Saxton Reads! & Reviews

Many of you told me you loved Masterpiece Theater's Downton Abbey. I was convinced but wasn't certain if my husband would sit through ten hours of what he might term a soap opera, one with British dialog to boot. Good naturedly, but with a bit of skepticism he agreed to watch Part 1 the other night. Happy to say, Downton is a thumbs up in our household.

It was easy to get caught up in the life of the Crawley family, Lords and Ladies of Downton for generations. As the story begins, death and a right of inheritance threaten to displace the Crawleys. Creator Julian Fellows chose his cast and location well. A blend of old aristocracy, the new self made heir, and the elegant backdrop of Highclere Castle (Downton) make this a first class production. Of course. part of the fun is the back story, the goings on of family and servants; their loves, money, pomp, gossip, secrets, loyalties, deceit, all which will make or break the preservation of Downton Abbey.

We both found lots of humor here, laughing right out loud at the absurdity of some situations and found ourselves talking about the hierarchy of British rule. Dukes, Earls, Dames; we can never keep them straight. The Masterpiece website has excellent information about Highclere Castle, why it was chosen as the location, its role in the story and some good shots of its interior. Makes me want to hop a plane and go visit.

Downton Abbey is a delightful period piece. We're happy to know there will be a series 2. but can hardly wait until it's aired in January of 2012.