THE MOMENT fans of quality British costume drama have been waiting so long for (since the last episode of season one, in fact), comes on Sunday with the first episode of the second season of Downton Abbey, the Upstairs-Downstairs style drama created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes.
Things have moved on since the last episode: it is now 1916 and the gorgeous country house that provides the show’s title is now a convalescent home for wounded British soldiers coming from the front line. All of our favorite characters return for a second turn, although the straightforward, tightly-focused narrative of the debut series have been to some extent replaced by a more expansive and ambitious tale revolving around World War I and its larger impact on British society. Sadly that means that perhaps the most interesting chemistry of season one – that between Mary and Matthew – is relegated to a minor subplot.
Quibbles aside, the cast are all comfortable in their skin and canter along effortlessly this tiime round. Top of the class (of course) is Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham, while Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern perfectly play out the pressure and turmoil in their home, and in their own marriage, as the Earl and Countess of Grantham.
The show is a feast for the eyes, as well, with the British production team perfectly capturing the look and feel of life during wartime. All in all, the show doesn’t quite reach the heights of series one, but it’s still the best show on TV for the next couple of months.
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