A popular Masterpiece theme opens the world of England in the 1900’s. Julian Fellows’ Downton Abbey follows an English blue-blooded family through the 20th century and the many relationships and historical events that happen within it. Downstairs, viewers get a glimpse of a servant’s life with all the turmoil, trials, and tribulations that come with maintaining a household. Upstairs, viewers follows an aristocratic family who strives to keep the fortune within their name. Downton Abbey not only provides an enjoyable plot, but also weaves historical significance throughout all five seasons. These tidbits allow the audience to leave the 21st century and venture back to the time of their grandparents. Although some may contest that class distinction
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“It is fitting that a historical period so filled with “behind-the-scenes” action as the Edwardian era be used as a backdrop for a television series, let alone one with such layers to it as Downton Abbey. The Edwardian era, at first glance peaceful and “golden”, was in fact a chaotic and anxiety-ridden time. It was a time of fervent optimism mixed in with a sense of pessimistic doom. People wanted change, without actually having to change anything, resulting in a stalemate, creating a melting pot of emotions and ideas” (Tilghman, “The Edwardian Era as Depicted in Downton Abbey”). Highclere, having a history of its own, allows for the creation of the Brantham family and its leading ladies based off of the true aristocrats who once resided there. Filming Downton in an Edwardian society that moves to the roaring 20’s gives a hint of history and the events that happened while creating a fictional story viewers anticipate every week. The Masterpiece classic gives a glimmer of Britain’s and the rest of the world’s evolution. The audience does not need a time travel machine; rather, they can sit back, relax, and delve into Julian Fellows’ world of Edwardian England. They can sink into the characters and imagine life back many years ago. They can escape to
“It is fitting that a historical period so filled with “behind-the-scenes” action as the Edwardian era be used as a backdrop for a television series, let alone one with such layers to it as Downton Abbey. The Edwardian era, at first glance peaceful and “golden”, was in fact a chaotic and anxiety-ridden time. It was a time of fervent optimism mixed in with a sense of pessimistic doom. People wanted change, without actually having to change anything, resulting in a stalemate, creating a melting pot of emotions and ideas” (Tilghman, “The Edwardian Era as Depicted in Downton Abbey”). Highclere, having a history of its own, allows for the creation of the Brantham family and its leading ladies based off of the true aristocrats who once resided there. Filming Downton in an Edwardian society that moves to the roaring 20’s gives a hint of history and the events that happened while creating a fictional story viewers anticipate every week. The Masterpiece classic gives a glimmer of Britain’s and the rest of the world’s evolution. The audience does not need a time travel machine; rather, they can sit back, relax, and delve into Julian Fellows’ world of Edwardian England. They can sink into the characters and imagine life back many years ago. They can escape to