[cauddyVab]

I gotta say... O'Brien's breakdown while Cora was sick had me a little misty.

Me too, they did a good job this year of making her more than just a boo-hiss baddy, though she was great at that too. And because her hair's just knitting ^^

I love that even the potentially annoying characters are still well written and acted - I even find myself caring about what happens to dreary Butler-Bates "I'm Leafing! Again! Due to Honour! OK I've Come Back". Bigger men than he have tried to divorce Catherine of Aragon, with similar results. The cast all suit their roles down to the ground though. Mrs Hughes must find true love!

Sometimes I wish they weren't galloping through the years at such a pace (someone commented they'll have Lady Mary walking on the moon before too long) because I love the 1910s and they're over already (and the Dowager Duchess can't last forever ), but it does allow plot strands to charge on entertainingly so I can see why they do.

Guesses for the Christmas Special?

It's 18 months later, and Jane the Maid returns, with a baby... OF THE MALE PURSUASION! Could it be that Lord Cameron did a little more than hold her hand and pack her off with a cheque for A Decent Amount?

[Anaedilla]

One of the reasons I like the show so much, is that the characters are a little more complex than most soap opera characters. Even Thomas has glimpses of humanity, as shown with Courtney in episode 2 of this season. I also love how the changes war brought are elements of the story, though how they dealt with the Matthew-Mary issue is a bit too clever by half. Who ever expects the Spanish Inquisition Influenza?

[shiciapsisy]

when does the xmas special air on ITV? I'm so excited for it - even if some of the plots have left me somewhat less interested this season...

Also, the third series has already been green lighted, no?!

[SHUSIATULSE]

At least THIS Christmas Special was good.

[OGOGOogoloshennya]

They really do give Maggie Smith all of the best lines.

[raspirator]

^Agreed. Maggie steals every scene.

[anolbom]

A reminder for US folks that S2 starts this week on PBS, tonight in a lot of places.

yay!

[affozyBoomi]

One of my best friends IRL is the creator of this tumblr. It's FANTASTIC.

http://shitthedowagersees.tumblr.com/

[Seisyvose]

I've just started watching this and fucking love it. Maggie Smith definitely does steal the show. Harriet Jones, Primer Minister ain't so bad herself. I live for the looks between the two of them.

Elizabeth McGovern freaks me out a bit. She can't seem to hold her head up straight.

[GaxyGroordrep]

Haha! Oh dear...

Arrested Downton

[priordine]

Downton fans - some news. Shirley MacLaine cast as Lady Grantham's mother

Maggie Smith’s acid-tongued Countess will no doubt have something delightfully bitchy to say about this: Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine is joining the cast of Downton Abbey as the mother of Elizabeth McGovern’s American-born Lady Grantham.

According to The Daily Beast, MacLaine will appear during the international phenom’s third season, which begins production next month (just as Season 2 winds down on PBS.)

“My late grandfather directed Shirley MacLaine in Gambit in 1966,” said executive producer Gareth Neame in a statement, “so it is a delight for me that she will be joining us on Downton Abbey.” I liked the beginning of Series 2 but then I radically lost interest and found it all a bit silly.

[anolbom]

We're only a couple episodes into S2 here in the US. Last night

What's his name... Daisy's dude... anyway, he bit it. I cried.

I like Shirley as an actress most of the time. I think she could be really good if she's "on". And if she's on? Her vs. Dowager Lady Grantham is going to fucking awesome.

[smazibummigue]

I like Shirley as an actress most of the time. I think she could be really good if she's "on". And if she's on? Her vs. Dowager Lady Grantham is going to fucking awesome.

Oh, yes. I can only imagine the absolute, breathtaking, jaw-dropping AMAZINGNESS if MacLaine and Maggie Smith go head-to-head.

[sauppyshurb]

I sat and watched all of Series 1 today. I really enjoyed it! Now I have to find a way to catch up on Series 2 so I can read the thread without being tempted to click spoilers.

Maggie Smith does get the best lines. I loved the moment in the swivel chair.

[Seisyvose]

^if you're in the U.S. you can watch the first 4 episodes of Series 2 on the PBS site

[anolbom]

If Downton Abbey were on Spike tv

For people who don't know, Spike tv is a horrible cable channel that is aimed at straight guys 18-35 in the US. Lots of stupid shit blowing up and boobs. This clip was on SNL, but I am guessing NBC and Hulu won't let it be viewable outside the US, so this is a mirror site.

[raspirator]

To me.. it gets less and less magical each episode. They are destroying my Downton Abbey! But I guess we must progress as a society and as PBS viewers.

[cauddyVab]

What's his name... anyway, he bit it.

"Bit it"?

[raspirator]

Last night's episode was the best of the season. This is how should be. If it is a choice of dull intrigue and good ole fashion over dramatic.. go over dramatic.