Downton Gabby: Recent Episodes
Shannon Bowen, Therese Shechter, and Brandi Sperry
Join us each week for The Downton Abbey Auxiliary Viewing Society. Sassy Insights, More Booze, Less Refinement.
Just when you think you're at the cool kids party, you realize you're Ward McAllister at your grandma's dusty opera box. Oh how sweet the victory is for Bertha, it only cost her the bargain price of her daughter's soul to the Duke (or, we presume). Thank goodness, he'll have the funds he needs to restore his crumbling English manor back to its glory and Bertha will have the feather in her cap to completely rule New York's social scene. Meanwhile the table's turn with Ada ordering dinner (clam chowder for everyone!) while Agnes must now answer to the new lady of the house. And finally, we get that boring love story of those two toothpaste models we were promised. We must raise a glass to Peggy who brought such riveting news stories to New York: may she kick Mr. Biceps out of The Globe and take it over in the next season. And cheers to Larry and Marian finally looking each other in the eye. Another social season comes to an end, so we must pack away our tiaras and sharpen our butter knives for next season. Until then, may the champagne always be sparkling and the conversation always polite.
Love is blooming everywhere in New York, but also dying awkwardly in the botanical gardens. Our hearts swell and break for Ada and cringe for Marion. Meanwhile George's heart might be softening to the working man. But on the opera battlefield, the blades are sharp and the cuts are deep. How much blood will be spilled for the center box?! Whether you want homebrewed coffee or broth supped from a spoon, raise a glass for the dramatic twists and turns only Uncle Julian can bring, one alarm clock at a time.One favorite thing:Shannon - The Empress (Netflix)Brandi - Saltburn (film by Emerald Fennell)Therese - Buccaneers, 1993 miniseries (Amazon Prime/BritBox)Your hosts: Shannon Bowen, Therese Shechter, & Brandi Sperry
As we all know, the sharpest weapon in any proper lady's arsenal is a Duke, and Bertha will stop at nothing to win the Elder Wand of New York! Mrs. Winterton is just starting to taste Bertha's revenge and we are here for it. Was Julian abused as a child by a ladies maid or does he only have one character study he keeps going back to? (cough Mrs. O'Brien, Jane, cough) In these episodes, the real action is between the sheets with the hottest widow and a doe-eyed Larry Russell. But just as watercolors fade in the sun, so do most romances in the hands of Uncle Julian. So much to unpack in episodes 2-4! Pull up a seat, swat away the bee, and let's dig into this juicy drama!
Hang on to your bonnets! The damsels are back in their corsets ready to dissect the big war brewing in the battle of the opera boxes! Thank you, Julian, for giving us the polite drama we need these days,complete with the rapid-fire frock changes we so love. Will Bertha reign supreme or will Mrs. Astor twist the silver butter knife this season? Listen in as we dig into all of the delicious details and share all of our juicy predictions!
Ahhhh, it's great to be back at Downton! How we all missed the serious challenges of French weather, bad accents, and servants sitting where the king once sat. The damsels dig into this delight of a movie that (spoiler) we all loved! Julian may be listening to this podcast since one of our predictions came true ;) So pop open the good champagne, toast our girl Violet, and dig into Edith's article about the new sensational vacation everyone is talking about: the south of France IN THE SUMMER! PLUS we have a very special surprise at the end!
We've reached the final stretch of the debut season of The Gilded Age -- young ladies are coming out, old ladies are crossing streets, and secrets are being revealed! The scent of wealth is in the air from the beaches of Newport to the ballrooms of New York (but it seems no amount of money can buy reliable help these days). The damsels are happy with a strong season ending, and we have many hopes, wishes, and theories for season two to come. Join us for one more round of Gilded Gabby!
One fabulous thing: Brandi: The Dropout (Hulu) Therese: Beforeigners (HBO Max) Shannon: Freeland Distillery (Woman-owned distillery)
Downton Gabby aka Gilded Gabby is back and analyzing episodes 4 - 7 of Uncle Julian's latest show "The Gilded Age"! The damsels cringe over Marian's faux pas and Ward McAllister's accent, and pit frisky adventurer Mr. Raikes against Peggy's hunky editor Mr Fortune. We wonder if we'll see any more of Turner's breasts, marvel at Agnes' hilarious silent treatment, and covet Bertha's red opera cape. Welcome back old friends! Marvel at your electric lights, pour a snifter of brandy, face away from Bannister, and let's dig into New York money politics!
One fabulous thing: Brandi: Tournament of Champions (Food Network) Therese: The Future of Another Timeline by Annalee Newitz (Novel) Shannon: Meddling (Ice Skating docu-series/Peacock)
Downton Gabby is back lovingly analyzing Uncle Julian's latest show The Gilded Age, one hat feather at a time. And boy, do we have opinions! Old vs. new! Upstairs vs. downstairs! People whose ancestors arrived on the Mayflower (or so they say) vs. people whose ancestors picked potatoes in Ireland. And all with a (shocking) American accent. The damsels dig into whether Julian truly can learn some new tricks about diverse characters while sticking to his old standbys: passing a letter from hand to hand, and judgy conniving ladies maids. Welcome back old friends, pour a glass of your best bubbly and let's get into whether Mrs. Russell's dresses are horrifying or fab!
The movie! The movie! Shannon, Brandi and Therese are so excited to reunite to talk about the brand new Downton Abbey movie. We couldn’t be more excited–and worried. The chairs need to be set up! Edith’s ball gown is missing! The servants are revolting! And the King and Queen are coming to Downton! On the plus side…#BoyfriendForBarrow.
Join us for all the the sweet, silly, gorgeous, ridiculous details of what we seriously hope will be the first of many more Downton Movies. So put on your tiaras (It’s OK even if you’re not married) and join us for a “Fast and Furious'“ rundown of the new film.. NOTE: Spoilers abound so if you haven’t seen it yet, press pause, watch the film, and then come back. On second thought, nothing will really surprise you, so stick with us.
[Season 6, Post-Finale Celebration] - Withdrawal, denial, grief...There's a Crawley-shaped hole in our Sunday nights, so we're excited that some of our smartest, funniest listeners are helping us deal with Life After Downton Abbey. This 'Very Special Podcast' features your memories, questions and wisecracks about things like: That extremely short period of time when we actually liked Bates; The long and fractious friendship of besties4ever Isobel and Violet; and all those scary appliances, cunning devices, and stylish ladypants that showed us just how inevitable change was. A huge thank you to this show's contributors, as well as to all of you who listened, tweeted, facebooked, watched the show with us in sparkly headbands, and otherwise supported the podcast for all these years. Please raise your glasses for a final toast to our beloved Downton Abbey...and to all us crazy fans. Thanks to our contributors in order of appearance: Hilary, Jaclyn, Kate, Mike, Jen, Sarah, Paula, Megan, Monica, Valerie, Sara, Vanessa, Melissa, Rebecca, Emily, and Birgit.
[Season 6, Series Finale] - No more secrets, no more lies-just happiness bursting on the series finale of our beloved Downton Abbey. As the captains of #TeamEdith, we wave our flags as she leaps over the final hurdle to her ride into the sunset (the dreaded mother-in-law test) and crosses the finish line with a gold medal. You are woman, Edith! Go forth and conquer. Meanwhile, cottages abound, relationships are restored, and everyone (who's straight) is headed for a wedding (if Isobel can break her beloved out of his plaid bathrobe prison) And in other "excitement": Daisy gets a haircut; Thomas might get to serve cheese again; and a mini murderous Bates is let loose on the world. Maybe we're not so electrified by those downstairs developments, but at least nobody died! Before you contact us with tips for surviving Life After Downton Abbey (#LADA), raise your crooning voices and a glass of champagne and join us in thanking and berating dear Julian, celebrating this wonderful show, and bidding farewell to the Abbey.
[Life After Downton, Episode 23] - You know the damsels never miss a chance to talk about female friendship, so we were eager and excited to talk about the new HBO series My Brilliant Friend. For chapter one of this saga of Elena and Lila, not all of us think their bond is always believable, but are we intrigued enough to follow them further in their adventures? We wrap up this last show of 2018 by highlighting a few recent movies we loved enough to call them One Fabulous Thing. Get yourself just a drop of celebratory wine and join us for a new episode of Downton Gabby! One Fabulous Thing: The Favourite Hearts Beat Loud Widows
[Life After Downton, Episode 22] - It's hard times out there in the world these days. Luckily, pop culture offers us multiple ways to take a break from reality, and on this episode the damsels are sharing their favorite methods of escapism. Join as we journey from hundreds of years in the past to hundreds of years in the future to hang out with characters who are a lot more fun than the ones in the news. But first, we take some time to check in on Downton Abbey movie news (as well as fantasize about receiving our invites to the premiere), and wrap things up with an extra-pleasant round of One Fabulous Thing. Grab a pour of whatever's helping you relax these days, and join us for another episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 21] - The damsels slip on their emerald rings and gold jumpsuits to discuss the hit film Crazy Rich Asians. Avid fans of the books, they compare what works and what's missing in the film version - but overall gush about the beautiful men in the film. Then the damsels discuss their favorite ensemble films from the last 80 years (just a short span of time!). Pop open the bubbly, put on your disco Cleopatra dress, and let's gossip about all of the family members!
[Life After Downton, Episode 20] - It's official! The Downton Abbey movie goes into production this September and the Damsels couldn't be more excited. We also have some THOUGHTS. We're throwing out our wildest predictions and fondest hopes, and tossing our own script suggestions Julian's way (it's never too late to reveal Edith is really Rosumund's daughter !) Then, we talk about some exciting upcoming women-centric shows featuring some of our favorite actors and creators. Get that tiara out of the family vault and ask the footman to uncork some champagne because we're talking Downton Abbey Movie!
[Life After Downton, Episode 19] - Let's just admit: it's rough out there in the real world these days. On this episode, the damsels discuss how the current political climate is affecting what we want from pop culture. Sure, season two of The Handmaid's Tale is just as well made as the first, but is the bleak storytelling doing us any good as viewers? And on the new show Dietland, are the feminist messages getting lost in the noise? What kinds of stories about women do we as TV fans hope to see on our screens as the production cycle catches up to the news cycle (if such a thing is even possible)? In the end, a lively round of One Fabulous Thing reminds us how much art is out there to love and draw inspiration from. So pour yourself a secret glass of the Commander's whiskey and join us for a new episode of Downton Gabby! One Fabulous Thing: Pose TV Series on the FX Network Hannah Gadsby Special on Netflix Binge Mode Podcast: Harry Potter
[Life After Downton, Episode 18] - The damsels delve in the brilliant, twisted world of the new show Killing Eve, check back in on the new season of Westworld, and have some thoughts to share on the latest season of Call the Midwife. Some of these shows we loved, some them of them we hated, and some we disagree on–just to keep it interesting! So put on your lipstick, pour a shot of whiskey (or just drink those warm dregs of last night's martini), and enjoy the latest Downton Gabby podcast! One Fabulous Things: Ship It by Britta Lundin Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Kanopy.com film streaming, and How To Lose Your Virginity on Kanopy
[Life After Downton, Episode 17] - In our first episode of 2018, the damsels are so pleased to be back and, as always, are ready to share some opinions! We have shows to look back on and shows to look forward to–but first, one exciting Downton Abbey-related adventure to share. In our main topic, we discuss two series that hit streaming at the end of 2017: The Crown Season Two and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season One. Period pieces about proper brunette ladies in the late 1950s...that couldn't be more different from one another. On The Crown, there's plenty to love but also plenty we wish we'd seen more of before we have to say goodbye to this first iteration of the cast of characters (Claire Foy, you'll always be our queen)! Then we skip across the pond to the world of Amy Sherman-Palladino, and you might be shocked which damsel felt right at home and which couldn't wait to escape. Finally, we wrap up with another installment of One Fabulous Thing. Down a couple quick shots of sherry and join us for another episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 16] - Call it the Wicked Switch of the West: Netflix's Godless was sold as a Western about a town made up of and run by women. What we got was...something else. In this podcast, we talk about what we liked (ladies in pants! with guns!), what we hated (endless speechifying by the men), and how we'd rewrite it (we have a screenplay to pitch you). Also, is promoting how feminist something is the new thing? We're flattered. Then we go farther west to Sacramento to discuss the smart and delightful film Lady Bird, starring Saoirse Ronan and directed by Greta Gerwig (Oscar noms, please!) We end this episode with an installment of One Fabulous Thing, including some Downton Abbey fan-girling. So strap on your six-shooters, ask the barkeep for some whiskey, and saddle up for another episode of Downton Gabby.
[Life After Downton, Episode 15] - Content warning: this episode contains discussions of several depictions of sexual assault against fictional characters. This month on the podcast, the Damsels have a lot to rant about in a post-Harvey-Weinstein-scandal media world. After some round-up from our month off, we're diving into two series that deal with violence against women: Jane Campion and Gerard Lee's Top of the Lake, and Harry and Jack Williams's Liar. Frankly, we have to say...we demand better. Why bring up important themes you don't intend to explore adequately? Why take all the nuance out of the threats women face from men in everyday life? And why be so damn icky??? Luckily, we do still have love for some media out there, as we wrap up with an installment of Fabulous Things. So grab whatever beverage helps you deal with life these days, and join us for another episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 14] - Season 7 of Game of Thrones is done and we have issues!! Like how mopey Jon Snow (or Aegon Targaryen, or whatever your name is) is just one of those mediocre guys who gets his ass saved over and over again by better women and then gets promoted over them anyway! Also: A Game of Thrones/The Crown mashup, what the hell happened at Winterfell between the Stark siblings, some Brienne/Tormond shipping (please don't be dead!), who should actually be dead (aside from Jon Snow), and why Cersei and Bron never appear on screen together. And we may or may not mention The Wall, RIP. Then, inspired by (the thankfully in control) Sansa and Arya, we end the episode with our favorite sister acts in TV, movies and books, including our beloved Mary and Edith. So throw on your full-length couture dragon coat and rage with us on this awesomely cranky episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 13] - The damsels are faced with a situation they have never encountered--so many women are ruling TV, leading armies, reigning over nations, and body slamming other badass women. It's Christmas every week on TV this summer for us feminist gals. Kicking off the new season of Game of Thrones, the damsels are overjoyed by the number of women kicking ass and of the men who defer to them. Add a dash of women in sparkly leotards wrestling each other in the new super-fun show Glow and finish it off with one of our fave comedic ladies back on screen: Issa Rae's fabulous Insecure. Also, the return of ONE FABULOUS THING! Pour yourself a glass of--you know what, scratch that--slam a shot of tequila and enjoy this podcast that is all about the ladies ruling TV! One fabulous thing: Shannon: Girls Trip (movie) Therese: You Must Remember This (podcast) Brandi: The Bold Type (TV show)
[Life After Downton, Episode 12] - The damsels kick off this month's conversation with some follow-up about the future of two previously discussed shows (good news for the midwives! Not good news for the sensates...). Then we're checking in on the continuing first season of The Handmaid's Tale and making sure we've properly fangirled over the work of Reed Morano. The praise of female directors continues with the main event: Wonder Woman has finally arrived! Those Amazonian weapons! That no-nonsense attitude! The cascading locks! The dreamy boyfriend! We are thrilled that Patty Jenkins met and exceeded expectations for the female-driven superhero film we've all waited too long for. Finally we're looking ahead to the rest of summer with a peek at some of the great returning TV, as well as new shows we're looking forward to checking out. (Star-crossed lovers! Stand-up comedians! FEMALE WRESTLERS!) Raise a glass to Diana of the Amazons and join us for another episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 11] - This month the Damsels are all about the trials women go through with their bodies, starting with the eagerly-anticipated adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale, which is beautifully done, and also gave at least one of us nightmares. We also check in with Call the Midwife, Harlots, Girls, and Big Little Lies, to see how their female casts and creators handle the womanly pursuits of (respectively) birthing babies, selling sex, latching on, and trying not to get raped and killed. This ain't no tea with Violet and Isobel, y'all, but we'll get through it together. So put on your best red dress, sneak a glass of whiskey from The Commander's study, and join us for another fiery, funny episode of Downton Gabby.
[Life After Downton, Episode 10] - On this month's episode, the damsels discuss the smash hit film Beauty and the Beast, along with the phenomenon of Disney "princesses," and what messages this film genre sends to young kids about their expected (hetero) futures. It's not that we don't like our plucky heroines, emotional musical set pieces, and swoon-worthy declarations of love...but how should the genre evolve as new adaptations keep coming, and reaching such massive levels of success? We also share many thoughts on drinking etiquette in theaters, inspirational '80s cartoons, and a Greek myth or two, then check in with developments on The Crown season two to remind everyone how to tell a story about a queen that does her justice. Crack open a bottle of vodka, mix it with anything but Gatorade, and join us for another lively episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 9] - The damsels are getting ready for the Oscars by going through the Best Picture winners of years past and helping the Academy make better choices. There are so many phenomenal movies directed by women, written by women, and about women that deserved to win that coveted award. Throw on an evening gown, pop some champagne, and let's re-write history together!
[Life After Downton, Episode 8] - The Damsels are just girls in love...with musicals. We celebrate CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, its great characters, hilarious production numbers, and Rachel Bloom's impressive bosoms. We also discuss the new film LA LA LAND (yeah, we have a few issues), as well as some of our favorite musicals of all time, from WEST SIDE STORY to TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE. Plus, an early look at PBS's Victoria and the ever-popular Dan Stevens IMDB Watch. So pour some bubbly, lace up your tap shoes, and sing your emotions with us on this episode of Downton Gabby.
[Life After Downton, Episode 7] - The damsels close out a rocky year in real life by recalling the many 2016 TV moments that made us feel so many emotions in a safe space: joy, rage, hope, despair, and general appreciation of female badassery. As we each count down our favorite five moments of the year as well as a few disappointments, we also consider: which shows ended strong? What returning shows do we most anticipate for 2017? And which female characters are inspiring us in these dark times? Pop some early New Year's champagne and join us to process The Year That Was on the latest episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 6] - The damsels dive into the world of ermine, tweed, taffeta, and yes... sparkly headbands aka crowns. Lots to discuss about Netflix's new show The Crown: some of us loved Prince Phillip's butt, some didn't; some liked John Lithgow's performance as Churchill, some didn't; and only one damsel recognized a certain actor from Game of Thrones. Afterwards we list off some of our favorite female characters in positions of power. We are eager to hear your additions to our list! So prop up your stilettos on the desk, pour a glass of scotch, light a cigar, and let's talk about women in power.
[Life After Downton, Episode 5] - At long last, it's a new world on HBO, as multiple new shows with women at the helm populate the line-up. Up first, we dive deep into co-creator Lisa Joy's Westworld: is it the new LOST? The new Game of Thrones? Or something altogether fresh? We may not have the answers yet, but we are in the saddle for this journey! Next, we move on to the new half-hour shows from past faves Sharon Horgan and Issa Rae. We want to love everything these women do, but sadly only one is warming our hearts this time.... Finally, we share some fabulous things, including praise for the oddball of HBO's current offerings (co-created by another pioneering lady, Katja Blichfeld), and a serious rift over the newest season of a trendy drama just out on Netflix. Sidle up to the saloon bar for a whiskey and join us for the latest episode of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton, Episode 4] - Summer is over and we're back with a brand new podcast! On this episode we preview the Emmy Awards and the fabulous ladies who act in and create some of our favorite shows. We'll also be live tweeting the Emmys this Sunday night (Sept 18th). Downton Abbey is nominated for 10 Emmy awards, and we wonder: Could they have nominated an actor OTHER than Maggie Smith this year-someone who might actually show up??? Aside from DA, we're sharing our joy, scorn, judgements, hopes and dreams for several of the categories. Who do we love? What do we hate? And what do we wish would just go away already (Modern Family, we're looking at you)? We also catch up with the latest news on Downton's Michelle Dockery, and the Dan Stevens IMDB Watch continues! And we finish off with some things we're looking forward to this fall (A Handmaid's Tale starring Elizabeth Moss! Ava Duvernay's Queen Sugar with a full slate of female directors! And...Wonder Woman!) So fill up those champagne glasses, get Christian Siriano to hurry up and finish your Emmys gown, and join us for another edition of Downton Gabby!
[Life After Downton Episode 3] - The damsels dive into the world of teen shows with special guest Karen Draper who is a YA Author and writes about teen shows on her tumblr. We compare the shows about the rich kids with the shows about the dorks, examine the sexual politics, gush about the bad boys, and decipher the timeless-ness of the themes and why they still appeal to us as adult women. The podcast opens with 15 minutes devoted to our discussion on Julian's two latest projects: Belgravia and Dr. Thorne. Pour some cheap vodka into a Diet Coke and open a bag of Cheetos because we're going back to high-school! Links: Karen on Twitter https://twitter.com/kurenable Karen on Tumblr http://betweenthemap.tumblr.com/ Loving Bad Boys http://www.worshipthefandom.com/content/in-defense-of-rory-jess-and-the-girls-who-love-bad-boys-1
[Life After Downton, Episode 2] - Class! Evil lady's maids! Marrying to save the family pile! Who else could the Damsels be talking about this week but our good buddy Julian Alexander Kitchener-Fellowes and his latest projects. We have a lot of love for his episode-a-week book series Belgravia, but really can't fully express our hatred for its app. We also stick our toe into his 4-part adaptation of Dr. Thorne and can't decide what's more indelible: Ian McShane's drunken rages, Alison Brie's blue eyes, or Julian channeling Alistair Cooke in his introductions. Then we check in with one of our very faves, Call The Midwife, as it wraps up its 5th season, dehydrated from all the crying. To finish off, we take a quick look at Game of Thrones and all the badass female characters who are ruling this season (Queen of the North!!). So go fix your gal pals some Campari with maraschino cherries and settle in for this episode of Downton Gabby.
[Life After Downton, Episode 1] - The damsels are back to check in on the post-Downton landscape, which luckily already contains Julian Fellowes's next big project (one that would horrify a certain butler if he knew about it). We'll be checking in with Belgravia as it progresses, so stay tuned for more! Then it's a fab new world as we welcome our first-ever guest podcasters, the delightful Britta Lundin (brittashipsit) and Dave Binegar (davebinegar), to weigh in on the recent controversy surrounding the treatment of queer characters on TV. What's the deal with this Bury Your Gays thing, anyway? How can a new wave of creators and the online fan community bring us into a better era of storytelling? And can we fix all the problems of pop culture's queer representation in just one hour of conversation? Grab a drink, settle in, and join us for the biggest episode of Downton Gabby yet!
[Season 6, Post-Finale Celebration] - Withdrawal, denial, grief...There's a Crawley-shaped hole in our Sunday nights, so we're excited that some of our smartest, funniest listeners are helping us deal with Life After Downton Abbey. This 'Very Special Podcast' features your memories, questions and wisecracks about things like: That extremely short period of time when we actually liked Bates; The long and fractious friendship of besties4ever Isobel and Violet; and all those scary appliances, cunning devices, and stylish ladypants that showed us just how inevitable change was. A huge thank you to this show's contributors, as well as to all of you who listened, tweeted, facebooked, watched the show with us in sparkly headbands, and otherwise supported the podcast for all these years. Please raise your glasses for a final toast to our beloved Downton Abbey...and to all us crazy fans. Thanks to our contributors in order of appearance: Hilary, Jaclyn, Kate, Mike, Jen, Sarah, Paula, Megan, Monica, Valerie, Sara, Vanessa, Melissa, Rebecca, Emily, and Birgit.
[Season 6, Series Finale] - No more secrets, no more lies-just happiness bursting on the series finale of our beloved Downton Abbey. As the captains of #TeamEdith, we wave our flags as she leaps over the final hurdle to her ride into the sunset (the dreaded mother-in-law test) and crosses the finish line with a gold medal. You are woman, Edith! Go forth and conquer. Meanwhile, cottages abound, relationships are restored, and everyone (who's straight) is headed for a wedding (if Isobel can break her beloved out of his plaid bathrobe prison) And in other "excitement": Daisy gets a haircut; Thomas might get to serve cheese again; and a mini murderous Bates is let loose on the world. Maybe we're not so electrified by those downstairs developments, but at least nobody died! Before you contact us with tips for surviving Life After Downton Abbey (#LADA), raise your crooning voices and a glass of champagne and join us in thanking and berating dear Julian, celebrating this wonderful show, and bidding farewell to the Abbey.
[Season 6, Episode 8] - There were never such devoted sisters! This week we dig deep into the penultimate episode of Downton Abbey and the Mary/Edith throwdown we've been longing for for 6 seasons. We also ponder some burning questions, such as: Is Henry a dreamboat or a stalker? Has the Yorkshire Bawdy House market become saturated? Is Tom the best Crawley sister? Who would we most like to see die in the finale? And...what the hell is a Marquess? As we rush towards the inevitable finale, relax with a cup of tea at The Adulterer's Table, and enjoy this outspoken episode of Downton Gabby
[Season 6, Episode 7] - A moment of silence for Charlie, not only did he lose his life, but he also put the nail in the coffin on Mary and Mr. Yum Yum's relationship. Well, maybe it was Henry's drunk dialing that did it... After discussing Chekov's Sports Car, the damsels dig into the other juicy storylines, such as Bertie's proposal (yay #TeamEdith), the bitch showdown with the Dowager, the return of Dickobel, Molesley's new genius status, the lament of poor Thomas, and of course, the reign of Mrs. Patmore as the devious plotter who brought Carson to his knees roasting potatoes for a victorious Mrs. Hughes! So pour a cocktail, put on your penis racing cap and enjoy this latest podcast!
[Season 6, Episode 6] - This week we find the Crawleys in fine comedic form as they wander cluelessly around the Abbey making stuff up about their paintings. Meanwhile, Mrs Hughes is (hopefully) spitting in Carson's food, Mary and Edith prove they'll never fight over the same men, and Julian dazzles us with his tenuous grasp of obstetric knowledge. But with only a few episodes left, we have worries: Will this hospital melodrama finally do Granny in? When will Thomas's story stop being so cringeworthy? Will Molesley get that job at Hogwarts? And the biggest question of all: Who is this Downton Librarian and how can we get their job?! Put on your pajamas, take a tray of sandwiches and coffee up to the bedroom, and enjoy this latest Downton Gabby podcast!
[Season 6, Episode 5] - After we've wiped the blood off our shocked faces, the Damsels dig into this episode jam packed with love and (almost) death. Although we love Mr. Yum Yum, we wonder if he's marriage material, but you won't find us shipping Mary and Tom! No, we are more interested in whether Mary and Edith will finally bury the hatchet and be decent to each other. Oh, also we are super busy planning the double wedding for Mrs. Patmore/Mr. Mason and Daisy/Andy. Until then, we will relish in all of the love this final season is oozing with (except Bates and Anna, obvi). So, pour yourself a racy cocktail, pop open that book on pig theory, and enjoy this latest podcast!
[Season 6, Episode 4] - Feminism abounds in the new episode of Downton Abbey! Julian, how did you know that the way to make us care about the hospital storyline was to have a group of ladies relate it all to their opinions about government? Meanwhile, Mrs. Hughes is keeping her name, and all that sexy, not-at-all secret flirting between Mary and Mr. Yum Yum is making us flush hotter than a bad transmission (we don't know about cars). Also this week: a touching trip down memory lane to the saddest but maybe best-written moment in Downton history; a flurry of downstairs drama and dastardly behavior; and a chance to consider the fantasy of where you should bestow your V-card upon your beloved. Spread a little artisanal jam on your toast and join us for the latest episode of Downton Gabby!
[Season 6, Episode 3] - So much love to discuss in this joyous episode, starting with The Big Wedding and Edith's adorable rom-com storyline. Also, lots of drama to dissect: Mary/Tom shipping, #CoatGate, Chekov's indigestion, #RatFetus, Spratt's secret life, Molesley as the Edith of downstairs, and whether Marigold will kill them all in their sleep with her creepy eyes. Let's all stay out of the boot room, raise a glass to Charlie and Elsie, and get this hooli going!
[Season 6, Episode 2] - It's not just Lady Mary's Late Fat Stock that are behaving like pigs this week. We discuss all the jerky goings-on, including Carson insisting on getting married at work, Isobel bickering with Violet-and cock-blocking poor old Dickie, and Barrow getting picked on by almost everyone downstairs. We also try to figure out how Edith let the whole Marigold mess get so out of hand. We love our #TeamEdith, but even we have limits when you've been farming the land since Waterloo. It's wigs in the grass, people. Wigs. In. The. Grass. At least Lady Mary is helping Anna with her Incompetent Cervix (is anyone else getting sexy vibes from those two? Just us? OK). Put on your tweeds, pour yourself a small beer, and join us for this especially swinish episode of Downton Gabby.
[Season 6 Premiere] - We're so excited about the premiere of the final season of Downton Abbey (and, to be honest, a bit sad). Some things haven't changed: Another random evil maid is causing trouble, Carson disapproves of something modern, Mary is testing the limits of propriety, Cora can't get a straight answer to a question...and Anna is crying. There are also many new developments, and we have questions: Will Lesley Nicol finally get an Emmy nomination for that sex talk? What is the best lube for the menopausal set? Why is Mary reading the Farmer's Stock Breeder at breakfast? Are fabulous silky robes the latest trend...and can we wear them with yoga pants? Is Edith really the Jon Snow of Downton? And most importantly, why is Julian Fellowes trolling us!? So grab a glass of whiskey (and put some soda in it like they do in London), and enjoy this more-raunchy-than-usual installment of Downton Gabby.
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 9] - It's a super-packed conversation in our last episode of the off-season before the (sob) final season of Downton Abbey begins. We're preparing, reminiscing, and predicting, and one of us might be taking a deeper dive into fandom activities than ever before (send 1920s garb now!). Helping us fill some of the time before the Crawleys and company return is Netflix's Jessica Jones. We dig the themes, the ass-kicking, the piles of well-written women, and the simmering hot Luke Cage-but we do have a few issues, such as whether the 13-episode binge really serves the story, or why Jessica hasn't yet encountered 21st century denim technology. Finally, to close out the year we each count down our five favorite female characters of 2015. Some picks are predictable, some are surprising, and if you can guess which single character shows up on all three lists, you know us better than we know ourselves. Grab a bottle of bottom-shelf whiskey out of your battered PI desk and join us for one more episode of Downton Gabby Off-Season!
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 8] - This episode celebrates The Danc e, and who better to title it than Zoe Saldana's epic Eva in beloved teen film Center Stage. We take a nostalgic trip back to that 2000 ballet classic, but first we talk about Starz's (sadly) limited series Flesh and Bone. This story of a simple girl from Pittsburgh who becomes the toast of the ballet world embraces the tropes we love, from the bloody toenails, the aging prima ballerina, and the eating disorders. And some even darker fare, like a Russian mobster with a sex slave racket, the magical homeless person, and a dance company director who reminds us of Deadwood's Al Swearengen (bear with us here). We also revisit another dance-filled extravaganza Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to see how we feel about the show after 5 episodes (hint: we love it almost more than Rebecca loves Josh, if that's possible). And finally, we check in with the Amazon pilot Good Girls Revolt, about 60s-era women in journalism. Will we find our new Peggy Olsen? It remains to be seen. So grab some painkillers, slip on your toe shoes, and enjoy our latest episode of Downton Gabby Off Season.
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 7] - Fall TV has just begun and we are treating it like a big appetizer sampler. We run through our opinions on new buzzy shows like Quantico and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend while also touching base with some old faves Nashville and Jane the Virgin. Then we dive into a big discussion on Nancy Meyer's latest film The Intern, which we would love to re-write as The CEO. The damsels have A LOT to say about this movie that doesn't fail on every mark, but yes, many of them. We also look at Nancy Meyer's career as a whole. Lots to love and still lots to discuss. So pop open a beer and take a sip each time we talk about a new show ;)
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 6] - As the Damsels count down the days until the final season of Downton (and weep over the first glimpses of the end), we're also game to check out a show that pokes fun at our beloved Abbey – Comedy Central's Another Period, filled with horrible people doing horrible things to each other in the most hilarious of ways. Then it's on to the summer's surprise hit, Mr. Robot. We're not sure what we love best: the style, the anarchy, or Rami Malek's dreamy face. But we're not without suggestions for how the show might get even better in Season 2 (and we've got something to say about the female characters, naturally). Finally, we argue about the charms and disappointments of Amy Schumer's Trainwreck, discuss what's become of the Rom-Com these days, and shock each other with some of our faves and not-so-faves of the genre. Grab the leftover champagne from your Fabulous Dog Party and join us for another episode of Downton Abbey Off-Season!
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 5] - The Damsels are so emotional, with Joy, Anger, Sadness...and some Hot and Bothered. We start with Pride and Confusion over DOWNTON ABBEY's Emmy nominations and a new pilot for Michelle Dockery. Then, INSDIE OUT fills us with Sadness, which is actually a really good thing (except for our Disgust with the opening short Lava, which is even more sexist than a CBS sitcom). It's Joy versus Anger over Netflix's new sci-fi series SENSE8, but we're all Gratitude for Wolfgang's magical full frontal. At ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, we're feeling Fear for anyone who messes with Piper, Red and especially Pennsatucky and Boo, and we're Kvelling (with Jewish Joy) over Cindy's religious revelations. How are you feeling? Steal some champagne from the UNREAL set and join us for the many moods of Downton Gabby Off-Season.
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 4] - The Damsels are still on the "Game of Thrones" bandwagon (despite the several public defections) as we talk about the season finale: Jon Snow's really bad day (or is he?), Cersei's epic Walk of Shame, and Arya gettin' stabby with it at the brothel. Why is the girl aggrieved? Maybe it's because this season's GoT had not a single Lady Director. Just a theory. We continue our Fellowes Film Festival with the Julian-penned "The Young Victoria," a feminist-approved historical romance which had us scrambling to the Wikipedia English Royalty entries so we could get all the first cousins straight. Plus all the Downton news and updates you know you want (Lord Grantham in a leisure suit, anyone?) So grab a drink from the Many-Faced-God (actually, don't) an join us for this rowdy episode of Downton Gabby Off-Season.
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 3] - Don't worry, you are not in a time warp. It's only been two weeks since our last podcast, but we decided to record a bonus podcast based on popular demand of wanting to hear our opinion on the Mad Men finale, the Sansa wedding episode of GoT, and the awesomely feminist movie: Mad Max. So buckle up for this high-octane podcast that pays homage to our last Stangasm. Pour yourself a bloody mary, smudge oil on your forehead and let's show those men's rights activists that the only return that's happening, is the RETURN OF QUEENS!
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 2] - The damsels take a trip to Robert Altman's delicious 2001 film Gosford Park, a triumphant Oscar-winning moment for Julian Fellowes, and the inspiration for Downton Abbey. How does his collaboration with the dark and nasty Altman hold up? Which actors laid the foundations for their Downton counterparts? And what is Ryan Phillippe doing in this movie? From there, the discussion turns to the TV we're watching. How is Game of Thrones streamlining GRRM's unwieldy narrative? Did freshman show Jane the Virgin stick the landing in its finale? Who are we worried about on Call the Midwife? And how will we say goodbye to Peggy Olson, Joan Holloway, and the gang from Mad Men? We're going to need a lot of moral support this Sunday night! Pour a melancholy martini, stare pensively out your office window, and join us for a new episode of Downton Gabby: Off-Season.
[Downton Gabby Off-Season 1] - We couldn't stay away from you, dear friends, so welcome to Downton Gabby Off-Season! We'll be here once a month until the final season of Downton Abbey starts (sob!) to discuss news and speculation about what's to come in the Downton world, previous works by our favorite Downton folks, and what other pop culture we're consuming to help us get by. Today on the podcast, it's all about the surge of springtime shows. Is the storyline on Outlander satisfying us from a feminist and/or a sexytimes perspective? Are the women of Mad Men getting good enough moments to help us slog through the story of Don's latest Mortality Affair? Can we discuss any show's impending finale without revisiting the best and the worst of all finales that have come before? Plus: A pre-Downton gem from our friend Julian, pubic hair politics, Clone Club doubts, and Call The Midwife's love affairs with Jesus (who surely would have supported our campaign for equal opportunity actor nudity). So mix a gin and Campari cocktail for the gals and join us for the first episode of Downton Gabby Off-Season!
[Season 5 Finale] - Another season of Downton Abbey must end, but at least there's plenty of crazy action in this finale! (Unless you are a woman who just has to stand there looking pretty while a dude shoots birds) We've got Lord Grantham becoming unbecomingly emotional, Edith smiling (twice!), and one very sexy man motoring off into the sunset as 1924 comes to a close. Who will end the year happy and who will be disappointed? We gnash our teeth over romances lost, speculate about the ones that are blossoming, sigh over losing Tom to America, and wonder if we could possibly maybe for real move on from the prison story lines next year. (Please!) We also debate the Butler Power Rankings, request more time-traveling characters who could guest star, and unveil the winner of our fan fiction spin-off competition! Take a break from all the drunken caroling and join us for one last discussion of Season Five!
[S05E08] - After the damsels Ooo and Ahhh over Rose's beautiful wedding attire, we get down to some serious topics: Has Lord Grantham had a brain tumor to explain his sudden burst of tolerance and generosity? Where was Aunt Rosamund at the wedding? Was Rose actually a virgin on her wedding day? Also, does anyone care at this point since everyone is boning down out of wedlock! We try to avoid the topic of Mr. Green, but just like Julian, we can't stay away. Instead, we come up with an elaborate theory that could redeem the whole mess of a storyline. We also share our hopes of Anna meeting the next lady's maid of Downton in her prison cell. So pour a glass of champagne and toast the beautiful bride and groom with us!
[S05E07] - It's Cora's moment to take action this week, as she finally learns the truth about Marigold's existence. We love her bold attitude and sympathy for Edith, but we're not so sure this plan to layer another lie on the situation will help... Meanwhile, Lord Dickie Merton's offspring (truly a couple of sons of a dick) make yet another scene in the dining room as they protest Isobel's engagement announcement. We're glad to see the family stand up for her (and for the servants to have so me juicy gossip), but if we don't get our senior wedding we'll be ready to rage next week. In happier news, we're glad to see Daisy feeling better about the world, Tony hopefully finally packing his bags and moving on, and Rose and Atticus being adorable as usual...even if the path to a stable marriage may not be as easy as they think. Get rid of your obnoxious relatives and sit back and relax for another episode of Downton Gabby!
[S05E06] - Well, the Crawleys may not care about Edith, but the damsels do! We dig in deep to discuss Edith's escape, as well as Mary's rebellious haircut and the long history between these sisters that hate each other. Other secrets come out downstairs, with Bates's discovery of that cunning device hidden in the cottage, and a confession about London that seems a bit too convenient to be true. Anna may have faith in him, but should the rest of us? Meanwhile, late-in-life romance is still all the rage as we get an accepted proposal (yay!), a private visit to the prince (ooh!), and a real estate deal in the making (uh, okay?!). Grab some ice cream and a glass of champs and be as jolly as you want while listening to the latest Downton Gabby!
[S05E05] - After recovering from the shock of the bedroom brawl...I mean, sexy bondage game...I mean, wild chess match, the damsels discuss in depth whether this system is working Edith or if she should just run off with Marigold to London where she can run the magazine and wear fabulous dresses every day. Although, we are worried that this overstaffed police force will put 100 of their best men on the case to solve the baby snatching! But mostly we discuss cocktails, goiter love poems, and the yummy new man in town with puppy dog eyes: Atticus. So let's be comrades, grab a cocktail from the passing tray and enjoy the discussion of all things big and small!
[S05E04] - It's a little topsy-turvy this week at Downton, as we find ourselves on Lord Grantham's side of several issues, starting with the Battle of the Bunting at another awkward family dinner. We may love what she's teaching Daisy, but we can't support any more lectures in the dining room or embarrassment of poor Tom. More bad behavior shows up in London, with Lord Gillingham going full Scorned Nice Guy when Mary tells him he's been banished to the Godfather Zone. What will his next move be as he tries to convince her to tie the knot after all? And will the suddenly very yummy Charles Blake keep sliding back into the picture to complicate matters further? Luckily not everyone is acting like a jerk this week, as Lord Merton treats us to an adorably sincere proposal for Isobel's hand in marriage. Please say yes so we can see a wedding (and maybe another fashion show while shopping for dresses)! Will the Dowager be able to help her pauper-like prince find some answers? Is there any hope on the horizon for an increasingly distressed Edith or the tragedies of Thomas? Will Molesley get that silver polished in time? Wait for your butler to finish decanting your wine and then join us for another episode of Downton Gabby!
[S05E03] - So much romantic intrigue and crackling dialogue in this episode! Mary's back from Liverpool, but not without that narc Spratt spilling all to Violet who has a thing or two to tell her about that dangers of illicit love. Meanwhile, Anna hides THE THING in her tiny cottage while Tony wonders why Mary hasn't called. Cora gets an art history lesson from Mr Bricker while Lord Grantham gets his own much-deserved schooling. We finally hear the full story of Baxter's secret shame, as well as Miss Bunting's unsolicited opinion of Russian nobility. While Edith goes over the edge, a bearded Prince from Violet's past shows up to make us all wonder whether she did more in St Petersburg than buy souvenirs. So dust off those relics, pour yourself a big glass of vodka and join us for another episode of Downton Gabby.
[S05E02] - Once we got over the Mary's lame cover story (c'mon, sketching is obviously code for boning down), we dived into this scrumptious episode: Anna's involvement in the great diaphragm caper of 1924, Edith's baby snatching Lifetime movie, Queen Bee Dowager of Yorkshire, and #ABoyfriendforBarrow. Don't worry, we take time to discuss each lady boner in great detail as each new romance blooms in the countryside. So, pour glass of bubbly, sit in your ex-wife's favorite room, and enjoy this rowdy podcast! Oh, but please don't flirt with my dog, thanks.
[Season 5 Premiere] - We're back for another season at Downton Abbey! It's 1924 and Edith's secret love child she not-so-secretly visits is hidden away with the pigs. How long can her story stay hidden? Sex is in the air, as Tony Gillingham approaches Mary with an indecent proposal, and a pushy visitor wants Jimmy in her bed. Even Isobel might be feeling the pull, as her flirtation with Lord Merton hits a Lady Shackleton-shaped speed bump. Will the future hold more than just dinners-for-one on a tray? Meanwhile, Rose has her matchmaker hat on for Tom, Molesley's offering a shoulder (and a fine Latin head of hair) to Baxter, and Daisy's ready to turn her brain of a kipper into the brain of a winner. You're gonna make it after all, girl! Run upstairs to take off your hat and then join us to find out!
[Season 4 Finale] - It's time to bid adieu to another season of Downton Abbey, but at least we get to do it with a metric tonne of diamonds, sparkles, and feathers! Rose is officially being presented, and we expect her to have some top-notch Prince-of-Wales-adjacent shenanigans next season. Downstairs, it's a whirlwind of work to do, but there's still time for a flirtation for Daisy, a revelation about Bates, and a delightful trip to the seaside for all. Ask your new English cook to hurry up with that fish pudding, and join us for a grand finale on Downton Gabby.
When a Grantham lady is in trouble, you know that Granny is going to circle the wagons to protect her. Whether is be a dead Turk in your bed or an illegitimate baby in your belly. And sorry Edith, just because a farmer likes pigs doesn't mean he wants your baby. We have another thrilling episode of Cora walking around with papers in her hand fretting: F@$%! THE ICE MAN! Also, Molesley and Baxter. And YES, we have a new fan fiction of Thomas' steamy love boat adventure! So turn off our French lessons and pour a glass of champagne for this delightful (and yes, a bit naughty) podcast!
[S04, E06] - Telegrams never bring good news to Downton, and this week one sends Robert dashing off to America to rescue Cora's brother, with Thomas in tow. The damsels are hoping to at least see some of those strutting ship stewards Mary mentioned -- could this finally be Thomas's chance to get some action? Up in London, Edith struggles with how to handle her pregnancy. We're glad Aunt Rosamund is on #TeamEdith, but will the rest of the family handle the news so well?
[S04, E05] - The damsels truly enjoyed the last episode, full of various guests no one saw coming, and gave it a prestigious 8.5 on the sparkly headband scale! Not only did we get to enjoy a rockin' party with a live jazz band, but we also got to see stolen kisses in the hallway, a Dowager/Isobel showdown, and the creepiest face by Cora in DA history! Also, BITCHY MARY IS BACK! Poor Evelyn, doesn't he ever learn to not bring friends who are cuter than him? He's stuck in the friendzone, AGAIN. However, it's not all glitzy parties and sly flirting, poor Edith is in a family way with the father MIA. As core members of #TeamEdith, we hope that all ends well, but we fear for the worst. Thanks to some new developments, we've also figured out another way that Molesely could be heir to Downton! So, pour a glass of champs, put on your sparkly tiara and listen to this hilarious episode of Downton Gabby!
[S04, E04] - A sewing machine and a refrigerator shake the very foundations of Downton this week. In other news: Another week, another new maid! Crafting, fresh-squeezed oj, a mysterious alliance with Thomas -- we're not sure what else Baxter has up her sleeve, but so far, we think we like it. Elsewhere, Anna and Bates are thankfully on the mend. We're ready for this storyline to move along, but we're pretty sure you'll be able to guess which damsel did NOT tear up during their heartfelt reunion. Upstairs, Mary's looking radiant as another potential suitor pops by, Lord Grantham is getting soft in his old age, and Isobel's picked a new crusade of the week. All seems to be going well...except what's the deal with Edith's mysterious doctor's visit? (We think we might know.) Grab a savory tart from your scary futuristic refrigerator and settle in for the latest episode of Downton Gabby!y!
[S04, E03] - Mrs. Hughes does not mess with manipulative maids -- she annihilates them! (well... and writes them a good reference... but let's not focus on that). Good riddance Edna! Meanwhile Edith has most definitely given up her V-Card (yay!) and unfortunately got caught in her walk of shame (who hasn't been there?!). We love Rosamund's new-found love of jazz and dancing and wonder if she has had her own walk of shame story. The damsels continue to examine the Anna/Bates storyline and wonder how thin the line is between stalking and romance with the glamourous pirate. Overall, we're happy to see Mary's power color taking over! So, throw on your rompers and grab a glass of champagne (not 5!) and listen to the latest podcast of Downton Gabby!
[S04, E02] - After the shock wore off, the damsels gathered their wits and sharp criticism to dissect this upsetting turn of events. As always, we looked at this "plot device" through a feminist lens. Even if the writers don't want to see things from Anna's point of view, the damsels sure will! Don't worry, it's not all sadness and anger -- we're still drinking and gabbing after all! So we turn our conversation to the lovely house party, which has been given a 10 on the sparkly headbands scale! Who wasn't on the edge of their seat about that jam jar? Which guy would we have made out with at the party? Who is being corrupted by jazz music? Also, is Moseley the secret heir to Downton?? Grab a stiff glass of bourbon, take a gulp and dig into this sharp episode of Downton Gabby!
Another season at the Abbey begins! The damsels are concerned for poor Mary after Matthew's death (although we secretly think she looks fab in black). We're glad most of the family all TeamMary for her to share in running the estate, but we must roll our eyes at yet another letter from beyond the grave. Over on TeamEdith, we love the dramatic head scarves but worry about her social activities with Mr. Editor. Should she have a chat with Rose about taking certain lady-precautions during an affair? Scandalous! Meanwhile, Molesley's on a chain gang, Mrs. Hughes is up to some classic meddling, Mrs. Patmore's Mixer of the Future might be out to get her, and much much more on this packed premiere! Take a break from practicing your one-step and join us for a great new season at Downton!
[Downton Off-Season] -Goin' back to Cali? No, we don't think so. More like Philly. In the season finale of both Mad Men and our podcast, the Damsels discuss the long decline of Don Draper that no amount of LA sunshine will ever to turn around. We bid goodbye to our favorite womanizing alcoholic father-of-the-year, as well as some of our other favorites from Season 6.
[Downton Off-Season] - Still depressed from the worst wedding ever? The damsels can't enough lady vengeance, with assassin Arya, the thoughtful gift sent to Asha, Ygritte's badass archery. But we pass on Dany's Mother Teresa. Over in Mad Men, Don is another kind of dick in a box, we just wish Pete would let his mom have her imagined orgasms! Also, Bob Benson is Gay.
[Downton Off-Season] - Well, don't say we didn't warn you…The Damsels throw pillows, shed tears, and then resign themselves to the inevitabilty of The Red Wedding. We love our newest Odd Couple Arya and the Hound, and continue to fantasize about Geoffrey's gruesome death. At 19:45,we're traveling at the speed of light to 1960s New York, where Brandi gives us a shocking confession about swapping spit with Jon Hamm.
[Downton Off-Season] - The damsels are back and digging into three great episodes! Let’s start with the Nashville finale where there was so much melodrama we had to make a list of things that DIDN’T happen just to keep track of the things that did. At 14:20 we switch to the biggest shit show wedding in history on Game of Thrones. At 23:00 we take the shot in the ass no one saw coming on Mad Men.
[Downton Off-Season] - Mad Men, Nashville and Game of Thrones! Everyone was excited to ditch Sylvia and get back to business! Sorry, Linda Cardellini! Even though it’s nice to see Pete’s life go to shit, we are saddened by the imminent loss of Trudy and hope that she and Betty join a gun club to work off some steam from their shitty marriages or maybe to fend off the soon-to-be serial killer: Bob Benson.
[Downton Off-Season] - Looks like one is winning Father of the Year among this motley crew of dads! If it isn't Tywin Lannister selling his son and his daughter into unfortunate marriages, then it's stories of Danaerys's Mad Dad Aegon threatening to open a can of wildfire on all of King's Landing. Over in Mad Men land it's no better: Ginsburg's dad is meddling in his most personal affairs while uptown it comes as no surprise to anyone that Don doesn't really care about his kids.
[Downton Off-Season] - From the high Valeryian hell of Danaerys Stormborns 8000-strong army and little pet dragon on Game of Thrones…to the little marital hell of Don Draper and Megan on Mad Men
[Downton Off-Season] - The damsels tackle last week’s jam-packed episodes of Game of Thrones, Mad Men and Nashville. There's serious brutality, Brienne’s virginity, creepy Pete Campbell, fierce Trudy, humor in dark times and Deacon's boring girlfriend.
[Downton Off-Season] - The long-awaited return of Mad Men: Don is having an affair with Lindsay Weir! Meghan is an actual soap star! Peggy is killing it at her new job! She and Stan are besties! Ted Choaugahugh is kind cute in a tux! And everyone is getting high! What's with all the new Man-Hair? What's behind Betty's rapey pillow talk? And most importantly, who's that girl with the violin? At 21:10 we move on to Game of Thrones and Meera's impressive arsenal.
[Downton Off-Season] - Since winter is coming (which is too cold for tits to be out), the damsels are on a campaign more male nudity on Game of Thrones. At 16:30, we switch gears and dish about the latest episode of Nashville. Deacon + puppy = lady porn, Gunnar turned into Douche 2.0, and Avery seems to have time travelled to 1992 where digital copies don’t exist.
[Downton Off-Season] - What are our words? Season 3 is coming! The Damsels are dishing about Game of Thrones’ first two seasons of waring and wenching, and we can’t wait for what’s next for all of our favorite characters. Mostly, we marvel at the general bad-assery of our favorite Khaleesi and even throw some admiration Sansa’s way, and fervently pray that she gets to put a sword through Geoffrey’s heart.
Downton Off-Season: There's no grander romance than three damsels analyzing TV, especially when it come to the last two meaty episodes of GIRLS. After stomaching the sugary sweet romantic ending, we get to some rowdy discussion.
Downton Off-Season 1: Pour yourself a glass of something strong and join us for our inaugural Damsels in Discussion podcast. We begin by discussing what TV shows we are obsessed with/hate watching/confessing that we actually watch and are tweeting to no one about, because no one else in the world watches something as lame as us. Curious, aren’t you?
S03 E07: With heavy hearts and full glasses, the damsels discuss the tragic ending to a fabulous season.
S03 E06: The saga of lonely, nasty, tragic gay icon Thomas sends the damsels into a whirlwind of emotions in this penultimate episode.
S03 E04: We finally put down the tissues and picked up our microphones. After recounting all of the sob inducing moments: Cora! Thomas! the Dowager on her cane! The last time the three Crawley sisters were together! we got it together to find some spots of joy in this sorrowful episode.
S03 E03: The roof is on fire! Not because of Mrs. Hughes nifty new toaster, but the shenanigans Tom’s been up to in Ireland. We’re almost more shocked than Lord Grantham–even if it was an ugly castle.
We rejoin the Crawleys on what should be the happiest day in Edith’s life, but which instead ends in heartbreak, although we’re relieved she doesn’t go all Miss Havisham on us.
The society ladies are back, diving into the roaring '20s along with the residents of Downton Abbey, Season 3!
[MAD MEN S05 E12] - The Femmes wrap up Season 5 with a finale that began with high expectations but ended leaving us, like Stan, bored with this dynamic. There were some awesome moments: Peggy bossing around her junior copywriters in a fabulous new red suit, Joan taking charge of the partners' meeting and the spray paint, Roger and Marie, Roger and his ass, and the partners contemplating their future on their new second floor in the best shot of the episode. Unfortunately, the two main storylines, Megan's acting career and Pete and Beth's non-chemistry, were our least favorite of the season, and our girl Sally was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she popped a Midol and hid under the couch again. As we ponder Season 6 (Will Megan leave Don for Hollywood? Will Peggy rule the world? Will Dawn get a storyline of her own?) we leave you with one of our favorite lines of Season 5: "One day your little girl will spread her legs and fly away." We’ll see you next season. In the meantime join us as we sail back to Downton Abbey for their new season.
[MAD MEN S05 E11] - World travel, script pitches and computer issues have kept us away, but the Femmes are back after a 2-weeks hiatus to catch up on three intense episodes! A season about the price of success builds to a climax: Joan goes from flirtatious evening with Don to a paid gig with Mr. Jaguar. Peggy and Lane both make their exits, Peggy elegantly and Lane not so much. Sally becomes a woman. Kenny becomes a man. Meghan gets a new audition dress. How will it all end next week? One thing's for sure: There will be blood.
[MAD MEN S05 E08] - The Femmes smell something in the air, and it's not Thanksgiving turkey-it's passive aggressive envy! Don ditches Ginsburg's ideas in the cab, Betty drops the Anna-Bomb on Sally, Peggy loses her shit with Roger, and Megan's friend is just all "Buy me champagne, beatch." We wonder why Betty only gets one brussels sprout, suggest Peggy try some LSD to get her groove back (and maybe give the show's writers some as well), and demand MORE STAN! So pour yourself a tall glass of Manischewitz and take cover,because we're throwing snowballs at this toxic episode!
[MAD MEN S05 E07] - The Femmes are unmoved by this boring episode that asks us to care about Megan's unfulfilled acting dreams. Despite looking good on paper (Rory Gilmore! Pizza Haus! Ginsburg's F-Bomb!) we wonder what the point of it all is. We discuss Megan problems, Pete problems, Don's old fogey problems, and Cool Whip (just try it, already!). In fact, even talking about the episode bores us so much, we temporarily change the channel to Sherlock. But we’re lured back by the prospect of someone's gruesome death by elevator shaft. So light up a joint and slip that Beatles album on the turntable. We hear if you play it backwards, it says "Paul Kinsey is dead"
[MAD MEN S05 E06] - My Mother, Myse- oh God, I don’t want to be like any of those Mothers! Yes, Marie has a lot of um, talents that she has passed onto Megan. Get your head out of the gutter! I mean that they are both snazzy dressers! Well now that we have that straight…The Femmes break down this family-driven episode where we meet Marie the glamourpuss, discuss the validity of the Quebec accents (luckily we have Canadian experts!), gossip about the new power couple: Roger and Sally, exclaim over the BEST LINE EVER, wonder if Glen will become a serial killer or a computer programmer, and gush over the possibility of Joan and Peggy as besties 4 eva! We leave you with our a preview of the next Mad Femmes based on the stylings of the AMC previews. We hope you enjoy this very special podcast that is all about the mamas and their dysfunctional slutty daughters (hell ya!). Don’t be shy, slip some vodka in our Shirley Temple and enjoy this "dirty" podcast!
[MAD MEN S05 E05] - WTF Peggy?! WTF Sterling?! WTF Don?! The Femmes struggle to get their bearings straight after this topsy turvy episode! All bets are off after the rules have been broken. You know it's going to be a good episode when Angela's mom from My So Called Life feeds Roger acid, Peggy is a Catholic school girl gone bad (uniform and all!), Jane is sleeping in J.Lo's Versace dress, Don dares to get between a woman and her pie, and Cooper becomes Don's fairy godmother. So pop a sugar cube...I mean, pop open a bottle of champagne, and enjoy the wild trip...I mean, ride. Great, now I'm confused too.
[MAD MEN S05 E04] - We first had Betty Puts On a Few Pounds: An American Tragedy and now we have Pete Campbell Has Everything and Still Isn't Happy: An American Tragedy. If last episode was all about the ladies, this episode is all about the MEN and how damn sad they are. Nevermind about civil rights, these men have real problems and the Femmes dig into them. After the shock of Don's PLAID JACKET, the ladies laugh about Lane and Pete's tickle fight, gush about their crushes on both Don and Ken, ask if anyone else thought Ken was writing erotica before he mentioned sci-fi, discuss possible explanations for GUM in PUBES, ponder whether Megan was a porn star, and applaud Joan for handling yet another man-beast with class and dignity. It's cocktail time somewhere in the world so shake a martini, pull up a chair, and listen to the hilarity!
[MAD MEN S05 E03] - The Femmes jumped for joy over this incredibly empowering female-centric episode! So many amazing themes to unravel, theories to propose, and predictions to make. This season finally got interesting! No podcast would be complete without some ridicule, so the Femmes gab about how stalking was the "text message" of 1966, revel in some Don-is-a-jerk bashing, imagine Peggy in 1980’s with her shoulder pad laden pantsuit, and laugh about how Joan’s mom is the ultimate wingwoman. Also #sallyisdead #hotmesssally Light up your Virginia Slims and sip on a Cosmopolitan because this episode is all about the LADIES!
[MAD MEN S05 E02] - So many people to offend, so little time: Betty puts on a few pounds: An American Tragedy. We say, "throw some bugles on a sundae and eat without shame!" Sterling is the new Lord Grantham, selling beans to stoners, will Ginsberg and Peggy have hate sex? And more...
[S05 E01] - MEGAN, megan, MEGAN! The Femmes rejoice and ridicule the return of Mad Men. A moment of silence for the good fashions of the past, WHERE THE HELL IS BETTY?, "Fuck You Megan", the new "Dick Whitman" sex game, question whether Betty ever had an orgasm and request MORE SALLY! Pull your bottle of bourbon out of your desk, have a midday drink, and enjoy the rowdy discussion!
[MAD MEN S04 Recap] - After a grueling 2-year long wait, the Femmes discuss the best season yet: Season 4. We gab about how Don lost his game and became "sad Don," MEGAN'S TEETH, our sadness for Faye and how we miss her (TEAM FAYE 4eva!), take bets on the gender of Joan's baby, and discuss what actions we will take at work to honor the Season 5 premiere (smoke at our desk? have a 3-martini lunch?)
Many happy endings! Mary wears a Westminster Dog Show dress, Matthew's a modern feminist, a modern "Turk confession," O'Brien's Ouiji board, hooking up in the after-life, and predictions for Season 3!
The miracle of Matthew's recovery and the beauty of well-timed plague. A Fuck You Bates (literally!) and Shannon's original Carson/Jane slash! Did you want Cora to die (even for just a second?) Should Ethel have Stella Dallas-ed her baby?
The annoying visitor who looks like he is auditioning for Face Off 2, is Sir Richard or Branson the biggest douche, lesbian slash fiction involving Lavina and Edith, a "Fuck You Carson" for slut shaming. Oh, and the war is over."
Shirley Maclaine is coming to Downton! Will Matthew die a virgin? Did Cora have a Bat Mitzvah? Are we really sad about William? And "Fuck You, Branson."
Major Mustachio, the bromance of Bates and Lord Grantham, needlepoint vs. blogging, and our weekly segment of "Fuck You Mr. Bates."
Cora's mean girl behavior, sexting in WWI, Lavina's drab green dress, a Cora pouty-face drinking game, and our new regular segment "Fuck You, Mr. Bates."
War comes to Downton and shakes up the sleepy gentility, wonder if Edith is truly a bitch and whether O’Brien is still a virgin, the tragedy of having to button your own buttons.
SEASON 1 - Gushing about THE TURK, one step away from become LARPers, planning our Matthew and Mary YouTube tribute video, and brainstorming porn-adaptation names.