This Week: Excellent Glares

An Honest Fangirl: Now that fall TV has come back, what is everyone watching?

I tried two new shows. A Murder in a Small Town was very good. Apparently it’s based on a book? It stars Kristen Kreuk as a librarian love interest, and was a lot cozier than I expected it to be.

This Week: The Year So Far

In which the Agents of DOUX discuss what they’re watching, what they should have watched but haven’t, what they're reading but can't talk about, and bathing in shame.

Downton Abbey: The Movie

Cora: “Just like the old days.”

Sometimes, when a series ends, a subsequent movie is essential. The movie may tie up loose ends and allow the story to come to some kind of a neat conclusion. Sometimes, however, a movie is not needed (or, frankly, even wanted) and can rather mar the memory of what was once great.

Downton Abbey: The Finale

Isobel: “We’re going forward to the future, not back to the past.”
Lady Violet: “If only we had the choice.”

Well! That may very well have been the sappiest, silliest, most sentimental ninety minutes of television I have ever watched. I loved it.

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode Eight

"Kings are like anyone else.”

Isn’t it always the way? A series begins to show its age, begins to pale, ceases to be one that you really look forward to watching all that much. Then, the final season is announced to sighs of relief all around and the episodes remind you why you fell in love with this show to begin with. This was the final season finale of Downton Abbey. It was crazy; it was funny; it was sad; it was everything I wanted it to be.

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode Seven

"But, do they live happily ever after?”

In many ways, Downton Abbey is a fairy tale. So, of course, as we come to the end, everyone must find his or her mate. There was a lot of that. Ironically, however, the two best story lines this week had nothing to do with romance.

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode Six

“You like what you’re used to.”

Downton Abbey throws open its doors for a day so that anyone willing to part with a sixpence can have a snoop around. It was an episode that showed us very clearly where the world is heading and, more importantly, gave us insight into the Crawley family and their staff as we come to the end of this story.

Downton Abbey: Series Six, Episode Five

“If this is it, just know I have loved you very, very much.”

Just when I thought Downton Abbey didn’t have a single surprise left up its sleeve...

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode Four

“Don’t please us. Please yourself.”

That wasn’t a very subtle episode, was it?

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode Three

“It’s about Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes. And, not about this glorious house or the glorious people who’ve lived in it.”

For those of us who have lived through weddings, either our own or those in which we were deeply involved, we know that the days leading up to the event are fraught. Nerves take over and the slightest thing not going to plan is enough to send those involved over the edge. Carson and Mrs. Hughes are no different. From the wedding breakfast to the dress, everything is being second-guessed and everyone is getting involved.

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode Two

“We made a plan, Lady Edith and I, but we forgot about emotion. And, emotion’s what can trip you up every time.”

Is it possible to enjoy watching a show when one of the characters does something so egregious that you want to reach through the television screen and slap them? Hard? Luckily, Edith’s storyline was only one of several this week, so the answer is a qualified yes.

Downton Abbey: Season Six, Episode One

“Your lot’s finished. You’re going down and we’re coming up.”

From the beginning, Downton Abbey has been a series about change. This episode, the first of the final season, leaves us in no doubt about whether that theme will continue.

Downton Abbey: A Moorland Holiday

“Well, you’re in for the Downton Christmas this year, and, if that doesn’t put you off, nothing will.”

I do love a happy ending. After a season with more than its share of angst and stories that were often less than they could or should have been, this season finale left me with a smile on my face.

Juliette's Best of 2015

This year, I am stealing the format for my Best Of from Mark.

Downton Abbey: Season Five, Episode Eight

“Love may not conquer all, but it can conquer quite a lot.”

What an odd little episode this was.

Downton Abbey: Season Five, Episode Seven

“Some people choose to be happy, and others select a course that leads only to frustration and disappointment.”

Dear God, Edith. What is wrong with you? You got out!

Downton Abbey: Season Five, Episode Six

“Remember, harsh reality is always better than false hope.”

Reality, harsh or not, is a combination of the things we can’t control that life throws at us plus the choices we make. As we live our lives day to day, the choices become much more important than the aspects we can’t control.

Downton Abbey: Season Five, Episode Five

“We’re the future; they’re the past.”

Honestly. If people would just talk to each other, there would be a lot less drama at Downton Abbey. There would probably also be a lot less show.

Downton Abbey: Season Five, Episode Four

“We mustn’t destroy what we’re trying to protect.”

Although the world is changing at a breakneck pace in these years between the wars, one age old institution has not. Interestingly, the stories that were told this week all had to do with an institution that is still changing and evolving today -- the institution of marriage.

Downton Abbey: Season Five, Episode Three

“My dear, you have to take control of your feelings before they take control of you.”

The lines between upstairs and downstairs and the lines between what is acceptable in society and what is not are becoming more blurred with each episode. It is making for a much more interesting season than I had originally thought it was going to be.