Monday, October 18, 2010

Downton Abbey Episode 1 : Recap and Review


I'm addicted. Within twenty minutes I was reeled in so fast that my life flashed before my eyes, and my hands are still shaking. Downton Abbey. It's beautiful, it's period drama gold, and I'm already squealing so hard internally that I feel I'm going to bust my intestines.

So I decided to do a recap of Episode 1 just for fun. And because I'm addicted. :)

The venerable Julian Fellowes has done it again; Downton Abbey promises to be a richly textured, multi-faceted story, not only with the deliciously alternate yet complementary views of life up and below stairs, but a depiction of English society at a time when modernity was charging in with electricity and trains and suffragettes.
Robert, Earl of Grantham ( AARGGH- It's Hugh Bonneville!!!!!!). Must pause while wiping tears of joy away from face. What's wrong with me? Oh all right, I am partial to Hugh Bonneville. WHY hasn't he been knighted yet???
Anyway, back to Robert, Earl of Grantham. Robert seems to be a gentle, deeply sympathetic man, quite removed from the dark, lordly types ( I'm looking at you, earls of Georgette Heyer novels), and he is married to the beautiful and elegant Cora, an American heiress whose money went to the then impoverished estate. Cora didn't mind this stipulation by Robert's father at the time because when she'd married, she thought she'd bear Robert a male heir to carry on the line. Too bad she had three girls. And now her millions are not going to be going to her blood children.

When Robert takes up his morning newspaper ( freshly ironed by Thomas the head footman so that the ink won't stain his lordly fingers), he is shocked and saddened by the news of the Titanic's sinking. He is even more shocked and saddened when a telegram ( the dreaded telegram!) is handed to him, and he learns that his cousin and heir John, and John's son Patrick perished in that fateful voyage. His beautiful eldest daughter Mary was engaged to Patrick, and she is none too happy that her chance at keeping the family money in the family has disappeared into the watery grave. Oh, well. At least she doesn't have to wear mourning. Her sister Edith is furious at her lack of feeling, having harboured secret passions for the luckless Patrick herself. Meanwhile Sybil, the sister I find the most interesting at the moment, has very little to say. She is genuinely not interested. So what if she and her sisters don't get their full inheritance?

So what?! Say what?! Violet, Robert's mother and Dowager Countess of Grantham is at once furious and conniving. She didn't mind the grand estate and title going to Patrick, as her granddaughter Mary was set to marry him. She pays a visited to her barely tolerated American daughter-in-law, and the two decide to unite as "allies", because allies, according to Violet, are more useful than friends. Their aim? Get Cora's money back and smash that entail!
Now for life below stairs. We have Carson, the rightly prim and proper butler, Mrs. Hughes, the efficient dragon of a housekeeper ( echoes of Helen Mirren's housekeeper character in Gosford Park?), and Mrs. Patmore the head cook. Then comes sympathetic head housemaid Anna, bumbling second footman William, and a rather pathetic kitchen maid called Daisy. Last and certainly least is O'Brien, Cora's personal maid, and the sneering Thomas, first footman. You will see why I abhor these two in a minute. The servants are in their usual state of hustle and bustle as the dreadful news of the deaths descends upon the house. While Robert and his family react to it in a variety of different ways, the servants are too busy to reflect on it much except at dinner. No histrionics downstairs all right. But the pax romana is upset at the appearance of his lordship's new valet, John Bates. AIIEEEE! John Bates is played by Brendan Coyle! I heart Brendan Coyle! He's such a fantastic actor; another who should be knighted alongside Hugh Bonneville. Expect your hearts to be twisted folks. Brendan's at the helm.
The servants are dismayed that Bates is a cripple (
yeah, my heart twisted already), and O'Brien and Thomas are coldly furious. The reason for their fury is that Thomas was a sort of interim valet for Lord Grantham, and had been hoping to take the job on as a full-time position. They are outrightly cruel to Bates, the other servants are hopelessly sympathetic, and only Anna treats him with the respect he deserves.
At the servants' dinner table however, sharp footsteps are heard, and the door bursts open to reveal Lord Grantham. Starting out of their seats in amazement, the servants watch as Lord Grantham grasps Bates by the hand and welcomes him far too warmly for a mere stranger. Turns out, though, that Bates isn't a mere stranger. He was Robert's batman during the Boer war, and fought alongside Robert. Now that he's unemployed, Robert invited him to be his valet.
Everyone except for Anna is embarrassed, while O'Brien and Thomas decide to rethink their strategies. O' Brien murmurs in Cora's ear about Bates' inefficacy as a valet, what with his infirmity and all, while Thomas does all he can to make Bates feel like dirt. And Thomas complains to Carson, who is also harbouring doubts as to Bates' talent for valeting. Meanwhile spite is being shelled out upstairs as well: Edith throws barbs at Mary for not weeping over Patrick. Sybil tells Mary she knows more than she lets on, but Mary informs her that she's not feeling sad because of Patrick; she feels sad that she can't feel sad. Wow, lady. Go and buy a heart from somewhere.
But a great excitement appears in the form of the Duke of Crowborough, who's invited himself to stay at Downton for a few days. This is Mary's chance! If she can snag a rich duke, her future will be made! She pretties herself up for the duke, who is, shall we say, a young man and rather strange? When the servants line up to greet the duke, O'Brien kicks Bates ( gasp), and he falls, sprawling in front of the aristocrats. Red-faced, he is helped up by Anna, but now everyone assumes he fell because of his infirmity. Way to go O'Brien. I despise you so much now.


The duke barely looks at the servants, but he pauses in front of Thomas, claiming he remembers him from a previous stay. Thomas' face looks rather green, and O'Brien throws him a suspicious look.
Mary tries to engage the duke's interest, but it doesn't work, and when he and Robert have a tete-a-tete after dinner, the duke informs him that he cannot marry Mary. Robert is rightly furious: the duke had given every indication that he came to declare himself to Mary. However the duke counters that he had merely come to sympathise with the family over their bereavement. It's a lame excuse and they both know it.

A hopeful Mary is lurking outside the room, but when the duke comes out, he tells Mary shortly that he will be leaving on the morrow. Then he asks her to send Thomas up to his room. Crushed, Mary sinks back, practically into Edith's spiteful smile.
And I skipped the next scene.  Why? Because the duke is gay, and interested in Thomas. Thankfully my friend warned me of the scene, so I was ready to hit the fast forward button.
Anyway, Robert, under pressure from Cora and Carson, tells Bates finally that it isn't working out. Bates is devasted, and tries to beg Robert to reconsider, but Robert isn't used to reconsidering with servants, and tells him no. The disappointment on Bates' face, coupled with his desire not to cry, makes my hand clutch my heart in sympathy.  I sincerely dislike you Robert.
Anna is the only servant who feels Bates' pain, and at dinner she volunteers to take his meal up to him, as he hasn't shown up at the table. As she comes up, she hears the sounds of sniffing, and peeking in at the door, sees tears rolling down Bates' eyes. Who will employ him? It is 1912, and crippled ex-soldiers don't exactly have people flooding them with job offers. Seriously, where is Robert's heart? Surely he has one?

Anna's own face crumples, but she musters her courage and calls out in a falsely cheerful voice that she has his supper. Bates quickly wipes his tears away and she stammers that she's brought up his dinner. He thanks her for her kindness and she blurts out that she's ever so sorry he's going. " I'll be all right then," he says quietly. " Yes, of course you will," she agrees hastily. " There's always a place for a man like you."
" Ah yes," he says with forced hopefulness. " Something will turn up." He's bluffing, and they both know it. Shaking inwardly with sympathy, Anna asks him to write to them ( i.e. her) and tell them/her when he gets a new job.
Morning dawns too soon for Bates. He surveys the grand pillars of Downtown Abbey, a majestic, merciless mansion, a place in which he can never be at home. He's to ride in the Duke's car, as Robert says the duke can lump it. Haha.
And Bates takes off. Noooooo! Don't let such a great actor slip your fingers Julian Fellowes! What kind of a writer are you? I want Bates back or I refuse to watch anymore! I-
" Wait!"
Huh? What the-
" Wait!" Robert runs after the conveniently slow-moving car. No Mercs in those days? The car stops, while Carson takes a few surprised steps forward.
" Get out Bates," Robert says, taking out Bates' luggage ( oh my!), " We'll say no more of this."
Thank you Lord! And Robert, I like you again.
Meanwhile at some ( as yet) unspecified part of England, a pleasant-looking young man ( Matthew Crawley) and his mother ( Mrs. Isobel Crawley) are having breakfast. The post comes, and Matthew slits open his letter. " It's from Lord Grantham," he tells his mother. Mrs. Crawley inquires as to what he wants. Matthew lifts his eyes from the letter, stunned.
" He wants to change our lives."

Comments

I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed a good, long-running period drama series. Now I barely have to watch period dramas, and have a backlog of films/ series I have yet to watch. Oh, would that I had more time! But I want to stick with Downton Abbey. Not that I have much choice ( addicts rarely do ;), but because I know I'm in for a deeply thoughtful, ironic, provocative and emotional story, with each character's long-concealed thoughts and feelings being revealed with each passing episode, and with machinations and intrigues galore. Coincidentally, I'd watched Gosford Park the week before, and while I am not a fan of the numerous racy scenes, I enjoyed the upstairs/downstairs scheme very much, and enjoyed the characters who were played with as much truth and feeling as one would imagine.
Anyway, I'm saving the rest of my comments for later. This has been a really long post, and hopefully the other recaps won't be as long, since the first episode was actually the longest in the series. I can't wait to watch the rest and find out what the characters get up to!

For more information on Downton Abbey, including character and plot summaries, please visit Enchanted Serenity of Period Films.

If you have any questions concerning the series, please email me at maeriwrite@yahoo.com.

I'm looking forward to recapping more of the episodes!

42 comments:

  1. Funny and informative summary. I started watching this great drama from episode two -- couldn't find episode one online -- your summary is the next best thing to watching it. Why did you FF over gay duke/ Thomas? Surely every scene is integral to the story....

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  2. good recap, but i wondered the same as anonymous. i came across your site as i had been watching on pbs and missed the first few minutes and needed to catch up.

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  3. Good job! Like you style/prospective. I will refer back to you summaries as the series proceeds here on PBS.

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  4. I'm with anon #1. What was so scary about the Duke of Crowborough and Thomas having been ex-lovers that you had to skip it?

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  5. WOW! What a recap. Thanks.

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  6. Why did you fast forward through the scene in which the duke and Thomas kissed? Do you also fast forward through heterosexual love scenes?

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  7. For anyone looking for online viewing---The PBS website has entire episodes 1 and 2 up. The quality and sound are great. I'm sure they'll put up episode 3 soon. I was so sorry I missed episode 1 but so happy that I was able to watch online. Not as nice as on my sofa but online will certainly do. Now it's on to episode 2.

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  8. I stumbled upon this eloquent, thorough summary as a fan of Downton Abbey, not neccesary the blog. I am not alone, as I gather from the other comments. I also was confused as to why you skipped over the tasteful yet shocking "gay scene" - this website's intelligent author squirms at the sight of gays due to his religion. So needn't worry, not a bigot, just a Christian! :) oy.

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  9. i appreciate the effort at summary but i do think skipping over key elements of the story's character identity simply because they make the writer personally uncomfortable seems more childish than intelligent. "not a bigot, just a christian"? that statement is loaded. imho a good writer stays true to the story for the sake of the readers. while there is hope (presumably the author of this summary is not able to "fast forward" through uncomfortable episdoes of real life), i think i'll go elsewhere to catch up on Downton Abbey. other readers, wonder what other relevant bits of the story you're not getting?

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  10. I just watched the first episode and came to look for recaps, and was amused at how I disagreed with most of your character assessments (the characters you dislike the most, for instance, I like). Then I got to the part where you ffw-ed through the "gay" scene, and then I realise you're homophobic and I find I don't care about anything you have to say anymore.

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  11. I stopped reading your review as soon as I got to the homophobic section. I feel so sorry for you as you must have so much hate in your heart and deep down must know that God loves everyone but you have been brainwashed by those that also have hate in their hearts. People like you are not real Christians, you make me ashamed to tell people that I'm Christian.

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  12. Just because someone feels uncomfortable watching a gay scene doesn't make them a homophobe. I am straight and am uncomfortable watching straight love scenes! The commentor said NOTHING hateful or mean about the characters or the homosexuality, just that they skipped it. I skipped the love scene later in the series. Its just a comfort zone thing people, be nice. If anyone has "hate in their hearts" its those who attack others on such a small basis.

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  13. This was a funny and insightful review. I don't know why everyone is focusing on the fact the reviewer fastforwarded through the gay scene. Not being comfortable watching a homosexual love scene does not equal homophobe. For people who are suppose to be so open minded, you all sure judged this reviewer fast enough. There was nothing hateful said in the review. Not everybody is comfortable watching love scenes, homosexual or otherwise, and that's okay! Such things are very private and personal and not everyone likes to see them played out on screen.

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  14. Yeah, I've got to pile on the others about skipping the gay scene. Not so much because you just couldn't stomach watching it (although that is really childish and narrow), but because you missed a KEY plot point: the real reason for the Duke's visit and his actions earlier that seemed to "lead on" Mary. I mean, you just missed it.

    Oh well, I guess you won't go to...wherever it is you think bad people go.

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  15. Just came across this recap after watching the first episode (I know, I know, I'm late to the party). I have to agree with the other posters above me, what exactly is your reason to "skip" over the "gay" scene? Up until that point, I genuinely enjoyed this recap and I'm sorry to say that I will now go elsewhere to read recaps of the other episodes. I do truly feel sorry for you.

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  16. Skipped the "scary" gay part eh? Well. Aren't you special?

    Go and get a brain.

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  17. What exactly is the point in writing a summary of this episode if you're going to fastforward one of the integral scenes on the basis that it features a two men showing intimacy? I'm gay myself, so I was a little upset that somebody would, so shamelessly, admit to skipping it due to having 'being warned' about it. The majority of this summary is rich in depth,but that childish ommission has ruined it.

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  18. You must be so young... Or a very immature homophobe.

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  19. I can only take my hat off to the impressive roster of talent and skill of the English series. I really hope to continue producing more things like this in the factory yours to the delight of all.
    It's just perfect the atmosphere of the time and classes cohabit in it. And then you come to mind the equally wonderful "Upstairs, Downstairs", although old, is still a benchmark.
    It's a series for lovers of vintage series, craftsmanship and drama students in our country.

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  20. "Thankfully" your friend warned you about the gay part. Seems to me if you so much love you'd want to see how the writer is going to develop one of the central characters--regardless of sexuality. Then you might see thAt this man, gay, is as worthwhile of your attention as the heterosexual characters.

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  21. Was so happy to find this summary, only to be disappointed by the homophobia. Stopped reading there.

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  22. Seriously? You fast-forwarded a scene because the characters are gay? You're pathetic! It's sad how narrow-minded and bigoted you are!

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  23. I stopped reading this when you said you were warned from a friend about the gay duke. Grow up.

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  24. have to agree with everyone else. i am embarrassed for you that you could not sit through 4 seconds of 2 men kissing. "ew icky". seriously, it would probably be better if you DIDN'T write anything about the show and saved everyone from having to put up with your childish post.

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  25. I would not even classify that as a "gay scene", we're not talking Brokeback Mountain here by any means. Really, how do you function in today's society with that level of immaturity? Mind boggling.

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  26. A very well worn out series, with scenes and the only sets. I am charmed with it since they have done everything. In addition the actors are very good.

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  27. Prejudice is deforming - starting with those who express it. A life without hate is far more fulfilling. Your bigotry is a form of perversion. The possibility to change is in your hands; move towards enlightenment and abandon your ugliness.

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  28. i bet you masturbate. did your friend "thankfully" warn you about that as well? go to hell.

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  29. It's funny that people are calling you all sorts of names...yet they are the ones being so cruel. If you're not interested in watching other people make love, that's cool (gay, or straight - I'm personally not appealed.)

    I enjoyed reading your recap! :)

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  30. Wow... I was enjoying reading your recap until your ridiculous comment about the gay kissing scene. Homophobic much? You disgust me.

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  31. Agree with other commenters. Really enjoyed the recap and planned to read others on the site until you said your friend "thankfully" told you about the gay scene. Will be reading elsewhere.

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  32. Thank you for the recap. I'm sorry you are being criticized for your option to fast forward. You were not disrepectful. I'm sad to see that the same isn't returned to you. PBS is playing to the tune that " sex sells" Sign of the times.

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  33. I really liked your recap! And I hope to read some more... I don't watch love scenes (hetero or otherwise) either and I think the only bigoted, disrespectful person around here would be from these scornful comments above. Geez...

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  34. All those who wrote hate filled comments should be ashamed of yourself. You demand respect for your beliefs and yet do not allow others theirs?

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  35. I enjoyed your recap thanks - I thought it very well written!! Ignore the insensitive comments above - live your life as you choose :-)

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  36. Just wanted to say I also really enjoyed the recap, and that I hope you will ignore all the immature, insensitive, hypocritical comments I had to scroll through to leave this comment. They have no grounds to tell you what to think or do or watch. I hope you will write more recaps for this series (if you haven't already)!

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  37. I don't really understand you guys that comment "Ignore all this immature comments about homophobia".
    I mean ofcourse you get annoyed by these kind of comments "I skipped the gay scene just because" IT WASN'T EVEN A BIG DEAL! -.- It was just a kiss and it was quite relevant to understanding the character.
    I would understand if you would want to skip that scene if it's sex involve as many people feel awkward watching sex scenes.

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  38. Your write up is quite good and engaging. I know I am late to the party with the series and my comment. I think the "thankfully" verbiage did come off as a little condescending or intolerant and I have to admit I did double take and make sure I understood correctly as it struck me as a little peculiar for the times. Not too kind of people name calling on the comment thread, but maybe in the interest of integrity to your summary you want to leave personal preferences out--depends on your prerogative--but you may lose readers who find it offensive.

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  39. Hello again. This is the first “anonymous”, back again. Was it really two and a half years ago that I commented on your wonderful summary of Downton Abbey episode 1. Time flies……

    I now have the DVD of seasons 1 and 2: finally, I got to see episode one, complete with integral-to-the-plot gay seduction scene. And here’s the strange thing – I was sorely tempted to fast forward because watching it was making me feel extremely uncomfortable. Ugh! “Creepy” doesn’t begin to describe it…

    I was a little surprised at the virulence of some of my fellow commentators, donning their witchfinder-general cloaks, pointing a boney finger at “Shining as Stars” and screaming “homophobe”. People, you missed the whole point of the scene. We were supposed to find it uncomfortable viewing. We were supposed to feel distaste, even revulsion, at the abuse of power and the sexual deviancy (as it would have been considered in the early 20th century). So if you didn’t feel in the slightest bit uncomfortable when watching the scene, and said to yourselves “I’m a progressive and tolerant product of the early 21st century and I have absolutely no problems at all with this gay seduction scene” then I would venture to say, with all due respect, that the subtleties of Julian Fellowes’ screenplay may be lost on you.

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I delight in comments! However, I do not delight in profanity or vindictive remarks. Let us encourage each other and enjoy each varying opinion.