Author Topic: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012  (Read 149837 times)

JeanneP

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  • Sept 2013
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #160 on: January 26, 2012, 06:58:12 PM »
 

Masterpiece Classic 2012 brings back favorite authors and introduces new authors and programs. See the complete 2012 MASTERPIECE CLASSIC schedule.

NOW DISCUSSING

      April 15, 2012
      The Mystery of Edwin Drood
      An adaptation and completion of Charles Dickens' last novel left unfinished at the halfway mark at his death, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood is a psychological thriller about a provincial choirmaster's obsession with 17-year-old Rosa Bud and the lengths he will go to to attain her. Cast includes Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters) and Julia MacKenzie (Miss Marple).

COMING

      April 22 & 29, 2012 at 9pm
      Birdsong
      An adaptation of Sebastian Faulk's novel about lovers torn apart by World War I. Eddie Redmayne (The Pillars of the Earth) plays Stephen Wrayford, whose pre-war affair with Isabelle Azaire (Clemence Poesy, Harry Potter films) has an enduring effect on him as he fights in the trenches.


ALREADY DISCUSSED


      April 1 & 8, 2012
      Great Expectations
      Widely considered one of the greatest novels by Charles Dickens, Great Expectations tells the story of Pip the battered orphan boy, who rises from blacksmith's apprentice to gentleman under the patronage of a mysterious benefactor, who assures him of "great expectations." Starring Gillian Anderson, David Suchet and Ray Winstone.



February 26, 2012
One 90-minute episode
     The Old Curiosity Shop
     A teenage girl and her grandfather lose everything to a maniacal moneylender and flee his relentless pursuit. Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius) stars as Grandfather, with Sophie Vavasseur (Northanger Abbey) as Nell and Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) as Quilp.


January 8 to February 19, 2012
      Downton Abbey Season 2
      Downton Abbey season 2 resumes the story of aristocrats and servants in the tumultuous World War I era. The international hit is written by Julian Fellowes and stars Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, and Hugh Bonneville, plus a drawing room full of new actors, portraying the loves, feuds, and sacrifices of a glittering culture thrown into crisis. Watch all episodes online through March 6 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch/index.html


The Primetime Emmy Award® winning Downton Abbey season one returns December 18 & 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012. (Check local listings.)




I had a MIL. who took all her health advise from the Doctors who where in the Soap Opera's.  She would then go and tell her doctor what she thought she needed him to do.
If someone in the show came down with a problem she thought she had the same one for sure..
Now mind you she live to about 90 and so who knows.  Could they be right.?

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #161 on: January 26, 2012, 07:09:47 PM »
Jeanne, I guess we can't fault her too much if she lived to 90!

Babi

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #162 on: January 27, 2012, 08:37:29 AM »
 Really, I wasn't surprised either, MARYPAGE.  Having read your posts, the
dowager duchess seemed quite appropriate. You are a lady of quite decided
opinions.  :D
"I go to books and to nature as a bee goes to the flower, for a nectar that I can make into my own honey."  John Burroughs

rosemarykaye

  • Posts: 3055
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #163 on: January 28, 2012, 01:05:36 PM »
I don't know if you get our Jonathan Ross show on your TV, but tonight one of the guests is Hugh Bonneville - of Downton Abbey and many other programmes.

Rosemary

JeanneP

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  • Sept 2013
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #164 on: January 28, 2012, 05:52:09 PM »
I think that we are all going to enjoy "Downton Abbey" tomorrow night. Look like many things will come to light.

Now I don't remember seeing Hugh Bonneville in any other show.  Rosemary can you fill me in.  Any DVDs he may be in.  What else has he been in?  Must be plenty as he has to be in his 60s

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #165 on: January 28, 2012, 07:53:07 PM »
http://www.hughbonneville.co.uk/

I watch a lot of the British shows on public television and on BBC and buy a lot of their films on DVD, so I have seen him previously.  Not particularly noticed him, but did recognize the face.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #166 on: January 28, 2012, 08:12:43 PM »
I cheated. I watched some of the YouTube bits.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #167 on: January 29, 2012, 06:20:50 PM »
I see I got home in time to see Secrets of the Manor House. My PBS station is running it tonight at 7pm before Downton Abbey.


Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #168 on: January 29, 2012, 09:58:49 PM »
WAHHHH! I fell asleep on half of Manor House and then a friend I haven't heard from for quite a while called. I missed all but the last few minutes of Downton Abbey. Oh, well. The station will run it again on Sat. night and just before next week's episode on Sunday. I can't wait. Maybe I'll watch it online earlier.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #169 on: January 29, 2012, 10:19:06 PM »
GREAT EPISODE!  I loved every minute of it.  Well, okay;  I always close my eyes and shut off the sound for war scenes, so I did miss those details.  And I don't mind one bit that I did.

The newspaper publisher deal with Mrs. Bates went off beautifully.  Now to see what she has in store for Mr. Bates.  I think she just flat out hates his being happy with Anna.  Lord knows she was not the teeniest bit grateful to him for serving a prison term for something she had done!

Whew!  The drama.  Scenes from next week make it apparent that Lady Mary tries to get out of marrying Sir Richard and that he will ruin her if she does not.  Roller Coaster Ride Abbey, this is!

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #170 on: January 29, 2012, 10:22:05 PM »
You would think by along about now O'Brian would learn that every single time she interferes with other folk's lives it causes terrible repercussions that wind up making her very sorry for what she did or said.  You would think.  Apparently the writer doesn't think!

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #171 on: January 29, 2012, 11:04:26 PM »
On the Downton Abbey website, there's a video interview with the actress who plays O'Brian.  (She is a beautiful YOUNG woman!  Amazing!!!)  I couldn't quite hear everything she said but she was explaining the character as being someone who is unable to treat others kindly because her own life had been so miserable.

However, in the final scene with Thomas tonight, when O'B. is telling him about Mrs. Bates threats, she says something about "I won't let anything happen to my lady."   Perhaps being exposed to Lady Cora's good heart (for instance, when Lady C. and O'B. walk in on the group feeding the soldiers) is beginning to rub off  - ever so slowly.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #172 on: January 29, 2012, 11:23:39 PM »
You are kinder to O'Brian than I.  I think she is just feeling an unbearable guilt and much belated loyalty because she caused the countess to slip on the soap and fall and miscarry the baby boy and heir, all on purpose because she was angry that the countess was about to let her go, something not true, but she was eavesdropping on the conversation between Cora and Violet and failed to understand it was Violet who was looking for a new ladies maid.

After she found out to her great shock that she was not to be let go and had never been meant to be let go, she was stricken because she had left the soap there in hopes Cora would fall and miscarry.  Which she did.

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #173 on: January 30, 2012, 12:21:42 AM »
Oh yes, MaryPage, I well remember the soap incident.    I don't think she's actually become any nicer - but she's usually been nasty about everyone when she and Thomas are having a private conversation - and, tonight, she seemed to ease up just a teensy bit.  She won't do a complete turnaround, though.

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #174 on: January 30, 2012, 07:48:43 AM »
William was a sweetheart, wasn't he? Was it gassed lungs? Didn't that take a lot of them in that war? Was that he carrying.. the heir...Matthew? Was that what that scene was? Out of the battle? I did like the scenes where they talked informally before, as companions, really, William showing the most strength, I thought.

Not sure I'm understanding why they could not have William in their own house, if not in the hospital part: it's a big house, he could be somewhere,  but I thought Maggie Smith was priceless with, was it "Stinky?" in arranging it. Touching wedding, I could have reached thru the tube and throttled Daisy initially,  but she came thru in the end.  And he got to hear it, hopefully. Loved the bed done up in roses.

The bit about both women, Daisy and Mary,  feeling something during the battle might have been a little over the top.

Bates's wife sure gave in easily to Sir Richard, I thought, met her match? I don't think so. Both of them are as venal as you can get. How comes he to be "Sir?" Seems as if he, according to the wedding announcement, had humble beginnings, I did note the emphasis on "Mr." when Lord Grantham read it out.

Even today if you take Virgin Airlines you put your title down, a drop down  menu,  when you buy your ticket online. Quite an assortment to choose from. Have always been tempted to put one. hahahaaa

Babi

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #175 on: January 30, 2012, 09:28:16 AM »
 O'Brian does seem to be giving her past decisions a bit more thought now,
MARYPAGE. Especially since Thomas made no bones whatever about telling her
the entire mess was all her fault.
  I was asking the same question, GINNY. The army didn't control the entire
house, just the hospital. But it did give the dowager duchess a chance to
demonstrate the power of the elite social network. Never underestimate a
clever duchess!
  I can't believe the diagnosis in Matthew's case can be final. One doesn't do
that to the all-important character of a series like Downton Abbey. It does ,
however, provide a very useful and acceptable way to ease his fiance' out of
the picture.  I wondered how they were going to manage that without killing
her off.  Poor woman.
"I go to books and to nature as a bee goes to the flower, for a nectar that I can make into my own honey."  John Burroughs

MaryPage

  • Posts: 3725
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #176 on: January 30, 2012, 10:35:11 AM »
Oh, they will probably find some wonderful modern day specialist in London who wants to try a brand new idea out on Matthew and cure his spinal injury.  Or at least restore his manhood.

And don't forget, we will have an end to the war along with a humongous flu epidemic.  Maybe they'll kill off Mrs. Bates?

Naaaah!

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #177 on: January 30, 2012, 11:43:37 AM »
In the preview of the next episode, there was a quick shot of a heavily bandaged soldier in a wheelchair asking Lord Grantham, "Don't you know me?"   Who do you suppose that's going to be?

I wish there would be a "prequel" so we could learn about Lord Grantham marrying the American heiress.  Don't you know the Duchess had a fine time with that?

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #178 on: January 30, 2012, 02:44:42 PM »
You bet!  After all, she was - - - sniff,  American!  Sniff!

Did anyone else we know or knew in the first season go off to war?  I can't remember!

Or could it be one of his other heirs;  one who supposedly went down on the Titanic?  Naaaah.

I saw that clip, as well.  Hope it is some ultra rich son of a dear friend of the earl's and he will get well and fall in love with Lady Edith and they will get married and live HEA.

Busy writing the script here.  Waste of time, really.

rosemarykaye

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #179 on: January 30, 2012, 03:25:31 PM »
oooh, I am having to sit on my hands to stop myself commenting (having seen the entire second series and the Christmas special already..) ;D

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #180 on: January 30, 2012, 05:31:43 PM »
MaryPage, speaking of "writing the script" (something I tend to do...  :-\ ): 
The first thing that popped into my head about the wounded soldier was:   "there were some survivors of the Titanic".
Also:  Someone posted on S&F they read Shirley McClain would be joining the cast.  If so, my guess is that she'll be Lady Cora's American mother.  Wouldn't that be fun!!

Rosemary, Did I "up" Earl Grantham's status to Lord G. ?   :-[
Ooooh, won't you have a fine time chuckling at all our suppositions?   :D




MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #181 on: January 30, 2012, 05:45:48 PM »
I think anyone with a title is a "lord."

No?

Well, it used to automatically entitle them to sit in the House of Lords.

Not the sirs.  The queen makes a sir.  Honorary.  And yes, she has sirred (knighted?) some scoundrels.  I love her to pieces, but REALLY!

OK, Rosemary;  you are entitled to tell me it is NOMB!

JeanneP

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  • Sept 2013
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #182 on: January 30, 2012, 08:24:56 PM »
At the end of this No.2 series I bet we will be left with a real CLIFF HANGER. Then have to wait for No. 3. (is that right Rosemary?)
Now isn't there a BOOK?. (not right to find out).

nlhome

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #183 on: January 30, 2012, 10:19:46 PM »
OK, so on the news tonight they showed Shirley McClain's picture and said she was coming to the show; also showed the butler and Lady Cora appearing to look expectantly, as out of a window. So I guess that's happening.

I think, although I am really enjoying this program, that public TV is really hyping this, taking advantage of its opportunity for funding and attention. And really, it's much better than the latest CSI, so I say go for it.

rosemarykaye

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #184 on: January 31, 2012, 03:16:22 AM »
The one thing that everyone here has complained about is the amount of advertising shown in every commercial break in Downton.  Many people record it so they can then fast forward those bits. The ones of the sponsor - some holiday company - are especially annoying.  Sometimes the commercials go on so long you almost forget it's coming back.  But of course we love it to bits.

Most of the papers who like to think of themselves as highbrow have slated Downton relentlessly, which I think just goes to show how out of touch these reviewers are.  We know it's a soap, we know they get the details wrong sometimes, but we love it anyway.  You have to hand it to Julian Fellows.

MaryPage - ?NOMB?

Rosemary

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #185 on: January 31, 2012, 08:53:55 AM »
NONE OF MY BUSINESS, Rosemary.  NOMB.  None of my business!

From what I have read, I gather the series was written in hopes another smash hit mini-series like Upstairs/Downstairs could be realized.  And it was!  And a second season was in order, to the great delight of all involved.  And now a third.

There WAS no book;  but no doubt there will be eventually.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #186 on: January 31, 2012, 08:59:31 AM »
Rosemary, we have no commercials on the public television channels that carry this show.  Our commercial television would not dream of carrying such quality productions.  They are all reality TV and dreadfully loud so-called comedies in which people use language I would not allow in my presence and yell rude, hurtful remarks to one another.  Too dreadful!  And it seems that every time the commercial networks make a mistake and sign up a decent show, it fails.

Color me jaundiced!

Some of our critics here have been rude about Downton, as well.  They apparently are unused to fine acting and great lines that are not in-your-face.  Oh well.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #187 on: January 31, 2012, 09:25:36 AM »
Here, here, MaryPage. I wholeheartedly agree. I don't think the so called comedies they show now days are at all funny. They keep adding more and more channels on cable with the same programming. Some channels that originally showed promise have reverted to the reality style shows, and paranormal stuff. The Green channel, for instance,  lost its green and has been showing old documentaries about Egypt - pyramids, mummies, etc. - and paranormal.  Recently I noticed that TMC has started showing semi-recent CSI shows and the like instead of all movies or movie related subjects. Who wants a choice of six or seven channels that play the same things over and over and over. End soapbox.

I am not incredibly fond of Shirley Maclaine. It is so sad that William was written out of the show.

jeriron

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #188 on: January 31, 2012, 09:50:08 AM »
So we are right....

Shirley MacLaine has joined the cast of Downton Abbey, Variety reports.

The Oscar winner will play Martha Levinson, Lady Grantham's mother, in the third season, which begins filming next month.

pedln

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  • SE Missouri
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #189 on: January 31, 2012, 09:54:47 AM »
Quote
It is so sad that William was written out of the show.


Yes, but think how good this part will look on his resume.  And, realistically, the Crawley household could not feasibly escape wartime death entirely.  I hope "William" is on his way to a wonderful new role.

And won't it be fun to see Shirley McLaine in her new role.  And to see the relationship between the two "mums."

Babi

  • Posts: 6732
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #190 on: January 31, 2012, 09:56:42 AM »
Don't give up hope, MARYPAGE.  It could happen.  :D

Oh, ROSEMARY, you lucky thing! I didn't even know it had been available
earlier. But then, of course, It would come out in Britain first.

 I can't say I liked every role Shirley MacLaine played, but she had some that
I thought really geat.  I never missed one of her earlier movies.  I do hope
the writers don't decide to pull the 'crass American' bit.  That would be too
tiresome.
"I go to books and to nature as a bee goes to the flower, for a nectar that I can make into my own honey."  John Burroughs

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #191 on: January 31, 2012, 10:39:56 AM »
Re Shirley MacLaine joining Downton Abbey: "Producers said the character of Martha Levinson [Lady Grantham's mother] would provide a "wonderful combatant" for the formidable Dowager Countess played by two-time Oscar winner Maggie Smith."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/31/us-shirleymaclaine-downton-idUSTRE80U0X220120131

I think that Maggie Smith had some of her best lines in this episode making sure that William was able to be brought to the house and getting the vicar to marry him and Daisy.

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #192 on: January 31, 2012, 12:34:16 PM »
Shirley MacLaine! 

Snarky remarks removed. :)

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #193 on: January 31, 2012, 01:17:22 PM »
Quote
I do hope the writers don't decide to pull the 'crass American' bit.

For crass American mum imitation, I would think Lily Tomlin would fit the bill. Shirley's part will probably have a little more style and grace. It will be interesting to see what they do with the part.

mabel1015j

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #194 on: January 31, 2012, 05:10:42 PM »
Somewhere from the past i seem to remember that S McLaine & Maggie Smith were friendly, maybe that's how Shirley got the part. I think she will be wonderful. I wouldn't class her w/ Cher. Shirley is a very good actor, so is Lily Tomlin, but not suitable for a part like this, Shirley can be very classy, or not, as she needs to be.

EvelynMC

  • Posts: 216
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #195 on: January 31, 2012, 05:28:52 PM »
Shirley MacLaine???  I hope they write it so she can do the role as a class act and not be crass.

Watching Maggie Smith and Shirley MacLaine in the same scene should be loads of fun.  They'll be chewing the scenery and loving every minute of it.  ;)

Evelyn 

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #196 on: January 31, 2012, 06:22:37 PM »
:) I'm feeling guilty about my remarks on Miss MacLaine but I couldn't get back IN here to fix them due to my grandbaby wanting to drive the tractor,  so I think I'll recant and give her the benefit of the doubt , who knows?

And I just had to erase another  snarky line so I'll now stifle. hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I would rather watch 100 Wiliams, however, than one Shirley,  any day, and they killed him off.

I am idly wondering, due to his character,  and that of Bates, which group is being portrayed as the most "good," upstairs or downstairs?



JeanneP

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  • Sept 2013
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #197 on: January 31, 2012, 06:31:21 PM »
Oh! I think that Shirley will make us proud.  She had done some good acting in her past work.  I think they get by with a lot more with American Directors than what she will do with a British one.  One can tell the difference in British Movies.  Who in USA could have done "The Kings Speech?"  Can't think of any US could have played a part like that.

We never get shows like this one or such as most that  Masterpiece Theatre. show.
Now Halmark do a pretty good job.  (to many commercials though?)

bellemere

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #198 on: January 31, 2012, 09:02:56 PM »
Posting here for the first time, I hope this issue has not been discussed and dismissed.  I CAN'T HEAR THE DOWNSTAIRS PEOPLE~  I understnd the aristocrats quite will, does that imply that I am "to the manor bor"?  But O'Brian and Thomas standing together watching the family and making snide remarks, it all gets lost on me. I have my hearing aid in, the TV is loud and I still miss most of it.
And can somebody tell me how in the world that pesky blackmailer , Mrs. Bates, came to know of the family's secret scandal?  We are talking about the Egyptian house guest , aren't we?
I've heard others say the same about the indistinct speech.  I didn't have this trouble with Upstairs Downstairs.  lots of people have to view Downton the next day on computers to try to figure out what all the mumbling was about!  At least we will be able to understand Shirley.  Would love it if she danced a number to show off those great American legs!  (Just kidding)

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #199 on: January 31, 2012, 09:59:51 PM »
Welcome bellemere!

Whenever I watch a program with accents, or just a lot of conversation, I am grateful if it is closed captioned. Can you get closed captioning for Downton Abbey on your TV?

Mrs. Bates used to be a lady's maid to the Marchioness of Flintshire, Lord Grantham's cousin. I think Mrs. Bates says she heard the rumors about Mary when she stopped by that house.

It was Mary's sister Edith who wrote to the Turkish Embassy in London informing them about the exact nature of their attaché's death. I don't remember if we're told how the news spread from there.