Casting on the Other Side of the Pond

A fun fact for those of you who haven't had a chance to get your hands on the book, Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey written by Emma Rowley.

"Unlike American series, which tend to lock in their cast for five or seven years, Downton works, as is the standard in the UK, on contracts that 'option' (lay claim to) an actor for up to three years."

This is the most rational explanation to the huge overturn; Dan Stevens, Jessica Brown Findlay, the upcoming leave of Siobhan Finneran all leaving in less than a season's length of time.  They are free to leave at this point having fulfilled their three-year contract.  Why, of course, one would want to opt of Downton is a completely different matter all together.

Rowley notes that Dame Maggie Smith has no 'option' with the show.  She may come and go when she pleases.  Of course, it is almost certain that the show goes when she goes, so we shall all have to keep our fingers crossed that she doesn't option out anytime soon.

Innovation verses Tradition

Although we have much in common, one must admit that there is a different strain of culture that makes America and England unique countries.  The example for the day is the end of the Upstairs/Downstairs Era.  Technology advances such as vacuums (which became popular when they added a motor in the early 20th century; Hoover created his in 1908) began replacing maid’s jobs in America.  It became quite fashionable to have less staff and more house cleaning devices.  However, while the same technology was available in England, they preferred to keep the maid’s job.  It looked better for the family to maintain a large household staff rather than invest in new gadgets.  Innovation verses tradition; rather a theme of Downton Abbey.