Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 3: Episode 6

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While, I loved Episode 6, it seemed a little disjointed to me. There were so many storylines going on at once, I almost preferred the one hour segments in order to let you really take in and absorb what is happening. (Not to mention to savor the goodness before it all fades away next week.)

Thomas – Thomas stepped into the limelight this episode and although there have been times I’ve had to go to confession for wanting to beat the @#$% out of a fictitious character, this time I really felt for Thomas. It was painful to watch him be manipulated into thinking that Jimmy had feelings for him and to see his shame and humiliation as he realized not only his error but the price of that error. Seeing this vulnerably human side of his character makes you understand why he acts the way he does. I read in another review that his character calls to mind Mother Theresa’s quote:  “The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”

Although, I didn’t understand why Thomas was not on his guard with O’Brien in the first place. He knew that he pushed her too far with his mistreatment of Albert and she told him herself that she would get even with him one day. He should have been on red alert whenever she walked into the room and instead he fell right into her trap. The real question now is if Thomas will soften towards Bates since he owes him big time or will he go back to being a pain. I think it would be fun to watch a tentatively reserved bromance between Bates and Thomas.

Bates – Speaking of Bates, I don’t know what I think about him anymore. His whole story line was so drawn out and we saw a few uglier sides of him that understandably came out in order to survive in jail. I am just not as happy as I thought I would be to see him and Anna together again. However, I was swooning over his defense of Thomas. That seemed like the old Bates I used to know.

O’Brien – Wow, she was all kinds of evil this week. And the scariest kind of evil that acts loving and kind while she lunges the knife into your back. It will be interesting to see the backlash to come now that Thomas has been promoted and Alfred demoted.

Alfred & Jimmy – Was it last week that I said I wasn’t sure what to make of Jimmy? Well, I know now. Both Alfred and Jimmy are such unlikable characters to me. Their arrogance and weakness makes it hard to watch them.

Branson – The other star of this episode, in a good way, was Tom. Tom has really hit his stride and found his balance. His love for the late Sybil and Baby Sybil has helped smooth out his rough edges. Tom has remained strong in his beliefs but by controlling his temper and passion, he has learned to persuasively voice his opinion and sway Robert’s thinking. That is a miracle in itself. He also looked exceptionally polished and gentlemanly when compared to his boorish excuse of a brother. And I loved him particularly this week for putting baby Sybil’s welfare above his own desires in allowing her to stay at Downton, under his watchful eye, that is.

Mary and Matthew – I loved to see them getting along, working together as a team and being flirtatious with each other. I also loved seeing them interact with Baby Sybil and I was ecstatic to see that Mary was pregnant in the previews. All their work in the baby department must have paid off. 🙂

Edith – Edith, Edit, Edith. Can’t that poor girl get a break? The writers can’t seem to give the girl her own voice. Instead she is a caricature of various characters. First she is Jan Brady always complaining, “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.” Then she starts to learn to drive and get some confidence only to slip into a Miss Hussy role as she messes around with another woman’s husband.  Then she finds her groove and channels her inner Florence Nightingale as she nurses the soldiers and becomes a happier and more pleasant woman. Unfortunately the ghost of Miss Havisham enters the story as she is jilted at the altar. Finally, just as she is standing on her own two feet and finding her voice she turns into Jane Eyre in love with a doomed Mr. Rochester. Come on! Granted Jane Eyre is my all time favorite novel but Jane had to go through hell to finally find happiness. Will Edith have to do the same? #teamedith is not amused.

Random Thoughts

  • I am so glad Ethel has found a way to be near her little boy Charlie once again. I hope she finds happiness, even if it is Stella Dallas style.
  • I love how the characters are never black and white. Like real people, they have their good and negative qualities and there are some days you want to smack them and some days you just want to give them a hug.
  • Is it just me or does Mr. Rochester, I mean Edith’s editor, look just like a young Anthony Strallan?
  • I read that Rose is supposed to be a replacement female character for Sybil. Really? That leaves something to be desired.
  • With the last episode coming, I will finally see that huge spoiler I accidentally read. (Curse you, spoilers!!)  Let’s just say it will feel very Lenten.

 

Best Lines of the Night

Grand Prize – The conversation between Violet and Isobel.

Isobel: I thought they’d be surrounded by nannies and governesses and you’d only see them for an hour.
Violet: Yes, my dear, but it was an hour each day.
Isobel: Oh, how tiring.

Classic!

Other Faves (I know I am forgetting some because there were so many of them!)

— Violet: “I do think the women’s place is in the home, eventually. But I don’t see any harm in her having some fun before she gets there.”

— Cora: What’s the matter, Robert? Are you afraid you’ll be converted while you’re not looking?

— Isobel to Violet: “Have you changed your pills?”

— Cora: “Is she really so Machiavellian?”

Robert: “Yes.”

— Alfred: They’re showing a movie tonight in the village, down east. It’s about woman who survives in the wilderness by her own wits and courage.

Miss O’Brien: Blimey. They’ve stolen my story.

 

Okay, that’s it for now. Share your thoughts!

 


TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 3 – Episode 5

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I admire those lovely bloggers who have it all together and can get their Downton Abbey commentary up on Monday morning, but I’m just happy if I get my thoughts down before the next episode airs! So it’s a little late but here are my thoughts on Episode 5 of Downton Abbey. As expected, it was a somber episode with everyone coping with the dramatic and heartbreaking death of Sybil.

Robert & Cora – It was painful to watch Cora as she fought with her grief and her belief that her husband was responsible for her daughter’s death. Although I am still upset with Robert for his arrogant behavior in so many situations, I am glad that he and Cora were able to finally grieve together. The last scene where they hugged each other and sobbed still tears me up.

What I am wondering, did Dr. Clarkson really believe what he said about Sybil dying anyway or did he outright lie to please the Dowager Countess and to help Robert and Cora reconcile?

Mary & Matthew – I had such hopes for Mary in Season 2 when she was nursing Matthew and letting go of her selfish, condescending ways. She seems to go back and forth but tonight I love that she stuck up for Tom’s (and Sybil’s) desire to baptize the baby Catholic. I also loved the scene between Mary and Matthew talking in bed. It reminded me of Brian’s situation when she said, “We must never take us for granted. Who knows what’s coming…” I don’t want to think about what’s coming…

Tom & Baby Sybil – It is not surprising that Tom is sticking to his guns in regards to the baby’s baptism and upbringing. Perhaps in the future he’ll be able to run the farm and live on his own while still having Baby Sybil close to (or at)  Downton.

Bates & Anna – The trials of Bates was moving painfully slow and I knew Mrs. Bartlette would recant her story. We are seeing another side of Bates, something other than his normally controlled self, as he becomes unhinged whenever he is around Craig. But he does take care of business. When Anna received the letter that everything had worked out I was ready for “the other chancla (shoe) to fall,” as my mom would say. This is the season of the gut-punches so I was ready for another tragic ending. Alas, we saw Bates return in the previews so I guess he really does get out. Thank God.

Daisy & Mr. Mason – Everyone needs a Mr. Mason in their life to give them wise counsel and tell them they are worthy and cherished. Now if only Daisy will quit mooning over that annoying Alfred.

Ms. Patmore – I wanted to hug Ms. P this episode. I love that she helped Ethel despite the protest from Carson. I also loved the way she looked wistfully sad when she thought Daisy may be leaving her. My favorite lines from her tonight were: To Mr. Carson – “Do I look like a frolicker?” To the kitchen staff – “You’re all in love with the wrong people.” To Ivy – “Not in this house, Miss Hussy!” LOL.

Mr. Carson & Ms. Hughes – All Mr. Carson’s huffing and puffing seemed ridiculously comedic. Sometime it is hard to get into the midset of the time and place and understand that this is how it used to be. Ms. Hughes took it all in stride and remains the voice of reason and charity.

Thomas & Ms. O’Brian – Man, does that lady know how to play a game of cat and mouse. What is that saying? Revenge is a dish best served cold. Thomas better watch it! But is O’Brien only after Thomas and Jimmy is an innocent casualty or is she out to get Jimmy as well? (I still don’t know what to make of Jimmy…)

Favorite Dowager Countess Lines of the Night – My three favorite lines came all in the same scene. When the ladies were lunching at Cora’s house:

  • When told that Ethel was a prostitute – “Well, of course these days servants are hard to find.”
  • When Ethel walks into the dining room in her uniform – “She has an appropriate costume for every activity”
  • When she doesn’t leave as Robert commands – “It seems a pity to miss such a good pudding.”

Future New Characters – It looks like Lady Rose, a cousin of the Crawleys,  is coming on the scene as the resident party girl. I guess we will be getting a taste of the untamed Roaring 20’s.

Interesting Historical Background – Thanks to AustenProse.com, I also found two interesting pieces of info in regards to comments that were made in the episode. Laurel wrote:

  • “The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk is a dear friend and she is more Catholic than the Pope.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Lady Violet is referring to Gwendolen Fitzalan-Howard, 12th Lady Herries of Terregles, The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. She was a Roman Catholic aristocrat whose family was the model for the Marchmain family in Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited.

  • You are always flabbergasted by the unconventional…not everyone chooses their religion to satisfy Debrett’s.” – Lady Grantham

Lady Grantham is referring to Debrett’s Perrage & Baronetage, a book that is a genealogical reference to the British aristocracy. Austen fans will remember that in Persuasion, Sir Walter Elliot “for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage.” He was a puffed up snob. Lady Grantham’s mention of this is a rub to her husband’s snobbish beliefs reminding him of her American roots and values. Well said Lady Grantham.

For Facebooking DA Lover – Lastly, my favorite bit of DA humor is reading Happy Place’s Facebook Downton Abbey Recap for Episode 5.

 

 

 



7 Downton Abbey Quick Takes: Season 3, Episode 4 & Fun Downton Links

 

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It’s always a joke around here that when I link up with Jen’s 7 Quick Takes, I am usually around #150, and that’s on a good day. I swear there are bloggers that never sleep who post their Takes before I’ve even finished my Thursday night viewing of something intellectually stimulating like Duck Dynasty. So I am going extreme and posting on Wednesday afternoon! I am officially #0! Although, knowing me I’ll post this and forget to link up until Sunday morning. Oh, well. Let’s get on with it.

Spoiler Alert! – If you have not watched Sunday’s Episode 4 of Downton Abbey, skip to # 3 or 4!

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Last night I was finally able to watch Sunday’s episode of Downton Abbey. Everyone warned that it was a heart breaker. Oh. My. Gosh. They were not exaggerating. Let’s just say I was finally able to have that good cry I needed!

I will have to go back and rewatch the episode to remember the storylines that were shown because Sybil is dominating my memory right now. And seriously, as I sit here and think about losing your spouse, I am crying again… and then when Cora was sitting alone with Sybil and told her lifeless body, “You will always be my baby,” I could hear my mom’s voice telling me that. I could hear my own voice as I say it so often to Bella. Oh, boy and now the tears are flowing freely again. I’m making up for lost time.

Since I obviously can’t handle a commentary right now, I will instead share a few Downton Abbey links that you may enjoy.

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 Here is a video tribute to Sybil and Tom with the song “The Weight of Us” by Sanders Bohlke.

 

 

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Yesterday the Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey Season 3 Blu-ray and DVD were released. I ordered my copy and I’m debating whether I will watch the remaining episodes right away or wait and enjoy the suspense as I watch with my friends on PBS. Since I know this is not the end of sad storylines maybe small doses will be better.

 

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The other night Downton Abbey won Sag’s Cast Ensemble Award. Here is a photo of some of the cast. You can hardly recognize Ms. O’Brien and Daisy!

Photo Source

 

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My sister sent me this link, knowing that I would love it.

10 Downton Abbey Inspired DIY Crafts & Printables from EverythingEtsy.com.

My favorites are…

 

…the Downton Abbey inspired headbands and…

 

…the Downton Abbey bingo.

 

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Lastly, for those of you that love Facebook and Downton, you may enjoy these DA episode Facebook recaps from HappyPlace.com.

Here is the recap for  Season 3, Episode 1. The rest of the recap links are below.

 

Facebook Recap for Season 3, Episode 2

Facebook Recap for Season 3, Episode 3 

Facebook Recap for Season 3, Episode 4

 

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I hope you enjoyed these! I’ll meet you Sunday night for the next #DowntonPBS Twitter party. (9 PM PT) 🙂 (You can find me here.)

 

 

 


TV Talk: Downton Abbey Returns with Season 3

What did you think of Episode 1?

The opening music of Masterpiece makes me positively giddy! Added to the fun was the fact that I was tweeting comments back and forth with my sister as we watched. It felt like she was with me. 🙂

Matthew & Mary – I loved Mary and Matthew’s little flirtatious at the beginning and I’m not sure which made me swoon more –  the closed-eyes kiss at the door or his line, “I could never be happy with anyone else while you walked the earth.”

But what kind of wedding scene was that? We had the big entrance and then they cut to them coming back from their honeymoon? Uh, hello? What about my favorite parts – when a Papa places his daughter’s hand in the groom’s? The longing looks? The beautiful words? The lifting of the veil for the first married kiss? Nada. Oh, well. (Someone from the UK did explain that when they watched the episode over there it ended at the wedding. The following episode opened with the honeymoon. But in the US, the two episodes were shown together. Well, I can forgive them if it meant we say two hours worth last night. ;-))

I love Matthew but his scruples get a little bit on my nerves. First he would not marry Mary after Lavinia died and now he won’t take the money left to him. I think he is making too much of it. Although, the way he has taken Branson under his wing is sweet. It is a wonderful bromance.

Robert & Cora –I was a little perturbed with Cora last season with the way she allowed O’Brien to manipulate her at every turn but she was my heroine this episode with her treatment of Robert and the news of their possible demise. Her humor, sensitivity and desire to enjoy this possible last happy moment together was lovely.

Lady Violet & Martha Levinson – Granny was a treasure as always. No one delivers zingers with such refined elegance as she does. My favorite line of the night? To Robert: “Oh, I am sorry. I thought you were the waiter.” Hahahaha! As for Shirley MacLaine it was hard for me to get into her character although the barbs between her and Violet were priceless. I will also admit her picnic idea was awesome. (But am I still a faithful American if I am on #TeamViolet?)

Branson & Sybil – I kept wondering my Sybil was wearing what looked like a velour muumuu until I remembered me was preggers. No one mentioned it. Branson is at his best when he is showing a little self-restraint and humility. I can pass on the political ire. And kudos to him for giving into the ladies and wearing proper wedding attire.

Edith – Edith’s character has gone through a lot over the last two season. She went from a nuisance to a husband stealer to a loving nurse to a loveless spinster. I am glad she is fighting for her man, even if it seems a little desperate at times. Underneath it all she has a good heart and she just wants to love and be loved.

Anna & Bates  – Anna is as faithful as ever. And she is tapping into her inner Sherlock Holmes to find clues. What is going on with Bates? Well, other than being away from the one he loves and locked in prison for life for a crime he did not commit. Or did he? Dun.Dun.Dun.

Downstairs – Daisy is back in annoying mode. When we she stop listening to Thomas?? Thomas, well I cannot say what I think about him or I’d be going to confession over a fictitious character. Mr. Hughes – She has me in tears. Poor thing. Mrs. Patmore – Priceless. Mr. Carson – I hope he finds out about Mrs. Hughes so he can offer her some comfort. O’Brien – If anyone can go toe to toe with Thomas, it’s her. The two new characters – Not impressed.

Random Thoughts:

  • I could not stop laughing at how times have changed in fashions. Who would have thought that a long tailed tux was once considered Casual Friday?
  • My new favorite word? Don’t be such a hobbledehoy.
  • I’ll be rewatching scenes tonight. Between tweeting and trying to stop Matty from jumping on my head (blast you, late afternoon naps!) I know I missed some things!

Share your thoughts in the comments. I love to read them!! In the meantime, have a great day. 🙂