Maggie Smith...The Ultimate Dowager

Or a prime example of how old people can say - pretty much anything that pops into their heads - and get away with it.  I only recently discovered this splendid show on "Masterpiece Classics" at the beginning of the second season here in the States.  I was able to stream the first season through Netflix to get caught up, but I have to say that my initial impression was not all that...great.

I mean, I fell instantly in love with the costumes, the overall pageantry, and the scenery of the English countryside to be sure, but I was a little "put off" by the fact that I did not find many - if any - of the central characters even the least bit...likeable. Not even a little.  I continued to watch, however and, by the conclusion of the second episode, I had become hopelessly embroiled in the various character's lives.

My favorite character has become Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham.  She is played brilliantly, magnificently by the one and only Maggie Smith.  The following YouTube video captures a sampling of her outspoken moments.  Next to the swivel chair incident (which is included), my favorite "Violet moment" (which is not included) is when she informs the gathering at the dining room table (and I'm paraphrasing) that a young woman does not have "opinions" of her own...that she must  wait until she is married, and then her husband will tell her what her opinions should be.

Sadly, some people probably adhere to that sentiment even in this day and age.  I...happily...am not one of them.