Why are you not watching......Downton Abbey?

The buzz from critics about United Kingdom import “Downton Abbey” is turned all the way up but it seems the mainstream has been slow to embrace a narrative centered on the inner workings of a private home and its servants. If you’re one of those who feel as if you wouldn’t be all that interested in this series because it’s set so far in the past you’re not alone. But don't let the setting of early twentieth century England deter you there is plenty of passion in this PBS series. It begins on the brink of significant social change in England. The old ways are giving way to a new world that is as exciting as it is unpredictable.

Ushered in with this era are sex, revenge, and scandal. The warring siblings, thieving servants and badly behaved debutantes are all somewhat expected but the biggest surprise about the show is the humor. The matriarch of the Crawley family has more jokes than K. Michelle from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta! No one and nothing is safe from her criticism and her sharpened tongue provides the perfect amount levity in between the more dramatic scenes.

Along with being full of suspense “Downton Abbey” is visually stimulating. Emmy winning costume designer Susanna Buxton assembles a number of remarkable frocks in each and every episode. It is a credit to her talent that there is less flourish in the wardrobe here than in other shows. The beauty is subtle charmer adding to instead of obscuring the vivid plot lines.

The show is set in the past but the storylines could compete placed any time period which is what makes it so impressive. The writers don’t hide behind historical events and corseted dresses they force themselves to construct a legitimate story.

Downton Abbey is available both on Netflix and the PBS website. Give it a chance you won’t be disappointed.

Why Are You Not Watching....Scandal?

 Unless you’re still in that bunker you built awaiting the Mayan apocalypse you’ve heard the overwhelming reaction of “Scandal” fans to the show’s last episode. A network publicist’s dream come true this show is one of the most talked and tweeted about on the air. You can’t escape the trending topics (#whatthehuck) and watercooler chat. It’s everywhere. But if you’ve never watched it before you might be asking yourself if the hype is really warranted. I’m here to tell you it is!  Creator ShondaRhimes  of “Greys Anatomy” and “Private Practice” fame has outdone herself with this show. The characters are addictive the dialogue is delicious and the actors really give it their all. Lead actress Kerry Washington plays the role of a Washington “fixer” like her life depends on it and the supporting cast shine just as bright. With plot lines that are both complex and addictive “Scandal” makes you thankful for the day that some network executive finally woke up and realized that smart people watch T.V.! So if you’re wondering if you’ve been missing out run, don’t walk to your tablet, laptop or smart phone to catch up on before the next episode airs on ABC on January 10^th  at 10p.m. and you log into your twitter account to find you’ve been left out…again.