We in the U.S.A. have been waiting for Season 4 of Downton Abbey and finally got to see the first episode on Sunday past…
When we were in England in September we visited Bampton where the village scenes are filmed. I didn’t take enough photos now in hindsight but it was fun to see the new episode and recognize some of the village images.
The opening episode really showed us that there will be so many twists and turns both upstairs and downstairs in this season. For me the most disturbing were the false reports and the slander that is heading Anna’s way. Having that maid return to the house makes me real uncomfortable, too. I see that season 4 will be released for purchase on January 28th. I don’t want to stay up late every Sunday so I’ll probably head to Costco on the 28th and see if they have it in stock. How did you enjoy the first episode?
Last night after this episode I had a pinched nerve (or at least that’s what we are calling it) in my right arm. My arm was in so much pain from my elbow up to my shoulder. Yikes. Nothing really helped and I finally found a position using a firm pillow that I could drape my arm over so I could finally fall asleep. I didn’t think I’d be able to get anything done today but thank the Lord my arm has been fine just a little tender and I was able to do the things that needed to be done.
Katie is having a great time in Southern California. She’s been to Disneyland twice. Disneyland has a good military price for a 3 day pass. Sunday she and her girl cousins went out to dinner and on Tuesday she’ll have dinner with my pop.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
How cool is that! What a great trip to be able to see the film location of Downton Abbey village. Next time you might think of visiting Downton the mansion… And yes, that Edna means trouble. I look forward to the rest of the episodes.
Arti, While we were in England Highclere was closed to the public. We were sad about that but happy to find Bampton not far off our driving route one day…
I HATE IT that I didn’t get into Downton Abbey when it first began. My neighbor lent me the 1st season on DVD, but I have not had a moment’s time to watch it. I tired while down with my shoulder, but kept falling asleep. Not from the storyline, but from the meds! So I’m still on the 1st episode of season 1. I think I’d better just give it up and enjoy vicariously through you. Great photos!!!
I watched the series online this past fall, and all I can say is, hang in there.
Sorry about your shoulder, hope you don’t have any more trouble with it.
We watched it too and enjoyed some of the lines that we have come to expect. I smiled when Violet said.. I enjoyed Violets response to her son when she said she felt like having Nanny put him to bed without supper.. (or something like that).
I wonder too about the maid coming back. She’s going to be trouble.
I love dragging the season out. We often PVR it and watch it during the week.
It seems PBS combines episodes? What you saw in the States was broken down into two episodes over here. It does make for a long evening. I wonder if they only do the combining for the initial “premier”? Without being a spoiler, the next episode has much content and I hope they let it stand alone. I adore the show and am re-watching along with my peeps in the States (I’m your reader in Zurich. 🙂
It is wonderful that Katie has this time with family, and especially your dear father, in California.
hope your arm gets better and better!
Susan, I realized they were combining two episodes and I’m sure we’ll only be getting one next time. Thanks for sharing along with us. It’s always so nice to hear from you. Maybe on our next travels or your next travels we’ll be in a position to meet up for coffee. 🙂
I would love that!
Love Downton Abbey and how fabulous you traveled there to see the environs… I was pleased at how they tied up many loose ends and got the new season off swimmingly… funny, but especially, in this episode I was so taken by the beauty of the village.. its cleanliness and the stone work all the way to the ground.. so swept clear of all debris and very pristine….the set direction and local filming of Downton is one thing that makes it so wonderful for me… Hope to tour Britain one day…
Glad your arm is better Ellen. As I get older I have things happen too. My husband and I remind ourselves of other people we remember complaining about aches and pains. I am with you – don’t like staying up. I go to bed at 8:30 PM and Downton started here at 9:00 PM. Lovely photos you took – very special!
Oh I hate it when something just goes like that. One minute fine and the next not. I think that’s what I was describing today. I don’t enjoy waiting a week for the next episode and so have been eager to find out how I might marathon the season. I have said that if the show went my way there wouldn’t be a show because everyone who deserves a comeuppance would get it pronto. Glad that Katie has been having a fun time.
I was so happy to be able to settle down to watch the beginning of the new season on TV as we missed the other seasons and I ended up buying them. I don’t like the maid and whatever she is scheming I also love Grandma’s reasoning and openness. She makes me laugh.
Ooo – can’t wait to get my hands on Season 4. Our country TV reception doesn’t give it to us episode by episode so we have to rely on purchasing the DVDs. I might be heading to Costco as soon as I get a chance, once it’s out :).
Hope your arm gets better – pinched nerves are so painful. Take care Ellen!
So sorry about your arm, Ellen. That sounds terrible. Glad it’s getting better. I can only imagine how fun it would be to spot places where you’ve been while watching DA. When I’m watching, I always think that next time, I’m going to have a pad and pen, so I can write down some of the great lines. laurie
I have been given each of the first three seasons as gifts, so I prepared for season four by watching all the others over again – what fun! I watched the recorded first episode later on Sunday night, as I’d had book club (it was so hard to give the book my full attention!). It will be a season with many twists, turns and sub-plots!
How fun! I love watching Downton Abbey but surely will miss Matthew this season, I think.
I found the first Downton Abbey confusing to follow — so many plot lines and twists and turns–but I’m sure it will all lead somewhere. I did do a few “sneak peaks” on PBS and this will be a season of some fabulous visual treats!
Hope you arm feels better- I am always concerned about arm or upper back pain in woman as it could spell heart problems –please be careful of that!