Have you recently thought about stopping in Alliot to shout, “Free Bates!” or talking to your friends for hours about how Mary and Matthew are the perfect couple? Well, you’re not alone! It seems that so many students have been caught up in the Downton trend that has hit SMCVT, planning Downton dates on Sunday night or talking about it as soon as they get to class. Don’t know what Downton is? Downton Abbey, PBS’ hit Masterpiece: Classic show, is a time period drama, set in early 1900’s England. Its central focus is on the lives of the noble, but crumbling Crawley family and their servants downstairs. The plot exposes juicy secrets such as affairs with foreign dignities and mystifying murders, but also brings a sense of history to the show, having events such as the Titanic sinking, World War I, and the Spanish influenza play significant roles. The characters humorous wit and sly manipulations make you tune in, but it is the show’s ability to make you empathize the ins and outs of this family’s life that keep you watching. Downton Abbey is preparing for its 4th season, which will premiere next year, but don’t fret! You can still watch all of Season 3 on PBS.com until April.