So I’m thinking that everyone who’s as obsessed with the show as I am would probably appreciate a discussion of alternative Edwardian entertainment.
If you listen to podcasts at all, check out Up Yours, Downstairs. It’s as silly and vulgar as the name implies, but also weirdly erudite and educational. The couple who does it is clearly even more passionate about Downton than I am, and they dissect each episode in depth. They also rate Maggie Smith’s performance in each ep on a scale of 1-5 Maggie Smiths, as well as giving a “best evasion” award for each episode.
Some choice quotes that had me laughing out loud:
“Maggie Smith eats Helen Mirren for lunch, and craps out Judi Dench.”
“Meanwhile, Mary is doing a terrible job of pretending that she didn’t kill Mr. Pamuk with her vagina.”
Also, there’s a discussion of the Boer Wars that somehow meanders into an imaginary fight between King Kong and Pumba from the Lion King.
As silly as all that is, they also do go into relevant historical details, as well as fashion history that’s pretty cool.
It’s equal parts snark, background info, and unapologetic fawning over this great show, and of course, especially Maggie Smith.