Never the New

I should have thought that when Julian Fellowes announced he was making an American Downton Abbey all of Hollywood would have been clamoring to be in it. Alas, that is not the case, as we have nobodies and B rate actors.

A very mediocre beginning that's worth at least a few more viewings, but I'm very dubious. Of course, we've already gotten a heavy dose of woke.

UPDATE: Beware, the influencers and paid reviewers are rallying to the cause. You always know these people because they review the negative reviews, not the show, and they sprinkle 10's like Unicorn dust.

I liked this premier episode. I didn't love it. It left me interested enough to want to watch at least one episode more and see where it goes. At times while watching I was bored and wanted the pacing to pick up.

Carrie Coon has been one of my favorite actresses since The Sinner and I enjoyed her performance in this episode. Christine Baranski has been another one of my favorites for over twenty years and her perfectly snooty delivery had me chuckling.

I liked the gorgeous interiors and colorways. The dog Pumpkin was cute.

A lot of the dialogue seemed too formal and the acting seemed forced and unnatural. I have to agree with the other reviewers about the disappointing lack of a seductive character or anyone sexy.

I don't think this will be as fantastic as Downtown Abbey but I think it will be enjoyable enough to watch.

Things have been set up for two mega-rich families and their courts in late eighteenth century New York City. This time the Capulets and the Montagues are the old and the new rich and there is the conflict. The Russells build this enormous house with garish furnishings and throw down the gauntlet. Unfortunately, wealth is not the answer to everything for the old families, a who's who of robber barons, hostelers, industrialists, and so on. Names like Astor and Rockefeller are the old families. Things revolve around Mrs. Russell trying to run things and causing sparks to fly, insulting those she desires as "new" friends. This series looks quite promising with the Julian Fellowes touch of excess.

This series has potential, and I'll wait it out for more episodes. Right now the acting seems a little self conscious, as though the actors aren't quite comfortable with the "gilded age" way of speaking, and some wooden delivery from a few of the players kept me from giving a higher rating for this first episode. I hope the storyline gives more than a "new money/old money" focus. That will get old soon.

Everyone needs to stop with the " unattractive cast" nonsense. This is not Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey. This is old money versus new money in all its snooty, look down your nose glory. Christine Baranski is perfect in the lead role. Her contempt for anyone beneath her borders on hilarious. Enjoy the ride people, I get the feeling it's going to be fabulous 😊