Masterpiece Classic

Downton Abbey, Series Ii - Part One

"Downton Abbey" resumes the story of aristocrats and servants in the tumultuous World War I era. The miniseries is written by Julian Fellowes and stars Dame Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville and a drawing room full of new actors, portraying the loves, feuds and sacrifices of a glittering culture thrown into crisis. Two years into World War I, Downton Abbey is in turmoil, as Matthew and other young men go to war - or avoid it. The women also pitch in, and many couples see their romantic dreams dashed.