New Upstairs Downstairs not a patch on Downton Abbey

Elaine S · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 660 Location: Rural England

At long last the BBC's new updated USDS aired and for me was a disappointment. Set in the 1930s, there are lots of subplots and so forth but the quality of the writing, the characterisations and the overall mood was not nearly as satisfying as ITV's recent Downton Abbey. Perhaps it's that Julian Fellows wrote DA and he is truly second to none with period screenplays. No doubt Downton will be shown on Masterpiece Theatre or something similar in the USA and I HIGHLY recommend it. Anyone else seen both and have a view?

Tinabelle · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 853 Location: SE Wisconsin

We here in the US have not had an airing of the new USDS, but Downton Abbey begins on January 9th on Masterpiece Classics. I am a huge fan of the BBC "bonnet dramas" and am so excited about this mini-series. The cast looks fabulous and I am sure the production values will be top notch. Glad to hear you thought it was a winner.
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ladynaava · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 938 Location: California

I'll watch it when it comes out- but I'd prefer a bit earlier which was part of the charm of the older series.

It is one of my favorites though- so I can't wait for it to come out on DVD since I will buy it.

Another series I like is 'the grand' which is set in a hotel at the time period.

NoirFemme · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1398 Location: America

I share your gripes with U/D Elaine, particularly since I love Heidi Thomas's prior work. As for Downton Abbey, you all are going to love it!

(Beg pardon for my brief moment to toot my own horn, but I'm the official co-moderator for the Twitter chat during the premiere on Jan 9th, so if you want to follow or perhaps join in the discussion, follow #DowntonPBS!)

Elaine S · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 660 Location: Rural England

An article in a British national newspaper a couple of days ago said that the US will be shown a watered down version of Downton - cut overall by some 2 hours of running time. The main reason seemed to be that it was felt US viewers would not understand entails (and other little social niceties) although I can confirm anyone watching the series will fully understand! The US DVD version will be full length I believe. What a shame to muck around with the best TV series shown in the last little while.

Lynda X · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 1250

I am really looking forward to seeing this Sunday night. As far as I'm concerned, Masterppiece theater did three fabulous, great, never-to-be forgotten, fascinating, totally enjoyable series: "Upstairs, Downstairs," "I, Claudius," and “House of Cards’ (which wasn't as good as the other two, but still great, great fun). If you have a lot of time on your hands, you can get these in your library and probably Amazon and Netflicks. I personally think that great villains make a series and the last two have two (or more, in the case of “I, Claudius,” including one played by Patrick Stewart) of the all-time best! I loved “Upstairs, Downstairs” for its fabulous historical atmosphere and lovable (generally) , complex (always) characters.

NoirFemme · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1398 Location: America

Elaine S · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 660 Location: Rural England

Let's hope NoirFemme's info is correct.

NoirFemme · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1398 Location: America

Lea AAR · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 403 Location: Oklahoma

Since this is really more of a General Chat topic, we are moving it to that forum.
You may see a similar message on a number of threads as we begin to organize our forums.
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NoirFemme · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1398 Location: America

Did anyone watch Downton Abbey last night? If so, what did you think?

merryweather · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 531 Location: Encinitas, CA

It's on my DVR waiting to be watched! Hopefully tonight I'll have time--can't wait.
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Charlotte McClain · Joined: 04 Oct 2008 Posts: 392 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

I watched it and it was wonderful. Much better than I expected and I had pretty high hopes. Very Happy

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merryweather · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 531 Location: Encinitas, CA

I also watch it last night and..oh, I'm so in love already. I think it's going to be like Gosford Park, that with repeated viewings one get more and more understanding of the relationships. Right now there are so many sidelong glances and eyebrow raises I'm dying to know how it all ends up.

So far my favorite character is Bates--he's just heartbreaking. I hope Thomas gets what's coming to him--what a stinker!
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For the first time in her life, she saw exactly what she’d thrown away when she decided to have him by means fair or foul……that she’d not saved him but wronged him by consigning to him all the ability of a box turtle to make his own choices. ~Gigi

Charlotte McClain · Joined: 04 Oct 2008 Posts: 392 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Oh! Thomas and Mrs. O'Brien! Wait until you see some of the later episodes. Those two!
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