I'm just going to come right out and say it: I don't love Downton Abbey.

I know I'm running the risk of being unfriended on Facebook, of offending my beloved circle of writing friends and other intellectual types, and of branding myself as "tasteless," but I can no longer remain silent.

I just don't get it.
Perhaps if I'd been watching since the very first episode...
But the reason I haven't been watching since the first episode is that I didn't find the premise appealing.

I'll admit, the costume designers do an amazing job, it's an intriguing time period to examine, and there's some terrific writing (the older lady who looks just like Michael Caine in drag gets to deliver some fabulous insults).

But it just doesn't hold my attention. It's too slow, too bland, too colorless. I know, I know... all the Downton fans are shrieking in disbelief. Hey, my senses are blunted. Maybe if they threw a vampire or two into the Downton mix? *ducking*

Apparently, my entertainment-style falls somewhere between Downton Abbey and The Bachelor/Bachelorette. In my mind, those are quintessential opposites in television programming. I'll admit I have a strange affinity for Duck Dynasty, but I think that stems from my maternal desire to see my hairy, nonconformist sons find success in life.




So why does my lack of love for Downton Abbey bother me enough to write a blog post about it? Because, once again, I feel like the oddball, the weird kid, the one who didn't have MTV and had to make do with Friday Night Videos on NBC. My FB page and Pinterest boards are clotted up with Downton posts. I feel left out.

And yet, not left out enough to make myself watch another episode...
I guess that means I've grown up.

To all my Downton Abbey adoring friends, more power to ya! And I mean it, seriously! Enjoy the drama, immerse yourselves, be caught up in a story that carries you away to a different time and place. I wish that kind of entertainment pleasure for all of us, wherever we may find it!

Who knows, when it comes back on in reruns ten years from now I'll probably find it fascinating...