The "Spellbinding Magic" of Downton Abbey, written by Julian Fellowes

Downton Abbey is back.

The delicious story of the Crawley family, set inside the magnificent estate of Downton Abbey.

Season 3 opened Sunday on PBS.

http://www.pbs.org

and this is going to be a roller coaster of a season, episode by episode packed with Blockbuster events. I won't spoil it for you, but I have seen the entire season and watch it again, week by week on television, just to be sure I haven't missed anything, which of course I have, because feasting my eyes on the interior of this home, the library with all that red, the dining room and it's paintings, it's Massive Van Dyck, oh, PLEASE hold the camera a little tiny bit more on the long shot dining room scenes, please allow us to see that painting a little bit longer, the drawing room and it's draperies, sofas and chairs, it's objects, it is impossible to tire of.

Main character being, of course, Downton Abbey, aka Highclere Castle  http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk open this summer and ready for your visit.

A lot to be said, and a lot to follow this season. It is Spring, 1920.  From episode 1, here are some of my favorite lines:

"Family must never be a topic of conversation." - Violet

"No time for trading young hobbelty hoys."    - Carson - did I spell that correctly? And even if I didn't what exactly, Mr. Julian Fellowes is a hobbelty hoy? Love it.

"Gone? The lion's share of Cora's fortune?"  Lord Grantham

"If there's not enough money to run it, Downton must go."  the trustee

"Don't worry about me, I'm an American, have gun, will travel." - Lady Grantham

"You'll find we Crawley's stick together."  - Violet

"You came. I wasn't sure you would." - Matthew

"I'm glad. I should hate to be predictable."  Lady Mary

"He has been a clot!"   Matthew

"I shall be Countess of Grantham one day and in my book
                    the Countess of Grantham lives in Downton Abbey."  - Lady Mary

"Nothing succeeds like excess." - Violet

"Never mistake a wish for a certainty." - Violet

"I'm so sorry, I thought you were a waiter." - Violet

"You've done something jolly with your hair." Sir Anthony Strallan


Well, I could go on, but for now don't we love the way the camera is placed, the cuts back regularly to the house as star, the characters, the lovely single strands of beads against the magnificent Chanel, Worth and Balenciaga dresses?

I'm happy for Julian Fellowes. Here is a writer with attention to detail, (a MUST,) determination and a great sense of humor.

Downton lives.

Please go to the PBS website and watch the Secrets of Highclere Castle to see even more of an inside view. http://video.pbs.org/video/2320059755