Downton Abbey Season Four Update & Season 3 Recaps

I'm quite excited (see, I'm already talking like a British person) that 'Downton Abbey' is coming back in January. While I'll miss BLANK and BLANK (names redacted in case you're crazy and haven't watched Season 3 yet) I have faith that they'll give us an excellent show.

Apparently Michelle Dockery agrees.




This reminds me to plug my other blog which features recaps for all of season 3 of Downton Abbey:

Horrible Things on Downton Abbey: Season 3 Episode 7

In the never-ending story of misery that is 'Downton Abbey', more horrible things continue to happen to the Crawley family.

Season 3, Episode 7*:

Horrible Things on Downton Abbey: Season 3 Episode 6

In the never-ending story of misery that is 'Downton Abbey', more horrible things continue to happen to the Crawley family.

Season 3, Episode 6:

Horrible Things on Downton Abbey: Season 3 Episode 5

In the never-ending story of misery that is 'Downton Abbey', more horrible things continue to happen to the Crawley family.

Season 3, Episode 5:

Horrible Things on Downton Abbey: Season 3 Episode 4

In the never-ending story of misery that is 'Downton Abbey', more horrible things continue to happen to the Crawley family.

Season 3, Episode 4:

Horrible Things on Downton Abbey: Season 3 Episode 3

In the never-ending story of misery that is 'Downton Abbey', more horrible things continue to happen to the Crawley family.

Season 3, Episode 3*:

Horrible Things on Downton Abbey: Season 3 Episode 2

In the never-ending story of misery that is 'Downton Abbey', more horrible things continue to happen to the Crawley family.

Season 3, Episode 2*:

Emmy Nominations 2012

Here's a copy of the press release for 2012 Emmy Nominations:

Five Reasons You Should Watch 'Downton Abbey'

5 Reasons Why You Need to Watch 'Downton Abbey'

Matthew & Mary

1. It's exactly like 'The OC', except that it's for people who are a little more grown-up, and a lot more educated. Plus, they have way better clothes on this show.

2. Everyone else is talking about it, and if you hear gossip about Lady Mary and Matthew one more time you're going to scream. (After you watch it, you may still want to scream, but at least what you're screaming will make sense!)

3. It teaches you all the major historical events from 1912 to 1918, while remaining textbook-less. And you even learn some snazzy historical legal stuff...for free! Take that 160,000 dollar law school degree.

4. It has gay characters who may not be good people, but they certainly aren't caricatures. And everyone accepts their sexuality without explanation. I mean it; this isn't 'Glee'. On this show, some people are gay and that's just how it is. They're like, real people, guys.

5. Almost every girl (ahem, woman) who grew up in the '90s watched the BBC version of 'Pride and Prejudice' one (or ten) times. This is like that, with a bonus 70 minutes! Plus, it's going back to be back with a 3rd season in the UK this September, 2012, and in the US next January, 2013.

'Downton Abbey' is Americanized

American TV critics and industry professionals liked 'Downton Abbey'. In fact, based on how well it did during awards season, I'd go as far as to say that they like liked it.

But did you know that what we saw on PBS was the Americanized version?

Because apparently American viewers can't deal with slightly slow plots, or historical terms. Because in America we're all about speed and stupidity.

This obviously isn't true, and it may not be the only reason 'Downton Abbey' got "Americanized".

Regardless, when 'Downton Abbey' aired in the US it was only six-hours long, as opposed to the eight hours that were aired in the UK. A lot of what was cut was related to the inheritance plot, because apparently "entail" is a concept that is too complicated for the average American (it's not like most of PBS' viewers are highly-educated or anything). Also, Americans don't own dictionaries (or computers, or have access to Wikipedia).

Not only did we get the dumbed down version, but we also got an intro, provided by the lovely Laura Linney. Her opener gave us a quick synopsis of the plot. When 'Downton Abbey' aired in the UK it did not have any kind of explanation; it just started, like almost every drama. I suppose I can't complain too much about that part though, because 'Downton Abbey' was presented as a Masterpiece Theatre Production, and they often have such introductions. Who can forget Alistair Cook or Russell Baker? Still, I'm not sure I need Linney to explain relatively basic concepts to me.

Also, 'entail' doesn't exist in the UK anymore, so it's not as though the Brits know way more than the average American. More likely than not, unless they're in their sixties, they won't have any more idea than we do.

According to the MailOnline, when 'Downton Abbey' is released on DVD, Americans will have the option of buying the British original. The biggest question is, why didn't we have the option of watching it that way on television?

Maybe we'll get Season 2 uncut, if we're lucky.

Chris Hastings provides more information about 'Downton Abbey' and PBS' decision HERE.