Like everybody else in the world, I am watching Downton Abbey. I am fascinated personally but also wondering why everybody else is as well. Fans in Korea and Brazil….for a British period drama?
What is it?
The story? the characters? the incredible sets? fantastic costumes? the scenery? the acting? the unimaginable lifestyle?
Okay, so psychotherapist that I am, I am always analyzing and analyzing.
So, here is what I think:
I believe the appeal is all of the above but also recognition of all of the problems, issues and characteristics of all of the “people” in the story. It’s all so familiar to anyone in the human race, whatever part of the world you come from or live in. Children’s issues with their parents, Grandma’s holding onto the family values, falling in love with someone who is totally unexpected, money that someone in the family gets but didn’t earn, living closely. All of these issues are universal.
And also the societal changes that have taken place within our lifetime; that all of us are dealing with. It is unsettling and the story presents it. It is intense and yet we watch it unfold in front of our eyes.
And the acting is great ! And I do believe that if they took Maggie Smith out of the show, it would fold!
Keep watching!
From the Heart 