Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
OK, OK, I will grant you it was derivative from other PBS/BBC dramas. But, honestly, I was instantly at one with the opulent sets, the countless period costumes, the beautiful English countryside, the last-gasp-of-Victorian-era soap opera plots, and the subdued but engaging soundtrack. Add to that the writing of Julian Fellowes coupled with those amazing English accents, turns-of-phrase, manners, and sly looks — sheer perfection.
This clip shows the rapier wit of Maggie Smith’s dowager countess character at her best.
Downton was so popular that, among other things, it spawned numerous parodies on both the tube and online. In this video made for a British charity campaign we see George Clooney joining the real cast members (including a swooning Lady Violet).
Personal connection
Personal connection: The mother-in-law of the lord of the manor is played by the legendary actress Shirley MacLaine. Shirley, her brother Warren Beatty, and I all attended the Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia (as did Sandra Bullock). I will, however, hasten to add we were all in different graduating classes. For Shirley and Warren “Beatty” was the actual family name.
Shirley Maclaine and Warren Beatty in 2008
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