I have a particular "type" when it comes to entertainment, whether it's books, tv, or movies. I like excitement. If it involves gunfire, explosions, or fight scenes, I'm usually pretty happy. I've never had any interest in the typical girly type of stories. I don't like dramas or "deep" movies and I'll take a Tom Clancy book over Jane Austen any day. In light of that, you'll understand my confusion over my incredible addiction to Downton Abbey.
It makes no sense at all. For all intents and purposes, I should hate this show. Or at least have a very strong dislike of it. It's loaded up with romantic intrigue, rich people being waited on hand and foot, and not even a hint of a car chase. On the surface, there's nothing there for me.
But I love it. I absolutely love it. Like most of the BBC programming I watch, I was a bit of a late-comer to the fandom. Also, in the interest of full disclosure, the first time I heard of the show was on Twitter last fall. It took me a solid five months to realize that it wasn't called DowntoWn Abbey. It didn't really seem like my cup of tea (see what I did there?), but I read too many rave reviews from people whose taste I trust and I finally decided to give it a shot. I was hooked from the start of the very first episode. I love the people. I love the historical setting. I even love the occasional American joke they make.
Somehow, the writers and actors have managed to make me truly care about these characters' lives, which is quite a feat considering how dispassionate I am about almost everyone (real people included). There have been moments that have made me actually squeal out loud and clap my hands. Likewise, there have been moments that have made me cry (again, a feat of epic proportions). I can't describe what it is. This show has found some magical formula that has me hooked for reasons I'm not sure I'll ever be able to explain. Whatever it is, I'm totally happy with it. I'm just enjoying the ride. (And oh, was the latest episode ever amazing?)
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