Downton and the Dowager

After more than a year of hearing people rave about the PBS program Downton Abbey, my curiosity finally got the better of me and I spent the better part of a Sunday immersing myself in the world simultaneously inhabited by the "haves" and the "have-nots."

By the end of the afternoom I was beginning to speak and think in a British accent.  The drama and intrigue among the many fascinating characters captivated me.

Far and away, my favorite Downton character is the Dowager Countess.  I love her sense of humor.  Dame Maggie Smith is perfect in the role; her dry delivery complements the "zinger" lines she dishes out.  And she can say more with the lift of a single eyebrow than many actors can manage in a monologue.

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