Is Downton Abbey Worth Watching? A Critical View

The Critics’ Take on Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a global sensation, much like the pop sensations of our times such as Taylor Swift. However, its widespread appeal does not necessarily translate to high quality. This spirited exploration delves into the flaws that these critics find in the series. Despite moments of brilliance, the show is riddled with poor writing, illogical plotlines, and characters that are killed off in contrived ways.

The Flawed Characters

One of the significant issues with Downton Abbey is the lack of commitment from key actors. For instance, Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil, displayed a history of bailing out of successful projects, leading to the character’s death in the middle of the series. Similarly, Dan Stevens, who played Matthew Crawley, wanted to exit the show early, leading to his character's untimely demise in a car crash.

Illogical Plotlines

The series is also criticized for its incoherent and illogical plotlines. A notable example is the death of the heir to the earldom, Patrick Crawley, who perished on the Titanic. This death is not only cliché but also unnecessary, leading to an alternative narrative where Matthew Crawley becomes the heir. However, this character is also killed off due to a personal conflict with Nazi brownshirts. This melodrama is farcical and implausible, reinforcing the notion that the storylines are crafted to serve dramatic purposes over realism.

Writer’s ADHD

The writing on Downton Abbey often falls short of believable storytelling. Author Julian Fellowes is criticized for his attention deficit disorder, which results in stories that are semi-believable and quickly diverted. An example of this is the sudden pregnancy of Lady Grantham, where the chances of an elderly woman conceiving and carrying to term are negligible. Fellowes resorts to absurd plot devices to resolve such issues, such as having Cora slip and fall on a bar of soap, placed by an evil servant, leading to the demise of the unborn child.

Wasteful Subplots

Subplots in Downton Abbey often lack depth and are quick to be abandoned. The story of Lord Grantham investing in Canadian railway shares that go bankrupt is just one such instance. Despite the initial tension, the subplot is quickly resolved by the character's engagement and subsequent death of the intended heiress. These convoluted plots highlight the show’s tendency to go off track and backtrack quickly.

Conclusion

Downton Abbey, while popular, is criticized heavily for its poor writing, illogical plot lines, and overall lack of depth in storytelling. Despite some moments of brilliance, the show loses much of its allure due to these fundamental flaws. The series may be enjoyed for its historical indulgence, but its script seems to miss the mark more often than not.