Downton Abbey

I enjoy Downton - but as entertainment, not as being in any way representative of "downstairs" lives. Many of the plots are equally preposterous but I manage to suspend disbelief while it's on.

I think all the actors are good, except for Mary whose posh voice is, in my opinion, unnatural and monotonous.

I've only just started watching Downton so I'm reserving judgement for the moment. But one thing I would like to observe (which almost has me reaching for the remote) is the ham acting of the Butler character. He is terrible! He never seems to do anything except creep about being holier than thou and pronouncing all his remarks in the most pompous and wooden manner. The other actors are all fairly believable although Maggie Smith overacts the Grande Dame a bit. Is nuance in acting dead?

I've recently re-watched Brideshead Revisited with Jeremy Irons and Laurence Olivier - now there IS an acting masterclass!

Apparently there are two dogs in the Downton cast, and they have been replaced during previous series.

Unfortunately George Clooney will only appear on a Downton Christmas charity sketch. I might watch Text Santa for once!

Is Penstemmon on this thread? Because there are borders of wonderful penstemmons there, which inspired me to come home and plant more in our borders.

It's Highclere Castle, Lona and well worth a visit if you are in the Newbury area. The Egyptian exhibition was an extra £5 and I did wonder whether to bother, but it was wonderful.

I think the dog is a different dog, and the original was an actor not the dog belonging to Lord and Lady Carnarvon

I seem to think that the original dog actually belonged to the owners of the stately home (I can't remember which house it is)

Eagerly awaiting the appearance of George Clooney!

rosesarered - so pleased to see someone else spotted the dog has the same name, Isis, but is a much younger, slimmer dog than the original Isis. I enjoy suspending belief and watching Downton. Love the Dowager's killer one liners, the clothes and the scenery. However, I can't suspend belief about that dog. Does his lordship call all his dogs Isis, I wonder.

Mary always annoys me!

yes, I think we will find out what happened to 'the lover' but may have to wait a bit. I did get a bit bored watching the first episode last night, but first episodes are always a bit 'setting the scene' aren't they.
Lady Grantham looking older [as she should] and the butler looking and soundinfg even stuffier than Lord Grantham.Isis [the dog] looking much younger and slimmer [different dog?]

The lover disappeared off to Germany and hasn't reappeared. What is he up to - shall we ever find out?

Thanks for the update rosequartz. I have not missed a episode but totally forgot that she went to stay with an aunt in London.

Slimy Thomas does not change. I hope that the servant who has a conviction is not sacked.

rubysong, yes it could have been then, she went to stay with her aunt in London, confessed to her then went to Geneva to have the baby as far as I remember. The lover disappeared off to Germany and hasn't reappeared.
The little girl looks quite like her I thought!

Any ideas of the whereabouts of the father of Lady Edith's little girl? Sorry bit involved - couldn't remember his name!

That fire brigade was quick off the mark!!

Come on, Daisy. Get that teacher to show you the ins and outs of numbers (didn't they call it arithmetic in those days?) You've got a farm to inherit - probably by the end of the series.

I agree about Lord Grantham but if Cora doesn't stop simpering her head's going to roll off her right shoulder.

Spot on Rosequartz regarding the two footmen. You could see that in Thomas' face. When was the last series? I seem to have missed some plot (Lady Edith baby). Could it have been last November, when we were on the States, or am I just starting to forget things?

Yes, I thought there should have been a fireguard!

Nanabelle Lord Grantham is getting very grumpy and stuffy - I think because the old order is changing and he doesn't like it one bit. In Jane Austen's time everyone knew their place, but in 1924 people are beginning to wonder exactly where 'their place' is.
The times they are a-changing.

Thomas was lurking supposedly as a lookout for the other footman, Jimmy, who was 'looking after' Lady Anstruther. Probably lurking because he lusts after Jimmy therefore enjoying the tryst vicariously. That's what I thought, may be wrong though!

I think it got back to form last night.

I haven't watched it all yet I let DH off after three quarters of an hour - I think he had suffered enough! The Duke being passed over for the Butler for Chairman - hilarious!

That's a shame ninathenana. I enjoyed it - lots of different story lines, though I do find Lord Grantham so very grumpy stuffy and snobby! I think he should be of a more gentleman like character (as in Jane Austen!!) - more gracious as the lord and master.
Not sure why they didn't have a fireguard of some sort in the bedroom though, especially at night. And surely the slimy Thomas would not still be there?

Is it just me that felt a little disappointed ??

I'll be saving it for tomorrow as promised to watch Our Girl with DH. He is not a Downton fan.

It's great to have something to watch on a Sunday night now that it's dark outside

Oh yes! Can't wait!

Yup - I'll be there!