Friday, January 3, 2014

What's Next for "Downton Abbey"?


Are you ready? For the last three years, as soon as the holiday season has ended, a new Downton Abbey season has begun. This year is no different -- season four premieres on Sunday night. And fans of the show can once again settle in with this delicious and addictive British television series. I am not sure what Downton Abbey has in store for us this time (especially after the deaths of two of the leading characters last season), but I am rooting for Lady Edith to finally find some happiness. The photo above has a decidedly Bloomsbury feel to it and I am hoping the show gives us a glimpse into London's literary scene in the 1920's. It was an exciting time with writers such as Virginia Woolf, Vita Sackville-West, Elizabeth Bowen and E.M. Forster all in the prime of their writing careers. Edith may be rubbing shoulders with the Bloomsbury group. Rumor has it that a certain  modernist English writer is featured in an episode this season...you guess which one!


Last season was not a happy one for Edith. After getting left at the altar by Sir Anthony, she is advised by the Dowager Countess Grantham to stop whining and find something to do. (Can't you just hear Maggie Smith saying this?) Edith writes a letter to The Times which gets published and her writing career is launched. She begins to spend time in London and falls in love with her newspaper editor. I love this plot line and can't wait to see where it goes.

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In the meantime, there is a new book to enjoy about the making of Downton Abbey. These never-before-seen photos give us a peek into how the show is made. It is fascinating to see the cameras, make-up artists and costumers prepping the cast on the lavish sets of Downton Abbey. What it must take to put together an episode! There are also some great essays about the creation of the show. I bought this book when I was in London in October. Here are a few of the fabulous photos that are inside. If you are a diehard Downton Abbey fan, you may need to get this one. Take a look...

Preparing the great hall for the Christmas scenes

Mending Maggie Smith's dress

Mary's bedroom

Filming Cora and Robert in bed

One of the classic kitchen scenes

  I know where I will be on Sunday night. Will you be watching?

Photos from Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey via here

12 comments:

  1. I was fortunate enough to have seen the opening episode in London last September. It was a wrench to only see one and not the rest. Looking forward to seeing them all now! I do wish we could be on the same schedule as the UK! xoxo

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  2. Finally! It's always such a long wait and I'm sure I'm as anxious as anyone else. What fun to have such a good show to anticipate on a wintry Sunday evening.

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  3. I am from Holland and I love the show. As a Christmas present I received an DVD with the series 1/3. On the tv we can watch serie 4. So I can watch it all. I love your photo's.

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  4. I'm really looking forward to the new season and, like you, hope that Edith has a prime storyline. I say this every year--Downton's January premiere ia bright spot to look forward to just when things are feeling a little dull after the holidays.

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  5. THANKS for the heads up!I will be tuned in too!!!!!!!!!
    HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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  6. I will definitely be watching. It feels like an eternity between seasons:-). Must have a peek at that book. It's funny to see them relaxing in bed with the microphones and cameras hovering nearby. Not as cozy as it looks on screen. Have a lovely weekend!

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  7. Her initials are VW. :) I think she and Edith will hit if off. I am very excited for Season 4. The tradition of Downton Abbey starting after the American holiday season really does make the end of the holiday season a little bit easier on me. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  8. I only found your blog recently. I watched the 4th season and the Christmas special here already as I watch it directly on British TV. It is a wonderful series. I hope you enjoy it as it begins there.

    Happy 2014!

    Hugs from Holland,
    Heidi

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  9. I'll be watching! I have friends who find ways to watch it online, but I always wait so I can watch it when it premieres here and make it an event. I do so hope that Edith finds happiness and fulfillment.

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  10. I can't wait and I love getting a glimpse of these behind the scenes shots. Makes you realize that it takes a village! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

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  11. We're going to be watching it tonight (Monday) - very excited! We've never watched an episode in real time. Weird, sort of.

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  12. thanks to your blog, I am a big fan of downton ! thank you, I loved seeing these behind-the-scene photos. And I, too, hope to see much more of the 20s literary scene this season.

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