Photo Credit: ITV

Last night Downton was bustling with activity as everyone prepared for Rose’s upcoming nuptials. There was plenty of drama but also  so much visual beauty from the amazing wedding cake and floral decor to the chic dresses and matching hats to the sprawling grounds. Despite all the drama, there was also a message of love and hope. As Carson put it, “We must always travel in hope.” I was disappointed that the wedding was at the Registry Office but Rose looked lovely, none the less.

Photo Credit: ITV

In the Mind of A Wicked Mother…

Downton has seen it’s share of annoying dinner guests this season. First Miss Bunting, then Isobel’s future son-in-law Larry and now Rose’s mother from hell, Susan. It is one thing to be rude, annoying and selfish but she reached new heights when she tried to sabotage Rose’s upcoming marriage. During Atticus’ bachelor party, Atticus decided he had enough to drink and went to his room. Before leaving he made eye contact with, as Mary put it,  a “tart of some kind” and she followed him to his room. He sent her away but she returned and knocked. Atticus, in his robe, answered the door and she entered the room, slipped her dress sleeves below her shoulders then walked out of the room. As she exited, she paused and looked in one direction and smiled and she adjusted her dress. I commented to Brian that someone is obtaining some incriminating evidence. He said, maybe she was just looking in the mirror to adjust her dress. Aw, my sweet hubby who always thinks the best of people, that was a TMZ moment if I ever saw one. Sure enough. The next day rose received an anonymous package with photos of Atticus and the woman making him look guilty of cheating on her.

It was suspected that Lord Sinderby was the culprit but in reality it was dear Mama Susan who had no qualms at destroying her daughter’s happiness. Her plan did not work as Shrimpie put her in her place. However, Susan made one last ditch effort when she tried to stop the wedding by telling Lord Sinderby that she and Shrimpie are getting a divorce and that Atticus and his family would be stained by such a scandal. She got the desired effect from Sinderby but his lovely wife saved the day by gracefully thanking Susan for the information since it allowed them to be forewarned and forearmed. Her kindness was only matched with her ferocity to see Atticus happy when she threatened her husband that she would leave him if he did anything to stop the marriage from taking place. In the end, the trials are overcome and Rose and Atticus are happily married.

In Other Scandalous Affairs…

Prince K has not given up his pursuit of Granny, who looked lovely in her various shades of lavender clothing. There are not many who can make Violet not only speechless but blush, but that is just what he did when Prince K suggested that they spend their remaining years together “as a friend and as a lover,” even though he is still married to the missing Princess. I can’t imagine Violet every accepting such an offer but she did not refuse either. But I must say, what is this guy up to? His insistence seems a little excessive. Or is he really completely smitten?

In A Moment of Redemption…

Robert’s past annoying behavior was long forgotten after tonight’s episode. He paid a great kindness to Mrs. Patmore as he secretly arranged a small memorial for her nephew. He also decided to improve the cottages by selling the Della Francesca painting that he was once proud of. Cora asked him if she spoiled the painting for him with the memory of Mr. Bricker.  Robert kindly explains saying, “Every time I look at it I am reminded that I didn’t trust you and I feel so angry with myself, I want to be rid of it.” He and Cora then share one of their loving looks that we have not seen in a long time. Lastly, Robert finally put two and two together in regards to Edith and Marigold. He realized the truth and shares it with Cora. She confirmed it and he took it surprisingly well. Times and attitudes really are changing!

These changes were hitting Lady Mary keenly. (We find that she is most kind and tolerable when she is hurting.) Mary’s introspection allowed for a tender scene between her and her surrogate father Carson. He delivered just the words she needed to hear at the moment.

In A Parallel Universe…

Meanwhile, in the Downstairs, Denker was giving everyone a taste of her sharp tongue and pushy ways. I’ll admit, that I was liking Denker, especially when she was giving Spratt a run for his money. However, a darker side came out when she took the new footman Andy under her wing only to use him as a “punter” at a gambling joint. While Andy lost money at cards, she was given free drinks at the bar. Who would have thought that out hero of the night would be Thomas, using his powers for good instead of evil. He played along with Denker only to turn the tables on her and get her in trouble with the owner of the bar. I wondered if it would cause her trouble back at Downton but in a scene following she was back at Granny’s side at the dedication. I would love to see more of the improved Thomas and let someone else (new) take the bad guy role for a change.

Sharing this universe, we saw Edith happy and fulfilled as she stepped into the role of Mommy with joy. I hope to see her smile more often in future episodes!

In A Plot Twist…

Photo Credit: ITV

The never ending black cloud hovering over Anna and Bates was kicked up a several notches this episode. I must say that the believability of this story bombshell was ridiculous. First we had a surprise witness say that someone was on the platform with Greene before he died. Then they investigated Bates thinking that he was the murderer. Suddenly tonight they realize the suspect was taller? Do you mean to tell me that your witness, when first reporting the crime, made no mention of the fact that the person was not in fact a sturdy sized man, like Bates, but was actually a petite woman like Anna? How in the world did you go from Bates to Anna? Did I miss something? Ugh. They had better wrap up this storyline in next week’s finale or I will sign off this show forever. (Yeah, that’s as believable as this storyline. Snort.)

Favorite Quotes

Violet: “Love may  not conquer all, but it can conquer quite a lot.”

Robert: “Don’t call me Donk.”

Violet: “Don’t proclaim your intransigence as if it were a virtue.” (My new word of the day.) 😉

Understatement of the Year from Carson: (When speaking of Mr Greeen’s actions) “How very unpleasant.”

Denker: (To Spratt) “How else would you like to be summoned? By Joshua’s trumpet?”

Violet: I hope you can manage a few days without Denker, Spratt.
Spratt: “A hope that will be fulfilled, and gladly, m’lady.”

Mary: “I’ll tell you what, why don’t the four of us go to Lunch on Wednesday? Even you, Edith.”

Mrs. Patmore: “Is this a kitchen or a holiday resort?”

Tom: “I must live my life.”
Mary: “What, and leave me alone with Edith? When you read in the paper that I’m on trial for murder, it’ll be your fault.”

Violet: “Love is a far more dangerous motive than dislike.”

Andy: “Mrs. Denker was taken ill.”
Carson: “Never mind being taken ill. I wish she was taken away… by the men in white coats.”

Susan: “I don’t believe it. Am I just expected to be a good loser?”
Violet: “It’s too late for that, my dear. Far too late.”

Lord Sinderby: “Well, well, the thing is done. Let us go forward in hope.”

Carson (to Mrs. Hughes): “We must always travel in hope.”

Cora: “And you’ll love her? Your new granddaughter?”
Robert: “A a matter of fact, and perhaps to my surprise, I rather think I will.”

Random Thoughts:

Photo Credit – ITV

Pratt made so many angry sighs this episode, I couldn’t help but picture him as an Edwardian Napoleon Dynamite. I kept expecting him to yell at Denker, “You’re such a freaking idiot! Gosh!”

Okay, now tell me your thoughts about the show! Favorite scene? Favorite quote? Predictions for the finale? Do tell. 🙂

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