Downton Abbey

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by AngelFae

I am also a HUGE fan of Phillipa Gregory and have read all of her books!

Me too - LOVE her! I think she has something new out, unless I'm confusing her with someone else.

I see you're in MN - I lived in Mpls for 5 years, and I sure miss it this time of year when it's 10000000 degrees here in Phoenix! My inlaws have a lake place, and we usually get up there in the summer, but not this summer .

[AngelFae]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Me too - LOVE her! I think she has something new out, unless I'm confusing her with someone else.

I see you're in MN - I lived in Mpls for 5 years, and I sure miss it this time of year when it's 10000000 degrees here in Phoenix! My inlaws have a lake place, and we usually get up there in the summer, but not this summer .

Right now I live in the farthest suburbs of the Cities- it takes almost an hour to get to Mpls! Lol! I grew up in Superior, WI and my husband grew up in Duluth so we're moving back up there soon. It's going to get to 90 this week and high humidity. Thank goodness we have central air!!!!!

[DBlain]

I started watching Mr Selfridge, have seen about 3 episodes, sort of like it but have not watched the rest I have DVR'd no Downton Abby but helps pass the time since not much else I like is on now.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by Harrysmum

'Miranda' was in both....she's a comedienne, but played a fairly straight role in 'Call the Midwife' - unfortunately for me, because of her previous history, I always expected her to do something daft....

Same here! I kept waiting for her to look right at the camera & crack a line or give a "miranda" face.

Originally Posted by Harrysmum

Yep, we watched it, did you manage to? Bodice-ripping stuff! Sally x

Yes, I stayed up late & watched the white queen...the time difference is a killer. (especially as I then watched TOWIE after it...I know..I know..it's rubbish but I'm hooked!) Didn't see much bodice-ripping, the freckled-faced lass seemed more than willing (after the first incident). I've not read the book, so I can't wait to see what happens at court.

[AngelFae]

For those of you that have read Philippa Gregory- check out Amy Weir! She has similar books (Tudor Era) and they are also very well written. In fact, I enjoyed her book on Mary Boleyn more than Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl."

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

Speaking of fashion...did anyone watch Mr. Selfridge? Don't really care for Piven in the role, but love the costumes.

What about The White Queen on BBC tonight? Anyone watch it? I can't get enough of period dramas!

I've made it finally through the first episode of Mr. Selfridge and Piven in insufferable as the character for the most though he works in some scenes I guess. You'd think the director would have reigned him in a bit at times. I've got the whole rest of the episodes to try to work through and I don't know if I can take him that much. The plot just seems to clunk along with nothing much happening and I don't really like any of the characters. It's sure no Downtown Abbey. But I'll probably watch the rest just because it's pretty and to see all those period costumes and sets - loved that part of it.

[Maximo]

Thank you for recommending Downton Abbey. I watched all 3 seasons online. Sarah O'Brien and Thomas Barrow are fun to despise.

[MyDearSam]

I actually felt more sorry for Thomas by the end of S3. O'Brien is such a b****. I couldn't decide which made me want to throw something at the TV more, her or Lady Mary.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MyDearSam

I actually felt more sorry for Thomas by the end of S3. O'Brien is such a b****. I couldn't decide which made me want to throw something at the TV more, her or Lady Mary.

You are right, Thomas was a sympathetic character by the end. He redeemed himself.

Lady Mary began to wear on my nerves too.

[yorkiemini]

OK you guys sucked me in - just ordered the disks from Netflix

[yorkietalkjilly]

From the early, unexpected death of the good-looking visitor during a raunchy night right at the beginning through to the sweet cook's eye problems, the little maid's pretend love for the serviceman out of pity, Matthew's awful "war injury" and all that that implies and the political intrigue of the times and angst of the valet's prison term to the skullduggery upstairs and downstairs, the plot clips along and the characters are fascinating for one reason or another. You care about these people - you either love them or love to hate them. And the unbelievable almost caste system and the acceptance of those in the various social strata of their lot in life is amazing. The underlings treat the lords and ladies almost as kings to be respected and obeyed as an accepted matter of course and practically never seem to question. One of the most interesting series ever.

I saw the actor who plays the lord of Downtown Abbey - can't recall his name - in the PBS Masterpiece Murder On The Orient Express the other day. Had long forgotten he was in it and of course he was younger then.

[Lisa and Pic]

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

OK you guys sucked me in - just ordered the disks from Netflix

You are going to love it Jay! I never thought I would enjoy a series this much. I am not watching it in order, unfortunately, but now have the tapes to season 1 and will watch next week. (Have seen season 2 and some of season 3) Let me know what you think.

[KazzyK810]

Any of my fellow Brits watching Starlings? It's so strange to see Brendan Doyle (John Bates in Downton) in it. He looks so underdressed in everyday clothes!

[Jellybaby]

I haven't watched Downton Abbey but after reading about it here I'm going to have to start! It sounds good.

I am watching the White Queen on BBC, I like it, it's based on Philippa Gregory's book, I love her books! I believe the White Queen is going to start in the U.S. in August.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by Jellybaby

I haven't watched Downton Abbey but after reading about it here I'm going to have to start! It sounds good.

I am watching the White Queen on BBC, I like it, it's based on Philippa Gregory's book, I love her books! I believe the White Queen is going to start in the U.S. in August.

I haven't read any of her books, but I'm really enjoying the White Queen. I don't want to read that book, as I like being surprised watching it, not knowing what's coming next, but are there any other of her books that you'd really recommend. I'm used to reading on my ipad, but I need to go buy a real book, so I can read while floating in the pool.