Why You Should Be Watching Downton Abbey

Who would have guessed that a Masterpiece Classic presentation on PBS could become such a big hit? The second season premiere of Downton Abbey more than doubled PBS' average prime-time ratings. The series is drawing in viewers from all walks of life, even though it seems dated and buttoned-up. So what's the allure? If you aren't already watching, you might just want to start. If numbers can't persuade you, then you should check out the following reasons.

1. It's intelligent. Modern television doesn't make you think, it doesn't make you learn, and it doesn't make you ask questions. Modern television assumes you know nothing. Your brain essentially shuts off when the TV clicks on. Downton Abbey, on the other hand, forces you to open your mind. The dialogue isn't heavily laden with slang and profanity. It is witty, well-thought out, and dignified. The characters, while charming and pretty, are not astoundingly beautiful and spray-tanned. Their beauty is of a more quiet nature. The audience learns about a dead and buried moral code where men, aristocrats and servants alike, strive to be gentlemen. We watch as women, both ladies and parlor maids, strive for something more, and slowly but surely succeed in finding it. It is not a history lesson, but it certainly inspires an interest in history.

2. It transports you. Aren't you tired of watching your life on screen? I don't want to see a couple in their sweats arguing over who's turn it is to do the dishes: I live it! Modern life is exhausting, worrisome, and ever so fast-paced. Yes, the staff at Downton Abbey is just as exhausted - and that is where the vast majority would have been placed at the start of the twentieth century (if we were lucky), but it's nice to imagine that we would be upstairs. That we would be the ones fawned over, spoon fed, and dressed to the nines by an adoring servant. On a Sunday night when I'm recovering from a jammed weekend and preparing for an even more jammed week, I don't want to watch some desperate housewives plotting and cheating in tight, short little numbers. I would much rather silence my phone and be transported to an era where the telephone was a baffling new invention and a display of ankles was an appalling shock.

3. The plot is believable. Prime-time and day-time television is loaded with soap opera style shows with ludicrous plot-lines. There is no shortage of shocking events. Of course Downton has plenty of scandal: what would a period piece be without a it? But these scandals are minuscule in comparison with today's amnesiacs, mass murderers, and futuristic apocalypses. On most television shows, there's turn after turn of events. There is no calm in the storm. As soon as the characters' get their feet firmly planted on the ground, there's yet another tornado or ferry collision. And don't even get me started on "reality" television.

4. Yet the plot still transcends time. Of course there's a love story. What would a drama be without one? But there's also sibling rivalry, the consequences of war, the drama of unrequited love and love that simply cannot be. There's competition, change, and causes. There are lessons to learn and those lessons aren't necessarily limited to the late-Edwardian era of Downton Abbey. War brings uncertainty and change, things we are all accustomed to in this modern age, and the Granthams (like us) must adapt. We root for them, cry with them, and love like them.

5. Our favorite characters are unlikely. Who knew that Mr. Bates would have such a cult following? The lame, valet inspires surprising swoons not seen since Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy. So what is his appeal? He's mysterious, dignified, wounded, and he knows how to treat a lady. His transformation throughout the series, unearthing his hidden past, draws us all in. Matthew and Mary have the vote for most likely favorite characters; but there's so many others to choose from. Who is your favorite Downton Abbey character? I combined some, so if you vote for a duo specify which in the comments!

6. The fashion is to die for. Sure, it's about a century behind, but wouldn't you just love to slip out of your jeans and t-shirt into a sparkling, floor length gown? What's more, some of the latest fashions have been inspired by the show's looks. Take a page from the Crawleys and try out a cloche and some pearls. Perhaps drop your hemline a bit. Spring is the perfect time to add some Downton Abbey inspired clothes to your wardrobe. Maxi dresses play on the length of the period; however, if you're in love with your legs you might want to try a day dress. With light fabrics, lace, pastels, and floral patterns, a day dress subtly draws from the period and has been spotted all over the runway for spring 2012. Lace-up boots are a fashionable alternative to heels and we hear even gloves are making a come-back. You don't need to look like you're decked out in period costume, but add some period-inspired accents, improve your posture a bit, and you'll be chasing away suitors like Lady Mary.