Tag: Downton Abbey

‘Downton Abbey’ isn’t just a show for women

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 13, 2014.

Sometimes, I’m behind on my TV shows.

A few of my friends kept telling me to watch “Downton Abbey,” so I gave in and borrowed the first season from the library.

One friend said the first season wasn’t good, so I wasn’t sure what to think. I thought the first season, which centers around who the eldest daughter, Mary, should wed, was good TV.

But by the time I watched the second season, I was hooked.

The show has covered many years. The premiere takes place after the Titanic sunk in 1912, and season four takes place in the 1920s. The first and second seasons spanned many more years than the third and fourth.

Some say the show is geared toward woman, but I disagree.

Yes, the period drama showcases beautiful costumes, and yes, there is romance. But it’s so much more than that.

As a whole, “Downton Abbey” is a show about a family empire in transition. Themes of war, politics, love and tradition are sprinkled throughout the show’s 34 episodes.

The drama portrays history in an interesting way. It’s not always accurate, but I won’t discredit the show for that. They do have a historical adviser, and some of the scenes are filmed at Highclere Castle in England.

With the second season depicting World War I, many changes occurred throughout the following years and episodes as the family and country deal with the aftermath of the war in terms of social standard, economy and more.

Rape, racism, dancing, weddings, arguments and other events and issues are depicted in the British show.

It’s also interesting to note that some of the problems the Downton family faces are still a problem today. The estate faces financial trouble, including a bad investment, and some deem the family as too entitled.

I suggest giving the show a chance. Its merit is beyond pretty costumes.

Season 5 of “Downton Abbey” will air in the U.S. in January.

My New Year’s wishes for TV in 2015

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 30, 2014.
To be fair, one of my wishes did come true in 2015.

If it hasn’t been your day, your month or your year, “Friends,” with the help of The Rembrandts, lets you know that friends will be there for you.

And so will TV. Sorry, but new shows and old re-runs will not disappear anytime soon.

While TV is enjoying a greater status these days, there’s always room for improvement.

Here are my wishes for TV in 2015 (There are some spoilers if you haven’t watched certain shows, so be warned.):

KEEP SHOWS ON NETFLIX

I’m watching “Ugly Betty” with a friend of mine, but we just found out the dramedy is disappearing from Netflix on Jan. 4. Not cool.

We still have 1½ seasons to go, and there’s no way we will be able to finish in time.

Why do shows stay on the streaming service for only a limited time? Myriad reasons, but I don’t care.

If I’m watching a show on Netflix, I don’t want to have to hunt for it elsewhere because the streaming service decided to remove it.

AIR THE GOOD FINALE OF ‘HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’

Remember when many HIMYM fans (including me) were disappointed in the finale of the long-running CBS comedy? You know, the finale where Barney and Robin divorce, the Mother dies and Ted woos Robin … again?

After the should’ve-been-expected uproar, the alternative ending leaked prior to the season 9 DVD release. It’s not that different from what originally aired in March, but it’s infinitely better.

Anyone who buys the DVD or searches for it on YouTube can watch it, but since it’s what many fans wanted, the alternate ending should air on one of the numerous networks that air the show in syndication.

HAVE A PROPER SEND-OFF FOR HOWARD’S MOM ON ‘THE BIG BANG THEORY’

Carol Ann Susi died in November. The actress played a host of minor TV characters, but in her role as Howard’s mom on “The Big Bang Theory,” she was never actually seen, partly (I’m guessing) because she’s not actually that overweight.

Her voice will be missed on the CBS comedy, and she’s too memorable to just have the character slip through the cracks and never be talked about again.

I don’t know how the producers will make it work, but it’s necessary to give her something.

GET SCHMIDT AND CECE BACK TOGETHER ON ‘NEW GIRL’

Putting Nick and Jess together so early in the Fox comedy’s run might have been a bad idea, but the show’s other will-they-or-won’t-they couple has been apart for too long.

Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Cece (Hannah Simone) have matured in ways viewers might not have thought were possible. When was the last time Schmidt had to put money in a certain jar?

The two have developed a solid friendship, so now it’s time for showrunner Elizabeth Meriwether to bring them together again.

AIR ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ IN THE US AND ENGLAND SIMULTANEOUSLY

I have friends in England, and I’m super thankful they haven’t spoiled “Downton Abbey” for me.

I’m anxiously awaiting its Jan. 4 return, but it aired months ago across the pond.

It’s silly to wait to air the BBC show in the U.S., especially when spoilers are so easy to come by.

BRING ‘GRACEPOINT’ BACK

I’m still a bit shocked at how “Gracepoint” ended Dec. 11. I wouldn’t say I’m not satisfied since the pivotal question of who killed Danny was answered, but it left me wanting more.

Maybe I need to watch “Broadchurch,” of which the Fox drama was based. But I want to see how Anna Gunn would portray her character’s rebuilding.

MAKE CABLE SHOWS EASIER TO WATCH ONLINE

I would love to watch “The Newsroom” or “Olive Kitteridge,” but I don’t have an easy way to access them.

I also don’t believe in illegally streaming shows.

Hulu and cable networks such as HBO and Showtime need to make an agreement so that everyone can watch multiple shows in one place instead of having multiple online subscription services.