All things 'Downton'

I don't know how many of you have been watching Downton Abbey on PBS, and some of you may be sick of hearing about it.

But let me just tell you: Grayson and I don't agree on many shows (the ones we watch[ed] together include Lost and So You Think You Can Dance), but we're watching Downton together. It's a period drama (which I usually refuse to watch), but it's kind of soapy, too. Plus, they all speak British. Win-win. It's a great mix of so many things, and I highly recommend it.

I don't know that it really "burst onto the scene" here in the States, but just before season 2 started airing (the season finale of which was Sunday night), it really seemed to catch fire. I thought it was everywhere THEN, but believe me when I tell you that it really IS everywhere NOW. I'm finding Downton stuff in the funniest places ...

First there were the Valentines:

And then the paper dolls (the Dowager Countess is priceless):

And the book based on Highclere Castle, where Downton is filmed:

And the book based on the TV series itself (a gift from my parents -- squee!):

Which led to me finding Below Stairs, which was written about a woman who worked "downstairs" in the kitchen and inspired the shows Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey.

And then to top it all off, my friend Rachel went and wrote a post about Downton yesterday, and she included a character chart that is SO. DEAD. ON. it's unbelievable. I immediately predicted that it would go viral, simply because it's brilliant (click to enlarge):

Now. Go watch some Downton!