Downton Abbey (Just the first episode)

Since we got up quite early this morning, Mark needed a nap this afternoon.  Since I rarely nap, I decided to run errands to maximize our efficiency.  Shortly before I came home, I tasked Mark to find something for us to watch tonight, so my review choice was actually his decision.  Actually, that's not true.  It was Penny Arcade's choice.  See, whenever they make an observation about something being good/funny/interesting, Mark immediately wants to check out the show/movie/game because he trusts their opinion.  Because of that, we ended up watching the first episode of Downton Abbey.

Brought to you by Masterpiece Theater, Downton Abbey is a show about a manor and the people who live there, both the servants and the served.  The opening episode coincides with the sinking of the Titanic, just to give you an idea of the era.  If you've ever seen Gosford Park, you're familiar with a film showing the interactions between these very different groups that rely on each other.  If you haven't seen Gosford Park, you should, but that is a review for another time.

After finishing the first episode, both Mark and I couldn't wait to start the second episode.  Even though nothing really happened in the first episode, we were left wanting more.  It is truly interesting to watch interactions between people so different from one another, especially when they are all so different from us.  I don't know about you, but I never had a servant.  Mark doesn't count.

So many shows today rely on action and snappy comebacks to keep their audience.  If someone isn't moving or there are no pretty colors on the screen, the studios fear they will lose the audience.  Downton Abbey, like many HBO shows, doesn't treat the audience like autistic cats.  The whole point of Downton Abbey is not the action; the point is character interaction.  How the characters fit together to form a cohesive unit is what pulls the viewer into the show and leaves them wanting to watch the characters even more.  You start to care about what happens to them.

Downton Abbey also realizes the value of nonverbal communication.  Some characters say little but telegraph much with simple glances or stoic attitudes.  When someone is upset, they don't need to tell everyone.  It comes through in the performance, even without words.  Don't take this to mean that the dialogue is weak, as that is most definitely not the case.  Words are spoken with purpose.  If a glance will do, the show doesn't waste words.

When you add in the wonderful actors, you have a splendid show.  Each actor polishes their character until it shines, even if they're a heel.  Even unlikable characters are given depth by actors that bring more to the role than a simple reading.  With a less effective cast, the show would have floundered.  The amount of nuance in each performance is amazing.  I found myself liking certain characters that hadn't done much due to their manner.  That's pretty amazing.

I know I keep encouraging you to watch movies and shows, and I realize there are only so many hours in the day.  When you're caught up with all the other awesome I've pushed your way, you can start on Downton Abbey.  If you want to watch stuff explode, this is the wrong show.  If you appreciate a well crafted show that should be boring but is actually very interesting, check out Downton Abbey.  It's available on Netflix.