Author Topic: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012  (Read 149463 times)

pedln

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #80 on: January 14, 2012, 01:18:42 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.)



JeanneP

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #81 on: January 14, 2012, 02:32:23 PM »
I like Bates and the part he plays and yet I think that he is a little to old, even in that part to be involved with the young maid. If he was in the Boar War and now this is in 1914/16 that would make him being in late 40s. Need to sort of age her a little just maybe mention how long she has been working there. Just a little about her so could tie a age to her.
The family would not encourage a Older servant having any kind of a tryst with a young maid. (Usually it is a son of the family that does that).  Remember Upstairs Downstairs and Sarah the maid getting pregnant with their son. That was quite common in real life back then.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #82 on: January 14, 2012, 03:27:32 PM »
I thought they did manage to age Anna a wee bit in Season 2, but it's hard to tell.

What do you think of the new girl (forget name)? She seems to have a mouth on her, doesn't she.

The dress styles have changed some. I don't think the women's fashion is as becoming as in the last season. I'm thinking of the dresses that are very narrow at the ankle hem. Circa 1918-1919?

Here is an interesting article about the Women's Land Army, first established during WWI.
 http://h2g2.com/dna/h2g2/A2116478  
It reminded my of Lady Edith, although I don't recall any mention of the WLA in the show.

JeanneP

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #83 on: January 14, 2012, 04:51:34 PM »
I don't believe we had a WLA in the World W2. If we did I never heard of it.  Was big in the 2nd was. I knew many women who served in it.  Usually there were the German POW and the Italians working on the farms also.  I think the US also had Germans working up in the Midwest here.
It was more the Nursing that they went in in WW1. It had been going prior to even then.  Boar War used them also.

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #84 on: January 14, 2012, 04:55:27 PM »
Looks like PBS is going to show us more about the inner workings of a Manor House on January 22

http://www.pbs.org/programs/secrets-manor-house/

Do any of you remember what the series was named that PBS offered a few years ago where they took folks from today and put them in the circumstances cut off completely from their today's life for a few weeks and we watched at least 4 episodes of the way it worked out.

I remember there was one series of Early America and they had to cut enough timber to ship back to England to the investors that paid their way and in real life the leader of the community had to leave because of illness or death in the family - he was not liked by all and the two university professors took over but were not successful. The rule was they had to attend service every Sunday and one family would not - they went to the river for the day saying their marriage was not worth complying.

Another was several couples living in the west and among the group was a young couple who were on their honeymoon - I remember they saying at night their cabin that they had to build was filled with field mice and they saw all the eyes at night.

There was one that took place in West Texas and part of these series had a committee of local people into history who would judge how well they did - I remember one of the women on the committee was outraged out how carelessly the rancher's wife took care of the garden - and during that series the cook was also a mess and left with one of the young cowboys who was from New England taking over as cook.

There was a family that lived a middle class life in England - he wore a uniform on his job but I do not remember if he was with the police or what - they had a teenage daughter and a son - do not remember that story as well

But the one I remember was a couple who lived in what we would call a Manor but was a large Country house like Downton Abby - the unmarried sister of the wife accompanied them in the project and she was so lonely with such a strict class system - her only companion was the tutor from India so that she had to leave the project for a few weeks since she was bordering on deep depression -

They took the story through till they closed the house I think between the wars. There was a young girl and boy servant who did marry for real. They showed them married in the show and they had to sleep in a bed in the hall behind a screen - the cook was from France and was a mess - the butler ran the whole house along with the housekeeper - they decided the only one who had fun in a great house was the master of the house who had all these shooting parties and the mistress of the house who was pampered over as she chose her wardrobe for one social event after the other.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #85 on: January 14, 2012, 05:39:53 PM »
You are right, JeanneP, the US did not have a Women's Land Army in WWII. There was one, called the Women's Land Army of America during WWI though. Smithsonian wrote about it a while back. See article: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Before-Rosie-the-Riveter-Farmerettes-Went-to-Work.html?c=y&page=4  In WWII, our ladies headed for the factories.

Barb, thanks for the heads-up. I'll be looking for it here. I vaguely remember something about the British show where the family lived "in period", but I thought it was Victorian. Didn't see that one, but there was another doing the medieval life community. That I think I saw a little of it, but it didn't interest me at the time.


marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #86 on: January 14, 2012, 06:20:51 PM »
 On a Downton Abbey fan site, I saw the following comment  about the actress who plays Vera Bates. LOL.

"Stellar job. In two short scenes, she managed to dethrone the Evil Queen O'Brien, and over-shadowed all of her handiwork in Season One!"


Barbara, is this the reality series you mean, where people were transported to a manor house and lived according to the period? PBS Manor House premiered on PBS in April 2003. See http://www.pbs.org/manorhouse/

The other program, which was first shown in 2002, was Frontier House. See http://www.pbs.org/wnet/frontierhouse/

Thanks for the link to SECRETS OF THE MANOR HOUSE. That program should be interesting.

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #87 on: January 14, 2012, 07:37:13 PM »
Tra La - yea - yes, you found it - i forgot what that butler looked like -

There was a group of them - Frontier House being one of them - let me see if with these links the others will come up - the one I was curious about took place in a middle class house in London and the father wore a uniform to work - seems to me it took place just before WWI and so I was hoping it would give us a glimpse to how folks could make a living -

OK found this site that shows the various budgets for middle class and the poor as well as servants income during Victorian England - http://www.victorianlondon.org/finance/money.htm
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #88 on: January 14, 2012, 07:41:25 PM »
Found it - oh so many thanks Marcie for finding the series...

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/1900house/

Well I'll be - he is in the marines - he was not a policemen - did remember the uniform though
   
Quote
Paul Bowler, 39, has been in the Royal Marines since he was 16 and is now a Warrant Officer who serves as a telecommunications specialist. His rise through the ranks over the past 23 years required that he and Joyce move 13 times to various posts. He agreed to THE 1900 HOUSE journey to thank Joyce for her years of cooperation with his career.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Babi

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #89 on: January 15, 2012, 09:59:51 AM »
I didn't really think Anna was all that young. Perhaps they have 'aged' her a
bit this season, but she really strikes me as being in her 30's.

 Fashions always change during wartime. Styles become more practical, use less
fabric. More women are working at jobs that require freedom of movement and
more close-fitting garments.  Then, once the war is over, the ladies (or the designers) seem to go all out for glamor again.
"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

jeriron

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #90 on: January 15, 2012, 12:15:16 PM »
I thought Anna was in her thirties also.  Anyway lots of men married younger women then. My father was 11 years older the my Mother when they married in '36

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #91 on: January 15, 2012, 10:09:36 PM »
I loved tonight's episode, and I am SO relieved that Matthew's Lavinia has turned out to be such a lovely person and that Mary was not persuaded by her evil, gossipy Aunt Rosamund to tell dreadful and untrue gossip about her.  It was Rosamund who talked Mary into not accepting Matthew's proposal until they found out whether the expected baby would be a son and heir or not.  It was against Mary's instincts at the time, but she took Rosamund's advice.  Matthew caught on and would have none of her acceptance after the miscarriage.  Rosamund is a troublemaker of the first order.

I was also pleased about Edith's being appreciated for the work she was quietly doing with the convalescents.  I have not liked Edith previously, but Good On Her!

I still cannot stand Thomas and O'Brian, but I think where we are heading is that Thomas will do something outrageous and want O'Brian to have his back, and she will finally refuse and do what is right.  She is one big mess of war within her over right and wrong at this point in the story.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #92 on: January 15, 2012, 11:11:19 PM »
It looks like they are setting up for Bates's return.

Branson is becoming more radical.

serenesheila

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #93 on: January 15, 2012, 11:27:00 PM »
I have not yet watched "Downton Abbey, II".  As I am in the middle of a series I found in Netflix, called "Brandwell".  It is 27 segements long.  I really am enjoying it.

The stories are about a family doctor, and his daughter, who is also a doctor.  She is one of the first women doctors, in England.  I find it fascinating.  I will watch it again, tonight.

I am really enjoying Netflix online.  They offer many, older PBS mini series.  IMO, it is well worth the $7.99 a month.  I have no interest in most of the current, programs being shown on network television.

Sheila

Babi

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #94 on: January 16, 2012, 08:42:35 AM »
I agree with you about Rosamund, MARYPAGE. Her values are so cynical. I am
concerned because I suspect Lavinia truly loves the lawyer now courting Mary.
It appears they have a history, and I fear that Lavinia has accepted Michael as
a desperae second choice. Her father undoubtedly has a hand in that, too.

 O'Brien is a master manipulator, and plays her unsuspecting lady most skillfully.
She seems to regard Thomas as a surrogate son, but I don't think she would risk
her position for him too far.  Actually, I have hopes for Thomas. As I mentioned
before, he shows signs of finding something to do that he truly cares about.

 SHEILA, is Brandwell based on actual persons, or is it fiction?  Either way, it sounds
like it would be a good one to watch.
"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

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #95 on: January 16, 2012, 08:44:20 AM »
Oh yes, BRAMWELL!  I enjoyed that series about, oh, ten years ago or more.  Very nice indeed.  On PBS.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #96 on: January 16, 2012, 08:54:57 AM »
I don't agree with you about Thomas, Babi.  I think he is an irredeemable scoundrel and will do something really dreadful before this season is over.

And I am afraid I also disagree with you about Lavinia.  I think she well and truly loves Matthew.  Her ONLY relationship with the newspaper publisher who is courting Mary is that she     obtained information from her uncle's files that gave him that great scoop in the political and financial world.  She did this because her father was nearly ruined financially and owed a huge debt to this newspaper publisher, and the publisher agreed it could be paid off in full if Lavinia obtained this information for him.  She did and the debt was paid and she saved her father.  This is the story Lavinia told Mary, and I believe it to be the true story.  All of Rosamund's rumors were untrue.  Lavinia never had a relationship with the newspaper publisher.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #97 on: January 16, 2012, 09:31:52 AM »
Thomas could go either way. He does show signs of improvement, but he is still an opportunist.

Interesting contrast between Gwen and Ethel. Both want to improve their lot in life. Gwen took a practical view, and by taking a secretarial correspondence course was able to land herself an office position. She is an independent minded woman.  Ethel, on the other hand, is a dreamy sort who seems to be hoping to catch the attention of a convalescing officer. Is she a hopeless romantic wishing for a white knight to sweep her up and away?

I would love to see Lang set up in a small sewing/tailoring business and not just gone from the picture entirely. He was praised for his sewing abilities. Of course, they may yet find something else at the house for him rather than just see him go.

Oh, my PBS station ran a repeat of the latest Sherlock Holmes series right after Downton Abbey. I wonder if they are working on new episodes.

nlhome

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #98 on: January 16, 2012, 09:53:37 AM »
I haven't watched the first episode, but I was able to see last night's, and I enjoyed it. I will wait to see how the characters develop a bit more. But I did enjoy seeing the "modern conveniences" being introduced, such as the curling iron. Time is moving on.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #99 on: January 16, 2012, 09:54:53 AM »
I thought the butler, Mr. Carson,  DID let Lang go.  Remember, he went up to his room and Lang was already packing his bags.  Carson gave him 2 months wages and wished him well and told him to let them all know how he was doing.  He is gone!  Out of there!

I don't see any improvement in Thomas.  He took the hospital job as a cushy, away from the fighting thing.  He deliberately got himself wounded to get away from the war itself.  Now he is a swaggering power-hungry maniac.  I am scared of him and of what he may do.

pedln

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #100 on: January 16, 2012, 06:05:21 PM »
I wonder if I've missed something with Branson.  He's Irish, right?  And it seems he must be quite anti-British.  Is that why he doesn't want to fight? And is that what brought on his attempt at soiling the visiting commander?  He doesn't strike me as being a cowardly sort, so I don't think it's fear that's prompting him, but I don't see him as a true conscientious objector either.

Is Downton Abbey limited to the two seasons?  What we see these ensuing two months will be the final?  Or has there been more shown in Great Britain?

At any rate, it looks like they have some fights to get underway and sort out before it's all over.

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #101 on: January 16, 2012, 06:15:06 PM »
Branson epitomizes the Irish experience during WWI - Ireland was not part of the Great War - they had their own troubles - the Easter Rebellion was in 1916  - Beside which Branson was outraged because as he explained his brother or cousin forget which was walking down the street minding his own business when he was shot and killed by an English soldier because later the English said he looked like he could have been a possible rebel.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #102 on: January 16, 2012, 07:27:48 PM »
I thought I saw mention of a third season Pedln. I'll have to go see if I can confirm that.

EvelynMC

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #103 on: January 16, 2012, 09:32:20 PM »
I thought Branson just talked about being a conscientious objector.  And then when he went for his army  physical they found he had a heart problem and so rejected him.  And he wanted to do something against the British army and that's when he conceived of the idea to pour the ucky stuff on the visiting commander.

I enjoyed last night's episode.  It  is going to be interesting to see how all this plays out.

I also am glad that Edith got some praise.  But did you notice that quick shot of Mary frowning down at her plate when Edith received the praise?? They sure are loving sisters...

Evelyn

   

 

CubFan

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #104 on: January 17, 2012, 12:11:45 AM »
I just re-watched this week's episode and realized that Thomas had absolutely no empathy for Mr Lang. Based on Thomas's behavior in the war setting and knowing that he joined the medical corps because he thought it would keep him out harms way, I doubt that we will see any "caring" type behavior from him unless he thinks it will be of benefit to him to pretend so.

I am curious as to what ages would be assigned to Isobel (Matthew's mother), Cora (Mary's mother) and Violet (Mary's grandmother).  You feel almost that Cora & Violet are of same generation whereas actually Isobel & Cora are.

I'm quite sure i saw somewhere that the third season of Downton has been approved and funded.

Mary
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FlaJean

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #105 on: January 17, 2012, 12:26:43 AM »
I'm disappointed in Lady Cora.  I think she shows very poor judgement in regards to others around her.  She "seems" to be easily fooled.  I think Edith is beginning to show a strength and kindness that surprises me.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #106 on: January 17, 2012, 08:19:43 AM »
There is definitely to be a Season Three.

I think Lady Edith has just needed to be needed.  She has always felt useless and unappreciated.  Completely on her own and unnoticed by family, she went amongst the convalescents and helped them in a hundred little ways.

I got the sense that the only reason Thomas showed interest in that young officer who eventually committed suicide was that they were both Gay.  Remember, we found that out about Thomas early on in Season One.

Babi

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #107 on: January 17, 2012, 08:21:52 AM »
 You turn out to be entirely right about Lavinia, MARYPAGE. From her demeanor, I
had suspected she was once in love with the publisher. Her motives were quite
different, as I discovered from this latest episode.  I suppose I was looking for
a way to get Matthew back with Mary. Mary, I was happy to see, did the right
thing and sweetly cut Rosamund off.
  You may be right about Thomas, too. I didn't suppose he had turned into an angel,
but it did seem that caring for the injured veteran brought out a better side of
him. I won't give up on him just yet; there is some good in there. Shoot, even
O'Brien seems to be mellowing just a tad.

 I do hope so, FRYBABE. I enjoyed that new 'take' on Sherlock Holmes. Some of the
new movies, tho', I find an outrageous travesty of Conan Doyle's creation.
 
 Is that how you read Mary's expression, EVELYN? I thought it more surprised, then
thoughtful. I'm hopint to see a better attitude toward Edith, now. After all,
Edith has improved considerably, too. Having something worthwhile to do has made
a big difference in her.
  The character that most surprised me is the emergence of this 'take over'
attitude of Matthew's mother.  What was once firmness of character has become
overriding bossiness. They try to convey the idea that she has always been this
way, but it certainly didn't seem that way to me in the first series.
"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

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #108 on: January 17, 2012, 08:59:47 AM »
I also am glad that Edith got some praise.  But did you notice that quick shot of Mary frowning down at her plate when Edith received the praise?? They sure are loving sisters...

And I thought when the general (I'm glad to see him again, he's been in a lot of films I liked) made a toast to Lady Edith, I saw a bit of disappointment in the face of Matthew's mother. What an interesting little side plot is developing there.

Did they actually shoot cowards in WWI in the British army? How did they do that without a trial?

The production is so sumptuous, you almost don't care who does what, or I don't. It's just a pleasure to look at. I did like Lord Grantham and his screen in the library being irritated by the ping pong, that was a nice touch, too, and not wanting to eat with the patients. That is a BIG place, surely  they could have some privacy.

My favorite character is...is it Michael? The footman who wants so badly to enlist. The only child, only son and his erstwhile romance with the kitchen maid, is it  Daisy?  I love his face, so guileless,  so innocent, he's doing a fantastic job with that part.

And now she's promised to him and it's entirely possible that due to being assigned to Matthew, he will not see any action in the war. And so he'll come back. Hopefully. What an interesting plot twist.

I really was surprised to see the actress playing "Mary" up for a Golden Globe. I really can't see that, can you?

(PS: Yes, they are filming the third series in February.)


Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #109 on: January 17, 2012, 09:35:32 AM »
Quote
I got the sense that the only reason Thomas showed interest in that young officer who eventually committed suicide was that they were both Gay.

You may be right there, MaryPage. His pat on Thomas's leg could be construed either as simply a sympathetic gesture or the recognition of a kindred soul. The suicide was definitely an act of desperation and deep depression at being separated from the support and encouragement Thomas and Sybil gave him.

Thomas could have gotten out of military service by declaring himself gay, but then he would have exposed himself to suffering from prejudices and persecutions. The writers are not giving us much clue to his though processes. To bad. I would like to know how much of his behavior is an effort to keep his secret hidden and/or an outward manifestation of self-loathing.

Could it be that O'Brien suspects Thomas's secret? No clue to support it. If she does, she could be one of those people who root for the underdog. At any rate, Thomas is an opportunist, but he doesn't have her manipulative skills. He is getting ahead, pretty much, through her manipulations. We can see what he is getting from the relationship, but what is she getting from it?

Babi, I too noticed that Isobel is becoming more and more overbearing. Pushy!

Regarding Lang, weren't shell shocked individuals, for the most part, considered cowards in WWI and treated accordingly by many? Remember Patton's infamous slip to the face of a soldier suffering from PTSD? Wikipedia has an interesting article on shell shock. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_stress_reaction Note that the APA didn't officially recognize PTSD as a disorder until 1980. Ginny, look down at the header World War I. It answers your question about executing cowards, at least as far as the Brits were concerned.

MaryPage

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #110 on: January 17, 2012, 10:03:52 AM »
Matthew's mother was very pushy in Season One, as well.  Remember how she insisted on her medical experience and expertise?  How she insisted on diagnosing Matthew's manservant's hand rash and going to the doctor's pharmacy and getting out medications to treat him, herself?  She was also pushy about the man with Bright's Disease.  In the case of the manservant, she was wrong and Lady Violet was right (and most awfully smirky about it), whereas in the case of the young man, Isobel saved his life by insisting the doctor try the treatment she had seen previously elsewhere.  I like Isobel, and I think she is right most of the time and she is sick to death of being dismissed because she is "just a woman."  She could have made a fine doctor in these times.

If Thomas had announced being homosexual back then, he would have been killed for sure.  And yes, cowards were shot;  most often secretly and illegally.  Sometimes, albeit rarely, as an official warning to others.  We did the same.  Men and officers were shot in the back because they made themselves very unpopular.  Or tossed overboard in the middle of the night in the navy.

Patton was World War II, but yes, it was all believed to be sheer cowardice back then.  Patton was a most unsympathetic soul.

JeanneP

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #111 on: January 17, 2012, 05:29:51 PM »
I don't think that we are suppose to accept Thomas as a Homosexual. It is just that he will turn to anything. Just a rotten person.
I have a feeling that soon he will get into trouble where he is now. The doctor that thinks so well of him will find out.  He will be shipped to France and the Front and before the series ends he will be killed. There is no other way of making him  turn up to be a good person later.

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #112 on: January 17, 2012, 05:55:03 PM »
Ouch - what an outcome and yet you are probably right - no good can come of him but my goodness talk about off with their heads, off with their heads...  ;)
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Frybabe

  • Posts: 9939
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #113 on: January 17, 2012, 07:37:21 PM »
Don't forget that Thomas came on to Mr. Pamuk in the first season. Oh, but I do agree that he should get his come-uppance. And so should O'Brien. Who knows what season three will bring.

nlhome

  • Posts: 984
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #114 on: January 17, 2012, 09:21:55 PM »
The shooting of young soldiers who were "cowards" has been a theme in some books set in WWI.


MaryPage

  • Posts: 3725
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #115 on: January 18, 2012, 08:08:01 AM »
Jeanne, I do not quite understand what you mean about our not being supposed to accept Thomas as a homosexual.

Remember the young duke who came to Downton to PRETEND to court Lady Mary in Season One?  He did not come to court Lady Mary, but had had a homosexual relationship with Thomas and Thomas was in possession of a whole pile of love letters from said duke.  And the duke got Lady Mary to show him the house, starting with the servant's quarters on top of the house, and got her to point out Thomas's bedroom, and disappeared inside with the door shut and retrieved those letters from Thomas's chest of drawers.  The two men got into quite an altercation about it, and the duke hastily left Downton.

Quite the opposite of you, I get the feeling from the writing and acting that we are very much meant to see Thomas as a homosexual.

Babi

  • Posts: 6732
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #116 on: January 18, 2012, 09:04:11 AM »
Valerie and I both remarked on that use of space, GINNY.  The place was so huge I would think they could turn over an entire wing for the hospital without using the family's common rooms at all.
  The enamored footman is William, and the last episode ended on a rather ominous note for Daisy. It sounded like William was going to insist on marrying before he left. (Would that have been possible, I wonder.) Cook surely couldn't expect Daisy to go that far to boost William's morale!
"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


JeanneP

  • Posts: 1231
  • Sept 2013
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #118 on: January 18, 2012, 07:20:12 PM »
I didn't realize that Eliz. McGovern had left the USA 20 years ago to live in UK.  Married a British Director.  Don't remember seeing her in anything other than this show now.  Maybe she has made movies in Uk.

Back to Thomas.  Many men even today will (Make out) with men just to do what Thomas tried. Blackmail.  Fact Male Prostitution is now on the rise. Men picking up men.  They are not Homo's.  I am sure it went on years ago.  If he was for real it would have by now found out in the Army and back then men went to prison for it.

Now wasn't there a man in the US army shot for being in coward. I thought it was in WW2. the only one it happened to?  From Chicago I believe. Sort of a Polish name began with S.
I could have the wrong war. Seem like it was printed in our papers in UK years ago.

CubFan

  • Posts: 187
Re: PBS Masterpiece Classic 2011-2012: Downton Abbey
« Reply #119 on: January 18, 2012, 07:38:15 PM »
This is what I found via Google.

The only American soldier executed for cowardice WW2
There was a TV movie called "The Execution of Private Slovik" back in 1974. Martin Sheen played Eddie Slovik. 

I didn't see it but comments where that it was pretty strong movie.

Mary


"No two persons ever read the same book" Edmund Wilson