Wonderfully written, directed and performed. Casting is perfect. What I love about it is how Julian Fellowes paced the increments of time to keep it moving and interesting. For example, when Mary or Edith got engaged, we didn't have to suffer through the selecting of trousseau, flowers, etc. One episode they are engaged, and next going to the altar (they each made that trip twice!)
It's a fantastic costume drama with about 15 leading characters. A must see for any Anglophile. Sorry when it had to end, although the box office hit picked up right where things left off. BRAVO.