Downton Abbey

Anyone longing for another helping of Upstairs, Downstairs will love writer Julian Fellowes' four-part 2010 PBS-aired Edwardian miniseries, which follows the domestic vicissitudes of a noble English family and their battery of servants over a time span from the sinking of the Titanic to the outbreak of World War I. The “upstairs” troubles center on the inheritance of the estate: Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), and his American wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), were only blessed with daughters, and since the entail requires that the property pass to a male, an unknown cousin must be groomed as successor (and possible son-in-law). The situation is complicated by the indiscretions of eldest daughter Mary (Michelle Dockery) and the meddling of Crawley matriarch Violet (a scene-stealing Maggie Smith). Meanwhile, the staff, led by butler Carson (Jim Carter) and housekeeper Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan), must deal with the arrival of a new valet, Mr. Coyle (John Bates), a man whom two of his “downstairs” colleagues aim to discredit in order to serve their own ambitions. Fellowes, who penned Gosford Park, takes his cue from Jane Austen, peppering his script with memorable incidents—often humorous, occasionally poignant, and sometimes tragic. Shot mostly at the magnificent Highclere Castle in Berkshire, Downton Abbey bows on DVD and Blu-ray with extras including a “making-of” featurette and a tour of Highclere. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)