PETER SAGAL, HOST:
Right now, panel, it's time for you to answer some questions about this week's news. Peter, this week NPR News unleashed its powerful investigative reporters on a scandal in the media. What was it?
PETER GROSZ: I don't now. About me needing a hint to answer this question?
SAGAL: No.
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SAGAL: Well, for example, they're pretty sure Lady Mary should not have described the flower show as "totally rad."
GROSZ: I don't watch "Downton Abbey," but is it "Downton Abbey"?
SAGAL: It was "Downton Abbey." Specifically, it's the anachronisms in "Downton Abbey," because the show is known for its attention to historical detail, but linguist Ben Zimmer, interviewed on MORNING EDITION, pointed out the characters use phrases that came about after the 19-teens setting. For example, "I'm just saying."
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SAGAL: "Step on it." Nobody said step on it back then. And the Dowager Countess' reference to Linsanity.
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MO ROCCA: I love this. This is NPR beating up PBS. It's nerd on nerd violence.
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GROSZ: You know what they're doing? They're beating them up with - they're taking their tote bags and smashing...
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ROCCA: And smacking, it's crazy.
GROSZ: Smashing back with their coffee mugs.
SAGAL: One of the most egregious anachronisms on the show was when World War I starts and Lady Mary says "World War I just started."
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KYRIE O'CONNOR: No.
ROCCA: Did she just say - no.
GROSZ: She says this'll be the war to end all wars.
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ROCCA: Oh right, that's very funny. She wouldn't have known it was World War I. Sorry, it took me a while.
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SAGAL: Mo Rocca, ladies and gentlemen.
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(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.