Kudos to Downton Abbey

Congratulations to the cast of Downton Abbey to took the acting prize for a drama at last nights SAG Awards. It was beginning to look like Downton was destined to always be the bridesmaid and never the bride (like our poor Edith). I like Homeland, but was a bit bored of it winning everything. Claire Danes get annoying at the podium has yet to shake Temple Grandin, whom she seems to inhabit whenever she accepts an award. Although I would loved to have seen my future husband Dan Stevens, actors Michelle Dockery, Allen Leech, Amy Nuttall and Sophie McShera all looked great and Phyllis Logan especially left her character Mrs. Hughes far back in the past.

If you watched last nights episode of Downton (either on PBS, or earlier in the fall elsewhere), you know Allen Leech's Branson dealt with some devastation. Maybe because I love my Matthew so much, I paid little attention to Tom most of season 1 but last season I began to see a little of what was attracting Lady Sybil.

Leech has been given many more moments to shine this season. The writers have given him a bit more depth beyond just being angry as well as a bit of glimpse of what has been hiding under his chauffeur's uniform. Leech has moved seamless to one of the male leads but I hope the show resists pairing him with another Crawley sister in the future...

Destination Downton

For those of us in America, Downton Abbey returns with new episodes on PBS tonight. Since season 2, I usually get my hands on the DVD before Christmas (Amazon UK usually) and did so again this year. But... for the first time I have not watched, waiting to let it unfold on Sunday night.

I still oven Downton, but since Matthew's death I have not watched with the same devotion. Maggie Smith is still a scene gold mine but most of my investment was with Mary and Matthew, and I have not really paid as close attention, especially with what seems an endless parade of new characters and suitors. I did however, pay closer attention last weekend when PBS was re-airing the episodes leading up to tonight's premiere and for the first time in awhile, I am looking forward to it.

Below: Stevens & Leech

As much as I loved Matthew, and actor Dan Stevens, his leaving has given me an new appreciation for Branson, I mean Tom, played by actor Allen Leech. I was not really a Branson fan for season 1 or 2, but he won me over, especially since Lady Sybil's death.

I remember writing just after Matthew died, (utterly indignant, and absurdly grieving the loss of a TV character) that I hoped the producers would not now pair Mary with Tom. Well, two seasons later, that is exactly what I hope happens. Mary has never really given any man the attention she managed to muster for Matthew, and she clearly genuinely cares for Tom. Tom, on the other hand, continues to gravitate towards any woman who helps wipe off the smell of wealth that he so hates that surrounds him.

From the little I have seen, Downton Abbey does't have any huge cliffhangers on the horizon, and maybe this is good. I am still not over losing Matthew, Sybil and Mrs. OBrien. I know someone from down stairs slides off early in the season and if Lady Rose would were head back to London on a permanent basis, I wouldn't be shedding any tears.

Leech on stage in Phaedra

Branson's Backside

When I first start watching Downton Abbey on PBS, I was all about Matthew.  I loved Dan Stevens, and the love story of Mary and Matthew.  When Stevens left the show, although my interest certainly waned, the characters of Mary, Edith, Anna, Barrow and Branson kept me tuning in. 

Although the show was rooted in family, there weren't a lot of sex or scenes of skin.  The spiciest the show got was the episode with Mr. Pamuk, which introduced most of us to actor Theo James.  I think when it came to the main cast members, we might have gotten one or two quick shirtless scenes, but nothing really to write home about.

Rome

Those of us who enjoyed Allen Leech as Branson always hoped to see more of what was under those tweed clothes and driving pants, but alas, only poor Sybil had the pleasure.   You could tell though, that Branson had a thick behind, and thankfully, Leech finally gave us a peak in the new Channel 5 series Too Good to be True. 

Too Good to be True

Happy Birthday today May 18th

Happy 44th to actor Allen Leech!

Check out more of Allen on FH HERE:

& More of today's BIRTHDAYS HERE:

Happy Birthday today May 18th

Happy 43rd to actor Allen Leech!

Check out more of Allen on FH HERE:

& More of today's BIRTHDAYS HERE:

Happy Birthday today May 18th

Happy 34th to actor Allen Leech!

See more of Allen on FH HERE: &

More of today's Birthday Boys HERE:

Will Downton's final season bring Branson and Mary together...

Eight Days Of The Week: Sunday

It took awhile. It was March when I began Eight Days Of The Week with the Monday's Men Of Prime-Time TV. With the EMMY's and new television season just around the corner, it was time to end the week, and the series, with Sunday night. Sunday evening is the time when many of us are taking it easy, gearing up for the week ahead of us. There are few laughs on prime time on Sunday's but serious, period, political and life an death dramas, a way I suppose to divert from life...and from Sunday Night Football.

Allen Leech in Downton Abbey

Branson wasn't initially a favorite of mine on Downton Abbey, I wasn't really sure at first how long he would be sticking around. I think I actually started to like him better after Lady Sybil bit the dust. As a die hard Mary & Matthew fan, I was not happy when it appeared they might put Branson together with Mary but now... I see it as a most satisfying ending for the two characters.

Tim Daly in Madam Secretary

I tried, but failed to get into Madam Secretary but I can't forget that growing up, I lusted after those Hackett brothers on Wings.

Matt Czuchry  in The Good Wife

Matt Czuchry is another actor who was not originally a favorite. I always wanted Rory with Jess and found Matt just a distraction when he showed up on Gilmore Girls. The Good Wife however gave the actor dimension and as Cary, the actor has won me owver.

Omar Epps in Resurrection

I tried to love Resurrection. I love Omar Epps, and the promo's before the pilot's premier were engaging and extremely haunting. Sadly, the show didn't maintain the tone of the commercials and I lost interest (in the show, not Epps) after episode 2.

Ryan Phillippe in Secrets And Lies

Ryan Phillippe was and remains one of the hottest men in Movies and on television. When younger, he could relay on his great looks, butt scenes and James Dean impression to get buy but as he gets older he really needs a good character to shine. He had one on Damages, and he had one on Secrets & Lies. I didn't watch past the first episode, but enough did to ensure the show (without Phillippe) will be back next summer.