Downthepan Abbey

[flipnflap]

I cannot believe the writer of Series 1 also wrote 2 and 3. I have so wanted to continue liking it but it's very poor quality now....and frankly boring. Donchathink?

[flipnflap]

What a waste of Shirley MacLaine. She's being made to look bad because the writer doesn't know what to do with her. And all the regular actors who, after the first series, believed Hollywood stardom beckoned, might struggle to get panto if tandards keep slipping at this rate.

[Maydup]

Agree with you flipnflap, I try to stick with it but every week without fail, I fall asleep through boredom. If I wake up half way through its the same old low level repetative nonsense. Or am I missing something?

[craft1948]

I just watch it for the clothes and Maggie Smith...............

[gness]

Clothes...I would love to dress like that....Maggie Smith and Brendan Coyle for me Crafty.

[quizzywig]

No, still love it. Better than celeb stuff and x factor rubbish that seems to be the only prime time viewing on offer.

[chrissa1]

Shirley Maclaine was brought in to play the American grandmother.

//She's being made to look bad because the writer doesn't know what to do with her//

What do you want the writer to do with her? She's the rich grandmother who, Mary and the Dowager Countess hope, will save Downton. She has said she won't and is now persumably going back to America. Her job done.

[tiggerblue10]

Well I'm enjoying it and like Quizzywig says its better than all the other crap on at weekends.

[wendilla]

Yes I am enjoying it too. I must say the last series was not as good as the first but give this one time it is beginning to pick up.

[beastmonkey]

i enjoy it, the only really problem i have with it, since the start, is the mis casting of phylis logan, she was the great lady jane felsham, in possibly the greatest tv show ever (lovejoy). to now see her reduced to the downstairs staff is terrible, she must have fallen on some hard times.

[Ric.ror]

I think the writer also wrote Gosford Park which was far superior.
The first series was the best - after that it is just getting a little twee
Have not seen last night as - like most of you - I am sick of the advert breaks

[missprim]

It may seem boring at times but Maggie Smith makes up for it with her character the Dowager Countess of Grantham.
Last night when she asked her son-in-law for a cup of tea because she thought he was a waiter was priceless.
(you need to have watched the lead up to that to get it.)

[LyndaB]

I love it too, Maggie Smith is priceless. But the adverts are a pain - so I watch on catch up tv, which doesn't have any. Result!

[TOWIE]

missprim - I loved that line too by Maggie Smith, thinking her SIL was a waiter, very dry and funny. {:o)

[mccfluff]

maggie smith is great but i did get bored last night

[dennisb66]

I am thoroughly enjoying it and love all the one liners between Maggie Smith and Shirley Maclaine.

[netibiza]

I am still loving every miniute of it!

[Robinia]

I like Downton but I've always thought it dragged a bit sometimes.
Flip I have to agree with you about Shirley M, i know she's old but she seems too subdued. I'd like to have seen more banter beween her and Maggie.

[TOWIE]

I think what I said on a similar thread last week about Mr. Bates, may be true after last night - he did kill his first wife...........poor Anna [:o(

[quizzywig]

No Towie - the lovely Mr Bates would never do such a thing!

[bednobs]

lol at beast monkey's reply - i don't think the people playing the "staff" get paid less that the people playing the aristocrats