VIDEO: Watch a preview of “Manor of Speaking.”

To the Manor

It’s all about the joy of a shared experience, says Ernie Manouse, host of “Manor of Speaking,” of HoustonPBS’s Emmy Award-winning “Downton Abbey” after-show. Launched in 2013, the show brings panelists and a studio audience together to watch and discuss each episode.

Since almost half of those watching “Downton” stay around, you may already know those joining Manouse on the couch. Manouse’s regular guests St. John

Flynn and Helen Mann are joined by Mister Rodgers, the butler played by actor

Luke Wrobel, as well as two other superfan panelists. The rotating panelists are selected for their expertise in the theme of the upcoming show, Manouse says,

“but they’re not there to be interviewed.” They’re fans of the show who add something of their knowledge when the conversation heads that direction.

For the upcoming season, the show will be pre-recorded Tuesday nights. You can join the studio audience by signing up on the website (and swearing not to share spoilers). The studio audience watches the upcoming Sunday’s episode, submits questions and then moves to the “Manor” stage for the fast-paced,

“live-to-tape” show, which features four primary segments.

In “History 101,” Manouse explains an element of the show for the American audience, such as how the British Prime Ministry works. The “Grantham

Gazette” is a tongue-in-cheek recap of the episode, although Manouse says he won’t poke too much fun. “People are very connected to the story lines,” he says.

In “Across the Pond,” Manouse chats with someone involved with “Downton

Abbey,” such as executive producer Gareth Neame. There’s also a “Behind the Scenes” piece and, new this season, a sneak preview of the next episode.

Throughout, the “free-flowing conversation,” questions from the audience and silver-platter-delivered “tweets, my lord” help Manouse maintain the somewhat frantic pace he prefers for the show. “I want people to say, ‘It’s over already?’”

Manouse explains.

Both shows return Jan. 4, with the first “Manor” taping Dec. 16. Want to be in the audience? Get your costume ready and reserve free seats online at houstonpublicmedia.org/manor-of-speaking. Also coming is Downton Day, Dec. 6, where you can see a preview of the first “Downton” episode at three locations across the city. Can’t be there in person? Send comments and questions during the show via

Twitter @manorspeak.

GARDEN GIFT

To celebrate its 100th birthday, the Hermann Park Conservancy decided it was better to give than receive. The gift? The new McGovern Centennial Gardens and Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion. Says Doreen Stoller, the Conservancy’s executive director, “This project is a labor of love and we are thrilled to be able to present McGovern Centennial Gardens to the City of Houston during Hermann Park’s 100th year.”

The Gardens include a new 30-foot Garden Mount with water cascading around its sides; the Centennial Green; a family garden featuring fresh fruit and vegetables; and a completely reconsidered rose garden. In addition to the new Pavilion, the Chinese pagoda has been repainted and relocated into the new Tudor Family Pine Hill Walk.

Not only are the Gardens a great place to wander under one of the almost 500 new trees or stop to smell the 350 new roses, the celebration garden and pavilion will also be a great place to host events. Starting in January, new venue manager Linda Black will show off the catering kitchen and dressing spaces that make the beautiful setting an easy place to hold gatherings.

The gardens and pavilion should be open to the public by the end of the year. Rain slowed construction progress, but made for happy trees! As Stoller points out, “Gardens are never a finished work and this one is just getting started.”