January 16, 2012 5:36 PM
Downton Abbey - let's talk!
So let's talk about last night's Downton Abbey - but first I want to share a couple things.
Tripp was working in his office last Sunday night while I watched the Season One premier. He was so intrigued that he bought Season One during a trip to Costco. Then we two Type A workaholics actually sat down Saturday and Sunday afternoons and watched the entire series (my second time) plus the Season Two premier, topped off by last night's second episode.
Tripp's comment: "I will miss them this week."
It's easy to see why. This series is so well written and incredibly executed that you are drawn into the lives of the characters. And the characters are so complex, you find yourself reacting emotionally to their decisions, good and bad.
A couple of commenters were concerned about the homosexual theme that came up in the second or third episode and whether that would be an ongoing issue.
I'm sorry I didn't issue a heads-up. It isn't a recurring theme, but was an important part of the plot because of Thomas's character and his building bitterness.
I am not one to write off movies or books because of the portrayal of sin. If I did, I wouldn't read the Bible, which is full of sin and inequity. Also Shakespeare and much good literature through the ages. In Les Miserables, a young woman gives into temptation and as a result has a child out of wedlock, but through that child a man is given a chance to redeem himself. The important thing is that the author makes a distinction between good and evil and that the lines are not blurred - or, at least that it's clear that evil does not profit the evildoer. And evil should never be glamorized.
The homosexual scene was not glamorous, but pathetic. There will also be sex outside of marriage - also pathetic - and for which a dear price is paid. There is also lying and pride and all kinds of human failing. The important thing is that sin results in shame and sadness, while acts of grace and mercy clearly shine.
I often receive Christian movies for review and cannot recommend them because as nice as they are, the lack of conflict between good and evil, or the stereotypical portrayal and lack of complexity results in something so bland and unartistic that I just can't recommend it. As C. S. Lewis pointed out, a work doesn't have to be overtly Christian to teach Christian values. The Book of Esther in the Bible never mentions God, but it definitely has a Christian worldview.
I don't think there's any way that all Christians can agree on artistic and cultural boundaries. I myself went through my first ten years of Christianity with a very tight rein - self-imposed - of what I felt was okay for me to see. But I don't feel the necessity of those limits now. So the important thing is to listen to the still, small voice and be obedient. This isn't a simple issue and there is not a one-size-fits-all answer.
But knowing that many churches impose narrow limits on their members and that many Christians could benefit from more arts and culture in their diet, I just want to share these thoughts for the benefit of anyone who is troubled by movie moments they might have found problematic.
Long story short: What should be of concern when we evaluate movies or literature - for ourselves and our children - is not the depiction of sin, but its portrayal. If it is not too graphic nor glamorized and if the consequences are negative, then it actually is a reinforcement of our values, not a challenge to them.
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So I'd love to hear your thoughts on this - and on Season Two so far. Those of you in Season One, you might not want to read further because so much of the pleasure of watching the show is in how the events unfold.
Thomas in charge?!? No, a thousand times no!
And is Isobel Crawley becoming more unlikeable?
To tell you the truth, I don't like Cora very much. She is so easily manipulated by the evil O'Brien.
And I don't like Lavinia - she certainly doesn't seem worthy of Matthew at all.
Favorite characters: Bates, of course. And Anna, who became just a bit less angelic this episode when she offered to be Bates' mistress (he's still perfect though as he turned her down so lovingly). Oh and the magnificent Violet!!! Isn't Maggie Smith delightful every time she appears?
(You might like the Downton Abbey site Voting on Favorite Characters!)
Were you as surprised as I was that Branson didn't pull a gun out of the chafing dish?
And the scene where the servants awaken and so much work has gone on before their well-deserved breakfast is interrupted by the bells ringing?
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I have found the entire Season 2 on-line for free viewing (you can only watch 72 minutes of the show during a 24 hour period, but that allows time to watch an entire episode each day). Here's the website address - http://tv-site.net/downton-abbey-season-2.
Now you don't have to wait! :)
Posted by: Jennifer | January 16, 2012 7:28 PM
Yes, I love Downton Abby and yes I'm shocked to hear Thomas is in charge but, this has to be a device to get us viewers even more upset and conflicted and more drawn in but, with the ultimate hope that he'll fall from his elevated position...him and O'brien. Lord Crawley is a perfect boob sometimes and he doesn't seem to be able to read-between-the-lines. It's like he doesn't really want to know what's going on in his house. Isobel and Cora are turning awfully cranky...must be the war. I think Lavinia's okay, for now. I really don't want Matthew to drop Lavinia and go back to Mary; he seems genuinely good and kind and she's (Mary) an opportunistic, spoiled woman who is bored and boring, plus she's got a cruel streak which Matthew does not deserve (she deserves the heartache she's been going through). I was beyond surprised to learn that chafing dish did not contain a gun...that was a total setup by the writers. Can hardly wait for the next episode although I did read that the first 2 episodes are the best of the second season. So glad it's back on!
Posted by: Pam | January 16, 2012 9:59 PM
I liked when the General recognized Edith... as nasty as she has been, I was saddened last season when Mary sabotaged her chances with Sir Anthony Strallan. She is an underdog and I find myself rooting for her (despite her obvious flaws). And I wish Daisy were more sensible about William- next to Bates, he is the most honorable member of the staff. I think she would be lucky to be his wife! I LOVE Lady Violet! My favorite one-liners from last season: "What is a weekend?"
Mrs. Crawley: "I take that as a compliment." Lady Violet: "I must've said it wrong."
Doctor: "Mrs. Crawley tells me she has recommended nitrate of silver and tincture of steel." Lady Violet: "Why, is she making a suit of armor?"
Classic!
Posted by: Kerri | January 16, 2012 11:10 PM
Somebody should collect all Lady Violet's one-liners. They steal the show.
Posted by: Barbara | January 16, 2012 11:52 PM
It's Violet 100% - she rocks it every episode!!! Love her zingers!!
Posted by: wendy | January 17, 2012 8:37 AM
Watched the first episode on Netflix last night. Somewhat conflicted about it - and hoping it gets better. I do appreciate the heads up on this - it's so hard to find intelligent TV these days. Congrats on the 7th blogerversary. I've been hanging around here for years, and you have been a blessing to me! We don't always agree, but you always have something worth saying, worth thinking about. You've forever changed my time in the laundry room. As the mom of 6, that's a big chunk of time, as you know.
Posted by: Sue | January 17, 2012 10:44 AM
"I am not one to write off movies or books because of the portrayal of sin. If I did, I wouldn't read the Bible, which is full of sin and inequity." Amen to that. I understand that people sometimes go through a phase when they are weaker in faith or discernment, or are particularly tempted in certain areas, and that they may feel need the secure feeling of tight boundaries and decisions made by strict guideline. But I wish they wouldn't hold that conviction legalistically as gospel truth over the rest of us. As you point out, by such standards, reading the Bible would be immoral!
I'm caught up through the season 2 premiere , and am enjoying it very much. Mary makes me so sad, living her life in a manner that may lead to so much regret.
Posted by: marian | January 17, 2012 11:01 AM
I'm waiting for my Season 1 to get delivered. I watch very little TV, and it wasn't until I read about it here that I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. I don't know when I'll get a chance to watch it, but if it's like I'm imagining, I'll make time. ;)
Posted by: kelly | January 17, 2012 4:25 PM
You've intriqued me... I put this in my Netflix Instant Que. :)
Posted by: Joani | January 18, 2012 4:20 PM
Finally, I get to join in the discussion on this....
I really, really like this series! I first watched season 1 on Amazon (FREE with A.Prime). I wanted to share it first with my husband, then with my oldest daughter; while in the midst of viewing with my oldest daughter, my younger children decided they wanted to see it, too, so it's become a family event for all of us to watch these programs that are so well done--music, costumes, script, history, sociology, etc. So, to date, I've seen the first episode of season one five(!) times (I first watched it twice by myself on purpose to take in all of the details), and most of the others three times.
I'm really enjoying watching the characters evolve and sometimes even mature. It a refreshing change to be able to so frequently discuss actual historical events that were happening at the time of events in the series. This has made some good mental connections for my girls.
Honestly, I think the music for this series is well done. The same theme is used so much, but with variations that shape our thoughts and emotions. The music brings us along or draws us in (Anna & Bates, esp.).
I like how the humanity of the characters are shown and how grace and mercy is a part of the story line. It will be interesting to see how Ethel's situation is handled.
In the most recent episode, it's wonderful to see all of the Grantham family working. And Violet--oh, my! Such a good combination of writing and actress' abilities. Maggie Smith can really deliver he lines with artful timing. There is a lot of laughter from us when she's in a scene.
After having worked on a movie, and now learning more through my oldest daughter who's studying film acting, I really appreciate all of the different small, detailed camera shots that make up a good scene. I can only imagine the many, many hours of filming and editing that goes on!
Loved the scene when Edith and Mary were singing and Matthew walked in (after being missing for a while)! I felt like I was there--or at least wanted to be.
Mrs. Bates.......well, that one is the worst of the antagonists! Hope she "gets it"!
And does anyone else wonder about the connect between O'Brien and Thomas? Could they be mother and son, or am I just off the mark?
I could go on, but there is more to be said elsewhere and much for me to do so we can gather and watch more......
Thanks for featuring this, Barbara, and I hope there'll be more interest from others, too.
Posted by: von | January 29, 2012 5:18 PM
Von, I am so glad you were able to start this series - I knew you would appreciate it!
I had to laugh at your multiple viewings. I've had the same experience as different members of my family have gotten on board with watching - I'm always happy to go back and "catch up" with them :)
As you said, each frame is so chock full of details it would take many viewings before there was nothing left to find.
I am wondering too about the connection between O'Brien and Thomas. For a while I thought maybe I had missed something, but it's never been explained - just two evil personalities attracted to each other, that's all we know for now. But maybe there's a surprise ahead?
But after last episode, Thomas seems to be softening a bit. O'Brien - hard to believe that after the destruction she caused she could still be so bitter. And Cora makes me so mad, the way she is so easily manipulated. I wish she'd stand up to O'Brien the way she stood up to Matthew's mother - which I thought was really quite ugly and undeserved.
It's hard to wait a week for the next episode. I've heard you can find them all online, so I may go looking.
Posted by: Barbara | February 3, 2012 7:05 AM
