Last Thursday, WETA sponsored an advance screening of the first episode of Downton Abbey’s fourth season, to be broadcast Sunday. I can now authoritatively state that Life triumphs over Death – and that’s the extent of the spoilers in this article!
The ballroom at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel was full. By my rough estimate, about a thousand enthusiastic Downton fans welcomed Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President and CEO of WETA (gamely fighting laryngitis), and the British ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacott. Their remarks were short, as they knew they stood between us and the main attraction.
Sharon Percy Rockefeller
The episode was shown on two large screens. This season promises to deliver the same mix of household intrigue, fabulous clothing, and many scenes set in the kitchen that made this series so popular. All right, that last criterion was just for me.
Sir Peter Westmacott
Of course, I was looking for the food angle in the event, and found it in the light refreshments provided by the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Mini-scones with jam and clotted cream! How British! Tea, of course, also coffee and Christmas cookies.
In Order Of Importance: Clotted Cream, Scone, Jam, Cookie
Afterwards, a small orchestra played for the classical music fans in the audience. There was also an opportunity to have your picture taken in front of a backdrop of Highclere Castle.
Posing By Highclere
And the party favors included a box of teabags provided by VisitBritain, the British Tourist Authority. They had a quote from Douglas Adams on the cover.
Normal Tea
Music Is Played
In the lobby, there is a vitrine holding a model of the U.S. Capitol building. The plaque reads, “100% Pure White Chocolate.” No context, just serendipity.
Chocolate Capitol
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