Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey.
PBS

TUBE!

There was so much hype about this show, and people were posting how excited they were that a new season was starting, and it all seemed so contrived and weird to me. But how can one rationally criticize something they've never seen. One can in special circumstances, but this isn't one of them.

So I took the plunge and dived into the first season of Downton Abbey. I frankly didn't get why someone once again was trying to jam this format down our throats. I mean in the 70's there was "Upstairs, Downstairs", and the network version "Beacon Hill." But it is a bit like Todd Rungren releasing "Hello It's Me" again and again...."I wrote a great song, doggone it and I'll re-release until you all finally love it."

Downton Abbey is a soap opera with an unlimited budget. But that does not mean it's a bad thing. The storyline was interesting, and the costumes phenomenal, and it had Elizabeth McGovern. But after the first season I decided it wasn't my thing, and in a nonsexist way thought of it as more of a woman's story. And what wrong with that? I like women.

So I recommended it to my wife, and after only one episode she binged watched five seasons. So I think I was right. (Although she called the fourth season slow and her least favorite.)

Even though this show wasn't my thing, I cannot critically call it bad. And sure there are men that will like this and women that love the movie "Die Hard." But overall, I feel like I should just say, it wasn't for me, but that doesn't make it not good.

So if you're curious, give it a go. I found the hierarchy of the servant staff to be intriguing. The Butler is the top dog and it works its way down through Valets and Footman and Maids etc.

Worth a watch.

GRADE: B+