Like so many other Downton Abbey fans last Sunday night, I was captivated by the premiere of the third season.
Why is the British period drama so wildly popular?
As I watched the tantalizing depiction of the Crawley Family and their servants unfold, I realized it was due to great writing. As with a well-written novel, Downton Abbey includes several important storytelling elements:
Character Development - Each and every member of the Crawley household has a story to tell. (Even the scullery maid - Daisy - has a few secrets of her own!)
Conflict - Aristocrats and servants; the British and the Americans; and World War I; all combine to cause enough trouble in the castle for several seasons to come!
Theme - As I see it, Downton Abbey's theme revolves around a British aristocratic family struggling to retain their long-held traditions and formalities in a rapidly-changing world in the early part of the twentieth century. (The Americans definitely add spice to the mix! Wasn't Shirley MacLaine's performance awesome?)
Dialogue - The witty exchanges between the characters are not only spot-on - they're hilarious! (Maggie Smith was in rare form last Sunday!)
Tension - There is no shortage of tension in the towering castle. Whether it's Lord Grantham losing a fortune, or Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley barely making it to the altar, those are the enticements we tune in for every week!
Setting - The real-life Highclere Castle, with its rich history and refinements, adds to the believability of this epic television show.
(Note: It doesn't hurt to have award-winning actors either!)
When I watch a theatrical production it's difficult not to dissect the performance this way. Bravo, Julian Fellowes and Downton Abbey!
Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Do you have a favorite character?
