Downton Abbey | Teen Ink

Downton Abbey MAG

January 19, 2012
By RainyWriter GOLD, Redmond, Washington
RainyWriter GOLD, Redmond, Washington
14 articles 0 photos 41 comments

Favorite Quote:
Only the smart, talented, amazing, and insane are remembered in history.


British TV series rarely get noticed by Americans. They're cute novelties, appreciated mostly by closet-Anglophiles. But a historical TV series from across the pond is gaining ground in the States, already earning an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

“Downton Abbey” revolves around an aristocratic family led by patriarch Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), and his American wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), in the years around the First World War. An equal amount of time is spent on the household servants. While these characters occupy the same monstrous home, they inhabit separate areas, and separate worlds, for that matter.

The first season begins right after the sinking of the Titanic, which claims the life of the family's heir. The audience is immediately swept into a fevered rush to find a new heir and a suitor for the eldest daughter, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), whose future is now uncertain. Next in line for the title is a distant cousin, Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), a modest attorney, who has no experience in titular fluff and properness. Feeling slighted by this stranger, Lady Mary subject Matthew to secretive mockery and upturned noses. Meanwhile, the always bustling ensemble of maids, footmen, and household hands are an active part of the family, struggling with their own love interests and frustrations of the strict class system. Regardless of where they stand, they know their place, and it is to serve – and sometimes protect – the Crawleys with the utmost loyalty.

The series is an engaging, highly addictive period drama. Perhaps the glamor of evening dinners and the sublime countryside backdrop together with a stellar cast is what makes this show a stand-out. “Downton Abbey” is a blessed break from the overbearing antics of reality TV, bland comedies, and ridiculously dramatic contemporaries. Also, while it is an ancient story line, the complex relationship between enchanting noble and awkward commoner is played out with lows and highs that remind the viewer of the social expectations and class climbing that still existed during this time.

There's a character for everyone, whether the bitter and conniving footman, Thomas (Rob James-Collier); the overly confident Lady Mary; the jealous middle sister, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael); the rebellious youngest sister, Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay); the overwhelmed common man, Matthew Crawley; or even the nosy grandmother, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith, who was Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films).

Despite the extensive cast, the audience remembers each servant and noble's identity. A message that comes through despite the upper-class snobbery is that not one person is superior to another in the grand scheme of life, and everybody has their faults. Everybody matters; everybody hurts.

The show isn't geared to young adults, but there's a lot here they can relate to. Yes, it is a period drama, meaning that hip music and stereotypical snooty cheerleaders are absent. Yet one can be a Gleek or a devout viewer of “The Vampire Diaries” and still appreciate this series. However, comparing “Downton” to a show like “Gossip Girl” would be like comparing Beethoven to Ke$ha.


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This article has 6 comments.


on Aug. 26 2017 at 7:21 am
Realjay41 DIAMOND, Culpeper , Virginia
81 articles 1 photo 91 comments
Theo James, one of my favorite celebrities, was in the show. He played Mr. Pontack in it. I never seen it; but, I had heard of it all too many times.

Merla said...
on Sep. 11 2013 at 10:10 am
Merla, Reykjavík, Other
0 articles 0 photos 6 comments
Oh God, I’m in love with this show. Your review pretty much summons all the reasons. I’m dying on the inside after the newest season though. Hope life gets a little easier for our beloved characters. 

on Mar. 16 2013 at 3:28 am
SHER_locked PLATINUM, Alta Loma, California
32 articles 2 photos 51 comments
Ahhh, I totally agree! My mom and I are in love with this show and all its twists and turns. I especially hated the ending of the third season though. Stupid actors and their contracts... Don't they know they only exist to make the rest of us happy?! ;)

on Apr. 30 2012 at 9:57 pm
RainyWriter GOLD, Redmond, Washington
14 articles 0 photos 41 comments

Favorite Quote:
Only the smart, talented, amazing, and insane are remembered in history.

Thank you!!! I've been waiting for some sort of publication like this. So excited! Mind you, the article is technically really old now in comparison to the show (Season 2 wrapped up recently, now I have to wait until January for Season 3...urgh!) but that pales in comparison to getting this published. Thank you so much for the support!

on Apr. 30 2012 at 8:01 am
forgottenpenname GOLD, Troy, Michigan
12 articles 0 photos 147 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Carpe diem."

CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING CHOSEN FOR THE PRINT MAGAZNE OH MY GOSHHHH!!!!!!! :D

on Feb. 24 2012 at 9:54 am
beautifulspirit PLATINUM, Alpharetta, Georgia
35 articles 0 photos 1398 comments

Favorite Quote:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.<br /> --Eleanor Roosevelt

This review is very well written and informative. The title grabbed me because I'm unfamiliar with the show---as you mentioned in the article, most Americans probably current with British televison. But I'm glad I read this review and "Downtown Abbey" seems like a show I might enjoy. As a "devout viewer of The Vampire Diaries", I believe that I will like this show. I love history~ 5/5 on the review and thanks for recommending it!

on Feb. 21 2012 at 3:43 pm
Supernova7 GOLD, Redford, Texas
16 articles 6 photos 394 comments

Favorite Quote:
Let me cry my tears let me live in sorrow as long as you promise to be with me tomorrow<br /> By Me:)

Although this review is long and about a show most of us haven't heard of yet it was very insightful and interesting. I'm surprised no one else has commented on it. It's very good congratulations on being the Editors Choice:) Could you please read my work? Any advice is appreciated thanks.