This is Day 1 of my participation in Jen’s 7 Posts in 7 Days Challenge. Sorry it came so late. I have been gone most of the day and then had a mom-daughter night out with Bella so I’m barely posting now. But I have two hours until midnight so technically, I’m good. 😉

Source: PBS

This is it! Our last Downton discussion of Season 4. It has been quite a season too. I was approaching the finale with a little trepidation after last year’s depressing ending and then the heavy topics covered in Season 4. I wasn’t sure what to expect. However,  it was a fun two hours with a number of comedic moments.

I actually watched this episode earlier in the week. Brian bought me the Season 4 Blu-ray for Valentines and we had a date night watching it together. I didn’t have my laptop with me or take any notes and simply enjoyed the story as it unfolded. (Not to mention that the detail on the Blu-ray was amazing. It made everything more grand!) Yesterday my mom arrived to spend a few days with us so last night we watched the episode together and I was able to take my notes and record my favorite quotes etc. 🙂 So here we go…

Edith – It took a few minutes to realize that we were fast forwarding the time line by 8 months. Edith already had her baby girl and left her in the care of The Shroders in Switzerland. With the return of Gregson less likely, Edith found it even harder to be away from her child. Of course, I desperately wanted her to go back and get her baby and raise it as her own but I have to view this in the mindset of the time and understand why she felt she could not let anyone know the baby was hers. I am glad that she worked it out so the Drewe Family could raise her child close to her. At first I was suspicious of Mr. Drewe, wondering if he could be trusted but in the end his kindness won me over. I am assuming he figured out it was actually Edith’s child and he wanted to repay the family’s kindness by helping Edith and the baby. Now whether or not I am right or whether or not Gregson returns from the dead is to be seen.

Rose – Rose was the central figure as everything revolved around her royal presentation. It was humorous to see how quickly she recovered from her broken engagement with Jack but I must admit that it was fun to see her in her element in the jazz night clubs. The whole Prince of Wales and get-the-letter-from-Sampson plot line was both a little weird and a little hilarious. It was interesting to see the Crawleys interact with historical characters that will later make (notorious) news. I would have also loved that Bates saved the day if we didn’t have that darn Greene plot still hanging over our heads…

Anna and Bates – It was lovely to see Anna back to her old self with a smile on her face. I am glad she was able to heal from the whole ghastly ordeal. On the other hand, what were the writers trying to do with Bates. He went from sweet, noble, romantic hubby of Anna to lying, forging, stealing murderer. Granted, he saved the day at the end but it was sort of a weird way they played up his darker side. I just hope this whole Green/Bates plot is put to rest and never spoken of again.

Tom – Poor Tom. He is getting the Edith stoke of luck these days and can’t find his bearings. I was a little unsure about Miss Bunting at first but she has steadily gotten on my nerves. Why is she always just popping up? Why is she so pushy? Why didn’t she realize how uncomfortable Tom was at the house? I don’t see her as evil, like that nasty Edna, but she is not what Tom needs – a lovely girl that loves Tom for who he is (past and present) and doesn’t make him feel bad for being a part of the Crawley Family now. I am not saying she can’t change her tune in the future but the writers will have to do some tweaking to her character to please this fan. (The only thing more annoying was Thomas doing his usual lurking in the hallways. I don’t think he will rest until he brings Thomas down.)

Mary – I had fun watching Blake and Lord G constrain themselves and not go to blows over Mary. But I have to give Lord G big points for wanting a fair fight and telling Mary about Blake’s prospects. (I never saw that one coming!) Blake seems to be the Mr. Darcy to Lord G’s Mr. Bingley. Some may complain that they are dangling this story and Mary should choose but I am glad she did not. It seems only fitting that Matthew be given a whole season of remembrance before we are ready to fully embrace a new love in Mary’s life. And my stance is still the same. I dearly love Lord G but I am still Team Blake when it concerns the best match for Mary.

Miss Allsop and Harold – I enjoyed watching their interactions and it was refreshing to see them take off their masks and just be open and honest with each other. In doing so, they seem to bring out the best in each other.  It is interesting that in this episode two “underdogs” (Harold and Molesley) met women who brought out their better side and gave them confidence they did not have. In return, Harold and Molesley gave Madeleine and Baxter strength to stand up to an overbearing man that was controlling them. It was very touching. Which brings us to…

Molesley and Baxter – The character that I have most grown to love this season is Mr. Molesley. He went from a complaining and whiny little Eeyore to a unexpected knight in shining armor to the troubled Baxter. I do hope she is able to get out of the clutches of Thomas and find a happy home at Downton with Moseley. Sigh.

Slade, the American Valet –  It was hilarious to see the difference between the reserved English and the forward Americans. It was definitely a clash of cultures. One of my favorite scenes was when Slade wanted to speak to Carson “man to man.” The look on Carson’s face was priceless. It was also wonderful to see someone fall for Daisy and for her to get the romantic recognition that alluded her all season. It is interesting that Ivy is out of the picture now. Perhaps this will make it easier for Daisy to find a man next season.

Random Thoughts

• Watching Martha  in action actually made me like Cora more because she had such an overbearing mother yet was able to turn out as such a kind lady, with the capability to have a strong head, at least when she is not falling prey to people like Thomas.

• My favorite couple of the show? Violet and Isobel. BFF.

Fave Quotes:

• Slade: Are you excited? — Daisy: I’m never excited.

• Tom: Losing Sybil was hard. Compared to that, everything is easy.

• Carson to Slade: You’re a footman not a traveling salesman.

• Mrs. Patmore: All women need someone to show a bit of interest in them, preferably in a manner that in not entirely proper.

• Violet: “Can’t you even offer help without sounding like a trumpeter on the peak of the moral high ground?”
—Isobel: “And must you always sound like the sister of Marie Antoinette? — Violet: “The queen of Naples was a stalwart figure. I take it as a compliment.” — Isobel: “You take everything as a compliment.” — Violet: “I advise you to do the same. It saves many an awkward moment!”

• Mrs. Hughes: “You can always hold my hand, if you need to feel steady.” — Mr. Carson: “I don’t know how, but you make it sound a bit risqué.”

What were your favorite moments? Any predictions for Season 5? Please dish. 🙂

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I can’t believe this was the last regular episode until the Christmas special next week. I can’t wait for that! In the meantime, let’s discuss. 🙂

Edith – At the beginning of the episode when Edith first started looking dreamy-eyed at Mr. Drewe, I thought she was smitten. (At least this farmer is not married… or wait, is he? Does he have a wife and family?) However, she was actually thinking that she could leave her baby with him. (So maybe he does have a wife to care for the baby.) Either way, Rosamond had other plans in Switzerland…plans in which Granny saw right through. I was a little surprised that Violet took the news so well but then again, after the Mr. Pamuk incident I suppose not much would faze her. Sigh. The whole thing is just a mess. I’m guessing that Edith will give up her baby and then her babydaddy will return and proclaim that for legal reasons he needs an heir to his estate pronto. Alas, he does have an heir but he can’t be found because he is off climbing the Alps sharing very little conversation.

Anna and Bates – Fortunately, Anna finally tells Mary about Greene. Unfortunately, it is too late to stop Green from coming to Downton where he shares a meal that has as much appeal as nails on a chalkboard. I was waiting for Bates to stab him with his butter knife but instead Bates was chillingly calm. He was also very calculating (and a little cruel) as he questions Anna about Greene, knowing perfectly well that Green was the attacker. Although everything points to Bates taking a murderous trip to York, I am am not sold that he actually did it. (Although I did call the car accident last week, even though I think my version of the story was better. 😉 ) Frankly, I am disappointed in the whole thing. It seems like deja vu. It’s too much like when we saw Vera mysteriously dead in her house, right down to the same prime suspect. Been there, done that, Fellowes! I do hope the Christmas special next week flashes back and shows us how Greene died and that Bates really wasn’t involved.

This episode was appropriate for Valentine’s weekend because romance was everywhere you turned!

My new favorite romance is Baxter and Molesley – Now this is a downstairs romance that I can get excited about! I love the little conversations and encouragement that Baxter and Molesley have been giving one another. It is so sweet. Although, my favorite scene was definitely when Baxter talked Molesley into trying to ring the bell. The look on his face had me laughing out loud. Then Baxter was rewarded when Molesley defended her from Thomas. Bravo! More please!

Another surprise romance – There’s another possible romance between Isobel and Lord Merton, Mary’s godfather. It was sweet to see them together and hilarious to see Violet’s facial expressions during it all.

Mary and Her Men – I’ve already said what I thought about Lord G and Blake here and here. My thoughts haven’t changed. It was humorous to watch them spar with one another as they fought for Mary’s affections. Lord G scored points for finally breaking it off with his fiance. And Blake scored points when he offered to hold Little George. There is nothing quite as attractive as a man who feels comfortable caring for a baby (even if he couldn’t actually get him to stop crying.) 😉

Tom and Sarah – I am not sure how I feel about Tom pairing up with Sarah yet. (Although Brian declared, “I don’t like her. She’s a pest.”) I wouldn’t go that far. I just think she needs time to get used to the fact that the family is not as shallow as she perceives them to be. (As Blake found out with Mary.) I did love when Tom defended Cora to Sarah. It was nice to see him follow the rule that you can complain about your own family but God help the person that complains about them in front of you!

Rose and Jack – Rose’s infatuation with Jack made a lot more sense when you add in the fact that she wanted to shock her mother with their engagement. I believe she cared for Jack and was intrigued by him but was not truly in love with him. Jack, on the other hand, was a gentleman to break things off for Rose’s sake.

Daisy  and Alfred – Daisy has been such an annoying brat lately that I am glad she was able to spend time with her father-in-law. He is the perfect guardian for her, knowing what to say and how to reprimand her with kindness. She definitely redeemed herself when she made up with Alfred and yet, stood up for herself and not settling for being second choice. Hopefully the best of Daisy will be shining through now.

Random Thoughts

• Would the old Tom have told Mary about Rose and Jack’s relationship or would he have encouraged it?

Favorite Quotes

• Isobel: It’s only me. — Violet: I always feel that greeting betrays such a lack of self worth.

• Mrs. Patmore – Blimey. He puts a lot in a letter does Alfred.

• Molesley (to Baxter): It’s just coffee. You won’t have to surrender any of your independence.

• Violet: No life appears rewarding if you think about it too much.

• Violet: Rosamind has no interest in French. If she wishes to be understood by a foreigner, she shouts.

• Branson: I don’t believe in types, I believe in people.

• Violet: Switzerland has everything to offer, except perhaps conversation. And one can learn to live without that.

• Isobel: I’m a feeble substitute for the entire Crawley family. — Violet: Mm. Yes, but you’re better than nothing.

• Violet: He’s the most unconvincing fiance I’ve ever come across.

• Violet (to Edith): “My dear, all life is a series of problems which we must try and solve. First one, then the next, and the next, until at last, we die.” (At least there is ice cream to soften the blow.) 🙂

My Favorite Line of the Night

Lady Mary (to Tony): I find that both irritating and beguiling in equal measure. (I often think that is what Brian thinks about me in general.) 😉

Share your thoughts!

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Source: ITV

Some of the darker themes of the season are explored, along with the best lighthearted scene of the series.

Anna – It was heartbreaking to see Anna cry at the thought of Mr. Bates leaving with Robert and not being by her side and giving her strength. Thank God Mrs. Hughes told Mary and she intervened. I hope now that Mary knows what happened, it won’t be long until she finds out that it was Green that attacked Anna. Although Anna’s fear about Bates finding out came true. Did you see the look on his face at the end? You could physically see the light bulb click in his head. I just hope that they do not have Bates killing Green and we go through the whole “Bates in jail” storyline again. And they also better not do a “he’s found dead in his house” but we don’t know who is the culprit.

Come on, Fellowes! Let’s see some righteous justice done to Green without any of our beloved characters getting their hands dirty. Here is my suggestion – Mary finds out it is Green. She tells Lord Gillingham. Lord G sacks Green. Green goes on a rampage and does not see a car approaching. The car plows into Green and thoroughly crushes him. Granny happens to be in the car, looks out the window and makes a witty comment about her clean tires now being mucked up. Then shoot to Moseley complaining that they’ll probably ask him to clean up the mess. Yes. Yes. I think that would do nicely. 😉

Edith – The other dark story was Edith and her attempt to have an abortion. Thankfully, she changed her mind at the last minute and did not go through with it. Sigh. Rape. Unwanted pregnancy. Abortion. That’s a lot of heavy topics for just a few episodes. On the one hand, I don’t like it because if I wanted reality I’d look around me or watch the evening news. Viewing DA is supposed to be my brief escape from reality. On the other hand, seeing universal heartache and joy that transcends time is a little reassuring. We see that these issues have all been dealt with before and just as others have triumphed over tragedy, so can we.

Mary  & Napier – I feel sorry for Napier. He keeps pinning for Mary and she keeps falling for his friends. He is the Edith of male suitors. I still think he and Edith would be a nice match. And if they wed then Merry Moseley could be the best man.

Mary & Lord Gillingham – Okay, Lord G, I do love you and think you are swoony but you need to know when to call it quits. You are engaged and need to focus on falling in love with your fiance and stop chasing Mary. If you want to fight the other chaps for Mary’s affection, then you’d better break off your engament and fight honorably. (Oh, and fire your valet. There is a car bumper with his name on it.)

Mary & Blake – I said from the beginning that I love Gillingham but he is too “good” for Mary. She needs someone that fires her up. Blake is closer to being that man. When Blake continually talked about being Mary being aloof and privileged, you knew that there was going to be a scene when Blake would see Mary’s inner strength and tenacity. I just never figured and that all the foreshadowing talk of pigs would be key. However, I absolutely loved the pig scene and hearing Mary’s rare laugh. Who knew that some muck and scrambled egg would melt the heart of Blake.This is going to be interesting.

The Countess & Mrs. Crawley – The other great love story (the sisterly version) of Downnton Abbey is between Violet and Isobel. Their exchanges before, during and after Granny’s illness were priceless. It was nice to see how much Isobel loves and respects Violet, despite their differences. It was just as nice to see Violet play cards (“oh, goody”) to show Isobel her gratitude.

Robert & Cora – I thought their exchange was cute.

Cora – “Oh darling. I do think your going to rescue my hopeless brother is an act of real love, and I cherish you for it.” Robert – “That’ll keep me warm as I cross the raging seas.” Cora – “Good. Now kiss me.”

I’m looking forward to meeting Cora’s brother, played by Paul Giamatti.

Random Thoughts

• I didn’t make any comments on Rose’s story line. Why is the whole Rose and Jack thing not grabbing my attention?? You’d think it would.

• With all the men flocking to Mary, it is about time that Tom gets the chance to stop thinking about running away to America and instead find his own love interest. Enter the woman at the political rally. I am certain this is not the last we’ve seen of her.

• Jimmy is becoming the new Thomas with his behavior and snide remarks about Ivy.

• Moseley may be an unknowing key ingredient is uncovering the tie between Baxter and Thomas as he overhears their conversation. And could he be feeling a little something  for Baxter??

Fave Quotes

• Mary: I’ve been married, I know everything.

• Mrs. Hughes to Carson: I am sorry you’re suspicious of me, but I daresay we both have the personality to overcome it.

• Violet: Try not to let those Yankees drive you mad.

• Isobel: Would you like me to come with you.? — Violet : That is the very last thing I would want.

• Carson: You’re quite a plotter when you want to be aren’t you. — Mrs Hughes: It’s a skill all women must learn.

• Mrs Patmore: I do grudge him the tears and the heartbreak that will flavour my puddings for weeks to come.

• Violet to the Doc: I want another nurse. This one talks too much. She’s like a drunken vicar!

• Violet: Dr Clarkson when you go can you please take that mad woman with you.

• Dr. Clarkson: You’ll be rewarded in heaven. — Violet: The sooner the better.

Best Line of the Night

• Mrs. Hughes to Green: If you value your life you’ll stop playing the joker and stick to the shadows.

(Start revving that car engine, Granny.)

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Source: pbs.org

It seemed like a slower news day at the Abbey without any major catastrophes, well, unless you count Edith but we’ve come to expect a dark cloud to follow her around. (Maybe she and Eeyore/Moseley should spend more time together.)

Thomas & Baxter – Thomas is still skulking around trying to get info and twisting Baxter’s arm into getting him some dirt from upstairs. She seems like she is getting more and more reluctant to do his bidding and that look she gave him when she said, “Have it your own way,” makes me wonder if she is going to put up a fight in the near future.

Mary & Blake – Mary is back to form with her sharp tongue and verbal jabs at Mr. Blake, although he seems more than capable to give it right back to her. I would not be surprised if their angry remarks end in a passionate embrace. (Or so I predict.)

Rose – I knew Rose’s idea of having Jack Ross play at Robert’s birthday was going to raise a few eyebrows but I was actually surprised that they took it so well and enjoyed themselves. I was even more surprised that Edith was acting the snob (she is supposed to be more “enlightened” with her feminist ways, is she not?) and it was Granny who basically told her to lighten up. Meanwhile, things between Rose and Jack are heating up. I don’t think Papa will be as open minded about this arrangement.

Edith – Speaking of Edith, it was confirmed that she was pregnant. (I had to press pause to read the entire telegram.) And now Michael is AWOL. (I heard a spoiler.) There’s a troubling road ahead.

Mrs. Crawley – I could not stop laughing when Isobel channeled her inner Miss Marple and pretended to be ill only to enter Granny’s house and search for the letter knife. (I was also laughing because I totally would have secretly searched the room too.) Of course, Granny gets the final word when she already apologized and hired  the gardener back, to the chagrin of Violet. However, I wanted to hug Isobel when she danced with Tom and tried to talk him out of moving to America.

Dowstairs youth – Alfred has never been a favorite but I wish him well on his new venture. I am glad Daisy was able to control her emotions and say a proper goodbye to him. Although, Daisy does let loose on Ivy. As for Jimmy, I knew he was annoying and self-centered but I wasn’t expecting him to treat Ivy in such an underhanded way.

Fave Quote – Granny had so many zingers tonight but my favorite line came from downstairs –
Mrs. Patmore: I like that Rudolph Valentino. He makes me shiver all over.
Carson: What a very disturbing thought.

Fave Scene – I am sure everyone was touched by the scene in the nursery where Isobel, Tom and Mary shared about their loves. I had happy tears reminiscing over the proposal scene between Mary and Matthew. I remember blogging about Mary and her being out in the snow. Now I know how she stayed warm in her strappy dress. 😉

Okay, the clock has struck midnight so time for me to call it a night! In the meantime, share your thoughts. 🙂

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, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. 😉