Star-studded British ensemble drama centered around a mansion in Yorkshire starting in the year 1912. The subjects covered include war, economics and politics. It is basically a soap opera about rich folks and their servants. The interaction between the two groups is filled with gossip and emotion. Never a dull moment around this family and house. Plenty of British stars are featured in the series and lots of great acting. Maggie Smith, even though she is not a lead, steals the show. Every scene she is in she dominates.
Season One:
Episode 1: The residents of Downton Abbey find out about the sinking of the Titanic. This affects the family as the Earl of Grantham’s (played by Hugh Bonneville) only two male heirs have perished in the sinking.
Episode 2: Matthew Crawley (played by Dan Stevens) arrives at Downton Abbey and struggles to fit in.
Episode 3: Cora’s (played by Elizabeth McGovern) matchmaking attempts are a failure as Mary (played by Michelle Dockery) is interested in another man.
Episode 4: Daisy (played by Sophie McShera) has two men competing for her heart.
Episode 5: The Downton Village Flower Show preparations are taking place in the house.
Episode 6: The Earl of Grantham is not happy when Sybil (played by Jessica Brown Findlay) indicates that she is interested in politics.
Episode 7: On the dawn of World War I there are plenty of changes going down at Downton Abey.
Season Two:
Episode 1: It is now 1916 and World War I is going full tilt.
Episode 2: We are now in 1917 and Mr. Carson (played by Jim Carson) is having a hard time making the household run smoothly.
Episode 3: The village hospital cannot handle the number of wounded soldiers it is receiving.
Episode 4: It is now 1918 and a benefit concert is being planned for the injured soldiers.
Episode 5: Some very bad news from the front line gets to the Earl of Grantham.
Episode 6: The end of the war seems to be close and the residents of Downton Abbey are hoping that things return to normal.
Episode 7: We are now in 1919 and the war is over. The end of the war gives Thomas (played by Rob James-Collier) new ways to make money.
Episode 8: Both the Spanish influenza and a wedding are coming up.
Episode 9: Christmas Special: It is Christmas time and the Crawleys want to host a lavish party for everyone.
Special Features: Making of Downton Abbey, A House in History, Fashion and Uniforms, Romance in a Time of War, House to Hospital
