Finally tried Downton Abbey

[Ritterskoop]

It is well-made on many levels, but I won't be sticking with it. I am not criticizing anyone who likes it; this is like religion - it doesn't work for me, but I wish well to anyone for whom it does work.

Pros:

Maggie Smith, who is nearly enough to stick with it

The music

The cinematography

The blocking of watching everyone not run into each other reminds me of the opening sequence of The West Wing, in which John Spencer navigates several rooms and clusters of people in a breathtaking sequence of filming.

I gather the history is accurate.

Cons:

The central conceit seems to be that it is noble to spend your life in service to rich people. I am all for public service, but not like this. I mean, there are what, 50, 80 people to run a house for six or seven?

I know that's only one con, but I spent the whole episode thinking of alternate, more worthy jobs for all of the servants. Can't do several seasons of that.

[Beebs52]

I finally watched it after my brain surgery last yr. I'm not big on Brit period dramas.
However, while this is a class thing interwoven, I think the characters drove this and I enjoyed it. Not everything we watch makes us happy, happy, you know?

There were insufferable and good sorts on both sides here.

[Ritterskoop]

Yes indeed; I liked and disliked people in both groups. I especially loved the scene where one of the Crawleys asks the Dowager Countess if they are to be friends, and she says they will be allies, which is much better.

[tlynn78]

I thoroughly enjoyed it, much more than I thought I would. It depicts a fascinating period of great transition, for large cross-sections of British society, and as it goes on through the seasons, does a great job of addressing Skoops exact complaint.
The costumes are delicious, and the acting, superb, for the most part, especially Dame Maggie.

[Ritterskoop]

I thoroughly enjoyed it, much more than I thought I would. It depicts a fascinating period of great transition, for large cross-sections of British society, and as it goes on through the seasons, does a great job of addressing Skoops exact complaint.
The costumes are delicious, and the acting, superb, for the most part, especially Dame Maggie.

Hmm, this makes me rethink. I will leave it up to roomie - the challenge is always to find something we both like.