Tomorrow, the second season of the hit ITV show Downton Abbey premieres in the UK. Unfortunately, we Yanks won’t see it until January when PBS deigns to show it. Until then, I’ll have to satisfy my Downton Abbey fix with websites and blogs about the new season (without spoiling it for myself.) I’m completely addicted to this show. I have the dvd box set, I’m getting the new book when it comes out, and I frequent Downton Abbey themed websites and blogs. I even finally convinced my boyfriend to watch the show. He’s officially addicted now as well. I just can’t get enough of wondering whether Bates and Anna will finally end up together or if Lady Sybil will commit the ultimate defiance of her aristocratic upbringing and fall in love with the chauffeur, Branson. Will Thomas and O’Brien ever get their comeuppance? Will Mrs. Patmore chill the hell out and stop yelling at the poor scullery maid, Daisy? Will nice guy William EVER get the girl? Most of all, will Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley work out? As you can see, I’m invested in this series.
Thomas makes bad look so sexy!
When I first heard the man who brought us Gosford Park (a freaking awesome movie) was doing a series based in the Edwardian Era, I almost shat myself was very excited and couldn’t wait to see it. That era is my favorite English historical period. It’s a time period when the aristocracy was steeped in tradition and elitist values whilst battling against a very modern world that was rapidly changing around them (and not in their favor.) The Edwardian Era was a time of decadence, extreme wealth, and social change. So much happened during those few short years during the reign of King Edward VII (although at the start of the first season of Downton Abbey, he was already dead and his son, King George V was crowned king.) My interest in Downton Abbey came from my love of the time period itself. In fact, I may just decide to do my thesis on the Edwardian Era whenever I pursue my Masters in History.
Someone’s gotta be the bitch!
When Downton first premiered last year, it had some stiff competition from the reboot of the first Edwardian classic Upstairs, Downstairs. The original Upstairs, Downstairs was heavy on the melodrama and just as interested in the relationship between the servants and their employers. The master/servant dynamic plays an important role in both shows. While they are indeed employed to the family, in reality, the servants have all the power. They control whether dinner will be on time, whether the clothes will be cleaned and pressed, whether the house is immaculate, etc. Without the servants, the house would come to a grinding halt. Which is one of the aspects that makes shows like Downton and Upstairs, Downstairs so great. However, Downton is much much MUCH better! The new Upstairs, Downstairs failed to measure up to its predecessor and the far superior Downton.
When the new season premieres, we’ll see the drama surrounding The Great War, the issues surrounding the many complicated romances within Downton, and how the family and servants cope with war and a changing world. I’m over the moon for this new season and I wish I lived in the UK so I can see it now!!!!
If you like the Edwardian period or shows taking place during that time, check out the PBS/Channel 4 documentary Manor House.
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