Tuesday, January 07, 2014

Downton Abbey Returns

I was anxious to see the first episode of the fourth season of "Downton Abbey," and I must say I wasn't disappointed.  Lord Grantham is in for some rocky times, I fear, unless he embraces the changes that are going to occur in the 1920s. He has already suffered a big disappointment, in that he thought he would have total control over the estate of the deceased Matthew.  It seems that Matthew didn't leave a will, so Mary would only receive 1/3 of the estate, what we, here in the colonies would call a "dower right" and baby George would be co-owner.  Mary would be his guardian, of course, but Lord Grantham could envision years of unfettered control over the estate, during which he would be free to resist progress, in spite of the world around him.

Then, in going through Matthew's belongings, a letter to Mary was found, expressing his desire for her to be his heir, which was recognized in British Law as a statement of intent, therefore legal.  So, Mary snapped out of her 6-month long mourning and prepared to take on her responsibilities along with her father. 

Then, there is Lady Edith (I think that's her name), who is in love with her married employer, who can't get a divorce because his wife is barking mad.  But, he has found out that if he becomes a citizen of Germany, he can get that divorce and they can get married.  I think we can see where this is headed.  After all, Britain is still smarting from the pounding they got from Germany during the war, and you and I know that Hitler is about to rear his ugly head, and Edith and by that time her hapless hubby will probably be German citizens.  That should be interesting.

Oh, it's going to be a great season! 

And, tonight, "NCIS" comes back.  Have you seen Ziva's replacement?  She looks and acts like a high school girl.  They keep telling us that she is going to fit in with the rest of the team, but I have my doubts. Looks like a case of bad judgement on the part of the people who hired her.  We'll see. 

Speaking of bad judgement, have you watched "The View" lately?  Or, as I have re-named it, "The Jennie and Sherri Show?"  Barbara and her buddy, the producer, have decided to take all political discussion out of the show.  So, now it is full of silly skits by Jennie and Sherri, and inane discussions of motherhood, hair, makeup, boyfriends, husbands and s-e-x.  Bye-Bye, to "The View." Poor Whoopi, having to sit through it all. I predict she'll be the next one to jump ship.

Stay tuned.




7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately Australia doesn't get The View on free to air tv any more, we would need to buy Foxtel which is like cable.

As for NCIS, can't wait for that to come back either.

As for Downton, not a fan but I did watch the final minutes of last season to see who died, and yes, the big softie in me did cry when it was him lying there on the side of the road.

God sake, men and their bloody cars and not watching where they're going!

Arkansas Patti said...

When I saw that NCIS was coming back I thought how nice for Betty. I know you have had withdrawal symptoms.

Olga said...

Love Downton Abbey but have not watched NCIS. I haven't watched The View for quite some time either and now I won't bother. Sounds really bad, but maybe it is just going for a different audience.

Betty said...

Lady Jewels Diva: You're not missing a thing, as far as The View is concerned.

Arkansas Patti: It was awful! I suffered terribly! lol

Olga: You should tune into NCIS if you like "eye candy" the way I do. The men on that show are fine. I watch for Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee and even Ducky. I'm afraid Ducky's assistant is just too young for me, but that's ok. As my mother used to say, "There may be snow on the rooftop, but there's still a fire in the furnace."

marlu said...

The View has become more talking over each other (which they always did) and silliness. When they announced the Year of Barbara, I decided enough.

Word Tosser said...

I could not agree with you more about the View.. I left it when Rosie came on.. wasn't a fan of Joy.. but I happen to catch it when Whoopie joined.. and I loved it as she brings common sense to the show.. when they let her talk that is.. Sherrie and Jenny just doesn't cute it.. and the Hot Topic has started to sizzle... to a slow burn.. so for that reaso... I AM OUT. Will really miss Whoopie

Word Tosser said...

that is suppose to be... just doesn't cut it.. not cute..