This is British drama at its best -- witty and refined, but never uptight or stodgy. The series takes place at the country home of the fictional Earl of Grantham during the run-up to World War I. Significant time is spent both with the Earl's aristocratic family and their crew of below-the-stairs servants. Much of the series is devoted to the romantic intrigue and familial squabbles, but the series does sometimes delve into more serious issues such as the women’s suffrage movement or the impending Great War. While there are various plots that run throughout the entire first season, each of the seven episodes can also be viewed discretely. Downton Abbey is recommended for those who like their British period pieces with just enough modern sheen to keep things interesting (but not enough to detract from the genre's essential coziness).-Eric
