FanFare

It's picnic time for the Top Cheftestants, who are challenged with catering a high-end picnic at Downton Abbey filming location Highclere Castle. [more inside]
posted by Superilla on Apr 17, 2023 - 5 comments

The Dowager Countess receives a surprising letter: she has inherited a villa in the south of France. At the same time, the Crawleys receive a surprising request: would they permit a moving picture to be filmed in Downton Abbey? Some of the household don't approve of a movie being filmed in the house - but no worries, we'll just send them all off to France. The actors and crew invade and the staff go gaga over the stars in their midst. But the France-bound set find more drama at the villa than what is being filmed at Downton. [more inside]
posted by Gray Duck on May 21, 2022 - 5 comments

The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.
posted by guiseroom on Sep 19, 2019 - 5 comments

Mrs. Drewe continues to want her baby back. There's more hospital drama. Lady Mary offers to help Anna find a doctor and to decorate Downton for the upcoming wedding, but only one of those things is actually wanted. Thomas goes job hunting. [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Jan 10, 2016 - 18 comments

A change of circumstance puts Bertie Pelham in the limelight, and Edith must decide whether to conceal her past at all costs or confront the truth and risk losing everything. As both sisters seek their perfect match, hostilities escalate and it is up to Mary to decide if she can ever make peace with Edith – or herself? Spratt proves to be a man of hidden talents and Mr Molesley embarks on a career in teaching, though his first lesson does not quite go to plan. Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast garners unwanted attention – will the Crawleys come to her aid? [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 on Nov 9, 2015 - 23 comments

Henry Talbot invites the Crawleys to watch him motor racing at Brooklands, but events leave Mary reeling. Violet makes a plan which surprises the family and delights Denker, and also gets to the bottom of Amelia Cruikshank’s curious show of friendship towards Isobel. Mr Molesley and Daisy must rise to the challenge on examination day, while Mrs Patmore and Mrs Hughes teach Mr Carson a lesson. Andy’s secret is brought to light, and Thomas feels increasingly isolated. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 on Nov 2, 2015 - 20 comments

Opinions are divided above and below stairs when Tom and Mary open Downton to the public for a day in aid of the hospital. Carson has an axe to grind with Thomas. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 on Oct 27, 2015 - 9 comments

Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet's plan to save the hospital, with distressing consequences for everyone. Andy finds an unexpected confidante while helping Mr Mason move into Yew Tree Farm, Mary is uncertain if she has met her match, Edith meets Bertie Pelham in London, and Spratt comes to Denker's aid. Mrs Hughes struggles to keep Carson happy, while Mary thinks secrets are being kept from her. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 on Oct 19, 2015 - 16 comments

As Tom and Sybbie settle back into life at Downton, the family and servants are surprised by the return of another old friend in unexpected circumstances. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 on Oct 14, 2015 - 15 comments

Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes' wedding is fast approaching, but a misunderstanding threatens to derail the occasion, and when the big day arrives it also brings a few unexpected guests. Meanwhile, Edith reconnects with an old acquaintance, who comes to her aid in her hour of need, and over at the Dower House, Spratt has something to hide, meaning Denker is hot on his trail. Daisy jumps to conclusions and tensions mount over the hospital takeover, prompting Isobel to offend a friend. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 on Oct 8, 2015 - 20 comments

Lady Mary's past catches up with her when an unwelcome visitor delivers an ultimatum, and news about the running of Downton Hospital puts Violet on the warpath. [more inside]
posted by unliteral on Sep 29, 2015 - 14 comments

There's a hunting party and a Christmas party. There's spats at the table yet again. There's broken engagements and a surprise engagement. There's departures and arrivals. Happy Christmas to all! [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Mar 1, 2015 - 24 comments

It's Rose's wedding, and several crimes must be committed and investigated. No, really. [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Feb 22, 2015 - 39 comments

Not one, but two engagements officially occur tonight, both of which get a fair chunk of disapproval. An even more godawful houseguest than Miss Bunting returns for dinner and is kicked out even more dramatically. Cora finds out about her secret grandchild and comes up with A Plan to solve the whole Edith problem. Isis.... well, grab your Kleenexes. [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Feb 15, 2015 - 30 comments

This week: US Congressman Aaron Schock redecorates his office with a Downton Abbey theme. Argentina President Cristina Fernández catches flack for affecting a stereotypical Chinese accent on Twitter. Radio Shack files for bankruptcy and Last Week Tonight prepared a farewell message (YouTube, 3m), on their behalf. The main story: "Prescription drugs. The only ovals that can bring people in the Seattle area joy anymore." Marketing to doctors. (YouTube, 17m) And Equador president Rafael Correa calls out social media users who insult him on national television. John Oliver, in a helpful gesture to help Correa thicken his skin, provides his official Twitter handle, @MashiRafael, so internet users can directly insult him. That's right everybody: Last Week Tonight is back.
posted by JHarris on Feb 10, 2015 - 11 comments

A steeplechase goes on. Edith gets bad news and makes a break for it herself. Romantic intrigues are teased at. Mr. Bates finally tells his side of the story. Thomas goes off the ...saline? [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Feb 8, 2015 - 69 comments

Well, now things are getting interesting. We had a floor brawl, a couple of dumpings, and a potential kidnapping being planned! [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Feb 1, 2015 - 47 comments

Breakups! Breakups for everybody! And awkward declarations of love that aren't returned, awkwardly! Oh, you English! [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon on Jan 25, 2015 - 29 comments

Mary and Lord Gillingham put their love to the test. Bates also faces a trial. Cora makes a new friend, and Violet is reunited with an old one.
posted by Sweetie Darling on Jan 19, 2015 - 21 comments

Rose tries to bring a wireless—and Sarah Bunting—into the house. Violet plays cupid, a charming visitor arrives, and Anna helps Mary in the most unexpected of ways.
posted by Tandem Affinity on Jan 12, 2015 - 35 comments

The election of a Labour government spells change, a change that Lord Grantham and Carson are bothered by. But many others are ready for an England in which life is "more tolerable for working people." Meanwhile, the Dowager Countess is pulling strings, Thomas' attempt to blackmail Baxter comes to a head, and Edith nearly burns the house down.
posted by jbickers on Jan 5, 2015 - 52 comments

Anyone interested in discussing Downton Abbey Season 5 as it airs in the U.S. beginning Jan. 4? [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling on Dec 27, 2014 - 7 comments