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AIBU?

To be really disturbed and upset about last nights Downton Abbey? SPOILER ALERT

173 replies

CiderBomb · 07/10/2013 09:15

I won't say what happened in case there are people on here who haven't watched it yet, but I was really, really shocked by that one scene in particular and can't get it out of my head this morning. Just when people were saying that they thought it was getting boring they go and throw that in. And a much loved character as well...

I'm not one of these sad people who complains about things on television, especially when they happen after the watershed, but I found that really shocking and it seemed to come from nowhere.

I know it happens all the time in real life, even today, but bloody hell :(

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MistressDeeCee · 08/10/2013 13:31

bnm agree 100%

ScarerAndFuck · 08/10/2013 13:43

Lady Sybil's death was horrific wasn't it SirChenjin the was she was gasping for breath while they all stood and watched and nobody could help. I was upset for days after that.

squoosh · 08/10/2013 13:49

Lady Sybil's death was really shocking. I expected her to die but thought it would be a bit of sighing followed by some fluttering of the eyelids and then she'd fall back gently on her lace pillows, a ladylike death.

MrsDavidBowie · 08/10/2013 14:01

I'd forgotten about the death after Doing The Deed.

bnm · 08/10/2013 14:18

GOSH - I obviously missed those episodes! In which case others who feel the same must have missed them too. Are you really talking about Downton????????????????

Ok will stop watching after all I never realised it was like that.

Are there any gentle wind down tv programmes???

Flicktheswitch · 08/10/2013 14:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KillerKoalaFace · 08/10/2013 14:22

I think the reaction to this episode shows just how emotive the subject of rape is.

So far in Downton we have had post coital death, death after childbirth, deaths from disease, a war, death from said war, maimings from war, a mother turning to prostitution and being separated from her child, miscarriage, death of a new father, homophobia and how homosexuality was treated as a crime and loads more.

But it's the rape storyline which has people saying is too upsetting an they'll not be watching any more.

Clearly it touches a nerve and rightly so. So maybe we should all be more vocal and get involved in things like Mumsnet's We Believe You campaign.

SirChenjin · 08/10/2013 15:57

Absolutely. If anyone remembers the Forsyte Saga (both versions) it was the rape scene which horrified so many viewers (and rightly so). It is a horrendous crime, and I think that was conveyed by all 3 actresses. It's a hideous fact of life, and not one that should be hidden away out of sight imo.

MorrisZapp · 08/10/2013 16:16

I thought it was a great episode, well acted by all. There was no explicit rape, although we all know its implied.

Can't understand this reaction at all. Rape and sexual abuse were rife in those days, as ever. And given all the other appalling things that have happened on DA, its hardly without precedent.

HorryIsUpduffed · 08/10/2013 16:34

Actually I was surprised by not being shocked if you see what I mean. DH was sitting next to me on tenterhooks because it was potentially very triggering and upsetting, but actually I watched it fairly dispassionately with just an acknowledgement that it was horrible.

I'm expecting the fallout to be far more distressing and triggering. Because in reality living with the aftermath can be worse than the act itself.

Chesntoots · 08/10/2013 16:43

I'm tempted to agree with Schmaltzing - Barrow does owe him, doesn't he? I think he could do it and not even skip a heartbeat.

squoosh · 08/10/2013 16:44

I've forgotten why Barrow owes Bates!

squoosh · 08/10/2013 16:55

Ah just googled it, it was the soap thing in O'Brien's ear.

I still miss O'Brien.

shebird · 08/10/2013 17:05

It wasn't pleasant but there was a warning before the show and hardly shocking with what's on tv theses days. Not sure what all the fuss is about.

Tabby1963 · 08/10/2013 17:52

I found it upsetting. I won't be watching any more :(.

GatoradeMeBitch · 08/10/2013 17:53

I haven't watched this series. I cringed all the way through the last two series, it was like a melodramatic teenagers creative writing efforts had inexplicably been given a large TV production budget.

The first series was fluffy camp fun, it's just a shame it became so popular and convinced Fellowes that anything he farts onto a page is gold.

JamieandtheMagicTorch · 08/10/2013 18:10

I'd forgotten Sybil's death. Yes that was moving.

The WW1 stuff was crap, IMO

MistressDeeCee · 08/10/2013 18:25

I just dont want to be confronted with 'issues' in so many programmes. Its wearing after a while. Whilst I think its good to be informed I live in the real world & dont want or need to watch drama series for real world info like this. Its fine to want an escape from it all when watching certain programmes, it seems to me. When they go along this line I normally tune out gradually anyway. cba. I hope the scenes dealing with the aftermath of Anna's rape are dealt with sensibly tho..no sensationalism or episodes dedicated entirely to that.

JamieandtheMagicTorch · 08/10/2013 18:29

I don't mind issues. I'd just like them presented in the context of a decendt programme that has shown some consistency of approach (like Call The Midwives).

I think my problem is that Downton has been so crap, shoehorning plots left right and centre, introducing characters and them buggering off, that this seems a bit of an insult

eddiemairswife · 08/10/2013 18:51

We've had two weeks of people moaning that Downton wasn't as interesting as the previous series, and now we have hysterical reactions to a dramatic storyline.Downton is a drama; dramatic things happen in a drama. To those who are shocked, horrified, upset and never going to watch again because they want something cosy on a Sunday night I suggest you stock up with some Barbara Cartlands and let the rest of us watch in peace.

JamieandtheMagicTorch · 08/10/2013 18:54

eddie

Oh it's been rubbish for 2 series, not 2 weeks

But I will leave you in peace

MistressDeeCee · 08/10/2013 19:09

ditto Jamie

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BreatheandFlyAway · 08/10/2013 22:20

Yes, I agree, it's been rubbish that I could happily enjoy because of pleasant atmosphere. Now they've effed that up, it no longer has any appeal. Never read a Barbara Cartland in my life, but I do prefer relaxing, convivial tv on the occasions when I watch - I'm not looking for EastEnders when I watch a period drama.

AveryJessup · 09/10/2013 01:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

kali110 · 09/10/2013 04:05

Agree with you eddie!!
The writers are buggered either way.
Its a bloody tv show. Its showing how life was back then, it wasnt all sweetness and flowers!
Cant believe someone even said how unrealistic it was becoming, yes because deaths and rapes dont happen much in real life ...

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