Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

TV Talk: Downton Abbey 2, Episode 2

downton5.jpg
After that depressing Packers game yesterday, Brian and I were happy to sit down and lose ourselves into the world of Downton Abbey. I didn’t use my twitter feed last night so instead I wrote my comments on the main characters this morning. Enjoy and share your own thoughts!

Mrs. Crawley – I loved Mrs. Crawley in Season One, especially when she went toe to toe with The Countess, but she always seemed to be bossing someone this episode. I know she is used to being in charge and doing what she feels is right but it is getting a bit overbearing. Although, she does have the grace to not cause a scene when she is reprimanded or overlooked.

Lord and Lady Grantham – I must give credit to Lord and Lady Grantham for opening their home. I know it seems as if they are being petty and selfish (even the worry over a footman seems a bit ridiculous) but I tried to imagine that happening in my own home. I don’t know if I could do it. Perhaps if I was in charge and called the shots but to have someone else tell me what I could and could not do in my own home, I don’t think I’d take it kindly. I guess I am more selfish than I’d like to admit. Although, I do wonder…the house of Downton Abbey looks HUGE from the outside. If the Granthams wanted their privacy, is there not another wing of the house they can use? Why do they seem so cramped?

Sybil – Her best line, “It is doing nothing that is the enemy.”

O’Brien – O’Brien has shown a much softer side this season and as much as she’s been scheming and pulling strings (is Cora completely blind?) it is nice to see that she feels remorse from her sins and is trying to make up for it by watching out for Lady Grantham. I still don’t understand why she is so attached to Thomas? Will he land out being her son or related to her?

Thomas – Thomas wasn’t that prominent this episode but the scenes he had did not change my views of him. He is still a pain in the arse.

Branson – I don’t know what to think of him. He is so hell-bent on making his political statement that he seems blind to all else. Although, Brian and I got a laugh at how many people had to read the note before they actually got to Branson. Thank God he wasn’t moving very quickly. The second laugh was the “gun” he was going to use. Thank God he was not planning anything worse!

Mary – I love the change I have seen in Mary. She was so selfish and self-centered in Season One. Now she has numerous opportunities to try and destroy Matthew’s engagement but instead she is trying to be empathetic to Lavinia and can’t bear to hurt Matthew, even if it means she has to suffer interior torture. Some may call her a needless martyr but I think it speaks of the depth of her true love of Matthew.

Matthew – He may not admit it, but he will never stop loving Mary. I do believe he cares for Lavinia and that she is a nice girl but she is still his second choice. Little things he does show that his mind turns to Mary before Lavinia. I think a telling act, although it was from last week’s episode, was when he went out into the battlefield and the token of affection he placed in his pocket was not the photo of his fiancé but the little dog given to him by Mary.

Lang – I can feel nothing but pity for him, even when he foolishly reveals Mrs. Patmore’s secret.

Daisy and William – I was so upset with Daisy when she blindly followed Thomas last season, but I chalked it up as a folly of youth. I don’t quite understand why she is not in love with William. He is a good man and kind to her. It is not as if she knows many other men in her life. In her position it seems only natural that she’d fall in love with him. As to lying to him, couldn’t she have just postponed the engagement?

Edith – Poor Edith seemed to vacillate between vindictiveness to stupidity to the Jan Brady syndrome. It is lovely to finally see that she has found her calling in serving others and bringing kindness to weary souls. I think as long as she does not fall for another married man she may truly find true happiness.

Ethel – Oh, boy. You can see the writing on the wall with that one. One look at the Rico Suave officer she is flirting with and you know exactly what he has in mind. Take care, foolish girl!

Anna – I love Anna dearly and it was nice to see her looking so pretty for her fella. But I wish she would please stop asking Bates to live with her in sin. It is like watching Jane Eyre in reverse. She has the weakness of Rochester while Bates has the strength of Jane. I can’t say that I blame her or that I wouldn’t be tempted to do the same thing but that doesn’t make it right.

Mr. Bates – I want to kiss him for being so gallant and gentlemanly to Anna when she is feeling weak. And I wholeheartedly want him and Anna to find happiness together. However, I do not think for a moment that Vera Bates will go without a fight. She seems like the type who would rather see someone dead than to have them happy with someone else, no matter how much money she was offered

Lastly, The Dowager Countess of Grantham – Is there anyone who does not love her? My favorite line of the night:
Mary : “So what? One knows lots of people in London.”
Countess: “I don’t know many people who threaten me behind the laurels.”

Feel free to leave your own comments here or visit the discussion at By Sun and Candlelight: Let’s Dish about Downton. I can’t wait until next week!


TV Talk: My Downton Abbey 2, Episode 1 Twitter Feed

downton5.jpg
Since I didn’t get to see the new Downton Abbey until last night, I missed the Twitter party on Sunday night. Yet, I had plenty to say when I did watch it so here is my unpublished twitter feed while watching Downton Abbey. Feel free to share your thoughts!

BTW, if you missed the show you can watch it online here.

UPDATE: Brian just got home from work. He was talking to a coworker from the UK. She has already seen the entire season. She said there is even more drama and turmoil coming and that Vera Bates gets even nastier. After this season there is/was a Downton Abbey Christmas special that wrapped up many of Season 2’s conflicts, yet leads into new stories in the upcoming Season 3. Something to look forward to!

*********************

The kids are asleep. The lights are dimmed. I am so ready for Downton Abbey! #DowntonPBS

Laura Linney looks as excited as we are.

How did anyone make it out of there alive? #war

That’s why we love Downton, Michael. “Seems like another world.” (Yet, we can always relate to the human nature.)

Ethel is a cheeky little thing.

The best lines are always from Lady Dowager. #whatisaweekend?

Brian, “What kind of name is Lavinia??” #villianousname

Dearest, Sybil. I just want to hug you.

No one eavesdrops like O’Brien.

Wow, I wasn’t expecting Cousin Isobel and Lady Dowager to be agreeing on something.

Aw, Bates. I’ve loved your character in the last three movies/series I’ve seen you in. (Downton, North & South and LarkRise to Candleford.)

Will those two sisters ever stop being nasty to each other?

Poor Mary. Nothing like regret.

Of course Lavinia looks sweet but we’ll not stop wishing Mary and Matthew come to their senses.

Poor William. He needs a hug too.

Lord Grantham/Papa always seems to be the last to know.

Oh, no! Mrs. Vera Bates is in the picture now? I thought she was dead or long divorced. Noooo! The writing is on thewall…

BTW, Bates, what kind of proposal was that?

How many times have I said that to Brian, “I’d give you a smack if I didn’t want to kiss you so much.”

Oh, no an Anna/Bates kiss to tug at our hearts before it is broken.

Quotable: “My my. You are very well placed if you are ever in trouble with the law.”

O’Brien the Cat has a new mouse to tease.

Oh, yes, Matthew. Mary is so pleased to be “friends.”

Anna and Bates are making plans. Anna is blissfully happy. This can only mean one thing. Disaster is right around the corner.

Mary and Matthew, you are breaking my heart.

There it is. The bombshell. And a nasty piece of work she is. #paininthearse

I can physically feel my blood boiling. Why can’t she be thrown on the battlefield in the line of fire?

Mrs. Hughes! You shock me. I thought O’Brien was the master eavesdropper. #nosybodiesunite

No, dearest Anna. Don’t be willing to live in sin with him. Think of Jane Eyre. If it is meant to be it will work out in the end.

Oh, Anna. Your tears have brought me to tears. #heartbreak

Daisy, that’s one way to cheer William up but be careful, little one!

Hmm, Daisy. Was that look saying, “Oh, yes!” or “Oh, no!”?

How do people live in such conditions? #war

Lovely. First Vera. Now Thomas is back.

Quotable, “If I was a gentleman, I wouldn’t want to know.” “But you’re not.” “Fortunately.”

Quotable: “Flattered is a word posh people use when they are getting ready to say no.”

Be patient, Branson. She may come around.

Oh, God. I guess that bullet had his name on it. #irony #war

Poor Papa. I smell another major let down.

And there it is. An honorary position.

Is Lord Grantham ever going to find out about the scandal?

Checking for vapors? Classic, O’Brien.

Edith, don’t be so annoying. Leave Mary to her praying. #pest

I love how the love of a good man can change a selfish heart. I’m rooting for you, Mary.

We’re seeing a whole other side of Thomas. Is he going to be less hateful now? #hopeful

Well, that’s one way to get off the battlefield. Ouch.

Lang seems like a decent chap. I like the look of his eyes. I hope I am not disappointed.

Is Ethel into Lang? I’m not used to O’Brien being nice.

With a single look O’Brien says, “Give it up. Mosley. It’s never going to happen.”

Edith, you never looked so good as you do on that tractor! Good for you.

I guess Thomas isn’t turning over a new leaf. He’s as nasty as ever. #dashedhopes

Don’t even think about it, Ethel.

Why does Sir Richard look so familiar?

“Her uncle and I are old friends…” Oh, no. I smell another scandal.

And the longing glances continue. #maryandmatthew

Dear Carson. Don’t you dare die on us.

Never mind the blasted dress, Edith! #pest

Another showing of O’Brien’s softer side. #newleaf?

Sir Richard…Sir Richard…what do I know you from? I can see you…but it’s hazy in my mind…younger…threatening someone…grabbing her by the wrist…that voice…

I can’t stand it. Must look him up quickly… That’s it. Mr. Preston from Wives and Daughters. Now I can see the scene clearly. #imdb

Is that why you are so nasty, Thomas? Lack of real love?

Sir Richard/Mr. Preston has the same MO. Grabbing a young lady by the wrist and threatening her.

At first I thought the farmers were brother and sister. Then I thought, how sweet. Edith is falling in love with a farmer.

Brian just informed me that he is the sick farmer from Season 1. What? They better stop flirting with each other! #thatsnotyourwife

Oh, no. The poor soldier. Brian wants to know if Thomas gave him the razor as an “act of mercy.” I don’t think so but who knows?

Oh, Sir Richard you are just bursting with romantic notions, aren’t you. I’ve seen more sentimentality from a block of cheese. #dumphim

Branson is getting hopeful again with Sybil.

Mary can’t bring herself to tell Matthew what’s on her heart. A letter, Mary. Pouring out your heart is traditionally done in a letter.

I liked Mr. Molesley in Season 1 but he is like a pesky gnat in Season 2. #shooflyshoo

I guess it’s not only the posh that say “I’m flattered but…” #rejection

Oh, Edith, I finally started liking you and now you are a blasted homewrecker. And you, Mr. Cheeky Pig, your life was not spared so you can cheat on your faithful wife. Zip it up and get back to your house.

Quotable: “What then? Amputation in the dining room? Resuscitation in the pantry?” #ladydowager

Quotable: “Now come and give me a kiss!” “We’ll have none of that!” There are many others that should have been told that!

Daisy, I guess that previous look was “Oh, no.”

Of course you shouldn’t accept him, Mary. He stinks to high heaven. #dumphim

Read between the lines, Edith. “Get your nasty hands off my man.”

Noooo…it can’t be two hours already. Blast! Now I have to wait another week. Oh, well. Let me know what you think! #downtonwithdrawal


Masterpiece Theatre – Great Expectations

gil_and.jpg
I loved Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Lady Dedlock in Charles Dicken’s Bleak House. I eagerly await her upcoming role as Miss Havisham in Dicken’s Great Expectations, which is coming to Masterpiece Theatre.

Gillian Anderson will star in the iconic role of Miss Havisham in a bold new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. The cast of the star-studded Masterpiece on PBS/BBC coproduction also includes David Suchet (Poirot) and Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast).
“I can’t wait to see Gillian delicately sink her teeth into the role of the beautiful, mysterious and manipulative Miss Havisham. She’s one of the most intriguing female characters in literature,” says Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton. “Gillian’s hypnotic portrayal of Lady Dedlock in Bleak House showed that she and Dickens are a perfect match.”
Ms. Anderson’s 2006 performance in Bleak House — her first television role after rising to stardom as Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files — earned her rave reviews and Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
The Masterpiece broadcast of Great Expectations will air in April 2012, during the bicentennial of Dickens’ birth. Including Bleak House, Masterpiece — celebrating its 40th anniversary on PBS in 2011 — has aired nine Dickens adaptations equaling nearly sixty hours of television to date, including Little Dorrit, the winner of seven Emmy awards in 2009, and David Copperfield, which introduced Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) to American audiences.
As part of the Dickens bicentennial, Masterpiece will also partner with the BBC on The Mystery of Edwin Drood, an unfinished work that will be given a new ending by writer Gwyneth Hughes (Five Days, Miss Austen Regrets).
Widely considered one of Dickens’ greatest novels, Great Expectations tells the story of Pip the battered orphan boy, who rises from blacksmith’s apprentice to gentleman under the patronage of a mysterious benefactor, who assures him of “great expectations.” As Pip grows up, he befriends Magwitch, a convict, becomes the pet to Miss Havisham, an insane heiress, and falls in love with Estella, her cold-hearted ward. A series of shocking setbacks teaches Pip the true source of moral worth.
David Suchet, who will play Jaggers, and Ray Winstone (Magwitch), are well known to Masterpiece audiences. Suchet is renowned as the Belgian supersleuth in the popular Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series, and Winstone’s portrayal of Henry VIII on Masterpiece was called “a brilliant tour de force” by the Hollywood Reporter.
Great Expectations begins filming in London in July.

UPDATE: Great Expectations will be playing in the USA on Masterpiece Classic on April 1, 2012.