Downton Abbey

[Potomac]

Anticipating the newest Downton Abbey movie to begin streaming this weekend, we have been watching all the previous Downtown Abbey content.
The six seasons and the last two movies.

Season 1 and 2 were good.
The last four season and these three movies generally sucked. It was clear the simply ran out of good plot ideas.

The big question for discussion: when exactly did Downton Abbey jump the shark?

 

[CXXC]

I'm sad to see no replies, I had to google 'jump the shark' as I was confused.
Never watched and never would watch Downton Abbey it sounds 'rather dull'
. I admire OP's stamina states 'season 1 and 2 were good' continuing to watch
4 more poorer series.

 

[Potomac]

I'm sad to see no replies, I had to google 'jump the shark' as I was confused.
Never watched and never would watch Downton Abbey it sounds 'rather dull'
. I admire OP's stamina states 'season 1 and 2 were good' continuing to watch
4 more poorer series.

Married life means watching a lot of TV that my wife loves. She has to put up with cycling and other sports.

 

[StyrbjornSterki]

I thought the first DA film stank. Too predictable and formulaic. Too little of the finesse of the TV series, its connection to which was all it had to recommended it. Not interested in the sequel.

My overall impression of the series is that it made great effort to rehabilitate the image of the British Edwardian/Great War aristocracy. I found it wonderful "infortainment" much the same respect as the the 1970 Beeb drama series, Upstairs, Downstairs. Both made exposition of the English social and economic systems of the era(s) marvelously entertaining. I never meant to learn the lyrics of the chanson, Auprès de ma blonde, but one of the characters in US/DS sang it so charmingly that it is forever stuck in my head.

My chief problem with DA is that Earl and Lady Grantham were entirely too saintly. There was a bit of balance because both their offspring were complete prats but an occasional glimmer of snark or even a dollop of ruthlessness from his Lordship and her Ladyship would have dramatically improved their credibility.

The most outstanding performance in the series, obviously, was Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess. It was the performance of her lifetime and made any and all other flaws tolerable.