It’s time, once again, for us on the far side of the pond to see the new season of Downton Abbey (or will be, starting in January 2015). WETA-TV sponsored a preview at the Marriott Wardman Park ballroom, as they did last year). They filled the thousand-seat ballroom twice, at 3 and 7 p.m., with avid Downton fans. There were tea and scones, cutouts and backdrops to pose in front of, a drawing to enter, and period costumes to admire.
Tea and Cookies and Scones and Jam
Posing and Snapping
More Posing, More Snapping
The live chamber music included an arrangement of the Downton theme song, among other light classical offerings.
Strings Under the Big Screen
One could vote (just for fun) for the possible next victim (oops, I meant groom) for Mary. I cast a sentimental if unlikely vote for the dark horse, Tom, the former chauffeur. Charles was the crowd’s favorite. We’ll see!
Whom Indeed?
The first episode of Season 5 was full of all the couture, kitchen scenes, dining, and intrigue a fan could want. The overall theme for this season is change – not odd considering it’s set in 1924. Forces unleashed by the war are starting to penetrate even into the countryside, and disturb the social order.
Back in the real world, the fans were delighted by the announcement that there will be a Season 6 of Downton, and that Call The Midwife has been renewed. Moreover, for all you ancient PBS fans (your faithful correspondent among them) who remember the series Poldark, there will be a remake as well as a rebroadcast of the original ’70s episodes. Just so much exciting news!
And now, for lagniappe, a treat I cannot recommend highly enough. Follow this link to the funniest Downton parody ever, produced in aid of a British charity. I really did Laugh Out Loud – thanks to Slate for the link!
Happy (Downton watching in the) New Year!
