YEAR OF THE SOAP: Why is DOWNTON ABBEY So Popular? Will Season 3 Be Just as Good?

In recent BBC coverage of the lead-in to DOWNTON ABBEY's season three (United Kingdom) premiere, it seems no one in London can stop talking about America, how successful DOWNTON is here, and the secret of the series' success.

"I went to New York and me and Lesley got recognized. It was so weird... we never get recognized in London or a place like that!" exclaims Sophie McShera, DOWNTON's beleagured kitchen maid, Daisy.