Source

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!

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. 😉

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.)

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. 😉

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. 😉

Source – ITV

This week I watched Downton with my sweetie in his hospital room. The TV was small and I sorely missed my subtitles (especially to catch the Dowager’s zingers) but at least we were together. (He’s slowly doing better by the way. 🙂 ) I came home and rewatched it with my mom so I could get all the parts I missed.

Anna & Bates – Well, Anna’s secret is finally out and that is good news and bad news. The good news – I could not have loved Bates more when he told Anna that she had nothing to be ashamed of and, if anything, he loved her more because of what she suffered. Thankfully, Anna fell back into his arms, back into his cottage and was once again sharing knowing looks with him. However, because this is Downton, we cannot have a lovely moment without some disaster looming on the horizon. Sweet Bates menacingly vowed to avenge his wife and I cannot say that I blame him. I just pray to God that if Green is served his justice it is not by Bates because I cannot do the “Bates in jail” storyline all over again.

Mary – I knew that kiss from Lord Gillingham was going to shake up Mary. I didn’t realize just how taken she was with Lord G until we caught her wiping tears away as she was writing to congratulate him on his engagement to that girl he doesn’t really love. It was amusing to see her so jovial at the sight of Napier. (He was in Season 1 as the friend of drop dead Mr. Pamuk.) Also, she was definitely feeling like her old self with her verbal jabs at Edith.

Robert – I was pleased that Robert showed a softer, less haughty side by helping out Mr. Drewe. I just hope it all works out okay and doesn’t backfire.

Edith – Ay yi yi. Things are not going well for Edith. First she signs questionable papers without reading them and then she loses her virtue to a suspicious wanna be-Mr Rochester with German overtones and then he leaves her without any word and now she is (I am assuming) with child. Sigh.

Thomas and Baxter – This is an interesting development as Thomas is trying to create an O’Brien 2.0. Although Baxter is doing his dirty work (thanks to blackmail??) I don’t see the evil streak in her that was in O’Brien or Edith. She seems more like someone who has been forced to do his dirty work in order to protect a secret. Time will tell.

Mrs. Crawley – You could tell that Isobel was feeling better. She was getting back to her slightly annoying “I know better than you” attitude. She means well but the Dowager said it best – “I wonder if your halo doesn’t grow heavy. It must be like wearing a tiara around the clock.””

Random Thoughts

• We didn’t see much of Rose this week, besides her offering to help Cora plan Robert’s party. I have a feeling she has the perfect person to provide the musical entertainment. 😉

• It was nice to see Tom and Mary with their absent kids. I am still wrapping my head around the way the nanny basically raises the children and not the parents.

• Joseph ‘Eeyore” Mosley once again provided us with some comic relief.

• I hope Tom is not actually leaving.

• Best lines of the Dowager – when she nicknames Isobel “Queen of the Rebels” or tells her “Wars have been waged with less fervor.”

Downton Abbey Facebook Recaps

Here’s the link to HappyPlace.com for their hilarious Downton Abbey Facebook Recaps. (Note: Some comments are a little crude or use questionable language so if that is no bueno for you, skip it.)

• If Downton Abbey took place entirely on Facebook – Season 4, Episode 4.

Let me know what you thought of the episode! 🙂

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. 😉

Source – ITV

Sorry this is late. I have been busy getting all my things done before Brian’s surgery on Friday. (Next week I’ll be watching Downton with him in his hospital room!) In the meantime, here are my takes from Sunday’s episode.

Anna – Poor Anna! It was painful to see her anguish, particularly when that scumbag was sitting next to her at the table. I thought he had left the house. I wanted to jump through the screen and throttle him to the floor. (Sometimes the Mama Bear in me gets a little crazy.)  However, just as painful was watching Bates struggle with Anna’s coldness towards him.  I can understand why she is shutting out Bates but I still hate to see it!

Mr. Green/Mr. Gillingham – Speaking of the scumbag, I never understood why he was called Mr. Gillingham when his name was actually Mr. Green. I looked it up and found this piece here:

The visiting valet’s name was Mr. Green, but Anna and others referred to him as Gillingham out of deference to his boss, Lord Gillingham, a bit of social niceness that also served as a subtle nod to Green’s obvious sense of entitlement. The name-switchery didn’t make a lot of sense but as the good ol’ Dowager Countess reminded us: “If I were to search for logic, I would not look for it in the English upper class.”

Edna – I am sooooooo glad that this storyline was not played out over many episodes. I don’t know how much more I could take of seeing that nasty thing play the “you used me ill and got me pregnant” card and how many times she’d sneak into Tom’s room again. (Note to Tom – Lock your door, ol’ chap! And note to self – After you jump through the screen and throttle Gillingham’s valet, deal with Edna with equal vigor.) 😉

Mrs. Hughes – She was on fire! After having no problem snooping in Carson’s trash the other week and sneaking into Carson’s room to take the photo of his old love, she could certainly sneak into Edna’s room and find her book “How to Trap A Rich Guy into Marrying You.” Well played, Mrs. Hughes. Well played.

Mrs.  Crawley – I love that she is now working for the Doctor. (He’s a sly one. ;-)) She needs her sense of purpose back. I also loved the scene where the Dowager praised her virtue, to her own surprise.

Rose – Now that we’ve met Rose’s man crush I am eager to see how things develop. I am sure there will be many fireworks to come.

Edith – Was anyone concerned that Edith signed that paper without looking at it? What control was she being given? Was it work related? I’m confused. Although nothing was shown, I am assuming that Edith lost her “virtue” that night. I am not a big fan of Lady Rosamund but she hit the nail on the head when she was speaking to Edith. Will that girl ever find true happiness because all I see is future heartbreak.

Lord Gillingham – Wow, I knew the guy liked Mary but I never imagined him proposing! On the one hand, I know six months is an awfully short time for Mary to consider remarrying and I wonder if he is a little too “nice” for Mary who likes her men with a little devilish streak. Not overboard like Mr. Pamuk or Sir Richard, but like Matthew, a good man who can still stand toe to toe with her strong spirit.

On the other hand, Lord G seems like a decent man and honorable gentleman, not to mention, swoon worthy. I also think he has the ability, like Matthew, to bring out the goodness in Mary. When they are together there is a softness and openness that breaks through her tough shell. (She certainly didn’t seem the lease bit cold when she was kissing him good bye!) I just REALLY hope that Lord G does not marry that other girl then the writers have him come back into Mary’s life and they are unable to contain their attraction. (I can’t stand seeing the married messing around.) We also know there is a second suitor coming onto the scene. (I think he is going to have more of a love-hate attraction to Mary.) So we’ll see where all this goes.

Random Thoughts

• I thought it was very kind of the Duchess (even though I want to call her Aunt Gardiner from P&P) to try and cheer up Tom. As I said last week, it is as if people forget he is a widower.

• It was also sweet of Mary to advise him to find someone he can talk to about his problem.

• What does Thomas do all day besides lurk in hallways and plot getting people fired? But I’ll admit that I was throwing him kisses when he told Edna off.

• Is it just me or is the love triangle rectangle in the kitchen getting a little tedious. Maybe because I don’t get why Daisy likes Alfred in the first place. And I don’t know what to make of Jimmy. Frankly, I enjoy Mrs. Patmore’s quips more.

• Best line of Violet to Robert – “Why are you in your rompers?”

Downton Abbey Facebook Recaps

I completely forgot to give you the links to HappyPlace.com for their hilarious  Downton Abbey Facebook Recaps. (Note: Some comments are a little crude or use questionable language so if that is no bueno for you, skip it.)

• If Downton Abbey took place entirely on Facebook – Season 4, Episode 3.

• If Downton Abbey took place entirely on Facebook – Season 4, Episode 2.

• If Downton Abbey took place entirely on Facebook – Season 4, Episode 1.

Let me know what you thought of the episode! 🙂

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. 😉