I've been bitten by the Downton Abbey bug...

Sunday, September 30, 2012

So I'm finally getting around to watching all of Downton Abbey, and my parents have joined in with me on this venture. We finished Series 1 today and are planning on starting Series 2 as soon as Dad returns from a business trip. It's quite a good show, actually, and what I'm most fond of is that it's historically accurate. It's always nice to find a series that actually gets things right for a change - I'm not sitting around complaining the entire time.

I also may or may not have a bit of a crush on Branson because I like people who drive things. Ignore me.

Can you blame me, though? No, you can't, you silly person.

Anyhow, this whole thing got me thinking about costume dramas/historical TV shows, and I'm wondering why Downton is succeeding in the United States where other series have failed. Almost everybody watches Downton Abbey here. I'm not sure what's working for it that other series don't have, but the plot is extremely gripping and the characters are so lovable. I have this sinking feeling that the belief that history is boring had a lot to do with the lack of historical dramas in the United States in the past, although I'm starting to notice that they're picking up here (Boardwalk Empire, the three-part Hatfields and McCoys TV film series, etc.). It's really quite refreshing to see something I care about so much becoming something other people enjoy, as well.

Also, a special thank you to Downton Abbey for reminding the world that World War I did happen. People tend to forget about it because it was overshadowed by World War II. I enjoy reading about WWI, especially since an ancestor of mine fought in it, so having an entire series of the show focused on WWI ROCKS. Thanks, Julian Fellowes!

I really should get back to writing Londinium now, but I just wanted to be excited for a moment over a show that both gets history right and draws in millions upon millions of people each week. The world is a better place for it.