I really enjoy it but one episode troubled me. It's the one set in the summer fair where they are judging the flowers.

The dowager countess (played by the inimitable Maggie Smith) has her roses ready to win. She always wins because she's the countess but awards the prize to a lowly serf after some criticism.

This is a direct copy of the same scenario in William Wyler's Mrs Miniver (1942).

Was the Downton Abbey writer paying homage, was he copying directly or was it a buried memory that he thought was original?

I recall the episode you are referring to, but haven't a clue as to whether it might be a "direct copy" or "buried memory" of the piece you've referenced.
Do know we have S1 and S2 on dvd .... have watched all episodes twice, and we're anticipating more!!

Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting season 3. Do you think Patrick will come back and claim his inheritance?

Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting season 3. Do you think Patrick will come back and claim his inheritance?

No. I think he's truly drowned and the other guy was an imposter.

There's rumours about a Catholic storyline (which I think means something to do with Sybil & Tom) and that Shirley MacLaine will be featured as Cora's mother.

Ouch!! .... that question really makes it apparent we're going to have to re-visit S2 ... we've been into so many other (British) series since the last time, we'll really need some "refreshing" of what's happening (or potentially about to happen) at Downton Abbey before S3 comes along!!!

He sounded too Canadian for being in Canada such a short time. I've been here 26 years and don't sound like that, eh!

He sounded too Canadian for being in Canada such a short time. I've been here 26 years and don't sound like that, eh!

Would you have sounded different in 1918?