It has come to my attention that some of my good friends haven’t yet seen the most amazing show on television: that’s right, I’m talking about Downton Abbey. This is astounding to me—clearly, I haven’t done my duty to the latest-greatest period drama.
So here it is: 10 Reasons to Watch Downton Abbey.
10. No commercials. The lack of breaks means you’re drawn in even more than you anticipate.
9. The soundtrack, especially the theme. It’s amazing. Mesmerizing. Enchanting. Strangely soothing, while being a little bit sad. The music foreshadows something, somehow. From the minute the show starts, you find yourself drawn in. This is what soundtracks are supposed to do, and this one does it phenomenally well.
8. It’s absolutely gorgeous to watch. The costumes are amazing, the location is stunning, and the cinematography is brilliant (clever, even, at times). It’s very definitely eye-candy—but there’s clearly a lot of thought behind each of these aspects. So let’s call it smart-eye-candy.
7. The weight of history. This isn’t an isolated period drama (like the work of the beloved Jane Austen). The Titanic‘s sinking, WWI, entail laws, the Russian Revolution, and women’s rights (to name just a few) all play a role in the story’s plot. It’s not just that the characters are aware of the events; in some way, someone is truly affected by each one.
6. Characters you can relate (or at least react) to. Julian Fellowes has created an entire cast of characters (not just one or two main characters) that it’s impossible not to care about. There are some that I adore, others I love, a few I hate, and some who I can’t quite figure out. But no one is completely cookie-cutter (well, almost no one). Even the awful characters will do something admirable; even the lovely characters do things you wish they wouldn’t. You’re forced to reckon with the humanity of each character (although, spoiler alert, Thomas makes me MAD, and I refuse to see the good in him :).
5. The writing. The writing is smart and thoughtful. It doesn’t feel contrived. Sometimes you watch a show and you feel like any character could say any of the lines; not so with this. The dialogue is tight and clever and not entirely unrealistic. And it’s funny. It’s dry, of course—but there’s no lack of humor. The plotlines are brilliant, too. There’s always a lot going on. Schemes, intrique, feelings, and actions intertwine—sometimes messily, and sometimes tidily. It’s done with just the right amount of tension and just the right amount of resolution.
4. Guys like it. I’m telling you, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill period drama fare. Those of you who normally shy away from this kind of show should give it a try. Ask some guys you know; in my experience, the ones who have seen the show vouch for it.
3. The will-they/won’t-they/OH-I-HOPE-THEY-DO romance of Bates and Anna.
2. The will-they/won’t-they/IF-THEY-DON’T-I-WON’T-KEEP-WATCHING (except that I will) chemistry between Matthew and Mary.
1. Two words: Maggie. Smith.
It airs on PBS Masterpiece Classic. Right now we’re in Season 2. I highly highly highly recommend watching Season 1 first. I’m telling you: this show is worth watching. There’s a reason America has fallen in love with it. In fact, that would be my #11: 4.2 million people are watching this show (that’s up 18% from last season, and 1 million more than are watching Mad Men). So, c’mon, get with the program (pun intended ;)
