For all of you who have been waiting with bated breath for the second season of "Downton Abbey" . . . . this, sadly, is not going to be it. But instead, what the UK has brought us is a delicious parody of the popular series - as part of the "Red Nose Day" charity telethon.
Giggle and enjoy . . .
If you would like more information on the "Red Nose Day" charity - click HERE.
Did everyone watch "Downton Abbey" last night? I've been fairly obsessed with this amazing new program fresh out of England. Written by the fantastic Julian Fellowes (screenwriter of Gosford Park) and staring practically every actor and actress in Great Britain. Amazing story. Stunning costumes. And major design porn with the interior filming at Highclere Castle.
If you've not been watching (firstly, shame on you!) here's a link to order the complete first series on DVD - There's bound to be spoilers in the comments - so avoid them if you want to watch it unspoiled.
WHO will Mary Crawley finally marry?!?!?!?!
The daughters - Sybil, Mary, and Edith.
'O'Brien' - Lady Cora's mischievous maid.
Dan Stevens as the charming Matthew Crawley.
Jim Carter and Hugh Bonneville as 'Carson' and 'the Earl of Grantham'
The national treasure Maggie Smith
And seriously, there should be shrines built at regular intervals along each highway and byway across the width and breadth of the Earth to stop in and praise the planetary wonder that goes by the name "Maggie Smith"
here's a look behind the scenes . . .
Thoughts? Comments? Your favourite line from Maggie Smith ? Scot
Well, I can only image that the Venn diagram depicting the overlapping segments of the population having a passion for classic interior design and a deep affection for British science-fiction is fairly small. In fact, my fear is that it might contain only Meg and myself. But, as this blog boasts - these are 'things which delight me' - and watching David Tennant's final episode of "Doctor Who" on BBC America this evening delighted me almost beyond description.
(and if you ARE a fan, and haven't watch the final episode, this missive contains no spoilers. just gushing praise.)
I've always been a huge fan of science fiction television - it's kinda hard to explain why. But, Doctor Who is an all-time favourite. There's something about exploring the human condition from a slightly 'off kilter' angle - like seeing humanity through the eyes of the 900 year old time lord - from the planet Gallifrey - called 'the Doctor' - traveling across time and space - with a trusty 'side-kick' - in a ship shaped like a 1963 London police call box -seriously, what could be more simple?
The Doctor 'regenerates' periodically - and thus can be portrayed by an ongoing collection of actors (10 different actors since 1963) - but tonight marks Tennant's final performance in the role. He has brought a sly, Shakespearean style to the program through the last three seasons and has helped to shape it into the sublime entertainment it has become.
Tennant with Billie Piper (Rose Tyler) - from Season 2
and the sublime Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) from Season 4
(If you only know her from the hilarious Catherine Tate Show, she is actually an
actress of wondrous depth and honesty)
Though it's clearly difficult to describe, I can only recommend (if you have loads of time to spend) that you experiment with some of the more recent episodes with Tennant or Christopher Eccleston. And as further proof, one of the best examples of the series is contained in the clip below. Elton Pope, a guest character in an episode of season 2, reflects on the purpose of living . . .and they are fine words to live by - at any time - and on any planet . . .
