Dan Stevens, left, as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary on the break out series of the year, "Downton Abbey."
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Film & Television Limited 2011 for MASTERPIECE)
Did anyone else find themselves addicted to the elegant English soap opera that is
Downton Abbey?
The British mini-series, which concluded its second season stateside last night on PBS, has certainly been all the rage at the water-cooler around these parts this year.
But that said, its sudden ascension into pop culture raised the bar to an unreachable height, I'm afraid.
Many fans lamented the dramatic shifts and sudden twists and turns of the plot this season -- notably in the last few episodes with simultaneous story lines of Spanish flu, dramatic post WWI recoveries and murder. Murder?!?
But last night's conclusion, I felt, was more than satisfying. NO SPOILERS, DON'T WORRY. I think it held true to the behind-closed-doors spirit of the series. We learned great gossip, experienced teary moments with favorite characters and felt that sweeping, scenic romance that drew us in to the series.
Now, what are we doing to do for an entire year? According to
USA Today, tourists have been flocking to the show's gorgeous estate, Highclere Castle, which is about 60 miles west of London.
In case any trans-Atlantic travels are on the agenda, the castle drew 50,000 visitors last year and it re-opens to the public after Easter.
And if you are lucky enough to go, you'd better come back with a delicious accent.
What did you think of this season of
Downton Abbey?
