Downton Abbey - Series 1

This past weekend, we've been watching Season 1 of Downton Abbey, which is kind of new to us. It's actually quite an interesting series, running from the sinking of the Titanic in episode 1 to the outbreak of World War I in episode 7, and interleaving social and political issues - one of the daughters of the house campaigns for women's suffrage and the chauffeur is an Irish republican; the loss of the heir apparent on the Titanic leaves the future of estate and title in question and in the hands of an unknown Manchester solicitor; the approach of war increasingly colours everything the last three episodes - with domestic storylines - the ambitious lady's maid O'Brien and her cohort Thomas, the gay footman, scheme to ruin the new valet, Bates; the cook is going blind; the three daughters of the family need to be married off; the Dowager Countess spars constantly with the mother of the new heir - to create compelling characters and narratives.

I've not much more to say, as I haven't the time to go into the details of the thing, although I will say that, as with any TV catch-up, do not look at the Wiki page for it, as it will spoil you up good.