The time has come for the long-awaited continuation of Downton Abbey. But it’s hard to watch without heaving a solemn sigh–knowing this will be Downton’s final season. It’s quite a lot to bear.
What is it about this turn of the century, British melodrama that has us all so giddily obsessed?
Perhaps it’s the fashion, poise, and charm of the characters?
The lavish lifestyle of Edwardian-England?
The drama downstairs?
The devotion to duty?
The swerving plot?
Or the wry English wit? (Mostly zingers from the Dowager Countess.)
We will miss all of the above. But I personally blame everything on Sir Julian Fellowes.
Julian Fellowes chose a period in British history with so much depth, drama, and complexity, it immediately lent itself to the gravitational pull of an audience. He created some of the most endearing (and abominable) characters ever to hit TV. He formulated humor and pathos, plot twists, romance, and resolution with such perfection, that we even forgave him for killing off two of our favorite characters–both in the same season. Now that’s loyalty.
And did I mention Julian Fellowes wrote every single line of captivating dialog himself?
What a guy.
He’s just spoiled us to no end. Without Downton Abbey, how will we survive?
What would Lady Mary do? 
The only redeeming news to report is that our beloved Julian Fellowes is already entrenched in his latest project, The Gilded Age, a new series set in the late 19th century among the upper crust of New York society.
Mr. Fellowes, you have some big shoes to fill…your own. But we, your loyal watchers, will all be waiting with bated breath!
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US WHY YOU LOVE DOWNTON ABBEY!
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6 Comments
I found it fun to see how the characters look dressed as themselves as compared to their characters. Perhaps it’s the hats or hairstyles or clothing but they seem so much more visually interesting looking dressed as The Downton Abbey characters.
Nancy,
Anna Robbins, the costume designer for Downton, spent hours meticulously researching fashions of the era. And how they changed from one season to another. Every fabric, stitch, accessory is perfection. I’m thinking about going back to the beginning just to focus on the costumes and hair. I read that many costumes were found in vintage shops, but most were sewn from scratch. Here’s a great article about the finery and fashions of Downton: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3238700/Downton-Abbey-costume-designer-reveals-REALLY-goes-s-elaborate-outfits.html
Oh Sharon!
Well done! I admit to loving Downton Abbey, although I came in after the tragic end of Mathew. Glad I missed that. I am a bit fearful that another will be lost before this all ends. Loved the blog and the quotes!
Diane,
I highly recommend starting from the beginning. It’s so much fun to see how the fashion and trends change from season to season.
I love Violet. I think she gets all the best lines. I think the series will end with the birth of Anna and Bates baby. Hopefully Edith will finally get a love interest. She deserves some happiness. Julian Fellowes is a brilliant writer. I wish we could get shows that are as good as this with American screen writers. The Winterthur Museum in Delaware had a special showing of the ” Costumes of Downton Abbey” a year ago. I would love to see them. Especially the pre WWI costumes.
Janet, I was waiting for your comments. I know how much you love this series. We will sigh together at the end. I wish I could have seen those costumes. Perhaps they’ll travel here again.