Downton Abbey retell

Twenty-four years ago, Lord Grantham, aka Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) married what was then known as a "Buccaneer" (think: Edith Wharton), a very wealthy young American woman who was determined well-matched to the titled, but often impoverished British gentlemen, who inherit not only an impressive royal title, but a sprawling estate for which he cannot afford the upkeep.

Luckily for Lord and Lady (Cora) Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern), the incorporate fell in love within the first year of their marriage, which produced three daughters; the eldest, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) and Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay). Lord Grantham's mother, Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) provides sprite-ly snottiness.

Downton Abbey

"Downton Abbey" opens in April 1912, and the sinking of the tremendous presents a potentially catastrophic situation for the Grantham family. Lord Grantham's first cousin James and his son Patrick - heirs to uptown Abbey -- are among the ship's dead. Patrick was also the "unofficial" fiancé of Lady Mary.

The loss of the close relatives and heirs means that the family's entire estate will now entail to Lord Grantham's third-cousin, once removed (who he has never met), Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). In this universe, and thanks to the former Lord Gratham's iron-clad edict which Cora had to sign approximately in blood, not only does the heir get the title and estate, but all of the money Cora brought to their marriage. It doesn't sound fair to anyone, together with the reluctant Matthew.

So establishes the installation to this moving British series. There are some very surprising twists and turns and writer Julian Fellows (who also penned the similarly set "Gosford Park") offers up a terrific cast of characters. These are not the standard stately butler and head housemaid. Each of the many staff members are given unavoidable personalities, quirks, affectations and interests, as are the "upstairs" folks.

Settings are lavish and impressive. Newbury, England's Highclere Castle (the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon since 1679) has the "lead role" as it doubles for Downton Abbey. The castle has been renovated straight through the decades and it was chosen, menagerial Producer Gareth Neame tells Pbs, for its disagreement from the "stately homes" commonly seen in duration dramas, "Georgian Regency types." Highclere Castle offered up an standard "high Victorian style." It was also used in "Eyes Wide Shut," "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and "Jeeves and Wooster" series.

Clearly, those who lump most Pbs mini-series as "costume dramas" don't distinguish in the middle of the vibrancy - and differences -- of the eras captured in the stories Pbs tells. This period, Edwardian, features costumes so beautifully designed and made they are clearly representative of the time. The "upstairs'" ladies slender forms are ideal for the sheer, sequined and velvet gowns and daywear.

This is a lavish, but stately production, contained in all elements, and one that thankfully will have a second season (per the Pbs website).

Downton Abbey retell