Downton Abbey-TV Series Review

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Language: English
Seasons: 6
Genre: Historical period drama
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith

There is always a void and sadness when an epic show ends. I was unwilling to watch the grand finale of Downton Abbey. Tarun convinced me that we will watch it from the beginning after sometime. I'm sure many share our feelings. We have cried with it, laughed with it, have fallen in love with them, have lived with them.

WeReflect: Downton Abbey a historical period drama created by Julian Fellowes, a Baron and married to an heir. Who could tell a better story than him? I have read many historical novels, mostly of Barbara Cartland whose characters are always around noble men and women, but a drama in TV show, it is the first time.

Downton Abbey is set in fictional town of Yorkshire County Estate between the time period of 1912 and 1925. It depicts the story of Robert Crawley, 7th earl of Grantham, his American wife Cora, their three daughters (Mary, Edith, Sybil), and their near and dear ones. Simultaneously it follows the lives of their servants in downstairs. 

The title and estate will go to male heir next in line because of the entail as Robert has three daughters and no son. He married American heiress, Cora with an intent to solve financial difficulties. Now that money is integrated to the entail. Elder daughter Lady Mary is betrothed to heir-presumptive who dies in RMS Titanic sinking. That makes Matthew Crawley, a lawyer from Manchester the new heir.

John Bates, Earl's new valet arrives in Downton. He has an adversary in Thomas Barrow who is determined to see Bates leave so he can go back to his position as valet. This is just the beginning. It is next to impossible to narrate the whole story.

The series involves major historic events like sinking of RMS Titanic, Suffragist, first world war, Spanish influenza pandemic, formation of Irish free state, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, UK's general election, etc.

It is about changing time and acceptances. Lady Sybil's marriage to family chauffeur, Tom Branson tells you about the class barrier. Lady Mary's almost scandalized one-night stand with Turkish ambassador and how she was called damaged goods by her mother gives glimpse of women's oppression. And not to forget Edith's unmarried status and later child out of wedlock. A gay character in the role of Thomas Barrow is most despised for his scheming nature.

Stunning sets, beautiful costumes, exquisite hair styles, crisp dialogue, gripping narration, splendid music, brilliant casting, and powerhouse of acting by each and every characters makes Downton an epic drama. I cannot decide which is my favorite role because I loved them all. However, the one role that entertained us the most was Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Granthm. And the the one character I look up to and inspire to be is Isobel crawley, widowed mother of Matthew Crawley. She is liberal, forward in thinking, appreciates the importance of education, and always trying to help the poor and destitute. As a trained nurse she works during first world war and later stars working for sex workers and holds her ground by employing one.

And Highclere castle is on our to-see list whenever we get the chance to visit UK.  I highly recommend "Downton Abbey" if you love period drama and a stellar performance.