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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Robert 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
I was hooked after the first five minutes and come heaven, hell or high water, I was going to see Downton Abbey twice, the second time to pick up the points which I knew would be too fast, and possibly convoluted, to follow the first time round. I have watched Masterpiece since the inaugural with Alistair Cooke, and I can't remember anything as engaging and entertaining as this. As a cousin of an English family with deep affection for the monarchy and respect for the aristocracy, my perspective is an odd mix of Democratic ideals, old-time Republican values and curiosity about and appreciation of the social structure which prevailed so long in England. Downton Abbey appears to present a very balanced depiction of the social, political, economic and historical forces which drove the lives and fortunes of the classes and produced strange and almost incomprehensible behavior to comply with an unwritten, all-pervasive code. I am completely fascinated by the events and reactions and what would appear to be almost puppet-like behavior on occasion. I pray for a sequel.