Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Downton Abbey Hurt Me Deeply

 From the blog deblite@blogspot.com:

"I initially felt that the fans were over-reacting. I felt this episode was akin to an All in the Family episode where Edith Bunker was raped. I felt Downton Abbey had been shocking but I didn't think the episode went to far, especially in an age where brutal, gorey murder and the resulting autopsies are a nightly television staple and Law and Order SVU has shown much worse. It never dawned on me until just now that Edith managed to escape her attacker.

Anna does not."


http://deblite.blogspot.com/2013/10/downton-abbey-hurt-me-deeply-spoiler.html

Fans turn against 'Downton' after rape scene

From Breaking News.ie:


"The show pulled in 8.8 million viewers - down 400,000 on the previous week - and many registered their distress at the horrific scene on the internet.
Viewer Francesca Williams wrote: "Why is there a rape scene on my television? This is horrible. Definitely not watching 'Downton Abbey' again. (sic)"
Bidisha said: "What is it with male writers scribbling in a quick rape of a woman to spice things up? ITV/'Downton' raped a woman and can never take it back."


http://www.breakingnews.ie/showbiz/fans-turn-against-downton-after-rape-scene-609485.html

Rape Culture & Downton Abbey

From http://ueafeminism.wordpress.com:

"Various cast members were quoted as saying it was a “bold” and “shocking” move so I don’t see how they can argue their primary intent was to promote sensible discussion about rape and victim blaming. I also *hate* that they think the parts they showed (the assault prior to Anna Bates being dragged off) and her screams didn’t count as part of the rape. Their line in the letter was that “the rape itself was not depicted on screen whatsoever” but if Anna were a real person who was agonising over her rape, she would undoubtedly think of the rape as starting at the point when she realised he wasn’t going to let her get away and when he forcibly applied his lips to her face. Argh!"


http://ueafeminism.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/video-chescalaigh-rape-culture-downton-abbey/

Dowton Abbey Rape Storyline – a Response from ITV and my Takedown of It

From the blog A Hat Full of Ness:

"Further to the post I wrote earlier this week about the Downton Abbey Rape Storyline, I contacted ITV and Ofcom and have received a response from ITV. I will not say apology because it is the worst excuse for an apology I have seen in a long time! I am absolutely furious! And in the middle of composing a scathing email in response. I thought I would share their response with you here, because I have had a number of hits looking for “Downton Abbey rape” so I know there are people out there who are concerned and likely upset by it. I know I am."

http://hatfullofness.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/dowton-abbey-rape-storyline-a-response-from-itv-and-my-takedown-of-it/

Sarah Millican: Downton Abbey lost me for ever

From The Radio Times:

"Favourite telly programmes are hard to leave.  But then someone is raped in Downton Abbey. A show you adore. Have always adored. A show that is the balm to the end of your rashy week. A sorbet between busy weeks. I cannot see the reasoning behind it."

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-10-20/sarah-millican-downton-abbey-lost-me-for-ever

Downtown Abbey controversy: Should rape be shown on TV?

From Cosmopolitan.co.uk:

"I hope the aftermath of what happened will be dealt with in the same way – that critics’ fears aren’t realised and the wider implications are properly explored."

Downton Abbey: shocking rape scene another Downton plot mistake

From MSN TV:

"Downton Abbey's night staple of light aristocratic problems has been eschewed for a shocking rape scene, which caught viewers unawares and has left many both angry and disenchanted with the series."

http://tv.uk.msn.com/drama/downton-abbey-shocking-rape-scene-another-downton-plot-mistake 

Kevin O'Sullivan extra: X Factor, Downton Abbey and the rest of the week's TV

From The Mirror:

"ITV’s craven ratings chasers can defend Downton Abbey’s gratuitous rape scene all they like. But the viewers hated it. One minute the drama revolved around Mrs Patmore’s troublesome chilled soup, the next Anna Bates was being sexually assaulted by a bloke from EastEnders. Jarring, horrible and unnecessary."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/tv-film-news/kevin-osullivan-extra-x-factor-2365801 

The Soapbox: “Scandal” Lazily Relies On A Rape Scene (Downton mention)

From The Frisky:

"Earlier this year, Vulture writer Margaret Lyons wrote about the difficulty of finding a television show without rape or murder. She could only count 16 trauma-free series. SIXTEEN. (For the record, a third of those shows have since been canceled, and “Downton Abbey” has joined the Gratuitous Rape & Murder Club.) She also found that constant exposure to rape and murder made her even more sensitive to them. It’s made me more sensitive to them as well, especially as a parent."

http://www.thefrisky.com/2013-11-15/the-soapbox-scandal-lazily-relies-on-a-rape-scene-to-make-a-hated-character-more-sympathetic/ 

Anna and Bates in Season Four of Downton Abbey

From Feminist Fiction:


"Although I don’t want to assume that everything will take a turn for the horrible, there’s a lot of potential for the story to put Bates front-and-center from now on. We could see Bates as he tracks down the valet. Bates as he attacks him. Bates held back by a pleading Anna, or Bates arrested for murder. Although I wouldn’t mind a Bates-less show, this cannot be Bates’ story, and any further movement in their direction, or any suggestion that his violent reaction is anything other than unreasonable selfishness, threatens to mar an otherwise excellent season."

http://feministfiction.com/2013/10/29/anna-and-bates-in-season-four-of-downton-abbey/#more-1941 

Controversy or Realism?

From the blog The Speculative Fiction Chick:

"While the rape of any character is reprehensible, the choice of who it is in this instance makes it obvious that this was not done for any other reason than to add further drama into a relationship that has been rocky from the start. This isn’t Tess, and it isn’t Daniel Deronda, and the audience doesn’t want it to be. From the beginning, we’ve taken joy in an Edwardian soap opera with a small amount of angst on the side...But judging from the battered face, torn dress, and bleeding lip of a beloved character, Downton Abbey is either asking us to address something we may not want to talk about (and that it may be unqualified to address) … or it’s made a very serious misstep."

http://charitysplace.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/controversy-or-realism/ 

Downton Abbey plot twist sparks protests

From the Gulf News:

“If you are going to portray rape on TV, you have to do it responsibly. It was gratuitous, obscene and irresponsible. It made me want to switch off.”

http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/television/downton-abbey-plot-twist-sparks-protests-1.1242607 

Downton countess's concern at prime-time rape scene

From the Mail Online:


"Domestic violence campaigners accused show of being irresponsible. They said any victims of sexual assault could have been traumatised after watching scene. During the episode servant Anna Bates was beaten and raped by valet Mr Green played by former Eastenders actor Nigel Harman."

The rape of Anna Bates: what if Stieg Larsson had written Downton Abbey?

From The Guardian:

"Depicting the sexual assault of Anna Bates as the next obstacle for her husband's freedom and happiness does every woman who settles down to Downton on a Sunday night a great disservice."


http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/12/anna-bates-stieg-larsson-downton-abbey

Monday, December 30, 2013

Downton Abbey’s shocking rape episode was not the show we’ve come to love

From Metro Blogs:

"The problem is if writers have used the assault purely to shock and up the ratings.  A Downton Abbey spokesman has said: ‘The events in episode three were, we believe, acted and directed with great sensitivity’ and ‘Viewers will see in the forthcoming episodes how Anna and Bates struggle to come to terms with what has happened.’

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/08/downton-abbey-sunday-nights-shocking-episode-was-not-the-show-weve-come-to-love-4138822/ 

Downton Abbey rape scene criticised as gratuitous plot device

From news.com.au:

"Although the episode was shown after the 9pm, many viewers felt the scene was inappropriate for a family drama.
Sabine Edwards tweeted that she felt "sick", adding: "Rape & violence against women are not entertainment tactics."
Vivienne Adams added: "I am v uncomfortable with plot turn by Julian F -- rape as entertainment."
Another said: "I realise that Downton Abbey is essentially just a big soap opera, but I absolutely hate when rape is used as a plot device.'"

 http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/downton-abbey-rape-scene-criticised-as-gratuitous-plot-device/story-e6frfmyi-1226734605356

Rape at The Abbey

From the FWSA Blog:

"Come on Downton, really? Don’t leave it this way. Don’t let Anna’s harrowing story become a revenge plot, and don’t let this media furore be for nothing,"

http://fwsablog.org.uk/2013/11/17/rape-at-downton-abbey/

Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt Defends Rape Storyline

From Marie Claire online:
"I felt all along that we'd handled it very sensitively and I hope people see that as the episodes carry on. I am very proud of the way that Downton as a show has handled that, and I'm very proud of the fact they decided to tackle such an important issue."
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544696/downton-abbey-s-joanne-froggatt-defends-rape-storyline-it-wasn-t-about-viewing-figures.html#30j6DfEv6VTXjRcW.99
"I felt all along that we'd handled it very sensitively and I hope people see that as the episodes carry on. I am very proud of the way that Downton as a show has handled that, and I'm very proud of the fact they decided to tackle such an important issue."
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544696/downton-abbey-s-joanne-froggatt-defends-rape-storyline-it-wasn-t-about-viewing-figures.html#30j6DfEv6VTXjRcW.99
"I felt all along that we'd handled it very sensitively and I hope people see that as the episodes carry on. I am very proud of the way that Downton as a show has handled that, and I'm very proud of the fact they decided to tackle such an important issue."
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544696/downton-abbey-s-joanne-froggatt-defends-rape-storyline-it-wasn-t-about-viewing-figures.html#30j6DfEv6VTXjRcW.99

"It’s not just a shocking storyline to try and get viewing figures." 

Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt Defends Rape Storyline: 'It Wasn't About Viewing Figures' Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544696/downton-abbey-s-joanne-froggatt-defends-rape-storyline-it-wasn-t-about-viewing-figures.html#30j6DfEv6VTXjRcW.99

"I felt all along that we'd handled it very sensitively and I hope people see that as the episodes carry on. I am very proud of the way that Downton as a show has handled that, and I'm very proud of the fact they decided to tackle such an important issue."
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544696/downton-abbey-s-joanne-froggatt-defends-rape-storyline-it-wasn-t-about-viewing-figures.html#30j6DfEv6VTXjRcW.99

Spoiler alert: Downton Abbey plot line creates controversy

From TheStar.com:

“This is so sick and sensationalist it makes me angry,” tweeted one viewer.
“How could they do this to her? Are they so desperate for ratings? I’m never going to watch again,” said another.
“For family drama Downton Abbey to use violence against women as a plot point is morally reprehensible,” tweeted yet another.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2013/10/08/spoiler_alert_downton_abbey_rape_brings_outrage.html

The Promise Never Kept - Viewers complain following Downton Abbey rape scene

From The Independent:

A spokesman for Downton Abbey defended the storyline, saying: “The complex and loving journey of Anna and Bates has been central to the narrative of the show. The events in episode three were, we believe, acted and directed with great sensitivity. Viewers will see in the forthcoming episodes how Anna and Bates struggle to come to terms with what has happened.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/viewers-complain-following-downton-abbey-rape-scene-8866085.html 

Downton Abbey Rape Scene will not face investigation

From The Guardian:

"The fact that [viewers] engage with it is sort of what you pray for as a programme-maker, because with most series that's not happening. It's always a compliment that everyone gets so involved in the show."

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDkQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fmedia%2F2013%2Fnov%2F04%2Fdownton-abbey-rape-scene-no-investigation-itv&ei=Ym_CUpzHNcjcyQGohYDYCw&usg=AFQjCNEANIZTZ-Ml_Tp_mfI1gHAaDwcoBQ&sig2=12Q1bJbuZ6mT5c_HKyDCzA 

Can we go back to that Downton Abbey?

From tumblr blog Stuff and Things:

"Do you remember when Fellowes said that originally they thought having a bed scene for Anna and Mr. Bates wedding was too shocking? Remember that? Can we go back to that Downton Abbey?”

http://a-tardis-at-downton.tumblr.com/post/71591632323/queen-of-love-and-beauty-a-tardis-at-downton 

Trigger warning: rape, sexual assault, victim blaming

From tumblr blog well-thats-ood:

"Remember how we were promised a storyline that was “emotionally beautiful” and “empowering for other survivors,” and we never got that? It was never about Anna. The purpose of her rape was a.) shocking plot twist!, and b.) let’s give her husband more manly manly manpain," 

http://well-thats-ood.tumblr.com/post/71321278714/trigger-warning-rape-sexual-assault-victim 

I loved my role as the bad guy of Downton

From tumblr blog The Sitting Duck, by way of the Belfast Telegram:

"Although the attack was not shown, viewers could hear Green hitting Anna before she emerged later with cuts and bruises to her face. Afterwards the traumatized maid was seen cowering and sobbing in a corner. ‘What we wanted to do was to try and not signal about what was to come. We went for something as it would be in real life that was very shocking,’”

 http://panuchartrain.tumblr.com/post/71402127491/i-loved-my-role-as-the-bad-guy-of-downton

THAT'S IT?

From tumblr blog downtonluvr:

"We sat through one of the most horrific things to happen to one of our favorite characters/couples after all the shit they already went through. There was no healing,”

 http://downtonluvr.tumblr.com/post/71142212363/thats-it-we-get-her-buying-him-an-ice-cream-after

Fellowes......

From tumblr blog Readergirl925:

"Anna’s strength and innocent joy were a main part of the show.  and that innocent joy is gone and after seeing the rest of the season, I doubt it’s coming back,”

http://readergirl925.tumblr.com/post/71146530506/fellowes 

My take on the S4CS

From tumblr blog AngelPrincessAnna:

"There was no acknowledgement of what Anna went though in S4, except from Mrs. Hughes, and not to Anna, but to Mary. Fellowes, as I’ve said, did not handle it well, and now it’s swept it under the rug… like I thought it would. So in the end it was a bunch of shock value,”

http://angel-princess-anna.tumblr.com/post/71147091919/my-take-on-the-s4cs 

Downton Abbey Christmas Special Review

From DigitalSpy.com:

"Woman gets raped, husband kills rapist, everyone agrees husband is still a jolly good bloke anyway, couple enjoy a penny lick on the beach and everyone is happy again. It felt like a disservice to the serious and important subject - and some brilliant performances from Joanne Froggatt - for this story to come together so neatly and briskly,”

http://www.digitalspy.com/british-tv/s183/downton-abbey/recaps/a539098/downton-abbey-christmas-special-review-have-your-say.html 

Rant

From tumblr blog annamays:

"I would just like to understand how Julian Fellowes writes an episode and Anna gets raped, he says it’ll be handled beautifully, makes it a story about vengeance and murder, and, somehow… Anna ends up being the 4th most important character in her own horrible rape storyline,”

http://annamays.tumblr.com/post/71195673385/rant 

Boot Room Fails

From tumblr blog:  Harpy101

"When a person is violently assaulted, the place where their assault happened becomes strongly associated with the assault and the resulting trauma. Anna was raped and thrown on a table edge in the boot room..."

http://harpy101.tumblr.com/post/71394151524/boot-room-fails-downton-abbey-s4-spoilers-trigger

A Profitable Rape

Downton Abbey is rolling out the merchandise just in time for the holidays, and before we find out in the Christmas Special if Bates killed.  It’s another installment of Did Bates Kill?


The cliffhanger is hanging on a plot generated by a brutal rape scene, which the writer said was done to “Explore the damage”.

He has given the character four lines in eight shows to talk about her “damage”.  This is not exploration.

This is exploitation.

Dollars generated from merchandise will not be directly funding an official approval of rape, or even just the rape plot line.  This is the fourth season and there are lots of stories that have delighted people and will inspire them to fork over.  I wish them well.

For my wallet vote, Fellowes can have a flaming bag on the doorstep.

Downton Abbey Season 4 [Spoiler] Dies!

From Wetpaint.com:

"...the brutal rape scene was awful and really upset me and I do not like such scenes in a drama - too much thank you. No we didn’t see the rape but we saw enough to make imagination almost worse,"

http://www.wetpaint.com/downton-abbey/articles/2013-11-10-season-4-finale-green-dies

I will never be okay with it, I will never think Fellowes was right to do it, I will never see brilliant acting as compensation.

From tumblr blog thank-god-and-you:

It was too much to hope that he’d ... make Anna the focal point of the story, that Bates’ involvement would be on the side of helping her to overcome her ordeal…I could have tried to accept the fact that he’d tried to highlight a sensitive issue or whatever. But the way things played out made it very clear to me that he’d only done it for the shock, and that the aftermath just wasn’t important to him,”

http://thank-god-and-you.tumblr.com/post/67004881198/a-b-thoughts-all-negative-feel-very-free-to 

A Fairy Tale Rape

From Kinja blog Harpy101:

"Writer/creator Julian Fellowes is creating a horrible lie: a fairy tale rape. We’re supposed to become invested in Anna’s journey back. But in real life, there is no “back”. You are never the same,"

http://harpy101.kinja.com/a-fairy-tale-rape-1444528098 

The "Scandal" And "Downton Abbey" Rape Scenes Are Problematic, But Not For The Reasons You Might Think

From Huffington post:


Fictional rape has the distinct ability to be dealt with in a positive and empowering manner, Neither “Scandal” or “Downton,” however, even closely enlisted advocacy in their depictions of sexual violence.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-duca/scandal-rape-downton-rape_b_4282109.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Downton Abbey Finale and Mild Feminist Rage

From tumblr blog Vivian Leigh:

"We have EVERY right to be raging and upset by what Fellowes did to Anna this season. Her rape was used as entertainment fodder, something to juice up the plot, used to sensationalize and jump start ratings. The storyline overall was handled EXTREMELY poorly, and Fellowes had no business including it,"


http://vivienleigh.co.vu/post/66903972669/downton-abbey-finale-and-mild-feminist-rage

Is it time for a Downton Abbey casting cull?

From the Radio Times:

"…life at Downton during the fourth series…has been more than a little dreary, apart from a visit from a world-famous opera singer and a rape below stairs. But never mind, eh, victim Anna was taken out for a nice dinner at a posh restaurant to make up for it, so that’s all right then,”

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-10/is-it-time-for-a-downton-abbey-casting-cull 

Downton Abbey producers won't be punished by TV watchdog for rape storyline

 From The Express:
Blatant LIE: The point of our handling is not that we’re interested in sensationalising, but we’re interested in exploring the mental damage and the emotional damage,”
http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/441221/Downton-Abbey-producers-won-t-be-punished-by-TV-watchdog-for-rape-storyline


Exploring the Damage

From Tumblr blog Sad and Stoned:

"If we’d wanted a sensational rape, we could have stayed down in the kitchen with the camera during the whole thing and wrung it out.  The point of our handling is not that we’re interested in sensationalising, but we’re interested in exploring the mental damage and the emotional damage."


http://hewlettsdaughter.tumblr.com/post/66127024448/if-wed-wanted-a-sensational-rape-we-could-have

 

Why I object to Julian Fellowes’ rape of Anna Bates in Downton Abbey.

From Tumblr blog Lady Edith's Chest Hair:

“…my objection to the story of Green raping of Anna is that Downton Abbey is not a setting where the problem of rape will get full and fair treatment,”

http://lady-ediths-chest-hair.tumblr.com/post/64344451025/why-i-object-to-julian-fellowes-rape-of-anna-bates-in 

'Morally reprehensible': Downton Abbey viewers left in shock after Anna Bates is raped

 From The Express:
"Many fans announced that they were so distressed by the scenes that they planned to either boycott the programme or make an official complaint,"
 
http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/434992/Morally-reprehensible-Downton-Abbey-viewers-left-in-shock-after-Anna-Bates-is-raped

Downton Abbey, Shock and Responsibility

 Den of Geek:

"More injurious still was that the rape was presented as the punch line to an episode-long set-up. From the moment the continuity announcer prefaced this week’s Downton Abbey with the promise of violent scenes, the guessing game fun began. Would we see Molesley mowed down by the Bakewell’s delivery van? Jimmy perish from jam jar injury-related complications? Daisy finally stave in Ivy’s pretty head with that rolling pin? Wrong, wrong and wrong again. It was a rape! Bet you didn’t see that coming. Not thinking of switching over to Homeland now are you?


http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/downton-abbey/27606/downton-abbey-rape-and-responsibility

I’m glad Downton Abbey brought home the horror of rape

The Belfast Telegraph:

Jane Graham liked it.  “If (Julian Fellowes) hoped to make a point about the dangers of consensus complacency, or how suddenly and cruelly life can snap a bite out of us, he must be feeling rather chuffed with himself now,”

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jane-graham/im-glad-downton-abbey-brought-home-the-horror-of-rape-29652145.html

Why Downton Abbey's rape storyline hurts survivors

From The F Word Blog:

"So writers, listen up: rape is not a plot device to make female characters more interesting. It is not trivial. If your show is about things that are trivial, on the whole, then a plot line about rape is not appropriate,"

http://www.thefword.org.uk/blog/2013/10/why_downtown_abbey

Was the Downton Abbey rape scene acceptable TV?

From The Guardian:

Rhiannon found it exciting:  “The drama of this scene made me sit up,”

Bidisha did not: “If you’re a bored man who writes for the TV, include the rape of a woman in your script. It will excite actors and invigorate the show. What a buzz: setting up a brutalised woman and worming around in her pain,”
 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/08/downton-abbey-rape-scene-acceptable-tv

Rape at the Abbey: has Downton gone too far for Sunday nights?

From The Telegraph:

"Using violence against women to stir up drama on the series — it just comes off as exploitative and unnecessary. In the US we have a phrase for this sort of desperate move: Jumping the shark,"
Check the comments below the article.  How dare someone NOT like a rape?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/downton-abbey/10361216/Rape-at-the-Abbey-has-Downton-gone-too-far-for-Sunday-nights.html

Disturbingly Violent ‘Downton Abbey’ Episode Goes Too Far


From "The Stir"


http://thestir.cafemom.com/entertainment/162205/disturbingly_violent_downton_abbey_episode