Finally tried Downton Abbey
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2022 12:14 pm
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.
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.