Monday, March 19, 2012

downton abbey!

I will always be grateful to readers here for introducing me to the BBC bliss of North and South. Life since John Thornton just hasn't been the same. He's quite the dark hero. And now I've been hearing all this buzz about another period piece...Downton Abbey!

A few days ago I looked in my mailbox and out popped the first 2 seasons! Someone very dear to me sent them and I nearly jumped up and down:) Didn't have a clue they were on the way. Since the mailer said Amazon, I thought it was a book instead!

Since you all have primed the pump, so to speak, I can hardly wait to watch! So...

Should I eek out an episode an evening or have a DA fest, complete with diet Dr. Pepper Cherry and popcorn, and watch season one in one glorious sweep?!? Do you have a favorite character? One who's TSTL (too stupid to live, in the words of my savvy friend, Ruth)? One to watch out for? If you're not a fan, I'd love to hear that, too!




Also, I have one 'gently watched' DVD of North and South to give to someone here if you haven't seen this amazing film or would like your own copy. Wish I had one for everyone!


Winner announced next Monday, March 26.


Happy Monday!

94 comments:

  1. I would love a copy of North and South! History is my favorite subject when well represented! Terry has me watching the history of the horse in the Civil War. That has been interesting...dry but interesting!

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    1. Laurie, I'm so glad there are others out there who, like me, are late to this wonderful period piece! But it is well worth the wait - and I'm so happy you're in the drawing:)

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  2. The best character, hands down, is Violet--the Dowager Countess. TSTL? I'm afraid that may be Daisy--honestly, get some pluck and grow a brain! Thomas and O'Brien are scrumptiously bad. You'll love Anna and Bates, but their goodness may wear on you in season two. You'll not like Mary, but her frankness will make her grow on you. Oh, I could go on!

    And I recommend a day-long fest. That's how I watched the first season, having discovered it a bit late. I watched season two on the televised schedule--sweet torture! And the ending of season two is most satisfying. It doesn't wrap everything up, but many of the key plotlines come together nicely. The whole series is an amazing lesson in how to hold reader/viewer interest!

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    1. Sarah, LOL @ grow a brain - I'm afraid I say that to my boys on occasion! IF Violet is Dame Maggie Smith then I know I'm in for a real treat! Look at that stiffened back at the tea table. Spunk in spades, I'm sure. Love the 'sweet torture' bit. I have a feeling this series might teach us novelists a thing or two. Can't wait to watch - you've whetted my appetite tenfold...

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  3. I haven't seen North and South, but from what you gals have all said, sounds like something I just might enjoy!

    I've heard a lot of Downton Abbey too...will be interested in what you think of it! :)

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    1. Stay tuned, Casey - not one naysayer in the bunch so far! I'll let you know...viewing at my house begins in a few minutes;)

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    2. So....what did you think??

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    3. LOL! I think I'm crosseyed from viewing!! It's really fun watching and I ADORE Violet most, then Sybil, and Mrs. Hughes and Daisy and Anna and Bates... I wrote more down below, dear Casey, so if you come back please scroll down and take a peek. I think you'd like if you could get past the first episode shocker. I nearly lost Randy over it but then he lapped it up like cream:)

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    4. Now you've got me guessing what the first episode was. LOL! :)

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    5. Casey, It's a doozy - and DH nearly turned it off! Thankfully, it doesn't recur and is smoother sailing after...:)

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  4. I would like to receive a copy of North and South. I haven't had an opportunity to watch either Downton Abby or North and South(BBC version)but they sound interesting.

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    1. Tammi, Thanks so much for entering the drawing. I love seeing new names and faces. Welcome to my website and bless you bunches!!

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  5. Watch out for Thomas and O'Brien! My favorite characters are The Dowager Countess, Lady Mary, and Bates. Have fun delving into the world of Downton Abbey!

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    1. Oh, Molly, something tells me Thomas is terrible and O'Brien might not be much better. I always did love a good villain though;) If indeed they are that ilk. I'm so curious now about everything and appreciate your thoughts! Stay tuned and I'll try to give a little summary of first impressions...:)

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  6. Oh, you'll love Downton Abbey! Season two just finished here and I'm already anxiously awaiting season three. I agree with the list of character descriptions Sarah gave, and have really enjoyed watching them each change and grow over the course of the past two seasons.

    Also, the dynamics between seasons change a lot-the first one is more about the character roles, proper etiquette, and how the upstairs/downstairs dynamic relate to each other, while season two focuses more on the effects of war on Downton and ramifications of certain incidences that previously took place. Having not watched when it was on PBS, I borrowed season one from the library and had a marathon. I couldn't stop at just one episode because I had to find out what would happen next!

    Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it once you get a chance to watch! I love N&S too, btw. One of my favs!

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    1. Christina, Fun to think of you watching more than one episode after being hooked:) I have a feeling this might be a late night! Maybe an all-nighter. I have a feeling the costumes are gorgeous if this is the Titantic/WW1 era. Love your talk of how things change from season 1 to 2, etc. Most of all, I'm so glad you're a fan of N&S. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a movie more. I'll try to give my thoughts here tomorrow! Bless you!

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  7. Ah, North and South! For a birthday party I had girl friends over and had planned on a Jane Austen marathon. Two friends had other plans:) We watched North and South. I don't think my description could do it justice. I have not seen it again but it is just one of those I long to rediscover. I love how you said "Life since John Thorton just hasn't been the same" - so true! I feel the same way about your characters - I believe others agree.
    Has anyone see the other Elizabeth Gaskell movies. Cranford, Return to Cranford, and Wives and Daughters? My sister and I really enjoyed Wives and Daughters. Have to watch that again too! It has a definite sigh-worthy ending.
    As for Downton Abbey - I am curious since I have yet to discover it. If someone would fill me in- I'd be most interested. What is it based on? etc.
    Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
    Have a great day!
    Jennie

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    1. Jennie, I'm so honored you feel that way about my characters. I pray I can keep them interesting and heartfelt for you. Each one is unique to me, almost like a real person. Or I wish they were! Love the 'sigh-worthy' ending. I was told that Wives & Daughters is very good. Not sure about Cranford but maybe someone here will chime in and educate us. I'll try to answer your questions about DA after watching tonight!

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  8. Downton Abbey is addicting! I didn't watch the first season, and started in the middle of the second. Love, love, love, Violet, the Dowager Countess! She's steals the show and will have you laughing out loud. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. :-)

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    1. Gwen, You and I have some real similarities in common so I have a feeling Violet may well be my fav, too;) Plus I love countesses! Can't wait to share more with you here once I watch. Show starts soon - maybe hubs will be smitten, too, and I can wean him away from action flicks!!

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  9. Hi Laura! I have never commented before and I felt this was a good time to break my silence! I love Downton! I is hard to pinpoint one character that I like more than the others. There are just so many that you come to love. I also loved North and South and I would love to have my very own copy!

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    1. Emma, Welcome to my blog/site!! So happy you're here and talking, so to speak! Though I must admit I tend to lurk on other blogs and don't say much either. Glad you've been bitten by the Downton bug. I so wish they'd have more TV like this. And I'm so glad you want to be in the drawing. If people are scratching their heads over why I'm giving away a coup of N&S it's because I have 2! Everyone needs one in their viewing library, I think! Bless you.

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  10. I've heard so much about DA that I decided I need to watch it. Yes, need. :) I'm thinking it sounds like something good to watch for a girls' night out at church. But our library, who's usually great about getting anything through interlibrary loan, doesn't seem to have it. Somehow I will watch it, though!

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    1. Sally, NEED is a good word for this;) I always watch these things long after everyone else as I'm usually writing but here the buzz in the background. I wasn't sure about North&South at first and almost turned it off after the fight scene in the factory that first episode. But oh my, am so glad I didn't...! Hoping you find DA soon - maybe a friend has a copy. Maybe I'll send you ours after watching?! No kiddding!

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    2. Oh, goodness, Laura! No need for that--unless you come with it? :D I'm going to see if my library will buy them.

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  11. OMG...a Downton Abbey watch-fest in certainly in order! You will NOT be able to watch just one per night!! I think I had to break it up into two nights for season one, then, I was ready to go when season 2 aired. You will absolutely LOVE it! :o)

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    1. Oh Christy, This show sounds delicious - like dessert! It's been so long since I've seen something worth watching that it will be a real treat. And I do believe I will love it like you said:) Love your enthusiasm and thoughts!! It's always so much more fun to share the joy with you here. Can't wait to come back and tell you first impressions:)

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  12. Ooooh, you're gonna love it! It's my favorite series. Its so beautifully done. The scenery and clothes are amazing, and each character is so well rounded-- no one too perfect and no one generically evil or bad. I'm longing for season 3, which we wont see in the US til next january!
    I love the Mary and Matthew storyline. She is a bit of a snob in season one, but gets better as the series goes on. O'Brien and Thomas will make you hate them, but even they have their stories and weaknesses and regrets that might make you see them as wounded villains. My husband, who is not a period drama type guy, loves to watch this with me. So maybe you could have a family party, make some popcorn (brew some tea, or make some scones too!) and enjoy! :)

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    1. Heather, I just KNEW you'd seen this show!! And somehow I knew you'd love it!! If only for those gorgeous costumes alone. I'm so glad Will likes as that bodes well for Randy watching with me:) Strangely enough, hubs couldn't make it through N&S but that was probably because I was so starstruck by Thornton it made him sort of sick... Just sayin'! Now I'm really, really curious about all these names flying around - Mary and Matthew and O'Brien, etc. Counting down!!

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  13. Oh Laura, you definitely need to have a Downton Abbey watch-fest! I rented the dvd's from the library over here as I missed the first season on TV, and I ended up watching the entire first series over 2 nights. I was literally up until like 2am watching episode after episode as I couldn't turn it off. Sort of like how I am with one of your books LOL, can't put them down!! I own North and south so won't enter the competition, but someone will be very happy when they win as that movie is soooooo good! It's one of my favorites!

    Did you know that they made a Downton Abbey Christmas special that they aired over here on Christmas day? It is the best episode yet, so I suggest getting a hold of that one once you've watched season 1 and 2! It was not part of season 2 but not sure if they included it in the season 2 box for the US. I know you have to buy it seperately here in the UK. Here it is at Amazon:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at-Downton-Abbey-DVD/dp/B004NSUXHU/ref=pd_cp_d_h__0 Seriously, the Christmas episode is sooooooo good! I had to watch it over and over again lol.

    The BBC has come out with a new series called 'Upstairs Downstairs', it's similar to Downton Abbey but not nearly as good, in my opinion anyway lol. I think the BBC was trying to match the greatness of ITV's Downton Abbey but I don't think they've succeeded thus far. Just a bit of random knowledge there heehee.

    Enjoy your Downton Abbey fest Laura, it is a great show and very addictive;)

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    1. Eva, I was thinking and hoping you'd read this post and come over! I think readers are salivating over the talk about the Christmas episode - I think that would be a wonderful holiday treat!! Being part of the UK you might well be privy to what we're not! Another reason to visit Scotland - lol! I see you are a Violet fan, too, from your comment below. She seems to be getting the most votes here. I do seem to recall that there's one character in Downton that was from North&South. OH MY! I know it's not Richard Armitage as he's busy in Hobbit land. Dare I ask if there's anyone as handsome as he at Downtown? Better not...

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    2. There is not anyone as handsome as he at Downton I'm afraid LOL. At least in my opinion. But it's still a great program!

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  14. Oh forgot to say, that the best character is definitely Violet the Dowager Countess! She totally cracks me up and the show would not be the same without her!

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  15. One approaches these viewing options in the same way as one approaches a box of candy, don't you agree?

    Oh, to spend a day at Downton! I'm jealous that you get to enjoy it all, fresh and new, when I've devoured every episode - twice! You'll say, (while grimacing)"Oh, no, Thomas!" and (eyes popping) "WHAT! Daisy, think!!!" and (ruefully shaking your head) "Don't, Edith!" and (no grimacing here) "Kiss her, Matthew!" Wish I could invite myself over to watch them again while eating popcorn and having Dr. Pepper. Sounds like the perfect day - hahahaha!

    s

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    1. Annabelle, Love that candy analogy! YES!! You should be a writer, my dear, with your comments as they are very witty and entertaining! And I'm ready to sign off here and now to begin the night at Downton. I am usually an early bird, in bed by 9 o'clock. My bet is I'll be pushing midnnight tonight!! Wish you could join me - we have a Costco popcorn - whoops, but no pop!

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  16. Ah, Downton Abbey. LOVED it! The Dowager Countess is awesome, and while I didn't particularly like Mary in season 1, I love how she grew and changed in season 2. Anna is a pretty awesome character, too. Such a sweetheart that you just root for things to work out well for her! Have fun watching them!

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    1. Anne, So glad you're here. Love your comments as I immediately thought of character arcs with your talk about Mary:) How can you all stand to wait till January for season 3!? Am I hearing that correctly? OH MY... Thanks so much for your thoughts!

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  17. Laura sit down with the Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry (hmmmm, think I'm going to need to try that) and the popcorn, and have a DA fest. Once you start watching you're not going to be able to stop. I checked it out from the library last summer, and loved it! I ended up borrowing it from the library three more times before I finally bought it last fall. I bought the second series the week it became available on DVD. It's such a good show.

    BTW, the Christmas episode (aka my favorite ever) is the last episode on the 2nd season dvd.

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    1. Oh, Michelle, I love all things Christmas, too, but guess I have to wait a bit for that one at the very end! Fun to hear how you were smitten and ended up buying it. I need to see if I can get Wives&Daughters and the others at our library. Thanks for the reminder. Then if I like it I try to buy a copy, too. There's been some buzz about the BBC's Merlin. I may have to give that a whirl as it's the King Arthur thing, I think, and sounds very appealing. Bless you for your thoughts!

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  18. Please don't enter me for the copy of North and South since I already have a well-loved dvd set. I just had to say I love Downton Abbey! My very favorite character is The Dowager Countess, Violet as played by Maggie Smith. She is such a card and the perfect matriarch that holds the family together IMO. I can see by the comments that she's a favorite of a lot of people and for good reason! I hope you love it Laura and have a glass of that Dr Pepper for me. ;-)

    XOXO~ Renee C.

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    1. Renee, I imagine your N&S DVD is as well-loved as mine;) Maybe Downton is a close second. I seriously hope there's a handsome hero on board! Not in Thornton's class, of course, but maybe a close second? Violet is netting all the votes here tonight. Can't wait to meet her! Wish you were here to make a Dr. Pepper run!!

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  19. What a thoughtful gift you received. You'll have to let us know what you think. I've yet to see it either. Love the pic. I'm dying to have tea outdoors like that someday, though the manor house in the background makes the setting.
    I adore North & South and have been getting the urge to watch it again.

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    1. Oh Carla, This makes for wonderful watching and gives some great novel ideas!! You're right - this pic is the essence of Downton! Glad you're going to rewatch North&South. It's my favorite ever and I don't think anything will take its place:) We're kindred spirits, for sure.

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  20. Hi Laura,

    I love Downton Abbey, although the first episode ends....kinda wierd...
    That said, if you love North and South so much, you should give Wives and Daughters a chance, it's also written by Elizabeth Gaskell and it's tons of fun. And you don't have to enter me in the contest!
    Em

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    1. Em, I'm glad you said that about the first episode as now I'm more intrigued than ever - and on alert! I was going to ask what this series might be rated if it is? Maybe PG-13? So glad you're giving a thumbs up to Wives&Daughter as I've been hearing about that one for awhile and the family theme sounds so interesting. I so appreciate your thoughts! Love the 'tons of fun' comment:) When I come out of my writing cave I need a dose of that! Bless you bunches.

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  21. Oh yeah I am so glad you are going to watch Downton Abbey! I just let a friend borrow both of my Downton Abbey season!! Such a great show :) I really like the youngest sister, Sybil and I really enjoyed her character development in the second season. The other character I really enjoyed was Carson the Butler. Oh I hope you enjoy the show as much as I do!! P.S. Please don't enter me in the North & South DVD drawing, I have my own copy I absolutely LOVE!! Such a wonderful show, definately one of my favorites. I hope you have a bless day Laura~

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    1. Cassie, So fun to wake up to more comments this morning AFTER viewing so I know just what you're talking about!! OH MY! Where to start... I agree completely about Carson. I feel I know him - he's the twin of my Uncle JC!! Minus the British accent, of course;) He has a wonderfully commanding presence and a very rich voice. Bless u for sharing the JOY and loaning both seasons to a friend! Counting down with you to season 3!!

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  22. Hello, Laura! I have been hearing about Downtown Abbey every time I turn around, but haven't seen an episode, yet. I am excited to see what all the talk is about! It sounds like something I would love.

    Is the BBC version of North and South anything like the mini-series with Patrick Swayze, or is it an entirely different story? I would love to be in the drawing!

    I also wanted to let you know that my sister just had her first baby, Tucker, on St. Patrick's Day out in Colorado and when I called her tonight (she is still in the hospital) I asked her what she was doing and she said: "I am reading The Colonel's Lady!" She is loving the book and so happy she brought it along with her to read. Their little baby is in NICU right now on oxygen because he inhaled fluid during the birthing process. He will be fine, but they are monitoring him and keeping him quiet and under his oxygen mask, so my sister has a lot of time on her hands between feedings. I told her I would let you know how much she is enjoying the book.

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    1. Oh Gabrielle, HUGE congrats on Tucker and your sister!! That's the sweetest news! A St. Pat's baby, too!! You all must be over the moon. Love the name. The happiest times of my life were in the hospital with my babies so I know what a special time this is. My first was on oxygen, too, as he came wrapped in his cord for a bit. Praying by the time you read this he's out of NICU and in her arms. Please tell her how touched I am to think of TCL keeping her company at such a special time. That means so much to me.

      Also, you are thinking the same thing I did when first hearing about North&South. All I remembered was that miniseries of the Civil War with Patrick Swayze - you have a good memory! But this drama is from the BBC/British and is based on a 19th-century novel by Elizabeth Gaskell. You have John Thornton, our hero, who is a mill owner in northern England and has basically fought his way to the top. And then you have innocent, gentle, somewhat obtuse Margaret, daughter of a parson in southern England, whose family is forced to move to Thornton's mill town. FIREWORKS!! It's my favorite film, once you get past the fight scene in the factory right off the bat. The rest is sheer bliss, particularly the northbound train scene at the very end. Even the music is moving and rich. I've based 2 heroes on Thornton since, particularly Colonel McLinn, as they share the same temperament. Nuff said:) I don't want to spoil it for you. Am so glad you want to be in the drawing!!

      Prayers with little Tucker and your sis. Now that's some joyful news!!

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  23. Laura, I LOVE Downton Abbey :) But we are so deprived here in Australia ... the second season has not aired here yet!!!! I'm still desperately waiting for it. I suspect it will be aired in the winter. Though the temptation to buy it on DVD is SO strong :P But mum and I have decided to wait for it on TV so we have something to watch (since there generally isn't much to bother watching!).

    My best friend hadn't seen any Downton Abbey. I found that I still had about 5 episodes recorded, so she watched it when she visited. She loved it :) Unfortunately I was missing the last episode of season 1, so the poor girl has been left hanging!

    Can't wait to hear your reaction to it :)

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    1. Helen, I was wondering if you'd watched yet:) And somehow I knew you'd like. I admire your and mum's patience!! Even Randy kept wanting to watch "one more" episode after all those cliffhangers last night, etc. They're all a bit of a blur this morning and I'm going to try to keep my character names straight when I give my impressions below. I DO know who Terrible Thomas is now!! So good to hear from you. Prayers with you and your littles!!

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  24. Laura!!!

    I totally agree about life not being the same since John Thornton! Actually, I used him as the model/actor to play my last hero and nothing could be more inspiring. :) I’ve watched North and South twice (even though I don’t own it) and sigh every time.

    You are going to just LOVE Downton!!! We just finished season 2 a few days ago, and it was AMAZING!!!!! Oh, i wish I could have a Downton marathon all over again!! We watched around two episodes per night but could have watched the whole thing in one sitting, if we had had the time. But be warned, the end of session two will leave you clamoring for season three!

    Enjoy!

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    1. Amanda! I'm smiling that we've both found Johnny, as his mum calls him, to be a fine character template! More than fine! You're so right - nothing could be more inspiring. Every other hero sort of pales. Little did he know he did us novelists a huge favor by being so heroic:)

      I can now see why you love Downton. It's such a rich period piece with all the twists and turns of good novels. And characters that aren't black and white but shades of gray. I always find little plot points in movies to be useful in writing and Downton is no exception. I can hardly wait to finish season 2!! Bless you for being here!!

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  25. Laura,
    I have watched both Downton Abbey and North and South. Downton is beautifully acted, filmed and put together. It is very addicting. I will probably be one of the few people you hear say anything they don't like about Downton. I just have to say that I don't think it is anywhere near as good as North and South. While N&S was based on a wonderful classic, (which I have read and loved) Downton is not. To me it is more like a glorified soap opera set back in the Victorian era. While I did like some aspects of the series such as the historical aspect of it, I was disappointed time and again by the script and the characters. I felt there were very few truly admirable characters. The characters were not only way too flawed, but they had a way of drawing your emotions and making you root for characters who really shouldn't be rooted for at all. I felt that wrong was lifted up as good way too often. I was frankly disappointed with Downton. I loved North and South, however, and even though the leads definitely had character flaws, right from wrong was very clear and the characters grew and learned from their mistakes. Downton tries to appeal too much to today's audience and falls short because of it in my humble opinion.
    Hannah

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    1. Hannah, So glad you're here and giving your thoughts! You are right - Downton is beautifully done. But I do share your feelings about DA when comparing it to North & South. Personally, N&S has a nobility to it that few films match. It's hard to explain except to say it has a richness and depth to it that few attain, kind of like a fine novel. There are many good novels but few great ones and N&S is in the latter category. My husband, while watching, couldn't stand those cliffhangers and so we kept watching one more episode - he likened it to a champagne soap opera:) I agree! Some things that happened in DA were so outlandish that I actually laughed out loud. Maybe that's where your thinking of it trying too hard to appeal to today's audience comes in. Though I'm no expert on that era, I also found some breeches in servant-master ettiquette to be too much. But it makes for fine viewing, I guess, and is highly entertaining and downright addictive as you said. But it doesn't move me the way N&S does. It will be interesting to watch the rest of season 2 here and then try to figure out what happens in season 3. I did find season 1 to be more interesting than season 2 so far - but I may change my mind when done:) Bless you for being here!!

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  26. Oh and by the way Wives and Daughters is awesome! Definitely a must see! Also loved Cranford by the same author! Wonderful miniseries!

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    1. Hannah, You've convinced me - I need to watch both these now. Since they're both by Gaskell (if I remember correctly), I bet they share a bit of that N&S flavor though they are probably very different. But Gaskell sure has that magic touch!!

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    2. LOL Laura just had to jump in and say that I posted a reply on Keli's blog to your comment yesterday somewhere along the same line as Hannah's - Wives & Daughters and Cranford are must see films too! I hope you get the chance to see them soon!

      XOXO~ Renee C.

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    3. I need to go back over to Keli's and read:) Guess the Downton withdrawal won't last too long with Cranford and W&D!!

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  27. Here are my impressions after several hours of viewing DA...

    I'm not sure Mary and I would be friends. She is a tad high-toned for me and her nose is so high she could drown in a rain storm! But some of you have said she changes as things progress and becomes the heroine she's meant to be. Hope so!!

    I find Edith (who I keep wanting to call Agnes for some reason) a bit snarky and am suspicious of her!!

    I ADORE Sybil!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    LOVE the American connection with Cora and the fact that he fell in love with her AFTER the wedding. There's something quite romantic about that and I may use it in a future novel;)

    Daisy is so hopelessly scattered yet sweet that I want her in my kitchen!!

    Thomas is indeed TERRIBLE. O'Brien is little better. Their infernal smoking and plotting is getting on my nerves!!

    I LOVE Anna and Bates. Can't understand why Anna is so appealing here when she was so not in the Robin Hood BBC. I just about jumped up and down to see Bates morph from North&South to Downton:) If only he could have brought John Thornton/Richard Crispin Armitage with him!!!

    It's wonderful to find a show that is, for the most part, clean viewing (slapping Thomas and then Mary and the Turk).

    The costumes are TO DIE FOR! And the abbey itself very beautiful.

    Oh, must say something about Matthew. While not my kind of hero, he has a gentleness and latent strength about him that is appealing. I worry about his infatuation with Mary though as she seems sharp as glass. I keep wishing Sybil would catch his eye - but am afraid Sybil has her eye on the garage!!

    I think Carson is GREAT - as is Mrs. Hughes (hope I'm getting these names right as the cast is so big).

    Last but not least, I was shocked to find that DA is set in Grantham/Lincolnshire, my old alma mater. I wish they'd used Harlaxton Manor/Grantham Castle instead of the abbey. It's hailed as one of the most beautiful structures in England. Am going to try to find out where exactly in England Downton is. If it's in Lincolnshire I never heard of it. Though I lived in the servants quarters at Harlaxton while studying there, I didn't mind one bit! You can find pics of it on Google Images if you want to peek.

    Now can't wait to finish season 2!!

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    1. I love your first impressions of the characters they are pretty much what I thought after starting Season 1. I was not very sympathetic to Mary but she definitely does get better and you do begin to understand where she's coming from. Edith wasn't really one of my favorite characters but again, she grows on you but that happened more in the second series for me. Sybil is my favorite sister and I love her relationship with Branson. The best part about this series is that it is the whole package, characters, actors, costumes, setting, storyline- they are all superb! I so hope you enjoy season 2 and just you wait until you get to that Christmas special! *sigh*

      XOXO~ Renee C.
      BTW LOVE the new blog setup, it's so pretty and totally different from the old setup.

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    2. Renee, I can't wait till the Christmas episode!! I have a thing about Christmas anyway so it's sure to be enjoyable. I'd even toyed with the idea of waiting till next Christmas to watch but what am I thinking!!!?? I think we'll be done with season 2 this week. Then we'll be in Downton withdrawal;) Bless u for your added thoughts. Hugs to Coco for me!!

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    3. Oh Renee, Thanks so much for the thumbs up on the new blog look. My friend, Laurie Pace, an artist living in Texas, did this and I'm so grateful. I'm so unsavvy about these things. Loved the old look but there were so many features that didn't work. She has a beautiful website herself - lauriepace.blogspot.com which links to her official site. Bless you, dear Laurie!!

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    4. The home they film in is Highclere Castle and its not anywhere north, its actually south of London. Its a beautiful place though, and you can friend them on facebook and get info on tours ;) I like that they actually film inside and outside the actual home. I think the kitchen/downstairs scenes are done on a soundstage because there arent many of those old style kitchens left untouched.

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    5. Oh Heather, thanks for the follow-up! I will have to friend on FB:) The grounds of the estate are incredible - that wide expansive view is so gorgeous. You're right about the kitchen area - that was my impression, too, that it was a set/soundstage. Hats off to Highclere - I even love that romantic name!

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    6. So great to read your first impressions, Laura. :) I laughed over your description of Thomas and O'Brien. I must say that by the end of the second season, there was not a single character I did have sympathy for though. My favorite couple is definitely Robert and Cora. So romantic that he fell in love with her after the marriage.

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    7. Michelle, Glad I gave you a chuckle! I think it's those 2 evil critters that keep viewers glued!! Now that I've seen the slippery soap episode I am JUST LIVID!! I think a bouncing baby boy would have been wonderful for the show as well as adding a whole host of complications! My fav couple is yours, too, and then Anna and Bates though Randy thinks the latter is an odd pairing, indeed:)

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  28. Oh Laura - I too have jumped on the Downton Abbey train and haven't gotten off since! I've also created a couple of DA addicts out of my friends too!

    Why is it that we're so fascinated with the British class system? Is it because we're Americans and don't have those same social divisions? But people in Britain love it too!

    So once you're done with Downton Abbey, you HAVE TO READ Julie Klassen's "Maid of Fairbourne Hall"!!!! It is set 100 years previous to Downton, but it strongly resembles the "upstairs/downstairs" feel that Downton has!!! I reviewed her book on my blog and I pointed out some of the similarities between Downton Abbey and Lady of Fairbourne Hall! (erinshepherd623.wordpress.com)

    I'm so glad you like the series!!! Once season 3 starts, we should have Downton Abbey parties on your blog. :)

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    1. Ah, so you're a Downton addict to, dear Erin;) You know, my husband said the same thing about the British class system. He finds if appalling and understands why America came to be!! Thankfully, we don't have the same rigid social lines here though it makes for very interesting viewing. Now I want to read Julie's MOFH:) I really enjoyed The Lady of Milkweed Manor so have some catching up to do! I will have to read your review to whet my appetite.

      LOL about the DA parties here!! You might be onto something...;)

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  29. Laura, you sound a lot like me with your popcorn and soda - 'twas a Sunday evening tradition around here (until the season ended... boo hoo.) I would say watch it however your heart desires. Hubby and I had a Monarch of the Glen (another excellent series) fest one rainy weekend, which was great fun (though strangely hypnotic in the end....) Then again, there is something to be said for 'savoring' it, too. I love Mr. Bates and also Mr. Carson. Mary, too (you must give her time)... her voice has become like a much-loved song to me and I have relished watching her character mature. It is SUCH a good show - enjoy!!!

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  30. I forgot to say Maggie Smith (the Dowager Countess)! Watch how the writers give her the BEST one-liners. It's no wonder at all... she deserves them :)

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    1. Doree, I think you're my go-to girl now for more viewing reccs!! Monarch of the Glen sounds great - love the title. And I'm so, so glad you mentioned Maggie Smith - we've actually laughed out loud and hit the replay button quite a few times as her facial expressions are so hysterical! She says so much in a look! I just about busted when she did that little number in the swivel chair;) Priceless! That's something I'll say for film that can't be done in a book - expressions and such. She is my fav of everyone in the show.

      And I'm so struck that you would say that about Mary's voice. Last night as we finished watching I thought how unique and memorable her voice is - and how I look forward to hearing it now. You said it best - a "much-loved song". You are a real writer, my friend:)

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  31. Laura, how kind of you to share North and South with one lucky winner here! I have heard a lot about it, and the hero, so I would love to win! I love period films. If you've checked, you might have noticed that I have taken my blog down. I will be emailing you about it shortly and explain further. Is it possible to miss a friend I've never met in person? Because I miss you!

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    1. Mary, Oh, so glad you're here and told me!! I'd been over but was redirected as Blogger said it no longer existed! But that's happened in the past, too, and has always been an error before. I have a feeling you feel much freer for it, at least that's the first though that popped into my head! And heart! I'm so glad for you as I sense it's the best thing for you, otherwise you wouldn't have done it! And I'd love an email. I miss you, too!!

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    2. Oh, yes, and you're in the hat for the drawing:)

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  32. I ADORE THE NEW LOOK! Seems to fit you, just like the last layout I loved! The soft palette, mist, woods...lovely. The designer did a great job! :)

    Downtown Abbey- I saw approximately one and a third episodes. :) I should start at the beginning of Season 1, eh? Watching the week before the finale was kind of silly but I had never heard of it before that weekend! LOL! It seems to be something I'd enjoy, but looking towards when I could search it out on Amazon Prime for instant video (since we have a membership). Oh- don't enter me for the drawing...I watched N&S on Amazon Prime, actually, free. YAY!

    These period dramas...so delightful. What a satisfying way to enter another world for a bit. My DH LOVES Mad Men, but he watched past seasons online first, as well. We seem to have become non-tv people these days. Hm. Glad for instant streaming!!!! ~AMY

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    1. Amy, SO happy you like the new look! Very different but more in keeping with my books and life, I think. You are so very blesed to have Amazon Prime and instant streaming! I am still trying to figure out tivo which we don't have but would like I think! No more commercials, etc.

      Would you believe I don't have a clue about Mad Men but if your DH likes, mine might, too. I don't watch a lot of tv but the last few months, I tend to work myself till bedtime so find if I watch tv then I stop all Type A activity and it's a relaxing mind break.

      I think I'm due for another N&S viewing myself. It's past time as it's been 1 1/2 years now. I rarely cry in movies and cried my eyes out in that one. So much so that I had to stop the disc at times! Luckily I was watching solo:)

      So thankful you're there, dear Amy. It just wouldn't be the same without you here!!

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  33. Count me in! I love North and South - If you send it this way I will be jumping with glee at the mailbox too! LOL!

    Love the new look of your blog. =)

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    1. Dear Mandy, Oh, so glad you want to have your own copy!! Jumping up and down at the thought of sending it down south:) And thanks so much for the blog thumbs up. God is so good!

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  34. I just joined the ranks of North & South lovers this past weekend! I loved it soooo much that I watched it again last night. :) Yes, it was a late night and I paid for it dearly today. Don't enter me into your drawing, but yay for whomever wins!! They are in for a real treat! I am so happy that you and others like you told me about N&S, so I finally ordered it for myself. It is a wonderful movie!

    I still haven't watch Downton Abby (I keep wanting to type Downtown Abby!). I did view one episode and it just didn't catch my interest, but I think if I try watching from the start of the series it will make a difference. Hugs to you, dear Laura! Hope you are enjoying Spring!

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    1. Stacey, I'm so thrilled you are now an official fan!! I've never met anyone who doesn't like the movie! Most of them LOVE it like we do. If there was ever a sequel that needed to be made it's one of John and Margaret! If I could be any heroine it would be Margaret!!

      I think it would be hard to be interested in DA if you didn't watch from the first as one episode definitely hinges on the next. The cast of characters is so large that I was a bit befuddled at first.

      Would you believe it's snowing here today so these misty woods are tinted white:) I know in Texas you are having severe storms/tornado weather. Prayers with you!! Spring is here whether it's sunny or not!!

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  35. Haha, thanks for the TSTL shout-out, my friend! Please don't enter me in this drawing as I (surprise, I'm sure *wink*) have a copy of N&S. Love both it and Downton, for very different reasons. :)

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    1. Ruth, You're always so fun to give a shout-out to! I can hardly wait to finish reading your reviews of DA - esp that horrifying kiss between Lord G and the maid!! I didn't think he'd stoop to that...

      Just saw you at Anne's:) Hope I can find that Gaskell trio at Costco!!

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  36. Hi Laura,

    Love both of these series. Recently rented North and South from the library and you can watch it on YouTube too!

    Love Downton Abby - my favourite character has to be Matthew! Dreamy! But Maggie Smith is awesome. Can't wait till she pairs up with Shirley MacLean in the next season!

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    1. Susan, It must be late as my finger can't seem to hit the reply button! Please see my reply to your very welcome comment below. Bless you!

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  37. Susan, Oh, so happy you're here!! And so glad to know about the YouTube tie to N&S:) Like you, I think Matthew really, really grows on you and makes a very admirable hero. And that Maggie makes me laugh out loud!! I can't believe she teams up with Shirley next season! Now that's news I hadn't heard! Can you imagine? I wonder if they'll be enemies or friends? Bless you for sharing this bit of Downton news. It makes the waiting all the more delicious!

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  38. Hi Laura - Two of my favorite shows in one place? North and South is classic and oh-so romantic!I hope your post will convince other to give it a try if they haven't seen it. (And lucky for us, Richard Armitage is becoming quite the movie star in the States!) As for Downton (the amazing display of near perfection in storytelling), I adore Cousin Violet! "What is a weekend?" Those "Classic Granny" lines have me laughing out loud as well. I cannot wait for Season 3!
    ; ) K

    P.S. Love the new look of your site!

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    1. Kristy, SO glad to see you on the Downton bandwagaon - AND a fan of N&S! I thought it would only be a matter of time till Richard gained some American publicity and put Hollywood to shame;) I must say I'm with you all the way on Granny's classic lines!! She steals the show and I hope we never go without her! You may know Shirley MacLean will join her next season. Bless you for being here - always a joy to see you:)

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  39. Wow, what a beautiful and peaceful new header, Laura. I haven't visited your site for awhile. I don't know where I got the idea you were concluding your blog. Guess my "imagination" is too active. :) My hubby and I both loved Downton Abby. Excellent character development. Also, beautiful attention to detail (sets, costumes, etc.) in the filming. Violet is definately our favorite character. I believe she is very serious about the comments she makes, however her presentation and text make them both wise and humorous. Books are still my favorite medium for historical drama, but the BBC's historical productions are very exciting. We have not seen North and South, so would love to be included in the drawing. I'm thankful your blog is still on the Internet...and I still have a few working brain cells!! Blessings

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    1. Mary, I was thinking of who I missed here this week and of course you came to mind - I know things happen and people check in and out. I alwys hope they're okay! So happy to know you're okay and we're over winter and heading into spring! I have a nephew coming in to visit us from your beautiful state any minute:)

      YES, Violet is by far and away my fav character, too. I would watch everything again just to enjoy her one liners again and her priceless, very humorous expressions. I think her discoomfiture in the swivel chair was my fav moment - but there were many! We just watched the Christmas episode last night and it was a doozy:) And I'm so glad to have you in the North & South drawing!

      You're right - I did close the blog for about 3 weeks when I worked on the galleys and am about to go on spring break in a week. Thank you for checking back in here again! I've missed you and it's wonderful to hear your 'voice.' Prayers with you today!

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  40. My peers here at college have been raving about how awesome Downton Abbey is. I started watching and couldn't stop. The show is simply superb and a huge leap above most of the stuff that is peddled to television viewers on a daily basis.

    Then I showed my mother DA while I was at the parents' house for Spring Break. We hadn't even finished the first episode because it was late, but the next day she announced to me that she had finished the first season and wanted to know if there was more.

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    1. Like you, James, I got onto the Downton bandwagon after hearing much buzz for the last year or so. And you're so right - it's far and away much better than the normal drivel out there. It's also educational, too. My boys really liked the war episodes and learned something about trench warfare as well as the flu epidemic which their great-grandmother lived through (though she lost several siblings). I don't think I'll be late to watch the next one. And I saw the first 2 seasons at Costco for a very reasonable price recently.

      Glad your Mom is a fan:) Kind of like candy or a bag of chips - no stopping with just one episode. Really good to see u here again. And hope college is going very well for u!

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  41. Laura, you will love Downton Abbey. I know I did. I tend to agree with some others who loved the Dowager Countess' character. She's hilarious and delivers her lines so well. I also love North and South -- Richard Armitage (like Red Shirt)makes you swoon! :) Please let us know what you think after you've viewed the series.

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    1. Elise, So good to see you here:) I'm afraid I'm a Downton addict now, especially the Dowager Countess! We've just finished watching both seasons and I'm going to pass it along to someone here who hasn't seen it yet. I can hardly wait for season 3 - and you might know that Shirley MacLaine will be Granny's rival? That should guarantee some sparks! I've also heard tell of some new footmen who may give troublesome Thomas a shake-up.

      Many thanks for the mention of Red Shirt - I really miss his quiet, steady character. And his swoon-ability;) Bless you so much.

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