Author Topic: PBS Masterpiece 2014 Cont. - Downton Abbey & Other PBS programs (Read 118091 times)

marcie · « **on:** January 01, 2014, 01:19:41 AM »

Season 4 of Downton Abbey will begin on January 5, 2014. Sherlock, Season 3, will premiere on Sunday, January 19, following the 9pm broadcast of Downton Abbey. Benedict Cumberbatch (The Fifth Estate, Star Trek Into Darkness) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Office UK) will return as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in three new 90-minute episodes of the contemporary reinvention of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic, created by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who) and Mark Gatiss. Watch episodes on TV or online after they air.

See the 2014 MASTERPIECE schedule.

Discussion Leaders: JoanP and marcie

Frybabe · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2014, 07:16:42 AM »

Not near excited about Downton Abbey as I am about the return of Sherlock Holmes. Can barely wait.

nlhome · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2014, 08:53:00 AM »

I'm looking forward to all the programs. I watched the Call the Midwife Christmas episode and I'm looking foward to that new season also.

marcie · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2014, 01:17:03 PM »

It looks like the three new Sherlock episodes are two hours each and will air after some of the one hour episodes of Downton Abbey.

JeanneP · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2014, 02:34:08 PM »

I have never watched the "Sherlock episodes" going to start.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2014, 02:57:24 PM »

FlaJean · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2014, 03:42:03 PM »

Happy New Year everyone!

marcie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2014, 03:53:05 PM »

JeanneP, we'll be interested to hear your views on this Sherlock. We see his analytical process when he sizes up a crime scene through computerized notations on the TV screen as he estimates measurements, compositions, timeframes, etc.

JeanneP · « **Reply #8 on:** January 01, 2014, 07:00:18 PM »

Oh! I don't know Marcie. Sound a little deep for me. I like the old Sherlock Holmes of years ago. Solves crimes the old way. I will give it a shot.

Frybabe · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2014, 08:41:46 AM »

Surprisingly, perhaps because I don't generally like when someone updates to modern old classics, I adore this Sherlock. Last Saturday I rewatched the final Season Two show. After that, I thought I needed a refresher on how he and Dr. Watson got together. I ended up watching all of Season One and one featuring Irene Adler in Season Two. This Sherlock version of Hound of the Baskervilles, however, is not my favorite; I still prefer the original.

marcie · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2014, 11:13:33 AM »

Jeanne, I must have given the wrong impression. I don't think this Sherlock is "deep" as in boring. I'm glad you're going to give it a try and see for yourself.

JeanneP · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2014, 08:40:20 PM »

I did watch one of the repeats yesterday..don't think I will be watching him. Seems always in a rush.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2014, 02:43:26 AM »

We saw the first - and long awaited - episode of the new season of Sherlock on Wednesday night. Brilliant. My daughters got me interested in this, and now I'm as addicted as they are. Benedict Cumberbatch & Martin Freeman are such a great pair, and in this series Freeman/Watson has a new love interest (who is played by his real-life partner), and Mycroft is developing as a character. I won't give anything else away!

We also saw a new one-off adaptation of the novel 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Settafield (which I haven't read) starring Olivia Coleman and Vanessa Redgrave. I was terrified, though as usual my 15 yr old wasn't....but we both enjoyed it hugely, so I hope you get it over there in due course.

Rosemary

MaryPage · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2014, 08:50:39 AM »

I agree that the new Sherlock is brilliant.

I saw a new Phryne Fisher on PBS last night. Absolutely delicious. Such fun!

marcie · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2014, 12:14:36 PM »

Rosemary, Thanks very much for the "previews." I am looking forward to Sherlock later this month and do hope that we get The Thirteenth Tale. It's in my humongous to be read pile.

FlaJean · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2014, 12:35:43 PM »

We don't get Phryne Fisher on PBS in our area. I'm hoping Netflix will pick up the new series.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2014, 02:42:41 PM »

Yes now to discover how he switched places with the executioner with no one the wiser

marcie · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2014, 12:12:23 AM »

Downton Abbey, Season 4 starts Sunday!

An email from Masterpiece says:

You've waited all year (with the patience of Carson and enthusiasm of Daisy), and now you're about to be rewarded with Downton Abbey, Season 4, premiering Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014 at 9pm ET on MASTERPIECE on PBS (check local listings).

Before you step back into the saga of the Crawleys, get prepared with our selection of essential short Downton Abbey videos. Hear first hand from series creator Julian Fellowes and actress Michelle Dockery about Mary's tumultuous journey, get an insider's glimpse at new characters and locations, find out what series insiders really had to say about Matthew's death in season 3, and see a Season 4 preview. See http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/features/video/downton-abbey-dont-miss-videos/?elq=c1f34357878c4ac987dc50e81e15c19f&elqCampaignId=785

nlhome · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2014, 08:34:47 AM »

I hadn't watched the Sherlock Holmes series, but last night I watched the little segment that was linked in a Masterpiece email awhile ago. Now I'm intrigued and will have to watch from the beginning - if I have time to see them all before January 19, when the links expire. Maybe that deadline will make this cold, seemingly interminable month go faster.

I can watch one episode during the Packer/49er game today - just watching it would chill me to the bone.

marcie · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2014, 01:55:15 PM »

It's good to be inside, nlhome. The forecasted temperature at game time was around -5 degrees.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2014, 03:30:27 PM »

It was only in the low 40s but a slow north wind was dropping temps just as I spent less than a half hour covering more tightly hose bibs and covering with two outdoor blankets I have the herbs - in that time breathing so froze my lungs I am in pain all afternoon as they thaw. I drank hot tea to help but oh my - so I cannot imagine how y'all living in teen and below teen temps can even go out of your houses - if cold kills human bugs like it kills insects I should be healthy for weeks.

MaryPage · « **Reply #21 on:** January 06, 2014, 08:14:56 AM »

The two hour showing of the new Downton Abbey season was wonderful. Wonderful!

I do hate the back stabbing downstairs, though. Don't want dear Anna to be doubted and in trouble. Lady Cora is pretty thick, really.

Frybabe · « **Reply #22 on:** January 06, 2014, 08:22:30 AM »

I'll be watching, but I probably won't be as interested now that they've gotten passed WWI.

marcie · « **Reply #23 on:** January 06, 2014, 11:58:43 AM »

I enjoyed last night's episodes too, MaryPage. I thought they were written well. I can't believe that Lady Cora would think ill of Anna. The new lady's maid and Thomas make a good, evil pair!!!

Dan Stevens, who played Matthew, is in a film that supposed to come out in the US this month, SUMMER IN FEBRUARY, that focuses on the early 20th century love triangle between British artist Alfred Munnings, his friend Gilbert Evans and Florence Carter-Wood. It's gotten mostly negative reviews from critics in Britain. The trailer is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JulDCiXBx-s

Dana · « **Reply #24 on:** January 06, 2014, 02:18:36 PM »

I must say I am not fond of Lady Cora. I'm getting a bit sick of how she does nothing but put her head to the side and simper. i also think she's a bit thick and is meant to be, because people bypass her if they want anything done and go to her daughters, gran., even the earl or whatever he is.....(and goodness knows, he's not bright....I think Julian Fellows must have socialist leanings!!)

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #25 on:** January 06, 2014, 03:51:30 PM »

I think Lady Cora was good for her money and her simpering way allowed the money to flow without question so it did not take a lot of smarts on either the parts of Granville or his lady to keep tradition going - the smarts will be what this new generation must use if they are going to preserve Downton.

Looks like O'Brien closed the door and this new lady's maid opened it - although O'Brien was softening so they probably did not have too much left for her because it appears they need an alligator downstairs to stir things up. And it appears as fast as Thomas seems to redeem himself to the viewer he is off with another set of underhanded antics.

I thought Matthew's mother had great lines with an insight to what it is like to loose a grown child that for her was her only child.

ginny · « **Reply #26 on:** January 06, 2014, 04:34:02 PM »

They were certainly defensive about Matthew's leaving, weren't they? Did your broadcast have Julian Fellowes (who I think is a great writer, I've loved his books) and the producer appearing before hand, saying it couldn't be helped, and hinting that they had short notice? All the press has been full of the fact that fans had a very hard time with his being killed off, they were shocked and apparently very angry. Stevens went right to Broadway, apparently he has a lot of film offers also and he wanted to take them. Didn't they say he was not interested in returning even for a guest shot? So they had no choice but to kill him off.

I thought that was extraordinary, I don't think I have ever seen that: the author/ creator and/ or (producer) explaining, kind of whining that the actor left them in the lurch at the last minute. The reaction must have been enormous.

They said had he been playing a servant (like...what was her name who was so nasty?) then it wouldn't be a problem. And they hint that this year's cast will return for the next series but that doesn't mean that they will all continue always, something about British casts only have 2-3 year contracts to begin with.

What on earth happened to the garment? I can't tell what it is, is it a sleeve? It's something that Cora particularly liked, it looked as if it had been gutted, can anybody tell what it was?

I wonder why somebody doesn't try to mend it. It looked embroidered or beaded to me, did it to you?

Surely all that beading could be fixed, but what possible accident could have happened in the first place?

Not like Cora to immediately jump on the bandwagon of blame, is it? She's been somewhat saint like the entire series. That's strange, I thought.

MaryPage · « **Reply #27 on:** January 07, 2014, 08:49:17 AM »

Mind you, I only know what I read, but I have read in several different reports that they all signed three (3) year contracts for Downton. And then, those who chose to, signed 3 year renewals. Some chose not to.

The maddening thing about Anna is (1) she has been there from the git go and has proven her loyalty over and over and over. Remember, in Season One she was one of the three women who moved the body of the Turkish diplomat who died in Lady Mary's bed! That was Lady Mary, Cora, and Anna. They KNOW she is the most devoted servant they have. They KNOW this! And then she showed her colors by working without let up to find the truth about the conspiracy against Bates and free him from prison. Cora knows all this! This is 1922, and we know Anna has been there since before World War One began. That puts her there since at least, and probably before, since 1914. All those years! How in this world can that old trouble maker Thomas and a brand new maid blame the new maid's failure at HER job on Anna? It just does not compute! And that Cora would complain to the Earl rather than ask Anna herself, considering what they have been through together? And that the Earl would be so strong worded with poor Bates about it? Not bloody likely, I say.

marcie · « **Reply #28 on:** January 07, 2014, 11:18:35 AM »

MaryPage, you're right. That scenario is a weak spot in the writing for that episode (soap opera tactic). I think it was meant to get us incensed about the injustice. It seems to be working!

Ginny, when I try to search about the "garment" everyone seems to be calling it that. I don't know what it was or how it was ruined. Maybe I'll try to watch again and pause the TV.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #29 on:** January 07, 2014, 04:19:17 PM »

I agree the only thought I had was that maybe Cora is so rattled by O'Brien leaving that the least little thing un-nerves her so she does not know what to expect from any of the old faithful servants or who to trust. After all she thinks Thomas hung the moon having walked in on the nurse scolding her grandchild to go back to sleep that he was a naughty boy. And so any servant that Thomas questions is suspect. She may not have much power but being a protector of her daughter's babies is her only avenue to being a tiger and Thomas unleashed that purpose and value for her life. He is the one who insinuated it was Anna.

MaryPage · « **Reply #30 on:** January 10, 2014, 05:44:38 PM »

Decisions! Decisions!
So hard.
MPT (Maryland Public Television), our Baltimore PBS channel, is showing a brand new Phyrne Fisher murder mystery I have never seen at eight o'clock tonight.
WHUT (Howard University Television), our Washington, D.C. PBS channel, is showing the Holiday Call the Midwive Special that I missed at Christmas time. At eight o'clock tonight, of course.
Nothing else good on. Nothing else I want to see.
But Boo Hoo and Bah Hah, I want to see BOTH of these!
I guess I will choose the Holiday Special and hope to catch Phyrne later. WETA, our Northern Virginia PBS channel, is showing Phyrne now on Thursday nights. From the beginning. So eventually they will show the one I am to miss tonight.
Decisions! Decisions! And I appear to be entertaining all of the nastier symptoms of coming down with a full blown common cold virus. Dang and blast.

marcie · « **Reply #31 on:** January 10, 2014, 08:32:18 PM »

I hope it's not the flu, MaryPage. Take care of yourself.

It's awful timing when there isn't much on TV but of the few things you want to watch, they are on at the same time!

Frybabe · « **Reply #32 on:** January 12, 2014, 09:05:11 AM »

I was going to pass on seeing this season's Downton Abbey, but changed my mind and watched the rerun last night.

From the library: The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook by Emily Ansara Baines (she has also written one for The Hunger Games)

Some yummy recipes include their version of Bubble and Squeak, with bacon, peas and carrots added, Royal Brown Windsor Soup, Mrs. Patmore's London Particular, a pea soup named for London's famous thick fog, Mrs. Patmore's Dropped Chicken (remember when she dropped the chicken on the floor?), Pork Pie Balls, Dark Desires Chocolate Cake, and lots more.

The book is divided into two sections. Part one is recipes to serve upstairs and Part 2 is for staff meals. You can bet that there is lots of heavy cream and butter involved in the desserts, puddings and cream soups. Lots of artery clogging recipes, so of which are time consuming. There are short paragraphs about the recipe, when appropriate to serve, manners or the era, but not near as much as I would have liked.

marcie · « **Reply #33 on:** January 12, 2014, 05:51:33 PM »

I'm glad you are watching Downton with us, Frybabe. LOL re some of the recipe names. What a clever idea for a Downton "products" spinoff.

There is a caution re "violence" for tonight's episode of Downton Abbey. That does not bode well.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #34 on:** January 12, 2014, 10:34:34 PM »

Wow - Julian Fellows knows how to get under your skin as if it was not drama - feels too real.

marcie · « **Reply #35 on:** January 13, 2014, 11:07:25 AM »

Barbara, yes that was quite a shock.

FlaJean · « **Reply #36 on:** January 13, 2014, 02:49:20 PM »

I agree. Last night's episode was quite a shock---interesting to wonder where this is all going!

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #37 on:** January 13, 2014, 03:45:19 PM »

I love how Julian Fellows has depicted Matthew's mother - I never heard or read but those are the confusing feelings when I lost my son - who am I - if someone asks, how many children do I say that I have in one word - Other painful events experienced by my children and I remember feeling like I could not stop grieving and could not enjoy myself or smile or feel good - it is so satisfying to see this behavior on TV - it is as if Julian Fellows understands and gave me affirmation for my feelings.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #38 on:** January 13, 2014, 04:31:32 PM »

Thank you for sharing that Barb.. As well as Julian Fellows, we have Penelope Wilton to thank for acting the character so brilliantly. She is such a fine and versatile actress. We are quite a bit further on in the plot than you are. and I don't think it's spoiling anything to let you know that she remains very much in the story.

Very best wishes,

Rosemary

MaryPage · « **Reply #39 on:** January 14, 2014, 04:41:46 PM »

I admire her, as well, Rosemary, and have so enjoyed seeing her in other films.
Her personal life fascinates me. It seems her 2nd husband, father of her daughter, married her sister after divorcing her! That means her daughter's stepmother is also her auntie. I am not at all sure I could be entirely peaceful with that!

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Author Topic: PBS Masterpiece 2014 Cont. - Downton Abbey & Other PBS programs (Read 118091 times)