Series cast summary: | |||
Hugh Bonneville | ... |
Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Laura Carmichael | ... |
Lady Edith Crawley
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Jim Carter | ... |
Charles Carson
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Brendan Coyle | ... |
John Bates
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Michelle Dockery | ... |
Lady Mary Crawley
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Joanne Froggatt | ... |
Anna Bates
/ ...
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Rob James-Collier | ... |
Thomas Barrow
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Phyllis Logan | ... |
Mrs. Hughes
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Elizabeth McGovern | ... |
Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Sophie McShera | ... |
Daisy Mason
/ ...
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Lesley Nicol | ... |
Mrs. Patmore
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Maggie Smith | ... |
Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Penelope Wilton | ... |
Isobel Crawley
(52 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Kevin Doyle | ... |
Joseph Molesley
(46 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Allen Leech | ... |
Tom Branson
(45 episodes, 2010-2015)
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David Robb | ... |
Dr. Clarkson
(34 episodes, 2010-2015)
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Siobhan Finneran | ... |
Sarah O'Brien
(25 episodes, 2010-2012)
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Dan Stevens | ... |
Matthew Crawley
(25 episodes, 2010-2012)
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Raquel Cassidy | ... |
Baxter
(23 episodes, 2013-2015)
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Lily James | ... |
Lady Rose MacClare
(21 episodes, 2012-2015)
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Lord Grantham sees his family heritage, especially the grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. The death of his heir aboard the Titanic means distant cousin Matthew Crawley, a Manchester lawyer, suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, who clashes with his lordship's domineering, conservative mother, the dowager countess. Marrying off the daughters is another concern. Meanwhile, the butler presides over a staff which serves the family, but also lead most of their entire lives in the servants' quarters, intriguing amongst themselves. Written by KGF Vissers
Julian Fellowes' intelligent (and sophisticated) take on pre-World War I society of aristocrats and worker-bees is smart-writing on the changes we will see over the next 25 years, encompassing two major wars and a great depression. The writing and the casting make this many steps above "soap opera" as the themes of social mobility and aristocratic incompetence are sharply etched.
All of it pleased me, from the smallest character to the dozen or so leads, lead off by the always-brilliant Maggie Smith. This is to be enjoyed for both its eye-candy (Downton Abbey) and its themes of rich- and-poor dilemmas. Gorgeously shot with accurate art-direction. Wonderful all the way around.