I don't watch much TV and resisted watching the series- until after Christmas. Watched Seasons 1 and 2 on Hulu Plus before New Years- and Loved it! I think the casting is great, but the writing for the Thomas character is too overtly smarmy for my taste. Dame Maggie Smith is fantastic, even with just a head tilt. I hadn't realized the writer Julian Fellowes is one of the actors from Monarch of the Glen. Never thought I'd enjoy Maureen McGovern, but she's perfect in this. Even the meek little Daisy character is well played. I agree Shirley McLain's character is a bit over the top. It's been many, many years since I liked a series well enough to follow it. An enjoyable diversion from Life.