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Rachel - Longtime Downton Fan
With the arrival of the pigs (permanently), the departure of Robert and Thomas (temporarily), an illness, a proposal, a pregnancy, a death, and a festival on Downton’s grounds, there’s no shortage of drama on
Downton Abbey as Season 4 ramps up to its dazzling finale in London. I find that Downton tends to do this often across its various seasons: adding more and more subplots until the final episodes of the season, where everything finally explodes in various heartbreaks, secrets, and reunions. And that’s why we keep watching, right?
Despite all of that, I’ve come to appreciate how much ‘real history’ comes into the plots of these episodes. And in this case, it’s the Teapot Dome scandal. Admittedly, it was a part of American history that was left out in my history classes but I enjoy learning about it now. I’m not sure if I would have looked it up on my own without a cultural touchstone to liken it to, but it helps make the show feel even more real. And more importantly, it reminds me of how much Downton really does belong on PBS: yes, it’s a wonderful story with fully fleshed-out characters, beautiful settings, and exquisite costumes, but it offers a glimpse into a world many viewers have never known. Whether it’s the time period, social class, or a country across the Atlantic Ocean, Downton Abbey is a show that both entertains and teaches viewers.