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After the Finale -Reflections on Downton Abbey

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TV Network: PBS
Premiere Date: Oct 3, 2010
Genre: Drama
Executive Producers: Julian Fellowes , Gareth Neame , Rebecca Eaton , Liz Trubridge
Stars: Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Joanne Froggatt, Phyllis Logan, Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter, Jessica Brown-Findlay, Michelle Dockery, Amy Nuttall, Rob James-Collier, Brendan Coyle, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Dan Stevens, Siobhan Finneran, Rose Leslie, Thomas Howes,

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Confession and disclaimer first: I love Downton Abbey.  I didn’t watch it at the very beginning, I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.  But, I decided to give it a chance, and when I saw the first episode, I was hooked!  I became a great fan of the show and a defender of Bates (Brendan Coyle).  For those who watched the show, Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham was the central character upstairs.  He was the family rock around which swirled the changing world and the Crawley family. He was tempered by his American wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), who helped him find his way in the new world. Fittingly, the show began with the news of the sinking of the Titanic, and the loss of the heir apparent, who was on the ship.

So, much has happened since the spring of 1912, the show has traveled many miles and significant changes that end with New Year’s Eve 1925.  The family upstairs and the servants downstairs have gone through so much together, including turning the great house into a World War I convalescent hospital.  Who would have thought?  Ultimately, the show was about the new century and the inevitability of change. After all, the roaring 20’s meant change in dress, attitudes and attire even in England.  Evolution over revolution, the family sought to maintain as much of their lives as possible, while embracing the breakdown of class barriers and distinctions.  In today’s terms, the Crawley’s represented the 1% trying to be fair to the 99% before they lose them altogether.

Undoubtedly, Maggie Smith (Countess Violet Grantham) is one of the best written and acted characters.  She is tough, witty and fair.  She has some of the best lines of the show written so crisply by Julian Fellowes.  “Don’t be a defeatest dear,” she scolds, “it’s very middle class,”  is one of her many classic lines.  She is often the foil that keeps the rest of the family in line, including beautiful but snarky, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery).  The downstairs equivalent of the countess is Carson, played perfectly by Jim Carter.  Carson maintains the household with a softer, reasonable Mrs. Hughes (Phyliss Logan), the lion tamer who comes to love the beast.  There are so many well written characters, more than I can mention in one column.  Excellent writing with sterling performances.  The actors who stayed the whole six seasons, knew they were creating something special.  It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not to be squandered.

The finale was like a train ride into London, fast paced with plenty of scenery.  It’s always best when the production knows they are creating the last season and episodes, they can bring things together that would have been unsatisfying otherwise.  I won’t give you any spoilers, if you haven’t seen Downton Abbey, I encourage you to rent it or find it online.  But, in the finale, relationships are resolved one way or another, and in the very last scene look for the early bloom of a romance for Tom Branson (Allen Leech).  Even the show’s ‘villain’, Thomas Barrow (Rob James Collier) gets what he deserves, and justice may surprise you.  The last season was in a bit of a hurry, but I’m glad they kept it down to one wedding an episode.  There was more joy than sorrow in the finale.  Tragedy’s shadow hung over the show every season with the deaths of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay), but that was put aside in the finale.

Drama, comedy, tragedy, and even scandal maked this wonderful series.  Final kudos to Mrs. Patomore (Lesley Nicol), long suffering Mosley (Kevin Doyle),  and Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), may she, and all the Downton family find joy at last.

 

 

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Top 5 Ryan Reynolds Movies You Need to Watch Right Now

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Ryan Reynolds has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, known for his quick wit, charm, and ability to effortlessly switch between comedy, action, and heartfelt moments. With a career spanning multiple genres, Reynolds has delivered some truly iconic performances. Here’s a rundown of the top five Ryan Reynolds movies that every fan should watch, filled with SEO keywords to help you discover them easily.

1. Deadpool (2016)

Ryan Reynolds found his career-defining role as the wise-cracking antihero Deadpool, and the movie became a game-changer for superhero films. With its R-rated humor, brutal action sequences, and Reynolds’ perfectly timed one-liners, Deadpool is a must-watch for fans of comic book movies. Reynolds’ portrayal of Wade Wilson/Deadpool is the perfect blend of his trademark sarcasm and heart, making it one of his most beloved performances.

2. The Proposal (2009)

In this romantic comedy, Ryan Reynolds stars alongside Sandra Bullock as Andrew Paxton, an assistant who agrees to a fake engagement with his demanding boss to help her avoid deportation. The Proposal showcases Reynolds’ comedic timing, and his chemistry with Bullock elevates the film to one of the best romantic comedies of the 2000s. Reynolds’ charm and humor make it a standout in his filmography, and fans of rom-coms shouldn’t miss it.

3. Free Guy (2021)

In Free Guy, Reynolds plays Guy, a non-playable character (NPC) in a video game who gains self-awareness and decides to take control of his own destiny. The film combines action, comedy, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about finding your purpose. Reynolds’ performance is both funny and endearing, making Free Guy one of his best films in recent years. Fans of video games, action-comedies, and feel-good films will love it.

4. Buried (2010)

Buried is a tense thriller that features Ryan Reynolds in a solo performance, trapped in a coffin with only a cell phone and lighter. The film is a masterclass in suspense, and Reynolds’ gripping portrayal of a man fighting for his life showcases his dramatic acting chops. Buried is a must-watch for fans who want to see Reynolds in a more serious, intense role.

5. 6 Underground (2019)

In Michael Bay’s action-packed 6 Underground, Reynolds leads a team of vigilantes who fake their own deaths to take down notorious criminals. The film is pure adrenaline, filled with high-octane action sequences and Reynolds’ signature humor. If you’re looking for a fun, explosive action movie with witty banter, 6 Underground is the perfect choice for a thrilling movie night.

Honorable Mentions:

Deadpool 2 (2018): Reynolds continues to shine in this hilarious and action-packed sequel, cementing his role as the ultimate antihero.

Detective Pikachu (2019): Ryan Reynolds voices the adorable Pikachu in this family-friendly adventure, bringing humor and heart to the beloved Pokémon character.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017): An action-comedy where Reynolds teams up with Samuel L. Jackson for a wild, thrilling ride.

Ryan Reynolds’ versatility as an actor shines through in each of these films, whether he’s playing an action hero, a romantic lead, or tackling more serious roles. From Deadpool to Buried, his unique blend of charisma and talent keeps audiences coming back for more. Make sure to add these top five Ryan Reynolds movies to your watchlist!

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Top 5 Performances of John C. McGinley: A Versatile Actor with Unforgettable Roles

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John C. McGinley has built a career filled with dynamic, memorable performances across film and television. With his sharp comedic timing, intense dramatic prowess, and remarkable versatility, McGinley has earned a loyal fan base. From iconic TV roles to scene-stealing film appearances, this talented actor has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Here’s a look at the top five performances of John C. McGinley that every fan should revisit.

1. Dr. Perry Cox – Scrubs

No list of John C. McGinley’s best roles is complete without mentioning Scrubs and his portrayal of the no-nonsense, cynical, yet oddly lovable Dr. Perry Cox. Over the course of the show’s nine seasons, McGinley brought depth to what could have been a one-dimensional, sarcastic character. His performance fluctuated between gut-wrenching monologues on the realities of the medical profession and rapid-fire insults delivered with razor-sharp precision. Fans loved his dynamic relationship with J.D. (Zach Braff), especially the heartwarming moments that showed Cox’s mentor-like role.

2. Bob Slydell – Office Space

In Mike Judge’s cult classic Office Space (1999), McGinley plays Bob Slydell, one half of “The Bobs,” two management consultants brought in to downsize the company. His dry, deadpan delivery as he calmly discusses firing employees is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Though McGinley’s screen time is limited, his performance remains one of the most quoted and memorable aspects of the film, contributing to Office Space’s enduring popularity in pop culture.

3. Sergeant O’Neill – Platoon

McGinley’s role as the tough and morally conflicted Sergeant O’Neill in Platoon (1986) earned him critical acclaim. In Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning Vietnam War film, McGinley stands out among a stellar ensemble cast, including Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe. His portrayal of O’Neill, who shifts between opportunism and fear as the war intensifies, is powerful and haunting. This role marked McGinley’s breakout in Hollywood, showcasing his range in serious, dramatic parts.

4. Stanley Miller – Stan Against Evil

In this underrated horror-comedy series, McGinley plays Stanley Miller, a retired small-town sheriff reluctantly pulled back into battling demons after his wife’s death. Stan Against Evil blends humor with supernatural elements, and McGinley’s comedic timing is on full display. His character is gruff and often surly, but the way McGinley balances Stanley’s grumpiness with heartfelt moments of vulnerability makes this performance a standout in his career.

5. FBI Agent Ben Harp – Point Break

In Point Break (1991), McGinley plays the by-the-book FBI Agent Ben Harp, who’s tasked with overseeing the young undercover agent Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves. McGinley’s role is small, but his performance is unforgettable as the humorless, hard-nosed superior who has no patience for Utah’s laid-back, surfer persona. His iconic line “Young, dumb, and full of…” has become a classic in action movie history.

Honorable Mentions:

Dr. Cox’s Real Talk Moments in Scrubs: Some of McGinley’s best scenes come from his character’s vulnerable, often brutally honest speeches. Fans of Scrubs will recognize his mix of humor and emotion, which made Dr. Cox unforgettable.

John C. McGinley in The Rock: His role as Captain Hendrix in The Rock (1996) shows his ability to stand out in action-packed, ensemble casts.

John C. McGinley’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether playing a grumpy doctor, a slick FBI agent, or a worn-out war veteran, McGinley commands attention every time he’s on screen. His ability to switch between comedy and drama with ease is what sets him apart, and it’s why fans continue to revisit his best performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, these five performances are the perfect way to appreciate the incredible range of John C. McGinley.

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What to Expect from the New Season of Squid Game: Thrills, Twists, and High Stakes

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The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.

In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.

The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.

Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.

The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.

Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.

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