You might think you don’t have much in common with Lord and Lady Grantham and their privileged daughters, but you don’t have to watch “Downton Abbey” for long to feel empathy toward the wealthy family living in England in the early 20th century. Yes, they might have butlers and cooks and lady’s maids at their beck and call, spend their free time off hunting and attending society balls, and occasionally wear tiaras to dinner, but they’re not above blackmail, backstabbing or betrayal.
Plus, like all good family dramas, there’s the formidable grandmother — sorry, “Grandmama” — complete with withering put-downs and inimitable facial expressions, played by the wonderful Maggie Smith.
