traditions die hard, and many members, upstairs and downstairs, are determined to resume their pre-war style of life. As guests arrive for the wedding of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and Lady Mary Crawley (Michele Dockery), they bring with them a touch of the outside world to this isolationist enclave of English society. Lady Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham’s (Elizabeth McGovern) American mother Martha Levinson (Shirley MacLaine) descends on her English in-laws with all the delicacy of a bull in a china shop; her brash American manners and customs are in direct opposition to the other grandmother of the household, Lady Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith). Other family members traveling from afar are a pregnant Lady Sybil nee Crawley (Jessica Brown-Findlay) and her new husband, Tom Branson (Allen Leech), the former family chauffeur whose marriage to the daughter of an Earl has caused quite a stir in the county.

Love is in the air and Lady Edith Crawley ardently (and doggedly) pursues neighbor Sir Anthony Strallan (Robert Bathurst), causing grave concern by her father Lord Grantham and his mother Lady Violet. Money becomes a critic issue for the family when a surprise reversal of fortunes requires creative solutions causing conflict between Mary and her mother Cora and her fiancé Matthew. The fate of Downton’s future lies entirely in his hands when he learns that Reggie Swire, the father of his deceased fiancé, has made him his heir to a large fortune. His reluctance to accept money from the woman who died because he broke her heart, causes a riff between him and Lady Mary shortly before the wedding. When Mary sees Mathew’s implacable honor will not save Downton from ruin, she and her grandmother Violet scheme to put pressure on the other rich grandmother, Martha Levinson, to supply the funds to save the estate from bankruptcy.

Downtstairs, Carson the butler (Jim Carter) and housekeeper Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) try to keep the grand manor house running to pre-war standards with a reduced staff. A new kitchen maid, housemaid and footman are needed and Lady Cora’s lady’s maid O’Brien’s (Siobhan Finneran) suggest her nephew Alfred Nugent (Matt Milneis) who is hired against the opposition of her former partner-in-crime Thomas (Rob James-Collier). This causes a riff between the two evil-ones of the downstairs staff. Kitchen maid Daisy, whose promised promotion to assistant cook has not materialized, goes on strike while her boss Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol), deals with a more serious medical issue with housekeeper Mrs. Hughes. Lady’s maid Anna visits her husband John Bates in prison determined to find the evidence to free him from an unjust murder conviction.

Favorite Moments:

“An aristocrat without servants is as much use to the county as a glass hammer.” – Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

I look forward to Violet’s bon mot’s more than anything — more witty wisdom from Downton Abbey whisperer…

“Mary, dearest Mary. You tell me all of your wedding plans and I’ll see what I can do to improve them.” – Martha Levinson

Grand-mama arrives from the colonies with all her lovely comments and tacky clothes. Will Downton ever be the same?

“How can I possibly allow myself to profit from her death? Dine in splendor because I took away a woman’s will to live?” – Matthew Crawley

“Don’t you see what this means? Don’t you see what a difference this make? It mean that you’re not on our side Matthew!” – Lady Mary

Oh my. This is serious. Not even married yet and they are at odds with each other!

“I see what you’re doing you know.” – Daisy

“What is that then?” – Mrs. Patmore

“Not responding to my protests.” – Daisy

LOL, go Daisy! Demand what they promised. #CrankyDaisy

“This is Thomas’ doing. Don’t you fret. I’ll make him sorry.” – O’Brien

The evil-one is out for revenge Thomas. Watch your back. #EvilOBrien

“How can you not like him because of his age when almost every young man we grew up with is dead? Do you want me to spend my life alone?” – Lady Edith

My heart goes out to Edith. Of course she is correct. So many eligible men died in the war that there are few left as possible beaux. Personally, I wanted grand-mama Levinson to swoop her up and take her back to Newport. She would have been a big hit in America, and the irony of the Crawley’s now needing the social assistance of the Levinson’s would have been a brilliant touch. Oh well.

“Both of our husband’s tied the money up tight before they were taken.” – Martha Levinson

Didn’t they, and how it has changed so many lives.

“Have you done something jolly with your hair?” – Sir Anthony Strallen

We all need to do something jolly with our hair in Edith’s honor, don’t we? :-)

So Edith and Anthony are an item again. This has me worried.

“One day I will die and so will he and you and every one of us under this roof. You must put these things in proportion Mrs. Patmore, and I think I can do that now.” – Mrs. Hughes

Is this an omen of what is to come this season? It ends on such a dark note that one can only wonder what trouble is ahead.

My Review:

Writer Julian Fellowes has set up the new season superbly—lots of conflict, drama and romance/heartbreak in the queue. On first impression, there seems to be a less melodramatic air this season which I rather like. But it is early days, and I will only allude to the fact that there are plenty of twists and surprises in store.

It was a stoke of brilliance to bring on Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson, who added the perfect counterpoint of the uncouth American brassiness to Maggie Smith’s elegantly staid and traditional English Lady Violet. MacLaine’s stark make-up and flashy clothes were just so over-the-top, almost theatrical. When she took over during the failed dinner party and turned it into a cold buffet/picnic, and then broke out in song after, I howled with laughter at the reaction by her English relatives and the guests. When the stalwart Butler Mr. Carson agreed (amazingly) that in the nontraditional party was a success with the locals and family, I knew that change was indeed in store for us this season.

In stark contras to this charmed life of privilege is the miserable existence that the incarcerated Bates must endure while locked up in York prison. Anna is working hard to discover evidence of his innocence. And, what of the financial crisis? Will life as the Crawley family has known it for hundreds of years end soon?

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties throughout the seven week series every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm Eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag # DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun and totally free.

Join us for episode 2 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 9:00pm ET on Masterpiece Classic PBS (check your local listings).

Further reading:

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Preview of Downton Abbey Season 3 on Masterpiece Classic PBS

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 3, Masterpiece Classic, Period Drama on 1 January 2013 | 21 Comments »

The long wait is almost over Downtonites. The two-hour premiere of Season 3 of Downton Abbey is next Sunday. Yes, the phenomenon continues for seven new episodes, January 6 – February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT on PBS.

The Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award winning period drama begins its seven week run in on January 6 and concludes with a ninety-minute finale on February 17. Hold on to your bonnets—there is much to get excited about—including 9 1/2 hours of screen time entrenched in drama, romance, deceit and heartbreak. The acclaimed all-star cast returns, including Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham and guest star, Academy Award®-winner Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson, Countess Grantham’s freewheeling American mother. Here is a brief preview from PBS:

Downton Abbey Season 3: Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham and Jim Carter as Carson (2012)

It is the spring 1920. The Great War is over and the long-awaited engagement of Lady Mary and Matthew is on, but all is not tranquil at Downton Abbey as wrenching social changes, romantic intrigues, and personal crises grip the majestic English country estate. Shirley MacLaine joins the much-loved cast, which includes Dame Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Dan Stevens, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Penelope Wilton, and a host of others. “No family is ever what it seems from the outside,” observes Smith’s shrewd character.

Last season closed with the reluctant heir to Downton, Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), recovered from his war wounds and ready to tie the knot with the eldest of Lord and Lady Grantham’s daughters, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery). Meanwhile, Mary’s youngest sister, Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay), has eloped to Ireland with the political-minded chauffeur, Branson (Allen Leech), and is expecting a child.

Downton Abbey Season 3: Jessica Brown-Findlay as Lady Sybil Branson (2012)

A tantalizing glimpse ahead: Lovebird servants Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Bates (Brendan Coyle) face new ordeals in their star-crossed marriage. Downton’s impeccable butler, Carson (Jim Carter), breaks in a new footman, who happens to be the nephew of the scheming lady’s maid O’Brien (Siobhan Finneran). Following Matthew and Mary’s engagement, Robert sticks to his duty to maintain Downton more firmly than ever—even as other great houses are crippled psychologically and financially in the wake of World War I. In this changing landscape nothing is assured, and could it be that even the war-weary Crawleys must fight a new battle to safeguard their beloved Downton?

Downton Abbey Season 3 is a Carnival/Masterpiece Co-production. It is written and created by Julian Fellowes. The first episode is directed by Brian Percival. Other episodes are directed by Andy Goddard, Jeremy Webb, and David Evans.

Downton Abbey Season 3: Brendan Coyle as John Bates (2012)

I have seen the new season and it does not disappoint. There are many twists and surprises, so I shan’t spoil any of the great drama and romance for anyone by saying too much. I will be recapping and reviewing each new episode as they air, so please check back every Sunday for my insights and decided opinion! If you would like to catch up on previous episodes of season 1 and 2, you can browse through our Downton Abbey archives here on Austenprose. The DVD of season 1 & 2 are available for purchase and stream live at Netflix. Have fun, and get psyched. There will be a totally awesome Downton Abbey-a-thon here at Austenprose over the next seven weeks.

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Masterpiece is hosting their famous (if not infamous) live Downton Abbey Twitter parties throughout the seven week series of the series beginning on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 9:00pm Eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. I will be co-moderating with Jace Lacob, television critic for The Daily Beast and Newsweek, Tom & Lorenzo, fashion and pop-culture aficionadas, and Adriana Nova, head of social media for New York Magazine. I use Tweetgrid for the parties, but other Twitter aggregators like TweetDeck, Hootsuite, etc. will link together all the tweets during the party including: moderators, your tweets, and anyone else participating using the hashtag #DowntonPBS. Here are the party co-moderators Twitter handles to enter: @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture. If you are participating, the new season has some stunning events in store, so please be careful not to tweet any major spoilers for those who may not have seen the episode yet.

Episode Guide

Downton Abbey Season 3: Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson (2012)

Episode 1 – January 6, 2013, 9-11pm ET on PBS

Wedding guests descend on Downton Abbey, where disasters large and small threaten. One is Martha Levinson (Shirley MacLaine), the Countess of Grantham’s out-spoken and carefree American mother who tries to loosen up her in-laws.

Downton Abbey Season 3: Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Crawley and Robert Bathurst as Sir Anthony Strallen (2012)

Episode 2 – January 13, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

The fate of Downton Abbey hinges on a letter from a dead man. Lady Edith Crawley (Laura Carmichael) and Sir Anthony Strallan (Robert Bathurst) face their own fateful moment. And Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) confronts a crisis.

Downton Abbey Season 3: Joanne Froggat as Anna Bates and Brendan Coyle as John Bates (2012)t

Episode 3 – January 20, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

Two social revolutions arrive at Downton Abbey: the Irish civil war and the fight for women’s suffrage. A mysterious conspiracy keeps newlywed Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Bates (Brendan Coyle) apart.

Downton Abbey season 3: Sophie McShera as Daisy Mason (2012)

Episode 4 – January 27, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

The Crawley family faces its severest test yet. Meanwhile, new faces try to fit into the tight-knit circle of servants. And new evidence turns up in a baffling case.

Downton Abbey Season: 3 Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Mary Crawley (2012)

Episode 5 – February 3, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

Things go badly amiss at Downton Abbey. Lord and Lady Grantham are not speaking. The servants are shunning Matthew Crawley’s mother Isobel. And Matthew and Lord Grantham have fallen out. Also, Mr. Bates takes a gamble.

Downton Abbey Season 3: Jim Carter as Mr. Carson and Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley (2012)

Episode 6 – February 10, 2013, 9-11pm ET on PBS

Change arrives in a big way for several key characters at Downton Abbey. A yearly cricket match with the village sees old scores settled and new plots hatched.

Downton Abbey Season 3: Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley (2012)

Episode 7 – February 17, 2013, 9-10:30pm ET on PBS

The Crawleys travel to Duneagle Castle in Scottish for a holiday, while the downstairs staff stays behind at Downton Abbey. New romances flare up, and a crisis unfolds.

Downton Abbey Characters/Cast

Downton Abbey Season 3: Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Jessica Brown-Findlay as Lady Sybil (2012)

Upstairs:

Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham – Hugh Bonneville
Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham – Elizabeth McGovern
Lady Mary Crawley – Michelle Dockery
Lady Edith Crawley – Laura Carmichael
Lady Sybil Branson – Jessica Brown-Findlay
Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham – Maggie Smith
Lady Rosamund Painswick – Samantha Bond
Sir Anthony Strallan – Robert Bathurst
Hugh ‘Shrimpie’ MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire – Peter Egan
Susan MacClare, Marchioness of Flintshire – Phoebe Nicholls
Lady Rose MacClare – Lily James
Martha Levinson – Shirley MacLaine
Isobel Crawley – Penelope Wilton
Matthew Crawley – Dan Stevens
Tom Branson – Allen Leech
Dr. Richard Clarkson – David Robb
Michael Gregson – Charles Edwards

Downton Abbey Season 3: the servants hall

Downstairs:

Mr. Carson – Jim Carter
Mrs. Elsie Hughes – Phyllis Logan
John Bates – Brendan Coyle
Joseph Molesley – Kevin Doyle
Mrs. Patmore – Lesley Nicol
Sarah O’Brien – Siobhan Finneran
Anna Bates – Joanne Froggatt
Thomas Barrow – Rob James-Collier
Ivy Stuart – Cara Theobold
Jimmy Kent – Ed Speleers
Alfred Nugent – Matt Milne
Edna Braithwaite – Myanna Buring
Daisy Mason – Sophie McShera

Downton Abbey Season 3: Laura Carmichael as Edith Crawley (2012)

Further reading

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

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Wentworth Hall blog tour with author Abby Grahame & Giveaway

Posted in Edwardian Authors, tagged Books, Downton Abbey, Giveaways, Guest blog, Historical Fiction, Swag, Wentworth Hall, Young Adult Novel on 7 May 2012 | 37 Comments »

Seven months until Downton Abbey season 3 airs on Masterpiece Classic PBS. So, what’s a Downtonite to do in the meantime besides re-watching the first two seasons again? Why – read of course.

Please join us today in welcoming author Abby Grahame on her blog tour in celebration of the publication of Wentworth Hall, released this month by Simon & Schuster. Set in Edwardian England, not only will its title intrigue most Janeites with its reference to a certain romantic Captain from Austen’s novel Persuasion, but its author was inspired by Jane Austen throughout. Abby has generously shared with us some insights on her inspiration for writing her first young adult novel and offered a giveaway to three lucky readers.

The “Persuasive” Influence of Jane Austen on Wentworth Hall

A writer’s tool chest is the mind: It is filled with all that the senses have imbibed; the memories and the emotions; the people, the places; the ceremonious days filled with frivolity and the fleeting moments when great truths can be revealed in a subtle nod. Some things are recalled as if yesterday, others have sunk beneath the forgetful blanket of the unconscious. The profound and entertaining books one has enjoyed are in there too.

All of this comes into play in the act of writing. Sometimes a writer “borrows,” from another source in full consciousness. It is a parody or homage, or simply a theft. Other times the influence bubbles up unbidden from the underground caves of the authorial psyche. Such was the case—I realize only now—when I embarked on writing my first published novel Wentworth Hall. The spirit of Jane Austen was there, whispering in my ear, for sure. But she was so clever that I didn’t notice her presence at first.

The immediate influence can be seen in naming the novel after a venerable location rife with history and family secrets. (Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park) But, I have to admit this was also influenced by the luscious TV mini-series Downton Abbey. (A title that was probably in itself influenced by Jane Austen too.) The upstairs, downstairs approach captivated me. This leads me to the next—and larger—influence. Class!

In Jane Austen’s posthumously published Persuasion, Ann Elliot is madly in love with Captain Frederick Wentworth but is “persuaded” that he is not of high enough social consequence to merit a match. As in so much of Austen’s work, it is a statement on the hypocrisy and changeability of social class.

In my novel, I wanted to write about these things too. The stratification of our world into a 1% elite with gradations going down to the bottom of society’s poorest has been in the news lately. It is something that has been developing over the last fifty years in an accelerating fashion. These class distinctions are as relevant now as they were in Austen’s day.

Of course there are differences too. Wentworth Hall is set in 1912. Electricity has arrived and the radio will soon be in every home. World War One is looming. The characters see themselves as being on the cusp of a new, modern world that will shake up the power of the old aristocracy around them. A space was opening for the entrenched serving class to rise above their station of birth, just as naval service in the Napoleonic Wars allows Captain Wentworth to become a man of status and wealth.

In Wentworth Hall, the central story involves a great love affair thwarted by class differences. There are also less prominent characters whose lives are affected by the positions they were born into (in some cases the upper class feels trapped as well as the lower class). Hopefully I have explored the common humanity that makes these divides so superficial even though the lock they put on the lives of the characters seems unbreakable and can be disastrous.

So when the name Wentworth Hall occurred to me as a title, I had to have been somehow remembering that Captain Wentworth was man of rising stature in Persuasion even though at the time I simply thought it had a good sound to it. And now that I have been made aware of the connection by the Jane Austen fans of my acquaintance, I couldn’t be more pleased. I loved Persuasion when I first read it as a college Literature major. Wentworth Hall is, indeed, imbued with the spirit of Captain Wentworth, the dashing character whom Jane Austen created with, if not precognitive, then certainly with the keen social perceptivity she brought to all her books.

So, thanks, Jane Austen. I couldn’t ask for a more acute and observant guide through the halls of class, romance, and social change.

Author Bio:

Abby Grahame lives in upstate New York. Her interest in historical fiction and British period dramas inspired Wentworth Hall. This is her first novel.

Grand Giveaway of Wentworth Hall

Enter a chance to win one of three copies available of Wentworth Hall, by Abby Grahame. Please leave a comment revealing who your favorite character is in Downton Abbey or why you would love to read this new young adult novel by 11:59 PT, Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Winner announced on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Shipment to US addresses only. Good luck!

Wentworth Hall, by Abby Grahame
Simon & Schuster (2012)
Hardcover (228) pages
ISBN: 978-1442451964

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Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle, by The Countess of Carnarvon – A Review

Posted in Book Reviews, Edwardian Era Book Reviews, tagged Book Blogs, Book Reviews, Books, Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, Lady Almina, Nonfiction, The Countess of Carnarvon on 22 April 2012 | 7 Comments »

Review by Laura A Wallace

The Countess of Carnarvon has written a biography of one of her predecessors: Almina, Countess of Carnarvon, wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. This book lacks depth but is fairly well written and well researched. It does not purport to be a sophisticated biography, being entirely without footnotes or endnotes, and claims, in the Prologue, to be “neither a biography nor a work of fiction, but places characters in historical settings, as identified from letters, diaries, visitor books and household accounts written at the time.” I found this characterization a little puzzling because it is clearly a biography and does not in any way approach fiction: there is no dialogue and very little in the way of scenes or vignettes. I rather wish Lady Carnarvon had chosen to go in one direction or the other: a meaty, substantive biography or a lighter, fictionalized account. But the result is easy to read and the bibliography, if little else, is substantive (though it seems to me that little of it actually made it into the text).

I can reduce my review to three phrases: (1) Title Abuse; (2) Downton Abbey; (3) Amelia Peabody. I’ll take them in reverse order. To be honest, there is nothing about Amelia Peabody in the book at all. But for those who are fans of hers (I speak of the series of novels written by Elizabeth Peters), the account of Howard Carter’s discovery (along with the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, of course) of the King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 inevitably brings Amelia and her milieu to mind. Having long been familiar with not only Carter but other real people like Wallis Budge and even T. E. Lawrence from the Peabody novels, I felt like an insider when it came to Lord Carnarvon’s archaeological efforts in Egypt. And this book, rather than sending me back to watch Downton Abbey all over again, sent me instead to reread the novels about Amelia Peabody (and Vicky Bliss too).

The Downton Abbey connection (in case you missed it) is that Highclere Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Carnarvon, is the filming location for Downton Abbey, which is set contemporaneously with Almina’s tenure as chatelaine of Highclere. The 5th Earl inherited his patrimony at a young age, and soon realized (as did Downton’s Earl of Grantham) that he needed to marry an heiress to secure his estates and lifestyle. But instead of choosing an American heiress, as some other peers of his generation did, Lord Carnarvon selected an heiress from the Rothschild family. To be fair, it appears to have been a love match—she was vivacious, charming, warmhearted, and beautiful, and they seem to have had a long and remarkably happy marriage—but, as with the fictional Granthams, money is what made the love match possible for the Carnarvons. And the house played a great role in their lives.

The first and most obvious difference between the reality of Highclere and the fiction of Downton is that the roles of the servants were substantially reduced and simplified for television. The “mutually dependent community” of Highclere was run, not by a butler, but by a steward. There was also a groom of the bedchambers, butler, under-butler, and of course valets, all above at least four footmen (who powdered their hair to wait at table until 1918), who were above porters and the steward’s room boy (whose primary job was to find and alert the proper staff when one of the sixty-six bells rang). The female staff was likewise magnified, and the division of labor among all these servants was not always the traditionally understood setup as depicted in Downton Abbey. The outdoor staff included not only an estate agent, but gamekeepers, gardeners, coachmen, grooms, stableboys, and people to take care of the automobiles. And that’s just for the house and its immediate environs, not even getting out into the estate’s farms and tenantry. Lady Carnarvon rightly describes the setup as feudal—even though the house itself had been (re)built during the 4th Earl’s lifetime. (The estate had been owned by his family since the late seventeenth century.)

Like Downton, Highclere played a role as a private hospital during the World War I, funded and run by the Countess. But after some months, she decided that the house and location were inadequate and moved her hospital to a house in London in Bryanston Square. She purchased the latest equipment, hired the best staff, and did her utmost to make the officers under her care feel as though they were guests in a private house rather than in an institution. Also like Downton, several members of the estate family volunteered for service and were killed in the war. Many of them belonged to Highclere in a very personal way: they were members of families that had served the estate and the Carnarvons for generations.

My only real complaints about this book are legalistic, so if you’re not one for getting all the tiniest details correct, you can skip this part. The first, and biggest, error is not, I think, all the fault of its author. Lady Carnarvon never makes the egregious mistake of referring to the wife of the 5th Earl, the Countess who is the biography’s subject, as “Lady Almina.” (There seems to be some sort of general but erroneous belief that using “Lord” or “Lady” with the given name is an acceptable not-as-formal usage. It is not. The usage of Lady with the given name is allowed only to the daughters of dukes, marquesses, and earls, and is never used for the wives of peers.) Unfortunately, not only does the title of the book brandish this error across the front cover, but it appears even in the back cover blurbs about the book and its author (who is not “Lady Fiona”), and some of the photo captions. I think these prove that authors ultimately have very little control over the covers of their books.

However, there is another mistake in the text that is on my list of pet peeves as well, and it occurs more than once so it is not just an isolated slip. It concerns Almina’s parentage. Almina’s father was Alfred de Rothschild. He was, unfortunately, not married to her mother, whose husband lived apart from her at the time Almina was born. But these facts did not make Almina “illegitimate.” The only thing that word refers to is the marital status of a mother at the time of birth of her child. It has nothing to do with the identity of the child’s biological father. Almina’s mother was married, so even if everyone “knew” that her husband was not the biological father of her child, legally he was Almina’s father in every way, and she bore his surname. And while it is true that Almina’s actual parentage was somewhat of a scandal, she herself was not beyond the pale. Indeed, as the book recounts, she was presented at court and attended a state ball at Buckingham Palace as a debutante. Her mother’s status, officially and socially, is less clear, but Almina remained close to both of her parents for their entire lives, and they were welcome at Highclere.

Overall, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey is a good read on the light end of the modern biographical scale, perhaps intentionally reminiscent of the more chatty biographies popular during Alimna’s lifetime.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle, by The Countess of Carnarvon
Crown Publishing Group (2011)
Trade paperback (320) pages
ISBN: 978-0770435622
NOOK: ISBN: 978-0770435639
Kindle: ASIN: B0060AY7Z8

Laura A. Wallace a musician, attorney, and writer living in Southeast Texas. She is a devotee of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and is the author of British Titles of Nobility: An Introduction and Primer to the Peerage (1998).

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Experiencing Downton Abbey Withdrawals? What to Watch Next…

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Masterpiece Classic, PBS, Period Drama on 27 February 2012 | 33 Comments »

It’s been a week since the final episode of Downton Abbey aired on Masterpiece Classic leaving us delighted over Matthew and Mary’s alliance, and anxious for Mr. Bates’ fate. *sigh*

Are you feeling those Downton Abbey withdrawals as keenly as I am? If so, you can watch all seven episodes of season 2 again online in streaming video until March 7th, 2012 at the PBS Video web site. Up next on Masterpiece Classic, Sunday April 1st, 2012 is the new adaptation of Charles Dickens Great Expectations, staring Gillian Anderson and newcomer Douglas Booth. I have had a peek at it already and the art direction and costumes are stunning.

If you are ready to explore and or revisit some late Victorian, Edwardian and WWI era drama, here are a few of my favorite movies and mini-series to tide you over until season three of Downton Abbey next January:

Upstairs Downtstairs (1971-1975)

Well…this series is a given, but I just had to sing its praises once again; it is 57 hours of pure bliss for any period drama lover. For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure: follow the wealthy, aristocratic Bellamy’s, who make up the upstairs family, and their loyal and lively servants downstairs. From 1903 to 1930 they share a fashionable London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place, surviving social change, scandals, and the horrors of the First World War. The most popular British drama series in TV history, Upstairs Downstairs won 7 Emmys®, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody. Seen on Masterpiece Theatre from 1971 to 1975 this is must see Edwardian and World War I drama at its finest. Downton Abbey tie-in? It is great view of the social classes in Britain as the lives of both upstairs and downstairs inhabitants of the household are closely observed.

The Buccaneers (1995)

Based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel of the same name, set in the 1890’s this adaptation was written and completed by Maggie Wadey (Mansfield Park 2007) and stars Carla Gugino, Mira Sorvino and Greg Wise. Four young, beautiful, and totally American heiress’ travel to London for the Season in hopes of marrying titled husbands. The great men they meet and fall in love with are not always what they appear to be. Downton Abbey tie-in? Cora, the current Countess of Grantham, was herself a buccaneer. In 1888, at the age of twenty, she and her mother arrived in London. By the end of her first Season she was betrothed to Robert, Viscount Downton, an heir to a great estate.

Waterloo Bridge (1940)

Winston Churchill’s favorite film, we are rather fond of it too. Staring Vivian Leigh at her most vibrant and beautiful, it is indeed a tear jerker. Get your lace hankies at the ready. On the eve of World War II, a British officer Roy Cronin revisits Waterloo Bridge in London and recalls the young man he was at the beginning of World War I and the young ballerina Myra who he met just before he left for the front. They fell in love. He proposed before he departed and they were blissfully happy for about an instant. Later, she thinks he is killed and turns to street walking in hard times, only to have him return oblivious to what she has been doing to earn her bread. He introduces her to his family at their country estate. It all goes terribly wrong, but makes for great melodrama. Downton Abbey tie-in? Myra gives Roy a good luck charm before he departs for the war, just like Lady Mary gives her lucky stuffed plush toy to Matthew.

Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill (1974)

Here we go with another spirited, rich, and beautiful American crossing the pond and marrying an English peer. This time she hooks a big fish; Lord Randolph Churchill, third son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough and gets to live at Blenheim Palace. This award winning mini-series stars Lee Remick as the luminous and captivating Jennie Churchill, the mother of statesman Sir Winston Churchill, all-around socialite and political advisor extraordinaire. Filmed on location in family homes including Blenheim Palace, the series also stars Warren Clarke as Winston, and Jeremy Brett as Count Kinsky, Lady Jennie’s great love. Even though Jennie is considered a generation before the American buccaneers hit British soil, she certainly opened the path for Cora and other Americans. Downton Abbey tie-in? Men behaving badly; women being witty and strong in beautiful country manor houses and London.

Gosford Park (2001)

We might say that screenwriter Julian Fellowes got his feet wet with this Oscar winning screenplay of Gosford Park before he created Downton Abbey, but it is really a whole other kettle of fish. Set a little later in the 1930’s, it still an observant look at the British class system involving the upstairs and downstairs inhabitants and their guests during a weekend of pheasant shooting at a county manor house. This time it involves a murder, so you could say that it is Agatha Christy meets the Grantham’s if one was really stretching the comparison. Downton Abbey tie-in? Apart from the direct Fellowes connection, Dame Maggie Smith excels as the toffee-nosed Constance, Dowager Countess of Trentham. This role is only a warm up to Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, we suspect, whose biting wit is even more razor sharp and hilarious than her predecessor.

The Grand (1997-1998)

This mini-series never aired on Masterpiece Theatre, but it should have. Set in an opulent Manchester, England hotel at the end of WWI through the Roaring 1920′s, it is full of upstairs/downstairs dissipation and vice. This 15 hour drama has enough scandal, romance, and intrigue to keep even Downton’s evil lady’s maid O’Brien’s bangs curled for years. The story sags a bit in the middle, lacking the heart of characters in Downton, but three-time Emmy®-winner Susan Hampshire (The Pallisers & The Three Lives of Thomasina) is superb as the retired professional woman Esme Harkness, who really keeps this rocky ship from sinking. Downton Abbey tie-in? Of course the class comparisons to the upstairs and downstairs are plainly evident, but money and romance is the heart of both dramas.

What are your favorite films from this era? I would love to discover a few new chestnuts.

Cheers,

Laurel Ann

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Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode 7 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Masterpiece Classic, Period Drama on 20 February 2012 | 76 Comments »

There is nothing like the Christmas season to bring out the best and worst in relationships. It was the perfect setting for the finale of season two of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Classic PBS last night. Packed with resolution and romance, we were treated to couples grappling for love and others smoothing out rough patches.

We were very happy to see screenwriter Julian Fellowes return to the more sophisticated, AND interesting, sphere of personal relationships to wrap up this tumultuous, and at times outrageous, second season. Here is brief synopsis from PBS:

Recap of Episode 7 (spoilers ahead)

Christmas 1919 reunites most of the Grantham family as Lady Rosamund, her gossipy maid Shore in tow, arrives eager to introduce her new suitor to the family. But neither the Granthams nor the servants can escape into the season’s merriment when they are forced to turn against one of their own. Not even games can pierce the gloom surrounding Downton, where downstairs the servants are desperate for guidance. Thomas and O’Brien are up to their old tricks, Daisy tries to make sense of her future, and Anna holds tight to endure the present.

Robert hopes that the annual New Years Shooting Party will lift everyone’s spirits, but an ill-tempered Richard resets his sights on a familiar target. His petulant and brutish efforts to dominate Mary do not go unnoticed. But with his threat hanging over her head, Mary must choose between two kinds of ruin.

Favorite Moments:

“My husband is on trial for his life Mrs. Hughes. Oh course I worry.” Anna

As we mentioned earlier, we had a hunch that the murder trial of Lord Grantham’s valet Mr. Bates would not go well. Fellowes would never miss an opportunity to make him the victim. It is a sad business, and we predict we have not heard the last of it.

“I couldn’t bear for you to thinks that we might…take up together again. When of course we can’t… you see the thing is. I am far too old for you…And now, I’m a cripple. I don’t need a wife, I need a nurse.” Sir Anthony Strallen

But, but, Sir Anthony. Edith could be both, silly dunderhead. We are very happy to see Edith taking the initiative and reconnecting with her neighbor Sir Anthony Strallen. Even granny got into the scheme, but sadly had reservations once she learned that he had been injured. Get real granny. Most eligible men died in the War. We now know the real reason why Edith learned to drive. He may not have use of his right arm any longer, but he is still a good catch Edith. Go for it.

“There is something I should tell you.” Lord Hepworth

“I hope it is nice.” Lady Rosamund

“No. Not particularly nice.” Lord Hepworth

It is interesting that Fellowes chose to introduce the other side of the aristocracy after the war; those who were ruined. Lord Hepworth’s loss of fortune, and the family estates, was more common than not. That way of life would never be the same after the Great War. Those who survived, like the Crawley family, were dependent on new industry, or new money, to continue their way of life. It would only get worse.

“You don’t have to marry him. You don’t have to marry anyone. You’ll always have a home here as long as I am alive.” Matthew

“Didn’t the war teach you never to make promises? And, anyway, you are wrong. I do have to marry him.” Lady Mary

Mary is right to be skeptical of Matthew’s offer. Being a maiden aunt, or cousin in her case, is precarious at best. It is kind of Matthew to give Mary the assurance that she has other options than to marry without love, but if she chose to take him up, her life would be so much different than what she expected for herself. Who would want to watch your former love interest raising a family with another woman? She wouldn’t last a week.

“Say something, if it’s only goodbye.” Lady Mary

“Go or stay, you must sack Carlisle. It isn’t worth buying off a month of scandal with a lifetime of misery.” Matthew

Lady Mary dropped the Pamuk bomb. Worse than the trenches in the war Matthew? Will he forgive her, or won’t he? Is this end?

“What on earth is the matter?” Dowager Countess Violet

“I am leaving in the morning Lady Grantham. I doubt we will meet again.” Sir Richard

“Do you promise?” Dowager Countess Violet

Best granny line of the night. Just the perfect reply!

“You mean you have forgiven me?” Lady Mary

“No, I haven’t forgiven you.” Matthew

“Well then.” Lady Mary

“I haven’t forgiven you, because I don’t believe you need my forgiveness.” Matthew

Well Matthew. I am quite put out that you let a lady shiver in the snow in her evening frock without giving her your dinner jacket, but, I will forgive you since it ended with you on one knee. We are happy to say that there is a cowboy in America who is really bummed since Lady Mary will not be at the rodeo.

My Review:

Upstairs entanglements: While, it ONLY took two seasons and eleven episodes to finally bring heir Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary together, we were happy none-the-less. They deserve each other: each with their hang-up’s canceling each other’s out quite nicely. We were also introduced to a new amour of the older generation that at first impression appeared promising, but their defects could not be overlooked. Lady Rosamund Painswick’s beau Lord Hepworth looked great in Burke’s Peerage, but with the help of that super sleuth, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, who is really the relationship whisperer of Downton, you know, and the observant housemaid Anna, we learn the nasty truth. On the other hand, we were very pleased to see that Lady Edith took our advice and sought out her own happiness by reconnecting with her former beau, Sir Anthony Strallen. Go #TeamEdith! And, there is nothing like a near death experience to put all to right in the romance department. No one expects the Spanish Flu, but almost losing Lady Grantham to the grim reaper has done wonders for the floundering, mid-life crisis inflicted Lord Grantham. He and his lady seem to have rekindled their affections enough for her to feel confident to wheedle his approval for their newly married, rebel, expat, daughter Lady Sybil off in Ireland making babies. Nothing like a grandchild to cement burned bridges, ehh?

Downstairs the most interesting non-romantic couple, footman Thomas and lady’s maid O’Brien, continue their smoking sessions, scheming and sarcasm. Though, even the evil bangs are getting tired of Thomas and his blunderings. Ha! The most gripping plot of this episode was Mr. Bates’ murder trial. We had a feeling this would not end well. The scenes of his wife Anna at the trial, (conveniently moved to York), and the rest of the household’s reactions to being called to testify against their fellow servant were harrowing. Even evil O’Brien was uncomfortable and showed concern! Personally, we still think Sir Richard ‘Murdock’ Carlisle had Vera Bates done in to protect Lady Mary. Just sayin’. On another front, we were happy that Dithering Daisy got scammed by Mrs. Patmore into thinking that her dead husband (of six hours) William was speaking to her from beyond the grave through the parlor game planchettes (Ouija board in the US), telling her to go see his father on the farm. She did. It went well, so maybe we can put this plot to bed please.

We are greatly relieved that this episode saw the return of more sanity to the plot lines and tone of the narrative. As always, Granny Crawley got all the best zingers. That “do you promise” line might equal her “what is a week-end” in popularity. It was a perfectly timed putdown to that cretin Sir Richard ‘Murdock’ Carlisle. The most disappointing part of the scene was that we did not get to see his face when she delivered it. We thought that Julian Fellowes tied up the important bits regarding romance, (except #TeamEdith), and left the plot with Mr. Bates and Anna dangling for us to fester over for another year. Yes, season three of Downton Abbey is currently in production. It will air first in the UK this fall and in the US in January 2013. Sorry American Downtonites; we are still being punished for that radical revolution of 1776.

Overall, it was a fabulous season at Downton Abbey. Here are my predictions for season 3. Mary and Matthew’s wedding is a given, but there are still romantic possibilities for Lady Edith. Surely Julian Fellowes will not let her remain unattached? Will she form an alliance with reluctant neighbor Sir Anthony Strallen, or will Edith be given a new amore? Maybe she will find a career. Race car driver? What about that creepy usurper Patrick Gordon/Crawley? I don’t think we have heard the last of him. And, what happened to Lady Rosamund’s two children, Lavinia and Cyril? I hope we get to meet them. I fear that they will kill off Branson since he has basically served his purpose. If so, Sybil will move back to Downton with her children. Yes, there will be more than one by then.

Whatever they throw at us, including Shirley Maclaine as Cora’s American mother, it will be pure torture to wait. See you next year Downtonites.

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Top Tweets from the Downton Abbey Episode 6 Twitter Party

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Edwardian-era, Period Drama on 16 February 2012 | 6 Comments »

#TeamEdith

As a few of you might be aware of, I am co-moderating the Downton Abbey live Twitter Parties for Masterpiece Classic PBS’s weekly airing of the hit mini-series. For the benefit of those unknowing souls who have not experienced a Twitter Party, just image thousands of fans tweeting 140 word messages to each other in response to the dramatic doings being thrown at us during the broadcast. It’s one giant love/laugh fest!

Co-moderating is a blast – it’s like trying to watch a ticker tape parade on speed. It is so fast that I miss most of the thousands of tweets whizzing by on Tweetgrid. Every week, I do go back and read my stream in case some poor soul really needs an answer to some puzzling bit, and just for laughs. Here are a few that just made me LOL (laugh out loud) even four days after the party on Sunday. Enjoy!

Oh, and please do join in the fun this Sunday during the national broadcast of the finale episode of Downton Abbey on February 19th at 9:00 pm ET & PT.

Laurel Ann Nattress @Austenprose

RT @OBriensBangs: LOOK at how awesome my bangs look in this scene. If I do say so myself. (nice curl job along with terse words) #DowntonPBS
Oh no Anna – don’t go into Sir Richard Murdock’s room. No, no. Evil center of world. #DowntonPBS
Sir Richard, you are a slithering sod to recruit Lady Mary’s maid to spy on her! *Hisssss* #DowntonPBS
Shocking the ladies in the library is so middle class! Granny not there to tell them, so I must. #DowntonPBS
LOL Matthew feeling tingling. I promise to keep my remarks on this subject as clean as possible! #DowntonPBS
It a miracle. The Lourdes water worked. Matthew walks…. #DowntonPBS
Ooo Lady Mary. “Aren’t all of us stuck with the choices we make.” Speaking after being pamuked by the best. #DowntonPBS
RT @masterpiecepbs: Dowager Fixer. (Is that like the Downton whisperer?) #DowntonPBS
RT @ParentheticaLex: That curtain is wrinkled. Unacceptable. #DowntonAbbey #DowntonPBS
Blank face lie Lady Mary. You do still love Cousin Matthew. Cut that Sir Richard the Murdock loose. #DowntonPBS
Eloped to Gretna Green??? Oh no, Jane Austen spinning in grave. #DowntonPBS
RT @BloodyMarquis: Thomas’s next plan after ruining cakes is to pop a couple birthday balloons. #DowntonPBS
And…Edith gets to carry the luggage. Not fair. #DowntonPBS
RT @sue_oz: RT @tomandlorenzo: HAHA, Thomas! Point and laugh! HAHA! #DowntonPBS @masterpiecepbs
Edith looks down in concern for Sybil’s love of Branson. It looks bad when the Edith-o-meter looks down #DowntonPBS
RT @clayton988: @Austenprose @masterpiecepbs You laugh now. Thomas will have evil power bangs like O’Brien next week. #DowntonPBS
“I do hope I am interrupting something.” LOL granny – we love you! #DowntonPBS
“If you are turning American on me, I’m going downstairs.” LOL Lord Grantham #DowntonPBS
RT @TessTalks: Lady Sybil is pretty darn mouthy tonight. I bet Robert now regrets letting that phone in the house. #DowntonPBS
RT @OBriensBangs: I made the Spanish Flu. (we knew that already.) #DowntonPBS
Cinnamon in milk prevents the flu? Who knew? #DowntonPBS
Everyone YELL at your TV screen. NOOOO LORD GRANTHAM #DowntonPBS
RT @alexandrasear: Cousin Isobel always seems so happy to deliver bad news. #DowntonPBS
RT @RogueReverend: It’s Men Behaving Badly night on #DowntonPBS
RT @AlisonStratton: That awkward moment when you’re dancing with your cousin & your fiancée walks in on you kissing #DowntonPBS
RT @tomandlorenzo: We think we can hear a choir singing…. #DowntonPBS
Lavinia is the Marilyn Monroe of Downton Abbey. She just wanted to be loved #DowntonPBS
RT @pumpkinshirt: Could they make Matthew look any more like a vampire? (Edwardian Twilight ) #DowntonPBS
RT @LMJGrl: These hussy maids have GOT to go!! #DowntonPBS
*avert eyes* Bates and Anna in bed? No, this is too much to see. Are the shades of Downton to be thus polluted? #DowntonPBS
RT @0bFuSc8: RT @thisbrokenwheel: Bates! Anna! So much pale, pale English skin! MY EYES #DowntonPBS
Matthew definitely a zombie – not a vampire. #DowntonPBS
RT @gfrancie: Not only does Matthew have a PhD in being miserable, he even scored a sweet post-doc in suffering. #DowntonPBS
RT @thisbrokenwheel: Sweet merciful…did the Bronte sisters write this episode?! (HILARIOUS) #DowntonPBS
RT @Juls_oliveira: RT @TheClaireFraser: Cousin Matthew Cullen! (SNORT) #DowntonPBS
RT @MrsPremise4: @Austenprose have the boundaries of propriety been vigorously assaulted? (INDEED) #DowntonPBS
RT @L_MarysEyebrows: @theladygrantham Don’t worry Granny! Your one-liners and our perfect arches will hold everything together! #DowntonPBS
RT @OBriensBangs: I DID IT! I GOT RID OF BATES! It took a really long time and was totally unjustified but I WON!!!! #DowntonPBS
RT @KEC9: RT @travisjohnbye: FREE JOHN BATES #DowntonPBS
Dinner break before the start of the west coast Downton Abbey twitter party in one hour. Be there or be O’Briened #DowntonPBS
RT @KDCaulfeild: Beginning 2 paraphrase Dowager Countess 2 my 15 y.o.: “Don’t date a boy w/ earrings~It’s so middle class” #DowntonPBS

And…. The best tweet of the night goes to my fellow Janeite Vic

Vic @janeaustenworld

John Bates in bed just doesn’t twirl my cookies. #DowntonPBS

I hope I see a few familiar Janeites at this Sunday’s Downton Abbey Twitter Party. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS and your favorite Twitter aggregator like TweetDeck or TweetGrid to join in the fun!

Cheers Downtonites,

Laurel Ann

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Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode 6 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Edwardian Drama, Masterpiece Classic, Period Drama, Television Series on 13 February 2012 | 55 Comments »

Past regret, future aspirations, and fate punctuated the dramatic plot of episode six of Downton Abbey season two last night on Masterpiece Classic.

The end of World War I should bring peace and normalcy back to the residents of Downton, but the Lord of the manor Robert Crawley struggles to find logic in all the change and senseless loss, while his daughter Lady Sybil is determined that her life will never go back to the empty and unproductive existence of a debutant. An interesting development in Matthew’s health changes his prospects in many eyes, and a fatal sickness will level the playing field for Lady Mary. Here is a brief recap from PBS.

Recap of Episode 6 (spoilers)

1919 sees the last of the recovering officers depart Downton, the house is reverted to its former state — but not so its residents. The future looms large for a lost and melancholy Robert, an uneasy Bates, a determined Sybil, a cunning, ambitious Thomas and a desperate Ethel.

A stunning revelation deeply affects Robert and Cora and incites Richard to tighten his grip on Mary. But Mary has accepted her fate with detachment. Violet, however, will do no such thing, and even Carson reaches his limit.

Sybil discovers unlikely, however unenthusiastic, allies. A wedding is planned but fate cruelly intervenes. In its wake lay guilt, grief and, among the servants, fresh horrors.

Favorite Moments:

“Do you ever wonder what it was all for?”

Lord Grantham is very introspective and melancholy to new housemaid Jane, who he seems to be reaching out to. He mentions thirty men killed in the war on his estate alone, coupled with his continued friction with his wife Cora and his three grown daughter’s machinations, and you have one Earl in a midlife crisis. Lord Grantham is very kind hearted, but he does have a temper which we see ignited several times in this episode.

“All this unbridled joy has given me an appetite.” Dowager Countess Violet

As the family all run into the drawing room to witness Cousin Matthew’s miraculous recovery of the use of his legs, and um, well as granny so delicately put it, a happy family life, one wonders out loud how this turn of events will change his value to those in the family who are in favor of Lady Mary still marrying him? Of course the Dowager Countess delivers the best, and most sensible, line to close the ridiculous reactions by all of her family. Unbridled joy indeed! And these are Englishmen? They certainly are not acting like it.

“The truth is, Ethel’s made her choice and now she’s stuck with it.” Lady Mary

“That’s seems a little hard.” Lavinia

“Does it? Aren’t all of us stuck with the choices we make?” Lady Mary

Lady Mary is rather peeved throughout this entire episode. I feel her anger and frustration seeping through her cold reserve in her cynicism. Her caustic remarks are rampant throughout. This ironic statement strikes a sharp cord with her mother Cora and sister, Lady Sybil. Her mother sees that she is striking out in reaction to her own situation. She made the choice to ruin herself by being ‘pamuked’ when she slept with that hunky Turkish diplomat and now she must lie in it. On the other hand, her sister Lady Sybil is about to make a decision with Branson that she will be stuck with. The different reactions by both ladies to Lady Mary’s cold statement tells all.

“Don’t worry. You time will come.” Dowager Countess Violet

“Will it? Or am I just to be the maiden aunt. Isn’t this what they do? Arrange presents for their prettier relations?” Lady Edith

“Don’t be defeatist dear, it’s very middle class.” Dowager Countess Violet

More praise and sympathy for poor Edith. As the lorry pulled away with the last of the hospital equipment in the opening scene, and with it, her job at being useful, I felt a pang of angst for the middle Crawley daughter who just can’t find her place in the world. She seems to always be at everyone’s beck and call, even driving cars and carrying luggage. Now she is responsible for unpacking Matthew and Lavinia’s wedding gifts? Ugh. I am all for Team Edith this season, so, my unsolicited advice to her is to not hang back and wait for people to need you. Go out and find your own happiness Edith. Don’t expect it to come to you, or you will end up that maiden aunt that you are so fearful of becoming.

“Well Mrs. Bates. You’ve had your way with me.” Mr. Bates

“*Giggle*.” Mrs. Bates

We wanted to write about Anna and Bates finally getting married, but we are too nauseous over their one night of connubial bliss, (too much really English white skin and giggling in bed), that we decided to abstain from comment to save our readers the embarrassment too!

“The aristocracy has not survived by its intransigence. We must work with what we’ve got to minimize the scandal.” Dowager Countess Violet

Thank goodness granny chips in a grand one liner at the end of the episode to save the day after Lord Grantham gives his blessing for Lady Sybil to marry Branson the chauffeur. Yes, the aristocracy is stubborn. That is how they survived.

My Review:

In this packed two hour episode, some older plot lines were resolved and new ones introduced. Screenwriter Julian Fellowes certainly pulled out all the melodramatic stops. As emotions ran from regret, guilt, anger, envy, grief, desire and fear, I wondered what else could possibly have been squeezed into this once classy and well-written corset drama that has now slipped into “so middle-class” territory as granny would say.

Granted, all this highly charged, multiple plot line, melodramatic tosh is intensely entertaining, but I am seriously craving a return to the more sophisticated narrative and character development of season one. I am most disappointed in the trite and sappy character that poor actor Dan Stevens is trying to add some dignity to. Some of the things that come out of Matthew Crawley’s mouth are so, so, silly, that I am embarrassed for him. We were impressed, however, that O’Brien’s bangs and Lady Mary’s eyebrows suffered no harm during this week’s series of incredibly wild events. We hope that next week’s two hour Christmas special will bring all the other lacking elements to right.

Please join us next Sunday for episode 7 of Downton Abbey and live tweet with me as co-moderator of the PBS Twitter Party during the episode on February 19, 2012 at 9:00pm ET and PT. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS at Twitter or on your favorite Twitter aggregator like Tweetdeck or Tweetgrid.

Episode 7 of the second season airs next Sunday, February 19th at 9:00pm ET & PT (check local listings) on Masterpiece Classic PBS. I will be live Tweeting the entire season, so please join us.

Visit the official Downton Abbey website

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Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode 5 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Edwardian Drama, Films, Masterpiece Classic, Min-series, TV Mini-series on 6 February 2012 | 37 Comments »

Deception and manipulation were major themes in episode five of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Classic PBS last night as Downton’s residents battle challenges and conflicts of a personal nature.

We were introduced to a mysterious new patient at Downton’s officer convalescent hospital who claims to be related to the Crawleys; ex-housemaid Ethel, now destitute with an infant is desperate for support from the father Major Bryant; wheelchair bound Downton heir Matthew has written himself out of everyone’s lives; Lady Mary’s fiancé is showing his true colors; and wicked witch Vera Bates has dropped a house on her husband, valet Mr. Bate’s divorce proceedings. Phew. After last week’s somber episode on the personal losses of war, this episode seemed like a picnic beset by fire ants with everyone on the move and clamoring for survival amongst the fallout. Here is a brief recap from PBS:

Recap of Episode 5 (spoilers)

1918 promises the war drawing to a close, yet uncertainty still reigns. With its ruined aristocratic houses, rationing, and fallen officers, war’s aftermath opens some doors for the present and former servants and slams shut others. Meanwhile, Isobel’s post-war plans create an indomitable, if unlikely, alliance. But when a mysterious stranger arrives, Downton faces more turmoil.

Sir Richard is anxious to take not just Downton’s most beautiful asset, but one of its most treasured as well. In return and against Robert’s wishes, he restores a powerful replacement in its halls. And Vera Bates takes startling action.

Favorite Moments:

“Did they tell you we’re related?” Major Patrick Gordon

“Yes, but I am afraid I’m not much good at family history.” Lady Edith

Here we seen Lady Edith in the dark and being drawn in because someone reaches out to her. Last year, I was not on Team Edith, at all. This season we are seeing a different side to her, more compassionate and vulnerable, and it is swaying my view. The introduction of Patrick Gordon/Crawley is a very uncomfortable plot line for her and all of her family. Is this soldier impersonating her cousin the long lost heir to Downton Abbey who went down with the Titanic in 1912? This is a low blow to poor Edith, considering that he was engaged to her sister Mary who didn’t really love him, but she did. I don’t have a good feeling about where this might go and am quite protective of Edith, since no one seems to care two figs about her, or give her any credence in the household. If she is evolving into the Anne Elliot of Downton, where is her Captain Wentworth?

“Go to a big city. Reinvent a past. You’ve broken the rules my girl. And it’s not good pretending it’s easily mended.” Mr. Hughes

Ethel, one of Downton’s residents, or more correctly ex-residents, is in a tight spot. After being fired for doing the wild thing with an officer, Ethel the ex-housemaid is really pressuring Mrs. Hughes to intercede on her behalf. The father won’t acknowledge the baby and Mrs. Hughes, feeling compassionate about Ethel’s bleak situation, even asks for Lady Cora’s help in inviting the dead father’s parents to Downton in the hopes of an introduction. Ethel continues to act outside of decorum which just pushes everyone’s buttons beyond measure. This situation is out of control too.

“A cease fire will begin on the morning of the 11th.” Lord Grantham

Best news in five years for the Downton residents. Unfortunately, another 11,000 soldiers will die before the news of the armistice reaches them. Factoid via Vic at Jane Austen’s World twitter feed. Life as the British aristocracy knows it, will never surface again.

“If you think you can jilt me or somehow set me aside I tell you now you have given me the power to destroy you, and don’t think I won’t use it.” Sir Richard

Speaking of backbone, Sir Richard’s entire skeleton is poking out of his Saville Row suit in this scene. I was screaming at Lady Mary to flee for her life. Does anyone want to marry someone who threatens you with blackmail even before the ceremony? I don’t think so.

My Review:

It was interesting to see how both the upstairs and downstairs residents of Downton react to the changes of the impeding close of WWI. We begin to see the final impact of five years of hardship, human loss and economic devastation on England and at Downton. War widows Daisy and Jane face the fact that there are so few young men left that they will most likely not re-marry; many of the injured men like Matthew Crawley and Major Gordon will require long-term care; opportunists like Thomas will be drawn into quick money schemes like the black market; and carpetbaggers like Sir Richard Carlisle will be ready to swoop in and purchase estates from hard hit families. The social and economic structure of the English aristocrats will never be the same.

I am a bit taken aback by the difference in tone of this season from the nuanced and more conversational feel of season one. I am concerned about the over dramatic, soap operaish direction that screenwriter Julian Fellowes has chosen. The plot line introducing Patrick Gordon as the imposter (or not) heir and his non-English manners and speech is over the top and trite. Didn’t this same situation happen in a Dynasty or Dallas episode from the 1980′s? In addition, with the announcement this past week of actress Shirley MacLaine as Cora’s American mother into the cast for season three,will we be witness to two mighty matrons: the Dowager Countess Violet and Cora’s mother verbally sparing? They seem perfectly suited for a throw down of polished English values v progressive American ideals. But please Mr. Fellowes, no cat fight in the Downton fountain.

Please join us next Sunday for episode 6 of Downton Abbey and live tweet with me as co-moderator of the PBS Twitter Party during the episode on February 12, 2012 at 9:00pm ET and PT. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS at Twitter or on your favorite Twitter aggregator like Tweetdeck or Tweetgrid.

Episode 6 of the second season airs next Sunday, February 12th at 9:00pm ET & PT (check local listings) on Masterpiece Classic PBS. I will be live Tweeting the entire season, so please join us.

Visit the official Downton Abbey website

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Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode 4 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Edwardian-era, Masterpiece Classic, Movies, Period Drama, Television Series on 30 January 2012 | 38 Comments »

As episode four of season two of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Classic unfolded last night, the emotions of the household passed into the dark side of the moon. Three members return to Downton, all bringing heartache.

Sacrifices are felt both upstairs and downstairs from the devastating war. While shocking news brings sadness and concern to loved ones at home, those not so loved employ blackmail and deceit to play out their power games and revenge. However, when the going gets tough, who better than to be in your corner than the Dowager Countess Violet? Granny on the warpath, fighting for her family and staff, is an implacable force.

The final scene of this emotional episode will leave a lump in your throat. Even the theme music played over the final credits sounds like a requiem mass. Here is a brief recap of the episode from PBS.

Recap of Episode 4 (spoilers)

Amiens, 1918: Devastating news from the front rocks the very foundations of Downton Abbey, and it is up to the Dowager Countess to buck bureaucratic protocol and bring Downton’s men home. In an unwelcome return, Vera Bates threatens to make public the scandalous story of Lady Mary’s ill-fated indiscretion. Desperate to contain the story, Mary appeals to the savvy opportunist Sir Richard Carlisle.

Mary is not the only woman to consider hard sacrifice. Some will make it against their will, some will be denied a chance, and some will refuse. Daisy may buckle from its pressure, while Lavinia desperately wishes for such a burden. Sybil must push back. And Cora, preoccupied with the running of the home, cannot see that a sacrifice may already have been made.

Favorite Moments:

“They’re going to chuck everything they’ve got at us.” Matthew Crawley

Matthew. When this episode opened at the front with a scene of rats the size of small dogs, I knew we were in for some startling visuals. Being the cynic that I am, I can usually find humor in just about anything, but I have to confess upfront that there is nothing to laugh about men living in deplorable conditions and dying in the trenches in France. When you and William prepare for battle I felt an overwhelming sense of doom. With my lace hanky at the ready, I bravely continued. My instincts were right. Not good.

“I say. Is this an instrument of communication or torture?” Dowager Countess Violet

Dowager Countess of Grantham. Thanks for the one true laugh of the entire episode. You vs. technology. Anyone who has ever tried to learn a new computer program, cell phone or any other electronic device today was laughing out loud with you. But, the burning question of the night? Who the heck is your niece Shrimpy who you were conversing with on the telephone? What kind of name is that? One is reminded of fictional characters named Bunny, Slugo and Turnip, but Shrimpy seems so funny coming from the lips of the esteemed Dowager Countess. (Will we meet Shrimpy next season?)

“Probable spinal damage.” Lady Mary

Matthew. Your return after being injured on the front is a shocker to all of your family and the downstairs staff. You do not take the news of your probable life-long limitations very well, and we can’t blame you. Your reaction to push away all who love you is pretty typical. This turn of events would bring many a man to his knees. We commend you for your dignity, but please don’t make anymore rash decisions.

“Who would of thought it? The cold and careful Lady Mary Crawley. Well, we know better now.” Sir Richard Carlisle

Lady Mary. You have told us that your fiancé is from a tough world. Well, he just pulled you into it. Do you really want to marry that Rupert Murdock wannabe from hell? Whatever the outcome of the scandal from your night of sin might bring, it would only last a few years. Ditch the jerk. Go to America and find a randy Yank and be happy, please. Last season was all about you being tormented by the entail. This season it is the fallout from being pamuked. (addition of verb to the Downton lexicon courtesy of @OBriensBangs)

Definition of pamuked:

pamuked /pä(m)üked /

v. pamuked, Chiefly British Vulgar Slang

v.tr.

To engage in sexual intercourse with a Turkish diplomat.

“Good God almighty. The engagement is announced between Lady Mary Josephine Crawley, eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham and Sir Richard Carlisle, son of Mr. and the late Mrs. Mark Carlisle of Morningside, Edinburgh.” Lord Grantham

Edith! I loved your reaction during the surprising news of the announcement in the London newspaper of Mary engagement in this scene. Your expressions are priceless. I wanted to know what your were thinking. Are you happy because Mary is finally going to be married and move out of Downton? Or, are you inwardly beaming because Mary looks like a fool in front of your parents for not having any control over her fiancé? Or, are you thinking now your parents are so distracted by Mary’s problems that you might get a chance to drive that tractor again?

My Review:

I think we are at the point in the narrative where things look very grim for many before the story arch. Not to worry. Screenwriter Julian Fellowes has taken us to the dark side for a reason. He knows what he is about.

Even though this episode was filled with sadness and loss, the plot is moving in an interesting direction. There are so many open ends to tie up. What is Vera Bates going to do next to ruin her husband’s happy life with Anna? Will Mary really marry that heartless Rupert Murdock wannabe who holds her secrets over her like blackmail? Can Lavinia say no to her inner child and find the strength to return to Matthew? What will Matthew’s new different life be like in a wheelchair? And poor Edith and Sybil. Is romance even possible for them now with so many good men dead in the war, and the one that wants one of them a socialist? Stay tuned.

Please join us next Sunday for episode 5 of Downton Abby and live tweet with me as co-moderator of the PBS Twitter Party during the episode on February 5, 2012 at 9:00pm ET and PT. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS at Twitter or on your favorite Twitter aggregator like Tweetdeck or Tweetgrid.

Episode 5 of the second season airs next Sunday, Februrary 5th at 9:00pm ET on Masterpiece Classic PBS. I will be live Tweeting the entire season, so please join us.

Visit the official Downton Abbey website

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Hello Wharton Abbey: In Celebration of Edith Wharton’s 150th Birthday: Her Novels and Their Legacy: Guest Blog by Lev Raphael

Posted in Edwardian Authors, tagged Books, Downton Abbey, Edwardian era. Edith Wharton, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Lev Raphael, Rosedale in Love on 24 January 2012 | 44 Comments »

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision.” – Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton, Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, short story writer, designer, and taste-setter of her time was born 150 years ago today. Huzzah!

Renowned for her novels: The House of Mirth (1905), Ethan Frome (1911), The Age of Innocence (1920), and last unfinished work, The Buccaneers (1938), Wharton was also an incredibly talented garden and interior designer writing two of my favorite classic design books in my personal collection: Italian Villas and Their Gardens (1904) and The Decoration of Houses (1897). Many of her works have been adapted into movies including three standouts: The Age of Innocence (1993), The Buccaneers (1995), which has thematic ties to the wildly popular mini-series Downton Abbey, whose second season is currently airing on Masterpiece Classic PBS, and The Old Maid (1939), the Warner Bros. classic starring Bette Davis. My mother introduced me to this movie as a teenager, and like her indoctrination to the classics by film with Pride and Prejudice (1940,) it piqued my interest enough to seek Wharton out and read the original novella. Thanks mom! Besides Austen and Cooper, Wharton is on my top five list of favorite authors.

In celebration of Wharton’s sesquicentennial birthday, author Lev Raphael has generously contributed a guest blog honoring Wharton, his fascination of The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey and his new novel Rosedale in Love.

Wharton Abbey

Overwhelmed by the cascading changes at Downton Abbey, Maggie Smith’s indomitable Dowager Countess complains in Season One, “”Sometimes I feel as if I were living in an H.G. Wells novel.”

Watching Downton Abbey, I’ve found find myself feeling I’m living in an Edith Wharton novel. More than one, in fact. Wharton’s novel The Buccaneer, unfinished at her death, was all about American wealthy young woman like Cora who were launched like arrows to hit titled English targets. Born in 1862 to old New York money, Wharton observed this international exchange as America’s Gilded Age burst into lavish bloom. Her native city of New York was a frenzy of building, money, and that modern invention we take for granted: publicity, which the Downton family is desperate to avoid.

The series is imbued with the preoccupations of Wharton’s fiction. As in The House of Mirth, the Grantham girls have few choices aside from marrying a man, preferably one with money. New money like Sir Richard Carlisle’s may be suspect, but money is the drumbeat, even when people claim not to care about it. Acquiring money, and the status and safety it brings, obsesses Lily Bart, the heroine of The House of Mirth, Wharton’s 1905 best seller.

Wharton lived in France during World War One, whose impact we’re seeing in the show right now, and she wrote a powerful novel, A Son at the Front, about the surprisingly high cost of war for those who aren’t in the trenches. When war broke out, she worked with astounding energy to aid the French war effort through fund-raising and solving the refugee crisis. But she was more than a combination of Lady Cora and Mrs. Crawley: she visited the front and wrote about it, and her extraordinary efforts earned her the highest civilian honors Belgium and France could bestow.

Wharton challenged convention by being intellectual and an author. However, she was still a product of her class, which frowned on arrivistes of all kinds, especially Jews, who symbolized the vast social and financial changes rocking her comfortable world. In The House of Mirth, her one Jewish character, wealthy Simon Rosedale, is frantic for status and vainly pursues Lily Bart, the faded society flower who finds him repulsive when he isn’t ridiculous. Wharton relied heavily on stereotype to create him: he’s flamboyant, vulgar, buffonish, speaks bad English.

His portrayal is an aggravating flaw in a novel I’ve read many times and love for Wharton’s profound understanding of how shame can crush our hopes–something that plays out again and again in Downton Abbey. Having written two other books about Wharton, a mystery and a critical study, I decided to do something completely different: tell Rosedale’s unknown story. Rosedale in Love is a reply to The House of Mirth, a book that gives Simon Rosedale a soul, a past, a family–that makes him human, in other words.

I wrote in a period voice, which I channeled after two years of reading books set in The Gilded Age. And just as Downton brings a lost way of life into our homes, I wanted Gilded Age New York to live for my readers. I wanted them to feel the city’s obsessions, ride along its streets, dance at its balls, celebrate its weddings, marvel at its splendid hotels, dine at its elite restaurants, relish its remarkable extravagance, and savor its gossip.

So as you read the ebook, imagine it beautifully bound, pages freshly cut, being read by various denizens of Downton Abbey. Think of Lady Mary or Anna pained by the sad search for love, Thomas enviously following someone else’s success, and the Dowager Countess sniffing at a whole novel devoted to “one of those people,” but ultimately admiring the main character’s courage. After all, one of her ringing calls to action is “Don’t be defeatist, it’s very middle class.”

About the Author:

Lev Raphael is a former academic, radio talk show host, and newspaper columnist who’s published twenty-one books in genres from memoir to mystery with publishers like Doubleday, St. Martin’s, Faber and Walker. His fiction and creative nonfiction appears in dozens of anthologies In the US and in Great Britain, and he has taught in colleges and universities around the country.

A world traveler and lecturer, his most recent adventure was his second German book tour for his memoir My Germany last fall, sponsored by the American Consulate in Frankfurt, and he will also be reading from his novel Rosedale in Love at the Edith Wharton in Florence conference next June (Austen and Wharton were major influences in his career). Visit Lev at his website Lev Raphael, on Twitter as @LevRaphael, and on Facebook as Lev Raphael.

A Grand Giveaway

Enter a chance to win one of three e-book editions of Rosedale in Love, by Lev Raphael by leaving a comment wishing Edith Wharton a happy birthday, or by revealing which characters or plot lines in Downton Abbey are similar to any of Edith Wharton’s novels by 11:59 pm, February 1, 2012. Winners to be announced on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Digital copies are available in Nook and Kindle formats.

Happy birthday Edith Wharton. We know you have very little in common with the other Edith, Lady Edith Crawley, daughter of the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, but we hope that screenwriter Julian Fellowes will give her a new direction and a second chance, just as author Lev Raphael has done for your character Simon Rosedale from The House of Mirth.

Other Edith Wharton Celebrations Around the Internet:

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Downton Abbey Season 2: Episode 3 on Masterpiece Classic PBS – Recap & Review

Posted in Downton Abbey, Masterpiece Classic, tagged Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey Season 2, Masterpiece Classics, PBS on 23 January 2012 | 24 Comments »

For those watching the second season of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Classic last night, the fields of France were not the only place where bombs were dropping! Episode three was an eye popper, full of confrontations, shocking surprises, unrequited love, and ingenious plot twists worthy of the best Agatha Christie crime novel.

Recap Episode Two (spoilers)

Downton is deep into aiding the WWI effort by converting its hallowed halls of the aristocracy into a convalescent hospital for wounded officers. Lady Grantham and Cousin Isobel Crawley are co-admins of this altruistic endeavor, and like two bulls locked at the horn, fought for power of its management, while daughters Ladies Mary, Edith and Sybil assist with caring for the recuperating soldiers. Mary, granny and Aunt Rosamund dig deeper into Matthew’s fiancé Lavinia’s background, while downstairs Mrs. Patmore pressures the scullery maid Daisy into accepting William’s affections before he leaves for the front, and Anna and Bates are re-united when Lady Mary discovers him working in a pub in a nearby village. Matthew returns to Downton from the trenches and brings his “candle in the wind” fragile fiancé Lavinia to Downton where she reveals her past association with Mary’s beau, Sir Richard Carlisle to her. Matthew departs for the front kissing his fiancé’s hand while Lady Mary watches with regret. If she had not taken aunt Rosamund’s advice and refused his first proposal, it could be her hand that he is honoring. Here is a brief synopsis from PBS.

It is 1918 and Mary’s new alliance has aroused Violet’s interest in matters of suitability and love. With Sybil in mind, the Dowager Countess declares, “war breaks down barriers and when peacetime re-erects them, it’s very easy to find oneself on the wrong side.” Indeed, among war’s greatest casualties at Downton are the prescribed roles and class boundaries. Thomas is exerting his authority over the servants with aplomb; Mrs. Patmore, Daisy and Mrs. Bird are cooking up a little something on the side; and Ethel has discovered an age-old way to support the war effort. But between Robert and Bates, faith and loyalty transcend class, offering hope when Robert needs it most. Because now, the war has threatened a far more serious casualty.

Favorite Moments:

“Edith has it under control.” Lady Grantham

Wow. The Jan Brady of Downton Abbey is on the move. Lady Edith has always been the “pickle in the middle” – that awkward middle child who could never seem to get it together. Her relationship with her older sister was lethal, her parents just ignore her in comparison to all the attention Mary and Sybil receive, and her attempts at romance have been going after Lady Mary’s leftovers, or horrifically making the moves on a local married farmer. Ack! Poor Edith. Like her family we love/hate her, yet in this episode in every scene she is portrayed as competent, reliable and compassionate; even to her elder sister, and arch enemy, Lady Mary! For those on Team Edith, this is indeed a welcome turn of character.

“And this is your beau?” Dowager Countess Violet

“He lives in a tough world.” Lady Mary

“And will you be joining him there?” Dowager Countess Violet

Whenever the Dowager Countess of Grantham and Lady Mary put their heads together for a tête-à-tête, we know that there will be a conflict of old Victorian mores and new modern Edwardian values. This always results in granny pelting out one-line zingers that pucker up her face and ours: hers in disapproval; ours in cringed laughter. Actress Maggie Smith who portrays DC Violet is a national treasure!

“Of course it would be foolish of me to accuse you of being unprofessional since you have never had a profession in your life.” Mrs. Crawley

Emotions run high at Downton with the administration of the convalescent hospital at odds between Lady Grantham and Cousin Isobel. We are witness to an intense, terse, and emotionally charged smack down of these to adversaries thrown together under the egress of the war. One must say out loud, that we were very disappointed that it did not end in a cat fight in the fountain, but it was very enjoyable all the same. We advise Cousin Isobel not to let the grand front door hit her on her way out.

“The truth is, I will stay at Downton until you want to run away with me.” Branson

The trying non-romance between Lady Sybil and the chauffeur Branson is feeling as doomed as Romeo and Juliet without any of the passion. He declares his love and asks her to run away with him. Shades of an elopement to Gretna Green, which we know from any Jane Austen novel, always ends in disaster. Oh Branson, you dreamboat in the making. Let’s get practical. Do you want Sybil because you truly love her, or is the notion of stealing one of the daughters of aristocracy so exciting to your socialist sensibilities that it has blinded your judgment? How could this ever work? I am a tried and true romantic, but I throw up the red flag of caution to Lady Sybil here. He’s not for you deary.

“Don’t speak ill of Mr. Lang.” O’Brien

“You’re a funny one. Talk about sweet and sour.” Thomas

We know that we are in for some great skullduggery when O’Brien and Thomas put their heads together for a smoke break. But, one does not expect to hear kindness from the evil one. What’s up? Does O’Brien have a thing for Lord Grantham’s former valet Mr. Lang who is suffering from shell shock? Why is she defending him to Thomas? I smell a future romance for O’Brien, if that could EVER be possible. Naugh. What’s was I thinking?

“It’s like living at a second rate hotel where the guests just keep arriving and no one seems to leave.” Dowager Countess, Violet

Stuck at Hotel California granny? More truth to your previous statement about being locked in a W. G. Wells novel. We sympathize, but worry that The Eagles might want credit on that line.

“Watch yourself Mr. Bates. Thomas is in charge now and it won’t do to get on the wrong side of him.” O’Brien

“Is there a right side?” Mr. Bates

Indeed. Best factual statement so far. Glad that someone finally said it.

My Review:

Many of the residents of this stately grand manor house are contemplating their place at Downton. It appears that everyone, but saintly housemaid Anna and former valet Mr. Bates, had their knickers in a knot: cat fight showdowns, begrudged departures, revelations about beaus, scheming, plotting, and skullduggery galore, loved ones missing in action, sex in the storeroom, and a shocking final reveal. Even granny, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, was in competition for some of the best zingers of the night. Phew. I am breathless by it all.

What was so enthralling about this episode was the amount of new information, new twists, and resolutions we were fed. I felt like I was at a carb loading party before a marathon. Just when one thinks that the plots is bursting at the seams with drama and pathos, screenwriter Julian Fellowes adds another layer.

What did you think of this episode? I thought it the best yet. I always love the second act of an opera. The plot builds and we are dying to know who will be killed, who will live, and who will be married. Well, we have another 4 episodes before the fat lady sings on this season, so please check back weekly for my recaps and reviews.

I had a blast again as co-moderator of the Downton Abbey Twitter Party hosted by PBS. You can tweet live with us again next week for episode four on Sunday, January 29th at 9:00pm ET and PT. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS at Twitter or on your favorite Twitter aggregator like Tweetdeck or Tweetgrid.

Episode 4 of the second season airs next Sunday, January 29th at 9:00pm ET on Masterpiece Classic PBS. I will be live Tweeting the entire season, so please join us.

Visit the official Downton Abbey website

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Posts Tagged ‘Downton Abbey’

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Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Episode Guide

Episode 1 – January 6, 2013, 9-11pm ET on PBS

Episode 2 – January 13, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

Episode 3 – January 20, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

Episode 4 – January 27, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

Episode 5 – February 3, 2013, 9-10pm ET on PBS

Episode 6 – February 10, 2013, 9-11pm ET on PBS

Episode 7 – February 17, 2013, 9-10:30pm ET on PBS

Downton Abbey Characters/Cast

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