"Downton Abbey" and the Fantasy of a Bygone Era I agree with Ms. Chocano's thoughtful description of "an imagined ideal of an enlightened aristocracy whose conservatism included a sense of responsibility, not disdain, toward those dependent on it," and I'd add that the pleasure of "Downton Abbey" is watching noble characters endeavor to do what is right and responsible toward others irrespective of the direct personal consequences. Today we're faced with the sorry spectacle of so-called leaders in business and politics seemingly always advancing their own interests, or those of their narrowly defined group, while disingenuously claiming allegiance to the greater good. The fantasy of "Downton Abbey" stands in stark contrast to our current reality. In her "Downton Abbey" article, Carina Chocano found the popular portrayal of early-20th-century aristocrats and their servants at odds with today's cries for more economic equality. Perhaps what we love about the show and what we pine for in real life is the same after all - a mutually respectful society where those at the top of the ladder can be counted on to show compassion by stepping in to help out when misfortune befalls someone at the bottom. Please stop deconstructing "Downton Abbey." It's damn good theater.