Sunday Nights are never going to be the same...

      I love watching Family Sagas especially those that follow rich people! ;)  On March 6th after 6 Seasons it was most difficult to realize the Crawley Family of Downton Abbey was bidding us Goodbye.                 Although it has been a limited series with long waits between Seasons,  it has been fabulous.  I looked forward to Sunday evenings and my visit with this fasinating group of people. Of course Maggie Smith playing the Matriarch was indeed impressive!  Her quick sharp wit kept everyone on their toes, and me laughing out loud everytime!  I would sometimes use her lines on my family and it always was  hysterical.  There's something about the truth stated clearly, with consise appreciation for the moment that is truly English demeanor!
    Julian Fellowes created a series that enhanced everyday life with the pomp and circumstance, only the British can pull off from their Castles. Adding Jim Carter playing the role of Mr. Carson as the head Butler was the icing on the cake.  His formal English drawl and precise concern for every detail was brilliant.  Everybody should have a Mr Carson and the World would be a better place! 
   Now as your reading this your saying to yourself she really believed they were real and sounds obsessed..... you are absolutely Correct!  It has been quite some time that I have been entertained with such style. Having watched Dallas, Dynasty, and  Knots Landing, makes me a veteran of Serial saga!
    To me the unique difference between British  "Soaps" and American counterparts is that simple life experiences aren't considered boring in the ratings; rather depicting a culture that has been preserved by tradition and protocol . My favorite American show is Blue Bloods. Once again following the Reagan family and their values and being filmed in NYC is tops for me. In all Countries there has been a shift toward sophisticated hi-tech suspense and for me these shows are difficult to follow. I actually find it hysterical as the need to learn the remote abilities has been detrimental to be able to replay scenes over and over to connect the ideas. Actually admitting that Im challenged by the writing, yet score Tecky on ability to function with a smart TV in some ways is great Right ;) !!!   Moving along...........
    The latest British TV series I've enjoyed is The Last Tango in Halifax. A great show that brings two retired people together after 50 years and a relationship blossoms and they marry and then work on blending the two families together. I have to admit part of my enjoyment is they are shot in the Countryside and the scenery is magnificent. 
    In making a final comparrison to life in Europe and the States is that a movie about a homeless woman parking in a London Playwrights driveway for 14 years seems odd until you cast Maggie Smith to be the homeless woman. The movie is Lady in a Van and will be interesting to see if it recieves any nominations. Another funny note to end with is if a Woman in the US is regarded as a Madam or Dame it usually would be met with a scowl; yet in England is noted as a significance of stature and protocol!   As always," Godbless the Queen" !!!
    

Hanging out on the back porch of Buckingham Palace!