Giles Keyte/Carnival Film & Television No one throws shade quite like Downton Abbey's Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith). And since Downton Abbey's fourth season kicks off this Sunday on PBS (for us Yanks, at least), we thought it might be nice to celebrate the many, many moments the Countess got sassy.
Those familiar with the series know that Dowager Countess has zero time for your shenanigans and tomfoolery. So don't even start with her, or else her sassy side will come out. That's not great for you, but it's very entertaining for us. As long as she keeps up the sly putdowns and witty repertoire, we'll keep watching Downton Abbey:
Oh, you're happy? Well, she's hungry.
No, you're not being rude. Just stupid.
You thought that putdown was actually a compliment? Silly you.
Our personal favorite comeback to use in present day.
Nothing is worse than when you start acting like the middle class.
Dowager Countess is not impressed by the fact that you have a penis.
The truthiest statement that's ever been true'd.
That age-old exclamation sounds classy when she says it.
Can you blame her? She hates looking at people in the eyes.
Finally, for your perusal, we present: A Collection of Countess Dowager's Best Shade-Throwing Expressions:
Lest you forget, Downton Abbey's fourth season premiers this Sunday on PBS. For those of you who have already seen it: no spoilers and don't rub it in!