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.

The 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.”

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.

While 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.

Later 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.

Mrs. 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!

Edith 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.

Random 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, 😉

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.

This 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.

However, 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!”

When 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.

This 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.

Evelyn 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.

Lastly, 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, 😉

Last week I was busy with sick kiddos and family stuff so by the time I finally got a chance to sit down and recap Episode 2 I figured I should just wait and make a combo post with Episode 3 instead. (Scroll down if you want to skip straight to Ep 3.)

As usual  – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

Episode 2 Recap

Episode 2 was relatively uneventful so it can be summed up like this:

• Letters from Rose and Tom were read.
• Mary read in between very obscure lines and assumed Rose was pregnant.
• Edith got her first zinger in a long time, telling Mary, “As usual, you add 2 and 2 to get 53.” Indeed!
• Mrs. Patmore gave into the dark side and decided to just buy a bottle of horse radish.

• Violet tells Robert what I’d like to say to computer trolls who post their rudeness and idiocy.
• Thomas is rebuffed at every turn. I actually feel worry for him.
• Mr. Skinner tries to hid the fact that he is freaking out that Mary is the new agent.
• Mary wants to take Marigold  to see the pigs. Edith worries that Mrs. Drewe will be there but not enough to tell Mary the truth about Marigold.
• Edith must go to London to deal with her brutish editor.
• Anna undresses  Mary. It still feels disconcerting that a grown woman cannot remove a simple dress from her body. However, it has brought them close enough for Anna to share with Mary about her pregnancy problems.
• Later Anna cries as she polishes shoes. The Anna and Bates drama is poured on so thick it dampers my love of the show. The reasoning for not wanting adoption seemed dismissive. I’m getting irritated. Writers, give Anna some happiness. Stat! (Or so help me, Fellowes!)
• Mary suggests to Anna that she see the same fertility doctor she went to. Anna protests that Mary shouldn’t go through so much trouble. They reminiscence about hiding dead Turks and Dutch thingamajigs. Finally Anna agrees to see Mary’s doctor and she is diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, a condition that is relatively easy to fix. Are sunshiny days in Anna’s future?? We can only hope!

• Violet, Isobel and the gang continue to fight over the hospital situation. Isobel makes a comment that I had to google to understand. (Basically it was a reference to gentlemen of yesteryear who wore Parliament type wigs, getting into a fight on the green causing their wigs to fall off.)
• Mary insists that Carson have his wedding at Downton. Mrs. Hughes wants her own wedding saying things like, “It may be where we work but it’s not who we are” and…

• Carson tries to make his argument and Mrs. Hughes teases, “And heaven forfend we lowly folks should do anything to contradict the blessed Lady Mary.” This wedding is bringing out another side of Mrs. Hughes and it is surprising me a little. But I understand her reasoning – her wedding is the only day when she is allowed to have things as she wants and not as it is dictated to her.
• Daisy is upset. I sort of lost interest.
• The family goes to the pig show with Marigold. They ooh and ahh over the porkers and the alarms are going off in our collective heads as we yell, “Why is no one holding Marigold’s hand?!” Sure enough, she is missing. So is Mrs. Drewe.
• Mr. Drewe knows immediately where Marigold is. He heads back to his home, to the chagrin of Lady Mary who is left without a ride home. He walks into the house to see his wife cradling a very still Marigold. I worry, “Is she dead? Will Mrs. Drewe go into a psychotic rage when Drewe takes her from her arms?” (This is why Brian doesn’t let me watch Dateline. 😉 ) No, Marigold is merely sleeping and Mr Drewe takes her from his wife without incident.
• Mrs. Drewe is deeply hurting. Mr. Drewe has the patience of a saint. Marigold is returned and Mr. Drewe must leave, for the sake of his wife who is close to losing it. Incredibly sad all around.
• We wait for episode 3.

Recap of Episode 3

Well if Episode 2 seemed relatively uneventful, this one made up for it. So many zingers! So many happy moments! A wedding! Branson! Anna smiles! I told Brian it seemed more like a season finale than a middle of the season episode. Here are a few thoughts.

Resigned to Nibbly Bits and Sorry Looking Dresses

In the last episode Mrs. Hughes was adamant to have her version of a dream wedding but she had since allowed Mr. Carson have his way. She shared her concerns with BFF Patmore:

Mrs. Patmore: “That doesn’t sound like a bride on the brink of wedded bliss.”

Mrs. Hughes: “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the brink of anything. Except possibly the grave. I wanted a big wedding breakfast with all of us sat at groaning tables, having a jolly time.”

Mrs. Patmore: “Well, why can’t you have that?”

Mrs. Hughes: “Because it’s not how posh people do it. They stand about with nibbly bits getting stuck in their teeth, and that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Mrs. Patmore would have none of that! She confided in Cora about Mrs. Hughes feelings on the matter. Cora then asked Mrs. Hughes to speak to her upstairs. There she coaxed Mrs. Hughes into telling them what kind of wedding she had in mind to the horror of Carson. She admitted that she wanted a sit down feast followed by a hooley (party with traditional music and dancing.) It was version unsuitable for the great house and Carson agreed.

Lady Mary was dumbfounded and argued that Carson should be married in the house. Mrs. Hughes was adamant that their wedding should be about the love of Charles and Elsie not about the great house and glorious people who have lived in it. Cora, with her American sensibilities agreed and settled the matter. Mrs. Hughes would have her wedding in the school house, no matter how much Mary protested.

“Middle-Aged” Edith

Edith has been breaking barriers by living alone in her London flat, firing her “petulant and overweight tyrant” of an editor and doing a last minute edit of her  magazine with the help of Bertie Pelham. (In last year’s DA Christmas special he was the agent at Brancaster Castle while Lord Sinderby was staying there.) I enjoyed watching Edith smile and take charge and relished the idea that Bertie admired her and was willing to get coffee, sandwiches or move papers about just to be near her. Could it be that our Downton Eeyore is on the brink of finding purpose and maybe even love?? Jolly good!!

Impudent Denker and Killjoy Spratt

Spratt’s nephew Wally Stern escaped prison and contacted Spratt for help. When the Sergeant Willis came around to question Spratt about it, he denied knowing anything and Denker backed him up even though she knew he was lying.  Denker is the last person you want holding blackmailing material. This is not going to sit well with Spratt. So my prediction is that they either land out killing each other (or falling in love.) 😉

Thomas aka “The Republican”

I don’t quite understand what they are doing with Thomas. In previous episodes he was a scoundrel with nine lives who always managed to talk his way out of a situation. He was a character we loved to hate but slowly we got a deeper look into Barrow and saw his vulnerability and even a softer side to him. My heart softened towards him, especially as Baxter tried to take him under wing. (I really love that girl.)

However, these days everyone shows nothing but disinterest or even annoyance with everything he says or does. It was obvious that there was not much work for him to do since he was always hanging about or looking through the want ads but I can’t help but feel worry for him. Even his job prospects (this episode he was being interviewed by what appeared to be Lady Havisham’s long lost brother) have been further opportunities for his character to be belittled. Who would have thought back in season one or two that I would care so much about what happened to Thomas!

Mary & Anna

Except for the foreign concept of having a lady’s maid, I love to watch the almost sisterly relationship between Mary and Anna. Anna shared with Mary that she may be pregnant and Mary exclaimed to a blushing Anna, “Lord knows the problem isn’t Bates!” They planned to wait until Anna is three months along then make an excuse to take a trip to London. (Although, with Bates being so amorous toward his wife, you’d think he’d notice her changing body before the three months were up.)

Things Get Nasty

The discussion of the hospital becomes heated when Violet, Isobel, Cora and the gentlemen gathered to discuss the hospital. Violet was upset that Cora was siding with Isobel. Isobel grew more smug and belittled Dr Clarkson in front of everyone. It was not the best we have seen of Isobel. Cora was troubled by the heated exchange and excused herself to return home only to get into another mess.

The Dress

Mrs. Hughes was having second thoughts about wearing her plain brown day dress to her wedding. Mrs. Patmore tried to surprise her by ordering a new dress in a catalog. Unfortunately the dress was just as ugly as the first. Anna reminded her that Lady Mary said she could borrow a brooch to which Mrs. Patmore responded, “A brooch? She’ll need a diamond parure to make this look any good.”

Mary suggested that they take one of Cora’s embroidered evening coats to wear over it. Unfortunately, Mary never told Cora. She had the chance, mind you. All she had to do was call out to Cora as she left the room but it was too much of a bother. Maybe she was too busy making faces at Edith for being excited about the magazine copy.

Either way, when Cora walked into her bedroom and saw Mrs. Hughes trying on her clothes, she reprimanded them. You could feel Mrs. Hughes’ shame as she apologized and hurried out of the room. Mary went to Cora and scolded her when it was Mary, let’s not forget, who could’t get her bum off the couch and warn Cora of her plan. Naturally, good hearted Cora felt bad, apologized to Mrs. Hughes, and gave her the coat.

The Nuptials

The big day finally arrived. Mrs. Hughes was treated royally as she was brought coffee in bed and Anna and Baxter came to dress the bride.

Carson grudgingly put on his boutonniere and gave the others to his last minute ushers.

We moved to Carson and Hughes exchanging their wedding vows as everyone looked on with smiles and tears in their eyes. After the ceremony they walked outside to cheers. They kissed and the music swelled. The went inside the school room and your eyes were immediately drawn to the cheerful atmosphere and food laden tables without a nibbly bit in sight.

Mary apologized to Carson and the new Mrs. Carson quipped that Mr. Carson would forgive her if she attacked him with a brick.

Anna and Bates playfully flirted with each other and the hope of them finding happiness felt within our grasp.

Mr. Moseley talked to the school master and admitted that he may have missed his vocation but Daisy did not have to.

Grab One More Kleenex

Carson gave a beautiful speech to his new wife saying:

“I will not be prolix, but it must be right that I mark that I am the happiest and luckiest of men. That a woman of such grace and charm would entrust her life’s happiness to my unworthy charge passeth all understanding.”

Here, here! Everyone toasted the happy couple including our long lost and beloved Tom. I was completely surprised to see him walk through the door, thinking he would not return until the Christmas special. He explained that he needed to go all the way to Boston to learn that Downton was his true home and they were his family.

The closing scene was of the adorable and impeccably dressed little cousins hugging one another. Sigh.

Random Thoughts

• Why do I so little patience with Daisy and her outbursts and assumptions?
• I assumed in the last episode that Mr. Mason would take over Yew Tree Farm once the Drewes leave but it looks like that may not be the case, at least for the moment.
• It was sweet seeing Mrs. Hughes and Carson blush as they discussed how they would avoid each other that evening so as not to see one another before the wedding.
• What’s the “little bit of indigestion” Robert had? Seemed too random not to mean something.
• Is it too late for Moseley to find his calling as a teacher?
• When are Moseley and Baxter going to get cozy with each other? I really liked them as a couple.

Best Quotes

Violet: “I know several couples who are perfectly happy. Haven’t spoken in years.”

Violet: “I have a feeling Cora and I will be saying ‘hello’ rather less than ‘en garde!’ in the next few weeks.”

Violet (Speaking about Spratt): “I know nothing of Spratt’s friends. He has a great many relations who seem to get married and buried with numbing regularity. Usually on very inconvenient days.”

Isobel: “Does cousin Violet know I am here this evening?

Cora: “Not unless you told her.”

Isobel: “I don’t want her to think I am plotting against her.”

Robert: “Aren’t you?”

Isobel: “Yes, but I don’t want her to know.”

Violet: “Well, in my experience, second thoughts are vastly overrated.”

Violet: “A peer in favor of reform is like a turkey in favor or Christmas.”

What did you think of the episode? What was your favorite scene or line?

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