Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 1

Season one, Episode one of Downton Abbey began in April of 1912 on the morning after the Titanic sank in the Atlantic. The story surrounds an upper middle class family in England. Robert is the husband of Cora and father of three daughters. The Titanic's tragic accident affected this family in a tremendous way. Since Robert does not have a son to inherit his fortune and title it is of the utmost importance that his eldest daughter marry. The eldest daughter's name is Mary and she was supposed to marry a boy named Patrick who was on board the Titanic. Throughout the episode, Mary's parents are on a mission to find Mary a husband so that they inheritance will stay in the family. Also, Robert heirs a new valet named Bates who he served with in the Army. Bates is a disabled man who acquired the job as a favor from Robert. Immediately upon entering the house a majority of the other servants dislike Bates and work hard to persuade Robert that he is unable to do his job and thus should be let go. In fact, one of the servants, Thomas, is trying to get Bates' job. This first episode of the season opened up a multitude of drama and issues in this show.

One theme which was prevalent throughout the first episode was the contrast between the family that lives in the house and the servant who work/live there. Many times we see a multitude of differences displayed between these two social classes. One example consists of a scene displaying the family around the dinner table. They are all dressed in fancy clothes, there are various dishes and bowls on the table, and the servants wait on them hand and foot. Immediately after this scene the show flashes to an identical picture of a dinner table; however, it is crammed in the basement of the house, has few plates on the table, and the servants are dressed in their work garments. The atmosphere in this picture is completely different. There is a clear distinction between these two people groups and yet they are living harmoniously under one roof. At the same time, the respectable statuses are observed.

In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus observes a poor widow putting two small copper coins into the offering. Jesus commended this women for her willingness to give all she could. He also compares her to those who gave little out of their wealth. This is not to say that I am condemning Robert and his family but it is interesting to see the references of economic and social classes within Scripture as well as in Downton Abbey. When it comes to the treatment of others outside of your class, I believe Jesus encourages respect for all people. I also believe that Downton Abbey displays this very well. While social classes are certainly present within this television series, the attitudes between the classes are positive. If anything, the issues lay within each social classes. For example, how the servants treat other servant or how the sisters treat each other. I would not go so far as to say that having social and economic classes is biblically wrong; however, loving and respecting all people is extremely important.

So far, I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey. It has a unique way of presenting an older film to be present to today's society. I cannot wait to watch episode two and blog about that!