Dowton Abbey's second episode

Anna and her husband, maybe one or two more, are the only characters that are convincing. They are the only two who don't look like they are constantly posing. There's just 'something' that makes the REALLY good actors in this production, lack depth and believability. I care about none of them and this is a shame, as I usually love period dramas. It looks good and the costumes are splendid BUT that alone, cannot carry it for me. Adding [predictably] a Hollywood great, has just made it panto-ish!

The productions may not have been as grand but I STILL watch re-runs of Upstairs Downstairs and All Creatures Great and Small. I love, laugh and cry with all the characters. I care about them. They are GEMS! They had such warmth and deph.

It must be to do with production. I don't know! I'm not an old fuddy duddy. My children [now grown up] watch the re-runs too and they say they knock spots off the Downton showpiece.

I'll keep on trying though. It beats X [Z] Factor plus that, now awful, dancing show.