Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 6: Thoughts on Episode 9

logo_downton_season_6W2_I’m sorry I never got to post a recap on the finale, which I loved. My father-in-law (who had a stroke last year) has been sick and has taken a turn for the worse so I’ve been preoccupied. However, I’ve spent all morning praying and controlling the tears and I have to pick up kids from school in twenty minutes and need a quick diversion. This is my diversion. I don’t have time for a recap so I’ll just post a few comments.

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

downton_season_6_ep9AThe Downton finale ended just as I wanted it to… with smiles and laughs and story lines wrapped up in a nice neat bow, no matter how contrived it may have seemed. I loved that our formerly poor Edith finally got her happy ending. I love that Bertie got a taste of life without Edith and it made him realize that his life was not complete without her by his side. I love that Edith refused to get married under a cloud of deceit, having learned the hard way about not telling the truth, and faced her future mother-in-law with the whole story of Marigold. Brave girl! I am sure the drama would have been played up if the show was not ending in less than two hours. Instead things worked out and Edith was able to marry Bertie with a clean conscience and a heart bursting with love. Swoon.

downton_season_6_ep9CAfter all the anger I had for Mary last week, I was more than pleased to see her behavior this week. Matthew was able to bring out a softer side of Mary but Henry was able to bring out a better side in Mary that we didn’t even knew was in there. I love than she made reparation with Edith by bringing her and Bertie together again. I love the tenderness she displayed towards Henry and the sisterly, not so much affection…but respect she shared with Edith, especially when she withheld her joyous news so she wouldn’t steal Edith’s thunder. Classy, Mary. I loved the motherly glow she displayed with the news of her little one growing inside her. I loved the way she had no qualms about her husband being a car salesman or the way she helped Anna undress and give birth to her baby in her room and in her bed. Bravo, Mary.

downton_season_6_ep9BAnna and Bates! We have suffered with them and shaken our fists at Mr. Fellowes over their story lines but tonight we were able to see them both smile and rejoice at the birth of their bundle of joy. It’s about time.

downton_season_6_ep9DIt wouldn’t have been a true Downton episode unless Granny saved the day! I don’t know what I enjoyed more – Violet fighting for her best friend against the likes of obnoxious Larry and his gold digging wife or hearing Violet giggle as she read Spratt’s article, leaving the pain-in-the-arse Denker speechless.

downton_season_6_ep9GLike Bertie, when Isobel faced the prospect of losing someone special in her life, she realized how much she loved Lord Merton and it sparked the crusader in her ready to fight for the man she loved, with Violet as her wing man. 😉

downton_season_6_ep9EAnd there was so many other smiles:

  • Mr. Molesley leaving to be a teacher.
  • The business venture and bromance of Tom and Henry.
  • Thomas turning away from the dark side and embracing the force of goodness as the new butler.
  • Carson being able to stay at Downton despite his illness.
  • Robert’s appreciation of Cora’s work.
  • Daisy finally coming to her sense and seeing what a treasure of a man Andy is. (Not to mention getting a chic modern hairdo.)
  • Daisy’s joining Mr. Mason at the Farm with (presumed) Andy to eventually follow.
  • The tender looks between Mr. Mason and my second fave character after Granny – Mrs. Patmore. As Granny said, “It’s good to be in love, whatever the age.”

downton_season_6_epFELike Tom, I hate good byes. But I am thankful for the lovely six years we’ve had with the Crawley clan…

You were more than just characters on a show. You became a small part of my life as I cheered, cried and laughed with you. Thanks for all the memories. On tedious mornings filled with laundry and dishes, I will be sure to pop you into the bluray player and relive the memories once again.

And thanks to you all for joining me for the ride. 🙂

What was your favorite happy moment? What will you watch next?

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉


TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 6: Episode 8 Recap

logo_downton_season_6W2_It was a roller coaster of emotions after the latest episode to Downton and now it’s time to sit and process so let’s get right into it!

(Sorry but that this ended up a lot longer than I intended!)

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

downton_6_8bThe arch characters in Sunday’s episode were sisters Mary and Edith. Edith was still contemplating whether or not she should tell Bertie the truth about Marigold. I must say that I hate when movies have a character that has information that they must tell a loved one but they lie or withhold it from them because they are scared of what will happen once they tell the truth. While I understand why they resist, inwardly I am screaming every time they open their mouth and don’t just come clean. It is like mental nails on a chalkboard within me so whenever Edith and Bertie were together I was dying that she was staying silent because the truth always has a way of coming out and it is always bad, at least at first.

To make matters more complicated, Lord Hexham, the owner of Brancaster Castle, died. Bertie, the cousin and agent, seemed to be without a job. In a striking change of events, Bertie was actually named the new Marquess of Hexham. As such, if Edith married him she would outrank them all. This came as a shock and pleasant surprise to the family. As Robert put it, “Golly gumdrops, what a turn up!” (Only at Downton could such a phrase be uttered with a straight face.) However, there was one person not pleased with the prospect of Edith as her superior. Mary’s looks were throwing daggers and when Tom teased her saying, “So we’ll all bow and curtsy to Edith. You’ll enjoy that Mary.” Mary coldly responds, “Hardly. And if Bertie really is Lord Hexham, which I still don’t believe, he won’t want to marry her now.” Seeing her spite, Cora replied, “Careful, or people will think you’re jealous, dear. We don’t want that.”

downton_6_8cWhile Edith was struggling with her dilemma, Mary was facing her own with Henry. Tom, almost obsessed with getting Henry back into Mary’s life, invited him to Downton. After spending some time away from Mary, Henry decided that he was going to fight for Mary telling her, “I am tougher than I look” and “If you’re trying to get rid of me, I’m going to make this as hard and as horrible as I can.” Mary was furious. For the first time I saw Henry as someone who could stand up to Mary and challenge her She is so used to having her way and people doing whatever she wants, it was nice to see someone meet her toe to toe and not back down.

Mary was feeling overwhelmed with the situation and had this conversation with Henry.

Mary: “I can’t bear to be maneuvered.”

Henry: “But, you see, I think we love each other very much. For some reason, you’re fighting it. I’m not. My birth is respectable so it can’t be that, which forces me to believe that it is my lack of money and position that present the problem. Aren’t you better than that?”

Mary: “What?”

Henry: “It just seems rather small to me. Not to marry a man for lack of money is the same as marrying a man because of it.”

Mary: (going upstairs): “Get out of my way.”

Henry: “Am I not right?”

Mary: “No, you push in here, into my home uninvited in order to call me a grubby little gold-digger? You’ve got a nerve.” And she stormed off.

downton_6_8dThe following morning Mary came down to breakfast and asked where Henry was. She was told that he had left. She was clearly upset that he was gone and she was soon taken over by the ghost of pre-Matthew Mary. All her anger and frustrations were whirling into a perfect emotional storm and she was ready to wreck havoc on whoever provoked her next. Unfortunately, that happened to be her nemesis Edith.

At the breakfast table Robert excused himself and after he walked out Bertie confessed that he was sorry Robert left before he could deliver his happy news. It was like watching a horror flick. Bertie was unexpectedly going to enter into a dark basement inhabited by a maniac serial killer. You could see the killer and the look in her eyes told you immediately what was going to take place but there was nothing you could do to stop it. Edith warned the unsuspecting victim not to enter into the dark basement with, “This is not the right moment” but he carried on. Just as they entered the basement the maniac raised her dagger and proceeded to slice them up with morbid pleasure.

My stomach was sick as I watched Mary calmly and calculatingly destroy Edith happiness by telling Bertie about Marigold and Edith’s past. While I do blame Edith for not coming clean with Bertie during the countless opportunities she had and while I was upset that she also kept poking the bear knowing full well how venomous Mary could be, I was livid with the way Mary callously exposed Edith. (Even as I am typing this and rethinking about it, my anger is rising.) I wanted to jump through the screen and throttle Mary and smack that smug look right off her face. (I may have to schedule a confession time this weekend. 😉 )

downton_6_8lBertie excused himself and prepared to leave for his trip. Before he left, he talked with Edith alone. He admitted to her that he was not hurt so much by the fact of her having a child or the scandal that may come with it, he was more hurt that she kept the truth from him. He told her that had she explained everything to him herself, things might have been different. He explained, “I don’t feel I can spend my life with someone I don’t trust. Who didn’t trust me.” Edith realized the mistake she made in keeping silent. They said their goodbyes and wished each other well. They both parted with broken hearts.

downton_6_8eAfter Bertie left, Tom confronted Mary about her behavior telling her, “Well you got what you wanted.” She tried to deny it and claimed that she didn’t know Edith hadn’t told him the truth yet. Tom would have none and finally showing his Irish temper argued, “Don’t play the innocent with me.” She tried to make another excuse but he yelled, “Don’t lie! Not to me! You can’t stop ruining things. For Edith, for yourself. You’d pull in the sky if you could! Anything to make you feel less frightened and alone.” They argued as she tried to justify herself in regards to Edith and Henry. Finally, she had enough and said she refused to listen to any more and she began to leave the room but not before Tom told her, “You’re a coward, Mary. Like all bullies, you’re a coward.” He left her there open mouthed and walked out.

downton_6_8fWhile back at home, Mary was feeling guilty and went to Edith’s room and tried to apologize. She made the same lame excuses about her not knowing that Bertie hadn’t been told about Marigold. Edith would not stand for it. She refused to believe her and told her exactly what she thought of her and her behavior with the most unladylike (yet justified) language. They go back and forth and Edith finally told Mary to leave her room. Mary silently refused to move and lifted her chin a bit higher (if I could have just reached out and slugged that chin… ahem, um, never mind.) Edith shook her head, gathered her things and walked out of the room. As she left she told Mary, “And you’re wrong, you know, as you so often are. Henry’s perfect for you. You’re just too stupid and stuck up to see it! Still, at least he’s got away from you, which is something to give thanks for, I suppose.” That one’s gotta hurt.

downton_season_6_ep_7cWhile all this is going on, Mr. Moseley started his first day as a teacher at the village school. Things were far from well as the children were unruly and disregarded anything he said. He felt disheartened and admitted to the staff that it was quite a challenge. The next morning Baxter walked with Mr. Moseley to school to give him moral support. He confided in Baxter about his fear of the students or their parents finding out that he was in service all of his life and was still working as a servant. She suggested that he be honest with them and tell them so “they wouldn’t have to find out.” (Hey, Edith, did you catch that piece of sage advice??) Moseley quietly gave it some thought then changed the subject to Thomas and his strange behavior. As he spoke a sixth sense or woman’s intuition stopped Baxter in her tracks. All the little clues she noticed about Thomas started coming together like pieces of a puzzle. She excused herself and rushed back to Downton.

Moseley continued to his classroom. As he was teaching his history lesson he told the class that maybe one of them would run the country one day. The kids claimed that such a thought was daft and that only a toff (which was a rich or upper class person) could run the country. He explained to them, “No, you see, you must never think that education is only for special people – for clever people, for toffs. Education is for everyone.” One student replied, “You would say that, sir.” He confessed to the students that he was just an ordinary bloke who spent his whole life in service fetching and carrying. They were surprised and spoke of their own parents who were in service. Moseley continued, “But I never gave up on learning, do you see? I read as much as he could and I taught myself, and I hope to be able to teach you. Maybe give you the shortcut I never had.” You could see the looks of the students’ faces. They were seriously considering what he was saying. He touched their hearts and inspired them to reach above what they thought possible. I think it was one of the best scenes of the show in the way it displayed hope and the need to look deeper within a person.  Moseley was always shown as a sort of bumbling fool but within there was an intelligent and sensitive man with more worth that other men deemed his superior.

downton_6_8hBack at Downton, Baxter was frantically searching for Thomas. Andy told her that he went to go take a bath. She tried to open the door and Andy broke it down for you. There they found Thomas in a bloody tub with his wrists slit. He was passed out but still breathing. They carried him to his room and called for the doctor. I think we all saw this coming so it was not a great shock but when the upstairs were told, they could not believe it. The silence was broken by Mary who asked Robert, “Do you still think dismissing Barrow was a useful saving, Papa?”  With a look of shock he replied, “That’s rather below the belt, even for you.” Seriously, Mary?? Someone better hid Tio the puppy because she may kick him as she walks by.

That evening preparing for bed with Anna, Mary does look shaken. With tears in her eyes she says, “What a day. I ruin Lady Edith’s life and Barrow tries to end his.”  When Anna brought up Henry, Mary was short with her. Mary apologized and called it a night. The following morning there was a sweet scene between Mary, Master George and Thomas. George visited Thomas in his room (did anyone else notice the nasty mattresses the servants slept on?) and gave him an orange as a gift. Thomas was touched and remarked that at least he had one friend. Mary asked him, “Have you been lonely?” Thomas answered, “If I have I’ve only myself to blame. I’ve done and said things. I don’t know why. I can’t stop myself. Now I am paying the price.” Mary responded, “Strange, I could say the same. I hope things improve for you. I really do.” He said, “I’d say the same if it weren’t impertinent, m’lady.” I am glad that Thomas was not killed off and that he has been given a chance at redemption. In the earlier seasons, he was definitely a character we loved to hate but I am all for conversions from the dark side to the light.

 

downton_6_8gAfter her visit with Thomas, Mary discovered that Granny had not only returned to England but she was sitting in her bedroom waiting to speak with her (thanks to Tom who had filled Granny with all the current details.) Granny questioned Mary about Edith and Mary’s facial expression explaining how she felt about Edith should seriously be a meme. Granny told Mary that she was unhappy and that was why she was lashing out. Mary listed all the reasons why she should not be involved with Henry – his lack of money, position, not being a true countryman. Granny asked that his credentials be left to the side for a moment. She wanted to know if Mary was in love with him. Mary was exasperated that she of all people would act as if his qualifications didn’t matter. Granny explained that Tony had all that she could wish for – birth, money, looks but he didn’t suit Mary because he wasn’t clever or strong enough. On the other hand, Henry was both.

Finally Mary broke down and admitted the truth. She tearfully told Granny that she could not be a crash widow again. She already lost Matthew to a car and she couldn’t bear to lose Henry the same way. She would not ask Henry to give up car racing for fear he would resent her. Composing herself momentarily, she asked Granny, “Oh, can’t you find me some duke. There must be one spare. So I can put Edith in her place?” Granny answers, “You are the only woman I know who likes to think herself cold and selfish and grand. Most of us spend our lives trying to hide it…. I believe in rules and traditions and playing our part. But there is something else….I believe in love.” She went on to advise Mary to first make peace with her sister and then make peace with herself. Mary nodded her consent and hugged Granny.

 

downton_6_8aIn other developments, last week Mrs. Patmore was excited and proud of her new bed and breakfast. However, we saw a man lurking in the bushes taking notes with a camera. It turned out that her guest, a doctor and his wife, was actually a married man with his mistress. Now his wife and filing for divorce and Mr. Patmore may have to testify as she was the proprietor at the alleged house of ill repute. She nearly fainted at the thought while everyone else, downstairs and upstairs got hearty laughs at the thought of her as “an unlikely bawdy house madam.” Fortunately, Rosamund suggested that she, Cora and Robert visit Mrs. Patmore’s establishment for tea. Carson was flabbergasted they would associate themselves with a “tawdry local brouhaha” (if he only knew a fraction of the scandals that went behind their own closed doors) but Robert rebuffed him saying they had enough back bone to handle it and they owed it to Mrs. Patmore (who was in grateful tears by now) to stand by her. In the end they had their tea and they made sure the newspaper was present to photograph them with Mrs. Patmore.

 

downton_6_8iMeanwhile, Edith and her editor are pleased that the new columnist for the magazine is doing so well but they want to meet the mysterious Cassandra Jones in person. Miss Edmunds told Cassandra that if she wanted to be paid more money then Cassandra would have to come to the office and negotiate in person. Edith and Miss Edmunds were unsure if  the real Cassandra would show up or an impersonator. They decided to have the code word “bananas” if they thought she was telling the truth and was the real Cassandra. Towards the end of the episode the mysterious Cassandra Jones was revealed and it is none other than Mr. Spratt! Well, that was a jolly good shock!

Elsewhere, in a moving scene in which Mary slowly redeems herself in my eyes, Mary visited the grave of Matthew and tearfully told him that she was in love with Henry and hoped that he was happy for her and she would be happy for him. She goes on saying, “Remember, however much I love him, I will always love you. ” (Is it weird that the Cure’s Lovesong started playing in my head at that moment?) Mary met Isobel as she was leaving the cemetery and she told Mary that she was delighted that she would be marrying again. Mary truly looked grateful.

downton_6_8kMary returned home and found Henry and Yente the Matchmaker, um, I mean Tom together. Tom left them alone and Henry asked, “Well?…Mary, the last time I saw you, you threw me out for saying that I love you. Now you’ve whistled and I’m here, but I don’t know why.” Mary admitted that he was right. They were both in love and she had been fighting it. She said they were equals in what mattered – in strength and compassion. She rang for tea and he was a bit flabbergasted asking, “Are you always so cool and collected? I do hope so…your words have made my heart pound at such a rate, I’m surprised you can’t hear it. I’m hot, I’m cold, I can barely breathe, and it’s all because of you.” He then asked if she was sure. She said, “I’m not 20, trembling at the touch of your hand, but I know that if I leave you now, I’ll never be as happy as we could’ve been together.” Henry replied, “I’m not 20 either, but I still tremble at the touch of your hands.” Mary responded, “Me too. I don’t know why I said that really,” and giggled. It was a tiny peek at what Mary could be like if she stopped wavering into the dark side.

As luck would have it, Henry already had a license, made his way through red tape and had an uncle who could marry them immediately since he was a bishop. Mary’s response to all this was, “Oh, good old England. Some things never change.” They kissed and made ready for a whirlwind marriage ceremony on Saturday.

The morning of the wedding, a car rolled up the drive and it was none other that Edith. She came up to Mary’s room and surprised the ladies. They left so the sisters could talk. After an awkward silence, Mary said, “You know I’m sorry.” Edith replied, “I assumed you would be fairly sorry unless you are actually insane.” They speak for a bit and Mary finally asked why she decided to come to the wedding. Edith answered, “Because in the end, you’re my sister. And one day only we will remember Sybil. Or Mama or Papa or Matthew or Michael of Granny or Carson or any of the others who have peopled our youth.Until, at last, our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike.” Mary looked touched. She asked Edith what Matthew would  think of all this, confessing that she went to his grave to tell him. She said Matthew loved her and wanted her to be happy and she was sure he’d be very pleased.

I have to admit that when I watched this Sunday night I was struggling to forgive Mary. Before I watched this episode, I truly wanted to see Mary happy and in love again and I would have been squealing with glee that she and Henry found their true love in one another. But after witnessing Mary’s cruelty to Edith, I could not jump into happy thoughts for her in less than an hour’s time. Witnessing Edith take the high road and display, what I viewed as heroic Christian virtue towards her sister, helped to soften my heart but I did not enjoy the wedding. I wished the writers had postponed it for the following episode. It all seemed so rushed before I could process everything.

However, having waited a day and re-watching most of the episode this morning, I was able to witness the wedding ceremony and listen to the words and see the couple and be truly happy for them. I was able to smile as they walked out of the church with a shower of flower pedals falling upon them

In the closing scene we saw Edith standing in the distance with a smile on her face as she watched the children, including her own daughter, laugh and run around Sybil’s burial plot (which was both poignant and slightly morbid). Robert toldCora, “Of all my children, Edith has given me the most surprises… and I’m sure we haven’t seen the last one yet.”  I’m 99% certain that Edith’s last surprise of the show will be her marriage to Bertie. I just pray that Mary has a hand in bringing it about as her way to make peace with Edith.

 

Random Thoughts

  • Daisy was actually sweet this week. She did well on her exams and told the staff about how well Moseley taught his students.
  • I thought we were done with the scheming Miss Cruikshank but Violet made her a visit and basically told her that she would not be attending her wedding unless Larry was to invite her personally.

 

Other Favorite Quotes

  • Mr. Bates: (Speaking about Henry) So you were wrong about him?”
  • Anna: “I think I was.” (Pause) “Why are you smiling?”
  • Mr. Bates: “Show me a man that doesn’t smile when his wife admits she’s wrong.”

 

  • Mr. Carson: “I have always known that women were ruthless, but I didn’t think I’d find the proof in my own wife!”

 

  • Baxter: “I hope he won’t mind if we undress him.”
  • Mrs. Hughes: “He’s past minding if we put him in a shy and threw coconuts.” (A rough modern day translation would be, “He wouldn’t mind if he was at a booth in the fair and we threw pies at his face for a dollar.”)

 

  • Carson: “And good luck to us all in the vain hope that we’ll avoid scandalous gossip.”
  • Mrs. Hughes: “You’re such as old curmudgeon.”
  • Carson: “Don’t say you’re going off me.”
  • Mrs. Hughes: “No, because you’re my curmudgeon, and that makes all the difference.” (And she kisses him.) 🙂

So, what did you think?? What was your favorite scene? Line? Are you happy that Henry and Mary ended up together? (Or as much as you love Henry do secretly wish she had ended up with Blake, her pig wrestling partner from season 4? No? Oh, yeah. Me neither.) 😉

Only one episode left! There will not be an episode next week on Feb 28. The 2 hour finale will air on March 6 at 9PM. Until then may your day be filled with golly gumdrop moments. 🙂

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉


TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 6: Episode 7 Recap

logo_downton_season_6W2_

It was hard for me to put all my focus on Downton when I was still reeling over the same night’s The Walking Dead episode. I’ll try to shift gears and get myself into the mindset of tea, biscuits and intrigue. 😉

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

downton_season_6_ep_7aThe pain of Violet’s defeat still hurt and she decided that she was going to take a trip to Paris. Isobel wondered how she would do surrounded by foreigners. Violet explained, “My reason for traveling is the make myself eager to come home. A month among the French should manage it.  She made plans to leave and not tell the family until she was gone. However, before she left she wanted to take care of another matter.

Miss Cruikshank sent Isobel an invitation to her and Larry’s wedding. When Isobel showed it to Violet and she was definitely suspicious. Violet decided to pay her a visit and winkle out the truth. The conversation (or confrontation) between Violet and Miss C was too good for paraphrasing.

Violet: “Mrs. Crawley tells me that you paid her a visit when you first came. That you were amazingly friendly.”

Miss C: “Well, I hope I ‘m always friendly.”

Violet: “Nobody’s always friendly. And now you have invited her to your wedding which has taken her by surprise.”

Miss C: “You mean Larry and Mrs. Crawley have not seen eye to eye in the past.”

Violet: “Larry Grey has spoke to Mrs. Crawley in a manner that, in any other century, would have resulted in him being called out and shot.

Miss C: “I can’t believe it was as bad as that.”

Violet: “Then you are misinformed.”

(She went on to winkle the information out of her.)

Violet: “And what of this house? Will you surrender it to be free of him.”

Miss C: “She won’t want to live at Cavenham after Lord Merton’s death. It would be lonely for a woman like her.”

Violet: “But by heaven, I bet it won’t be too lonely for a woman like you. I expect they’ll have to drag you out as you break your fingernails, catching at the door case! So there we have it. You want a free nurse to take a tiresome old man off your hands. (Pause. Miss C looks at her with guilty defiance.) You’re a cool little miss, aren’t you. I’d feel sorry for Larry if I didn’t like him so much.”

Miss C: “I shall forget you said that. But you should go now. Much more and we may feel awkward when we meet, which we are bound to do.”

Violet: “I think not, Miss Cruikshank. Not if I see you first.”

I always in awe at the civility in these arguments. Violet hits her opponent right between the eyes without breaking a sweat.

Later Violet talked to Isobel about the situation. She let her know what leaving Lord Merton would basically be abandoning him to his greedy and selfish children. Isobel understood but she still wanted no part of being in the family tug-a-war. Violet assures her saying, “My guess is when you take delivery from Miss Amelia, you’ll be lucky if you see a Christmas card.”

downton_season_6_ep_7d

Lady Mary and her family were invited to watch Henry race his car at Brooklands. Robert was determined to go despite his convalescing. However, he and Cora were unsure about the relationship between Henry and Mary. Cora said she could understand if it was Sybil but Mary didn’t seem to have anything in common with him. Robert asked, “What’s he got that fascinates Mary when poor old Tony’s rolling acres and glistening coronet didn’t? You’ll say sex appeal but isn’t Mary too sensible?” Cora replied, “We have a very contrary daughter.” Later, even Anna, in a conversation with Mary, cautiously wondered aloud if Henry and Mary’s lives fit together. She tried to smooth the negativity by saying, “They do say that opposites attract” to which Mary responded, “Yes, they attract but do they live happily ever after?”

At the race, Mary and Henry shared knowing glances, squeezed hands, raised eyebrows and lingering kisses. It was clear that she was quite taken by Henry despite her misgivings. The race was off with plenty of excitement (I loved the way the racers had to run to their cars at the flag rather than already being in their cars.) There were grand views and heart pumping action but Mary found it all dangerously pointless.

During the last bed before the grandstand Charlie and Henry were neck and neck. After they passed the grandstand and were out of sight there was a terrific crash. They all run towards the crash to see who was hurt. Henry was one of the first and he saw Charlie’s car upside down and on fire. He tried to pull him out but it was no use. He was killed in the crash. Henry stumbled away towards the trees and Mary and her family arrived on the scene. They were shocked to see the car and frantic to know who crashed. The sight of Henry was a bittersweet moment to know that he was okay but that Charlie Rogers had died.

Later that night everyone was having dinner at Rosamond’s but they were all subdued and on edge. They called it a night just before Henry telephoned Mary. She didn’t want to speak to him but Tom encouraged her to. Henry told Mary that Charlie’s death made him realize that he must seize the day. Mary, with pain in her voice, explained to Henry that the day had made her realize something too – that they were not meant to be together. She knew he would say that he’d give up racing but she didn’t want him to give up anything except her. Tearfully Henry told her, “I cant give you up.” She remained unchanged and said she wished nothing but good for him and that she wanted him to have a long and happy life just not with her.

She tearfully hung up the phone and Tom walked into the room, having heard the end of the conversation. He told Mary that he wished she would not do this. She cried and ashamedly admitted to Tom that when she heard it was Charlie that had died and not Henry she was glad and she could not do this anymore. Tom tried to console her and told her it was understandable that she was upset because it brought up Matthew’s death all over again. He said, “You are frightened of being hurt again. But let me tell you this. You will be hurt again and so will I because being hurt is part of being alive. But that is no reason to give up on the man who’s right for you.” Mary, hardly able to stand straight, walked away and went upstairs.

downton_season_6_ep_7bWhile the family was off at the races, Daisy and Mr. Molesley took their tests. During the lunch break they had a picnic and Andy asked Daisy how the test was going. She handed him her paper and asked him to see for himself by reading one of the questions aloud. He tried but was unable to and admitted to them that he could not read. He felt ashamed and stupid but Mr. Dawes assured him that he would be able to teach him to read. He was eager and happy to take his offer. Thomas offered to continue to work with him but Mr. Dawes told him it would be best if he left it to him. So Thomas agreed even though it meant giving up his last means of feeling useful and needed.

downton_season_6_ep_7cLater Mr. Dawes arrives at Downton to give Mr. Molesley the results of his test. He announed to him, “I’d be very glad if you would join the teaching staff at the village school.” Molesley was speechless. He continued saying, “I’m impressed, Mr. Molesley. There are Oxford and Cambridge graduates who know far less than you do. You should be proud.” I was so pleased for Mr. Molesley that I shed a few tears. 🙂

After Mr. Dawes left and everyone went to celebrate, Daisy told Molesley, “Well, I’m glad. You deserve it.” Molesley laughed and said, “I never think I deserve anything. Perhaps I’ve been wrong all along.” Meanwhile Thomas sits alone at the kitchen table watching them with tears in his eyes.

Last week I feared that Thomas may be getting so low that he might attempt suicide. Thomas is still around but you can see that he is finding it harder and harder to cope with the fact that everyone seems to be in a hurry to get him out of the house. Mrs. Hughes spent a few quiet moments with him and tried to give him some encouragement that a new situation would give him the opportunity to make new friends. With tears in his eyes he told her that the only problem was that Downton was the first place he felt like he laid down roots. You could see that it was more that leaving an employer to him, it would be like leaving his family. I still feel like the more we are shown Thomas vulnerability and pain, the more tragedy (or near tragedy) is coming around the corner.

 

downton_season_6_ep_7eMrs. Carson and best bud Mrs. Patmore decide to teach Mr. Carson a lesson for the way he has been treating Mrs. Hughes. She pretended that she hurt her arm would be unable to do any of the cooking or housework. Mr. Carson nearly fainted at the idea that he would have to make the meal for them that evening. It was amusing to watch him fumble and get flustered around the kitchen. Mrs. Hughes gave orders and secretly delighted in seeing him realize just how difficult running a household can be. Later when questioned by Mrs. Patmore about how it went she said, “He has discovered a new respect for the role of cook and bottle washer.” We’ll see how well that lesson sticks!

downton_6_7gEdith and Bertie shared a quiet moment after everyone else went to bed. She was shocked but happily surprised that Bertie proposed to her. I thought perhaps she would tell him the truth about Marigold but instead she asked if she could bring her with her. Bertie responded, “The family’s ward?”  She could have enlightened him but she didn’t. He did agree but you know this secret cannot be kept for much longer. She must tell him or something far worse will bring out the truth.

downton_6_8gRandom Thoughts

  • Edith’s new editor Miss Edmunds was invited to the race. She seemed like an industrious and pleasant girl. Perhaps a love interest for Tom?
  • I have thought, like the others, that Henry didn’t seem to match Mary but Tom has seen many sides of Mary and knows her well. The fact that he is so adamant about Mary not giving up Henry makes me pause and wonder if perhaps they would do well together. What do you think?
  • This was the first episode all season when I actually wanted to hug Daisy rather than smack her. The scene between her and Mrs. Patmore was very sweet and tender when Mrs. P assured her that love was not finite and that no matter what the future held she could always count on her and Mr. Mason. 🙂
  • Mrs. Patmore opened up her new bed and breakfast (with an inside privy!) and all seems to be going well except that there is a man hiding behind bushes taking notes (and wearing a camera?) Is he investigating Mrs. Patmore? A guest? Thoughts?
  • There is a new pup in the house courtesy of Granny. It was funny to see so much happy emotion from Robert.

 

Other Favorite Quotes

  • Violet: “I’ll call on Miss Cruikshank before I leave.”
  • Isobel: “I suspect she is quite a tough nut.”
  • Violet: “And I’m quite a tough nutcracker.”

 

  • Rosamond: “Is it hard to be a woman editor? Fleet Street sounds so very tough.”
  • Miss Edmunds: “It”s hard to be a woman anything if it isn’t domestic but I do my best.”

What did you think?? Share your thoughts here or on Facebook. 🙂

Only two episodes left! Episode 8 will be 90 minutes long and the final episode 9 will be two hours. See you next week! 🙂

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉


TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 6: Episode 6 Recap

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Sunday’s episode 6 was a slow boil with some funny moments. Here’s my recap. 🙂

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

downton_season_6_ep6AThis week the inhabitants of Downton had to endure a hospital charity event which allowed commoners to pay an admission to see how “the other half live.” The upstairs (and some of the downstairs) were incredulous that such a thing would exist. Mr. Carson was not a supporter of the idea worrying aloud, “What’s to stop them from pocketing the spoons” and “slipping the odd first edition in their back pocket.” And if people thought that the Crawleys were having a better time than they were, then they would not want them to have a better time. And “the next thing you know there’s a guillotine in Trafalgar Square.”

Elsewhere, Isobel was trying to explain the whole scenario to a baffled Violet, Isobel reasoned:

Isobel: “People have always tipped the butler to look around a house. Even Elizabeth Bennet wanted to see what Pemberley was like inside.”

Violet: “A decision which caused her a great deal of embarrassment, if I remember the novel correctly.”

(Kudos for making Austen lovers’ hearts flutter. 😉 )

As if the thought of having strangers poking around their home wasn’t bad enough, Cora, Mary and Edith found out they had to be the tour guides to which they responded with Crikey!” “Heavens, I feel like the Belgians waiting for an invasion.” “Or the monkeys in the zoo.”

They were right to be worried because they knew only the basic  history of the house and were unable to answer many of the questions regarding the artwork and architecture. When asked who the people in a certain painting were Edith answered, “They were all rather marvelous and sort of living that life.”

Mary wasn’t doing much better with her painting saying, “No, that’s him. Or his son. Or it might be his father.” Violet walked into the room and Mary exclaimed, “Ah, Granny thank God you’re here. What else could you tell them about the library?” Violet replied, “The library was assembled by the fourth Earl. He loved books.” Mary prompted her, “What else did he collect?” Granny replied, “Horses and women,” to the snickering audience.

downton_season_6_ep6eHowever, the guests needed worry that they weren’t getting their money’s worth since it soon got very soapy with Violet bursting into the room where Cora was. Granny found out  about not only the hospital take over but that she was being ousted as the president and Cora was to take her place. (As Cora earlier put it, “Golly. They’ve sacked the captain.”) Violet was upset that the night previous she was at Downton boasting about her position as president and how she would win the hospital debate. Cora and Robert let her boast even though they secretly knew she was being removed. Finally, Violet left with the remark, “Just tell Cora I do not wish to see her face until I’m used to having a traitor in the family!”

downton_season_6_ep6gWhen all was said and done, Tom gathered with the family and told them how much money they made that day. They were astounded first at the large amount of money made and second, at Tom’s suggestion that they do this on a regular basis as a source of income for the family. They went back and forth about how Downton would not last forever while Mary balked at the idea and proclaimed that she and George were made of sterner stuff than the lot of them.

 

downton_season_6_ep6cThis week Mr. Carson continued to unintentionally belittle his new brides’ cooking and housekeeping.  May I ask what is going on with Mrs. Carson? Last week’s episode with his comments about Mrs. Hughes’ cooking and her need to practice with her patty pans were amusing. However, the joke is getting old. I know Mr. Carson is an old fashioned fussbudget but could he really be so insensitive to Mrs. Hughes’ feelings? And how long will it be until she finally blows her English top? I just don’t want to see our formerly endearing Mr. Carson become an over bearing caricature.

And while we are speaking about things we don’t like, I have one word – Daisy. Honestly, just when I want to give the girl a second chance, she starts with more of her twaddle. Mr. Mason gave Daisy a letter to giv eto Mrs. Patmore. She tried to put him off but he insisted he give it to her. So did she? No! She had the audacity to take Mrs. Patmore’s letter, read it and then throw it in the garbage. I was ready to smack her with a red hot poker! Thankfully, Mrs. Patmore found the letter and warmly read it. She then proceeded to complain and ridicule any attempt either of them made to start a a warmer friendship. Could Daisy seriously be so unfeeling towards her beloved father-in-law and her kitchen mother?? Is she really so selfish that she could not wish the happiness of both if they truly cared for one another. No, I do not like this story line one bit.

downton_season_6_ep6dEvelyn Napier was eager to have Mary in London. There was a large dinner party that included Tom, Henry and a few others. When dinner was over Henry invited Mary and Tom for a walk. Tom agreed until Mary gave him a look that was like a visual kick under the table. Tom altered his response and said he’d love to but he had a lot of reading to do. Mary gave Evelyn a goodbye kiss on the cheek calling him a darling and then walked off coupled with Henry. Evelyn did not look pleased.

The two walked and talked and Mary confessed that her apprehension of Henry’s racing cars was partly due to Matthew’s accident. He understood her feelings saying, “The car is your enemy but it is my friend. All that I ask is that you give it a second chance.” They got caught in a rain storm and sought cover under a bridge. There Henry gave Mary a much needed kiss after which she replied:

Mary: “Heavens, Mr. Talbot. Is this part of your plan to convince me?” (to watch the race.)

Henry: “Look, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Plenty of drivers’ wives never go near the race track.”

Mary: “Wives?”

Henry: (Laughing) “I only meant that if we do get involved, it doesn’t have to be part of the plan. It’s not compulsory.”

Mary: “But you’d like me there to watch.”

Henry: “Yes, but only so I can to be near you.”

Mary worried aloud that this was all going too fast. Henry told Mary that he knew that he was not what she was after and that his prospects were modest at best, whereas she was a great catch. However, he admitted that she was also the woman he happened to be falling in love with. After seeing the look on her face, he declared that it all must sound feeble to her. She assured him that it was not. And that as an argument, it was rather compelling. Their conversation ended shortly after, and Henry returned her home for the night.

Tom was waiting for her and gave her a few more teases that she should go for Henry and she in turn made a few comments about Edith and Marigold, digging to see if Tom would reveal any secrets. Neither budged.

 

downton_season_6_ep6fLastly, we come to Thomas. Mary questioned Robert about his gloominess and Robert confessed that he would soon be relieved of his job, but hopefully not until he found another. She reminded him of how caring Thomas was with the children, which made me half wonder if he could possibly be England’s first manny.

Meanwhile, Thomas had been giving Andy his reading lessons but both Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Carson mistakenly took the secret dealings to be something unsavory. Carson spoke to Thomas about it and Thomas assured him that nothing took place of which he would disapprove. Carson was not assured and Thomas was offended that his word was still not good enough for him after so many years. Carson replied, “I only wish it were.” That hit Thomas deeply and in the closing scene we see him crying alone.

I have a sick feeling that next week’s episode may have Thomas taking desperate measures. Could be possibly be so low that he attempts suicide? I truly hope not.

 

 

 

Random Thoughts

  • Baxter’s received a letter from Mr. Coyle. Will she be able to face him and put an end to that chapter so she may heal and move on?
  • I hope Bertie’s “God bless you, Marigold” is a foreshadowing of him embracing her with open arms once he knows the truth about her.
  • Kudos to Robert for not taking the spirits Carson sneaked into his room. He put his health first.
  • I am excited to see Mr. Moseley get a chance to pursue what he loves to do – work in education.
  • We met the fiance of Lord Merton’s nasty son Larry. She assured Isobel that she is not against her and wanted to be friends. She seems nice enough but my Downton sensors are twitching. Do you think she is genuine or up to no good?
  • What do you think of Mary and Henry? I really like Henry as a handsome suitor but I am not convinced that he actually suits her. Thoughts?

 

Other Favorite Quotes

Robert: “Ah, I know well enough that when Mary has spoken, my opinion has little bearing on the matter.”

Mary: “You really don’t mind, do you?”

Robert: “No, but I think it is crackers.”

 

Mary (Speaking about inviting Bertie to Downton): “Is he worth it?”

Edith: ” As opposed to your car mechanic?”

 

Violet: (Speaking of Cora) “Oh, yes. She’s competent. Leading a revolution without turning a hair.”

 

Mary: “Edith, you can manage for a day without us?”

Edith: “I can manage without you for as long as you want.”

 

Mr. Carson (to Thomas): “You are the under butler, a post that is fragrant with the memories of a lost world. No one is sorrier to say it than I am but you are not a creature of today.”

 

Mrs. Hughes: “I’m an experienced housemaid and a housekeeper for how many years and he doesn’t think I can make a bed!”

Mrs. Patmore: “Well, you always knew he was old to be trained as a husband.”

 

Mary: (When asked if she was free for an event.) “Well I don’t keep my diary in my head. Ask me nearer the time.”

 

Mary: (Speaking about Henry.) “I could see him for a walk in the park. No I suppose I want to get over it. To get over myself. He asked me if I’d give cars another chance. Perhaps I should.”

Tom: “Who is this flexible and reasonable person? I don’t recognize my own dear sister Mary. Could this be love?

Mary: “Oh, shut up.”

 

Miss Cruikshank: “Forgive me but I think there has been a misunderstanding. Larry isn’t Mrs. Crawley’s enemy.”

Violet: “No? He gives a marvelous impression of it.”

What did you think?? Share your thoughts here or on Facebook. 🙂

Only three episodes left! See you next week. 🙂

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉


TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 6: Episode 5 Recap

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Whatever may have happened on Sunday night’s episode of Downton Abbey, there is only one image that we are all thinking about right now… the moment when we exclaimed, “Bloody hell!” And we meant it literally.

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

downton_season_6_epHWe all knew that Robert’s stomach pains were going to lead up to something. When he was looking ill at the dinner party, with none other than the Ministry of Health in attendance, Robert got up to excuse himself and I anticipated him passing out on the floor. What I didn’t expect was his spewing blood from his mouth like a scene from The Walking Dead. (I was feeling a little deja vu since I am currently reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.) That scene would have been disturbing in any other show but having it happen in the prim and proper setting of a Downton dinner party and seeing the blood fly all over and splatter the shocked faces of the family made it all the more violent and frightening. When Robert was on the floor, face covered in blood and near death he managed to tell Cora, “If this is it, just know that I have loved you very, very much.” I thought to myself that this was it and my own tears fell. This would fit Fellowes’ MO perfectly – Matthew’s death, Sybil’s death, Anna’s rape… he loves his emotional torture.

Thankfully, Robert’s burst ulcer happened in the presence of Dr. Clarkson who quickly told them what to do (put him on his left side, keep him warm, do not give him water) until the ambulance arrived. Cora was the epitome of calm during a crisis. She kept her cool, soothed and assured her husband, when many others (myself included) would have been freaking out. They took Robert away and we had to wait to find out the outcome as we pondered Carson’s words, “Life is short.  Death is sure. That is all we know.”

Downstairs the staff sat solemnly as they waited for the news. Lady Mary telephoned Carson and let him know that the doctor performed a gastrectomy on his Lordship and they anticipate that he would recover. Everyone was relieved. Lord Grantham would not be leaving us, at least not yet.

The other plot development during this horrific evening, was that as the ladies were preparing to accompany Robert to the hospital, Mary overheard Violet and Cora talking about the secrets int he family, namely Marigold. Mary’s face was puzzled and shocked as she slowly started to put the pieces together. She had a particularly curious look on her face when Granny gently pulled Edith’s arm and said, “Edith dear, telephone with any news. No matter how late.” Edith said she would and kissed her on the cheek. Was Mary’s look because she realized who Marigold was? Because she saw a closeness between Edith and Granny due to their shared secret? Was she jealous? Would this revelation make her care for Edith more or less? (Could she even care for Edith less?)

Later, at the end of the episode, Mary and Edith returned to Downton and before they retired for bed they said:

Edith: “What a terrifying reminder. In one second, your whole life can change.”

Mary: “Yes. It only takes a moment for everything to feel quite different.”

Edith: “I’m going to check on the children.”

Mary: “Of course you are. (pause) Good night.”

Mary’s tone did not have the usual haughtiness. Emotional exhaustion and the unfolding of secrets kept her somber and quiet, although she did  ask Anna if there were any rumors downstairs about Marigold. Anna didn’t betray any confidences and Mary was left alone to sit and reflect as the scene faded.

 

In other news…

downton_season_6_ep5CMr. Mason moved into his new home, although Mary and Tom were a little worried that he wouldn’t be able to manage the physical work of raising pigs. Luckily city-boy-turned-farm-lover Andy was on hand to offer his services to help Mr. Mason since he had always wanted to learn how to be a pig man. Mr. Mason was pleased to have his help and offered to train him. Mr. Mason also seemed pleased with Mrs. Patmore’s attention and she was clearly smitten by the older gentleman. But who wasn’t pleased? The patience-trying Daisy whose goal in life seems to be to whine until someone wants to slap her. She did not take keenly to the fact that her beloved Mr. Mason may care for someone else other than Daisy.  I, for one, am rooting for a Patmore – Mason romance! And if Daisy can learn to stop acting like Ms Bunting and be more gracious, I’d love to see her in a new life happy on the farm with Andy by her side.

Speaking of Andy…

Mr. Bates asked Andy about his cold treatment towards Thomas and Andy admitted that it was not that he was upset with Thomas but since learning that he was gay, he wanted to make sure that he did not get the wrong idea. Later, Thomas notices that Andy was upset when he is trying to study from the books Mr. Mason gave him about being a pig farmer. Thomas confronts him and Andy admitted that he had never learned how to read. Thomas offered to secretly teach him how to read. Andy was grateful and apologized for the way he had been treating him earlier. Thomas forgave him by saying, “I’ve known worse.”

 

downton_season_6_ep5ADenker was firing with both barrels last night. When she heard that Dr. Clarkson may be changing sides in the hospital debate. She berated him when she saw him walking down the street. Dr. Clarkson was shocked by her impertinence and let Violet know of her outburst.

Violet was upset and they had this conversation:

Violet: “It’s not your place to have an opinion of my acquaintances, let alone express them”.

Denker: “He can’t claim your friendship now. Not when he’s turned against you.”

Violet: “If I withdrew my friendship from everyone who had spoken ill of me, my address book would be empty.”

Denker: “Yes, but surely…”

Violet: “For a lady’s maid to insult a physician in the open street! You’ve read too many novels, Denker. You’ve seen too many moving pictures.”

She then dismissed Denker from her position.

Spratt was a little gleeful over the thought of Denker leaving but she told him that if she went down, she was taking him with her. If he did not get her reinstated as lady’s maid then she would tell the police about his involvement with his fugitive nephew. Spratt knew he was cornered and talked to Violet and made her realize all the inconveniences of having to train a new lady’s maid. In the end, Violet agreed to give Denker one last chance. Spratt warned Denker that this had better be the last time she brought up his unfortunate nephew again. She agreed..unless she needed to blackmail him again.

 

downton_season_6_ep5ELady Edith has definitely had a change in circumstances. She has proven to be a success in her magazine and found a female editor – a Miss Edmunds that she liked very much. She had the attentions of Bertie who was eager to give her a tender (and slightly scandalous) kiss in her apartment flat. He declared himself lucky to be with her although he hadn’t much to offer. Edith replied that he had a great deal to offer and she was not sure if she was worthy of it. I suppose she eventually will need to come clean with Bertie about Marigold and her circumstances. I suspect he would be able to work around that.

 

downton_season_6_ep5DPerhaps it is the fact that I grew up with five brothers, but I love to see the brother and sister relationship between Mary and Tom. I love how they can speak to each other honesty and can disagree yet still love each other. Tom was certainly primed to play the role of brother as he teased and counseled Lady Mary, particularly in regards to her possible relationship with Henry. She confided that she would not “marry down.” She didn’t wan to to be grander or richer than her husband. Tom could understand her reasoning but he tried to get her to see it another way, that being equal was more than about money. He said:

Tom: “I may surprise you but I agree it is important to be balanced. But one should not be far stronger than the other. I just don’t think it has much to do with money or position.”

Mary: “Is that how you felt about Sybil?”

Tom: “To all of you, she had everything and I had nothing. She was a great lady, and I the man who drive the cars. But that wasn’t true for us. We were evenly matched, Sybil and I. She was strong in her beliefs, so was I. We were a marriage of equals; we were very happy.”

Later when Tom was drinking at a pub with Henry and Mary, he listened to them talk and said:

Tom: “You are funny. The way you have to keep making reasoins for why you’ll meet; you to watch him drive cars, you to have dinner with a friend. Why can’t you just say, ‘I’d love to spend more time with you. When can we do it.’ ”

Indeed, Tom! Cut to the chase. 🙂

 

downton_season_6_epGFViolet invited the Minister of Heath to dine at Downton Abbey in hopes to persuade him to take her side in the hospital debate. The family was shocked that she managed to use her influence on such a prominent and busy man. After the dinner party Tom asked the minster how Granny managed it. He confessed that his wife had a brother called Horace de Vere Cole who was known as the “prankster.” He was involved in one of these pranks as a youth and Violet threatened to make his involvement public knowledge. The Minister figured one dinner was a price worth paying to avoid any scandal. Robert called that one!

 

downton_season_6_ep5FThe honeymoon seemed to be over between Mr. Carson and Mrs Hughes. Carson wasn’t very understanding to the fact that Mrs Hughes was a housemaid and not a cook. He wasn’t pleased with the meal she prepared and, without meaning to be so insensitive, he asked Mrs. Patmore to give Mrs. Hughes some cooking lessons since “it’s been awhile since she’s played with her patty pans an she’s got some catching up to do.” Carson better watch what he says or Mrs. Hughes is going to hit him over the head with her patty pans!

 

Random Thoughts

  • Neville Chamberlain, the minister of health, was an actual historical figure. He was the prime minister from 1937 – 1040. His brother the prankster was also a real person.
  • Baxter’s experience with Mr. Coyle’s trial was, as she put it, “a bit anticlimactic.” After all that work up the guy changed his plea and the trial was off. Everything just fizzled out, although Baxter continues to have a hard time letting go of her past.
  • Did you wonder about the “bubble and squeak” that Mrs. Hughes cooked for Carson? I looked it up and Wikipedia said: “Bubble and squeak is a traditional English dish made with the shallow-fried leftover vegetables from a roast dinner. The main ingredients are potato and cabbage, but carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, or any other leftover vegetables can be added.” So now we know!
  • Anna and Bates were smiling and playful and happy…”Bad harvest! Bad harvest!” 😉

 

Other Favorite Quotes

Robert: “I would say that you have no more chance than a cat in hell without claws.”

 

Mr. Carson: “Do other butlers have to contend with the police arriving every ten minutes?”

 

Sybbie: “Is Granny Violet a red Indian?”

Robert: “Why on earth would you say that?

George: “Nanny said she was on the war path.”

 

Violet: “Denker has disgraced herself.”

Isobel: “Well, how distressing for you.”

Violet: “It’s not that so much. But it means I shall have to find a new maid.”

Isobel: “Yes, I see. A real punishment.”

 

Denker: (Speaking about her quarrel with Dr. Clarkson): “That’s the way I saw it , and I acted accordingly. Am I to blame if I have a very passionate nature?”

Spratt: “Anymore of that talk and I won’t be able to sleep.”

 

Thomas( After hearing that Lord Grantham will live): “I’m quite relieved.”

Baxter: Of course you are.

Thomas: “I didn’t think I’d mind one way or the other, to be honest. I must be getting soft in my old age.”

What did you think of the episode? Were you as shocked as I was at the dinner scene?

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉