As I've written about many times in this blog, I've long been a fan of the TV series Downton Abbey. I've seen all the episodes of each season and even re-watched whole seasons several times. And until last night, I could have sworn I had seen both Downton Abbey movies.
So, last night when I made the decision to watch the first Downton Abbey movie, named simply Downton Abbey The Movie, I thought I was setting out to re-watch it. But within 10 to 15 minutes I realized I didn't remember any of it. And after completing the entire movie, I don't remember watching it at all.
Yet I do clearly remember seeing its sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era. I watched a clip on YouTube of A New Era and it was clear as a bell and I can recall much of the plot where the gang all go to the south of France and all of that. But the first movie?
All I can recall is I do remember something about the fact that it revolved around the king visiting Downton Abbey but until last night I couldn't tell you one thing or the next of anything that occurred in the movie.
But then again, thinking of it just now, and reflecting on its plot, I'm wondering too if it isn't partially to do to the fact that it really didn't have an incredible story. I mean, it felt like just a 2-hour long episode of the regular series.
The usual shenanigans downstairs with all the assorted staff and their goings on, made more complicated by the royal staff butting in and trying to take control and the two teams playing a tug of war on who will be the better servants to their upstairs masters. Oh lordy! What a lofty goal. To be the best groveler. It really hit home when Mosley proudly proclaimed to His Majesty the King at the dinner table that it was Mrs. Patmore and the Downton staff that prepared their dinner and the uppity-ups all looked at him like he had just murdered someone. How dare he speak out of place and directly to the king!
The other thing that strikes me is the fact that it's been quite a few years since I've enjoyed Downton Abbey. And, like a lot of other people these days, especially in light of what has been going on recently in the news, I too feel a little put off by the years of just accepting that the rich and privileged just go about their life merrily along while the poor struggle as if it's their lot in life as natural as anything. Like all of that is normal.
Yes I'm alluding to the hype surrounding the killing of the United Healthcare CEO and the widespread clamor regarding the bigger picture of the mess that is the evil health insurance system in this supposedly free and egalitarian society.
So glare at me if you must, dear dowager. I’m sorry I either neglected to watch your premier full feature movie or I totally forgot all about it if I did. Either way, I fear your cushy way of life has faded into the past and there are storm clouds on the horizon. Clutch your pearls, Grand-mama, clutch your pearls.