210 replies to this topic

[Stone]

They seem to have separate pieces on top of the shirts that are similar to vests, but not. Or maybe they are just plain starched shirts.

[Daisy]

They seem to have separate pieces on top of the shirts that are similar to vests, but not. Or maybe they are just plain starched shirts.

I think that's just a pleated shirt front.

[GG Mora]

They seem to have separate pieces on top of the shirts that are similar to vests, but not. Or maybe they are just plain starched shirts.

It's called a dickey.

[SethG]

They seem to have separate pieces on top of the shirts that are similar to vests, but not. Or maybe they are just plain starched shirts.

I think that's just a pleated shirt front.

It's called a dickey, dummy.

[SethG]

cross-posted with gg.

Further reply to mongo jones:

Why everyone should watch

[Stone]

Bingo.

[Daisy]

They seem to have separate pieces on top of the shirts that are similar to vests, but not. Or maybe they are just plain starched shirts.

I think that's just a pleated shirt front.

It's called a dickey, dummy.

I know what a dickey is, but it seems odd to wear one on top of a shirt, no ?

[mongo_jones]

There is some great dialogue and the cast is very good.

no, there is not. and the cast is only good at prolonged, meaningful staring.

[mongo_jones]

cross-posted with gg.

Further reply to mongo jones:

Why everyone should watch

this person thinks this is like the best parts of "middlemarch" with the rest taken out. i don't think this person's newsletter should be subscribed to.

[g.johnson]

If you didn't watch Downton Abbey, you wouldn't find these funny.





(WIth thanks to whoever found those.)

[mongo_jones]

these are indeed funny--especially jennifer saunders as maggie smith. but "downton abbey" is a better parody of "downton abbey" than these are.

[yvonne johnson]

Speaking of Saunders, anyone else watching the new AB FAB? The first of 3 didn't quite do it for me. Mind you, I did have a splitting headache at the time.

[SethG]

Say, why is this thread in the "Written Word" forum?

Anyway, I was watching season 1, episode 3 last night and something occurred to me.

I think this show is bound to disappoint anyone looking for Middlemarch, because despite the costumes and the accents that isn't what the show is aiming for. Really a much closer analogue to Downton Abbey is an Aaron Sorkin drama like The West Wing. You have a large cast, numerous intertwined plotlines, and topical issues. Because of all the shared screen time the topical issues get dealt with at a sort of sloganeering level. When it clicks, this formula can be very successful. When it doesn't click, it can feel like you're watching a daytime talk show instead of a fictional drama. Most of the time, I'm feeling so far that Downton Abbey works, although in parts of episode 3 I thought the women's lib thing was much too heavy-handed. Even when this is the case, however, there is much to enjoy.

I don't mean to make myself into the great defender of this show. I only first heard of it a couple of weeks ago. I'm still deciding just how much I like it.

[SethG]

Also, Laura Linney sure seems to like the show a great deal, which is something you have to consider.

[mongo_jones]

i'm not disappointed that this show is not "middlemarch". nothing on tv is "middlemarch". i'm just saying this show is terrible. it can be enjoyed as trash--because really all it is is a soapy fantasy dressed up to be classy--but to make any kind of serious claim for it is silly. just because they're wearing period costumes, and talking in plummy accents doesn't mean this is a good show. the writing is terrible; the story-lines are laughable, and most of the characters are one-note and simplistic (and most of the actors perform them largely via meaningful looks; it's like watching a silent movie sometimes, except they then speak terrible dialogue). and its nostalgic class politics are ghastly.