For those of you who love Downton Abbey, but don’t care about the Super Bowl, (or only watch for the commercials like me)  this is for you! (Kudos to kievkirby.)

What did you think of Episode 1?

The opening music of Masterpiece makes me positively giddy! Added to the fun was the fact that I was tweeting comments back and forth with my sister as we watched. It felt like she was with me. 🙂

Matthew & Mary – I loved Mary and Matthew’s little flirtatious at the beginning and I’m not sure which made me swoon more –  the closed-eyes kiss at the door or his line, “I could never be happy with anyone else while you walked the earth.”

But what kind of wedding scene was that? We had the big entrance and then they cut to them coming back from their honeymoon? Uh, hello? What about my favorite parts – when a Papa places his daughter’s hand in the groom’s? The longing looks? The beautiful words? The lifting of the veil for the first married kiss? Nada. Oh, well. (Someone from the UK did explain that when they watched the episode over there it ended at the wedding. The following episode opened with the honeymoon. But in the US, the two episodes were shown together. Well, I can forgive them if it meant we say two hours worth last night. ;-))

I love Matthew but his scruples get a little bit on my nerves. First he would not marry Mary after Lavinia died and now he won’t take the money left to him. I think he is making too much of it. Although, the way he has taken Branson under his wing is sweet. It is a wonderful bromance.

Robert & Cora –I was a little perturbed with Cora last season with the way she allowed O’Brien to manipulate her at every turn but she was my heroine this episode with her treatment of Robert and the news of their possible demise. Her humor, sensitivity and desire to enjoy this possible last happy moment together was lovely.

Lady Violet & Martha Levinson – Granny was a treasure as always. No one delivers zingers with such refined elegance as she does. My favorite line of the night? To Robert: “Oh, I am sorry. I thought you were the waiter.” Hahahaha! As for Shirley MacLaine it was hard for me to get into her character although the barbs between her and Violet were priceless. I will also admit her picnic idea was awesome. (But am I still a faithful American if I am on #TeamViolet?)

Branson & Sybil – I kept wondering my Sybil was wearing what looked like a velour muumuu until I remembered me was preggers. No one mentioned it. Branson is at his best when he is showing a little self-restraint and humility. I can pass on the political ire. And kudos to him for giving into the ladies and wearing proper wedding attire.

Edith – Edith’s character has gone through a lot over the last two season. She went from a nuisance to a husband stealer to a loving nurse to a loveless spinster. I am glad she is fighting for her man, even if it seems a little desperate at times. Underneath it all she has a good heart and she just wants to love and be loved.

Anna & Bates  – Anna is as faithful as ever. And she is tapping into her inner Sherlock Holmes to find clues. What is going on with Bates? Well, other than being away from the one he loves and locked in prison for life for a crime he did not commit. Or did he? Dun.Dun.Dun.

Downstairs – Daisy is back in annoying mode. When we she stop listening to Thomas?? Thomas, well I cannot say what I think about him or I’d be going to confession over a fictitious character. Mr. Hughes – She has me in tears. Poor thing. Mrs. Patmore – Priceless. Mr. Carson – I hope he finds out about Mrs. Hughes so he can offer her some comfort. O’Brien – If anyone can go toe to toe with Thomas, it’s her. The two new characters – Not impressed.

Random Thoughts:

• I could not stop laughing at how times have changed in fashions. Who would have thought that a long tailed tux was once considered Casual Friday?
• My new favorite word? Don’t be such a hobbledehoy.
• I’ll be rewatching scenes tonight. Between tweeting and trying to stop Matty from jumping on my head (blast you, late afternoon naps!) I know I missed some things!

Share your thoughts in the comments. I love to read them!! In the meantime, have a great day. 🙂

Here is a little tidbit of Downton Abbey news from BBC.

Julian Fellowes to Write Downton Abbey Prequel

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19755983

Julian Fellowes, the writer behind the hit series Downton Abbey, is writing a prequel which follows how the Earl and Countess of Grantham first met.
“I do actually have an idea of doing a prequel of the courtship of Robert and Cora, when all those American heiresses were arriving in London.
“They had a slightly troubled courtship, because she was in love with him before they married, as we know, and he married her entirely for her money,” said Fellowes, speaking at the Bafta Screenwriters’ Lecture series.
“I sort of feel there’s something quite nice in there because he’s a decent cove, and so he feels rather guilty about this which has affected their marriage beyond that.” Fellowes spoke of the prequel in book form, but – given the success of Downton Abbey – a TV adaptation seems almost certain.
The period drama, now in its third series, has proved a huge hit for ITV, and the broadcaster is keen to extend Downton’s longevity – though it is rumoured that leading characters such as Dan Stevens are likely to leave the show at the end of the current series.
The spin-off drama would cast a pair of younger actors in the roles, currently played by Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, as his American wife. Julian Fellowes Fellowes has enjoyed huge success in the UK and the US since Gosford Park Fellowes said any spin-off would be broadcast after the end of Downton Abbey.
“For me, any other books or plays or films should follow after the end of the television show.”
“I don’t think you can continue a narrative in more than one area at once,” he explained.
“I never really liked those Coronation Street Christmas specials where they all go to Haiti, and you don’t have to watch it. Somehow it doesn’t feel very organic.”
The prequel may also provide an opportunity to take the drama to America, where Downton Abbey has proved equally popular – picking up an Emmy for Britain’s Dame Maggie Smith earlier this week.
“I do feel very strongly that America rescued me,” said Fellowes, referring to his 2001 Oscar-winning screenplay for Robert Altman’s Gosford Park.
“All the stuff in England, the stuff we have about each other, they don’t care about all that. They care about whether your last picture did anything or what you’re doing next.”

Speaking of Downton Abbey, someone was asking me the other day why I didn’t simply download Season 3 online rather than waiting until it is shown in the US in January. I do love DA but it is more than just finding out what happens ASAP. Half the fun is experiencing the excitement and anticipation week to week with your friends. I like to follow the DA twitter feed as it premieres and blog about it the next morning and guess what is going to happen next. Last year when Season 2 came out on Blu-ray before it finished airing on PBS I was able to watch the shows beforehand but it wasn’t the same. I missed all the added fun. So….for this reason, I wait. 😉

Later this week (or next week) I’ll post info and trailers for other period dramas I am looking forward to. Have a great Monday!