Jumping in, It is the first TV my wife has actually watched in years. Mostly, she listens with an occasional nod of the head to glimpse something, then back to the computer monitor. For Downton Abbey, she actually comes to the couch and really watches. We had a marathon and watched all the first two years in about two weeks. We were up to speed by the time the third season began.
Taken in a broad sense, Downton Abby is about change. It concerns individuals and how they are personally affected by the broad sweep of transition from what was to what is and to the unknown what will be.
The twentieth century is about the death of kings and political change resulting from dead monarchies. Downton Abby is about the death of nobility and loosening of the ties on society. Lord Grantham is the tragic figure that must live through the relatively short period where the turmoil and literal war are accelerated. He is fortunate to have a family and loyal staff that helps him weather the transition.
Taken in a broad sense, Downton Abby is about change. It concerns individuals and how they are personally affected by the broad sweep of transition from what was to what is and to the unknown what will be.
The twentieth century is about the death of kings and political change resulting from dead monarchies. Downton Abby is about the death of nobility and loosening of the ties on society. Lord Grantham is the tragic figure that must live through the relatively short period where the turmoil and literal war are accelerated. He is fortunate to have a family and loyal staff that helps him weather the transition.
You have written the most astute summary of the theme of Downton Abbey that I have read. Lord Grantham, a truly nice man, is a tragic figure. I hadn’t realized that was the definition of his character until I read your comment.
Taken in a broad sense, Downton Abby is about change. It concerns individuals and how they are personally affected by the broad sweep of transition from what was to what is and to the unknown what will be.
The twentieth century is about the death of kings and political change resulting from dead monarchies. Downton Abby is about the death of nobility and loosening of the ties on society. Lord Grantham is the tragic figure that must live through the relatively short period where the turmoil and literal war are accelerated. He is fortunate to have a family and loyal staff that helps him weather the transition.
You have written the most astute summary of the theme of Downton Abbey that I have read. Lord Grantham, a truly nice man, is a tragic figure. I hadn’t realized that was the definition of his character until I read your comment.
Nicely stated.
I watched a PBS special the other night on Highclere Castle which it turns out is used for scenes in Downtun Abbey (which I have never watched). Apparently the guy who does the show is a good friend of the current Earl. They did interviews with the Earl and his wife and it sounds like the show is actually based on their ancestors.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highclere_Castle