Amazing Internet Things: The Dowager Countess Faces Off with Game of Thrones’ Queen of Thorns

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This particular Amazing Internet Thing will be of special interest to those of you are Game of Thrones fans in addition to being British television lovers. And, really, there’s so much Awesome British Talent appearing in the HBO series on a weekly basis that it’s practically got honorary Brit TV status anyway.

For those of you who don’t know, Game of Thrones tells the story of several warring families/factions battling for control of a kingdom called Westeros in a time period that sort of looks like the Middle Ages, but isn’t quite. It’s very high fantasy and it’s also very enjoyable, if a bit violent and life ruining because basically every character you ever care about will have something extremely horrible happen to them.

Anyway, Thrones recently introduced the matriarch of House Tyrell, a sassy grandmother named Lady Olenna (also known as the Queen of Thorns) who bears a more than passing resemblance to another acid-tongued head of household from a slightly different time period. Yes, this is basically what Downton Abbey’s Dowager Countess might look like if she were transported back in time to lead her family during violent times of political backstabbing and war. And, much like her Edwardian counterpart, Lady Olenna is also played by another British luminary, Dame Diana Rigg. They’re pretty much the same character, and it’s kind of amazing. 

To be honest, Rigg actually might be a better sparring partner for Dame Maggie Smith than Shirley MacLaine! Don’t suppose there’s any way to get her to guest on Downton do you? Or maybe for them to have their own show where they just sit around and snark at things? Hey, a girl can dream.

(Source: Vulture


Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

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