Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

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

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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. ๐Ÿ˜‰

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

downton_season_6_ep_7aThe pain of Violet’s defeat still hurt and she decided that she was going to take a trip to Paris. Isobel wondered how she would do surrounded by foreigners. Violet explained, “My reason for traveling is the make myself eager to come home. A month among the French should manage it.ย  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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

downton_season_6_ep_7cLater Mr. Dawes arrives at Downton to give Mr. Molesley the results of his test. He announed to him, “I’d be very glad if you would join the teaching staff at the village school.” Molesley was speechless. He continued saying, “I’m impressed, Mr. Molesley. There are Oxford and Cambridge graduates who know far less than you do. You should be proud.” I was so pleased for Mr. Molesley that I shed a few tears. ๐Ÿ™‚

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

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

 

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

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

downton_6_8gRandom Thoughts

  • Edith’s new editor Miss Edmunds was invited to the race. She seemed like an industrious and pleasant girl. Perhaps a love interest for Tom?
  • I have thought, like the others, that Henry didn’t seem to match Mary but Tom has seen many sides of Mary and knows her well. The fact that he is so adamant about Mary not giving up Henry makes me pause and wonder if perhaps they would do well together. What do you think?
  • This was the first episode all season when I actually wanted to hug Daisy rather than smack her. The scene between her and Mrs. Patmore was very sweet and tender when Mrs. P assured her that love was not finite and that no matter what the future held she could always count on her and Mr. Mason. ๐Ÿ™‚
  • 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. ๐Ÿ™‚

Only two episodes left! Episode 8 will be 90 minutes long and the final episode 9 will be two hours. See you next week! ๐Ÿ™‚

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, ๐Ÿ˜‰


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

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Sunday’s episode 6 was a slow boil with some funny moments. Here’s my recap. ๐Ÿ™‚

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

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

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

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

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

(Kudos for making Austen lovers’ hearts flutter. ๐Ÿ˜‰ )

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary: “Wives?”

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

Random Thoughts

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

 

Other Favorite Quotes

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

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

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

 

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

Edith: ” As opposed to your car mechanic?”

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Mary: “Oh, shut up.”

 

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

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

What did you think?? Share your thoughts here or on Facebook. ๐Ÿ™‚

Only three episodes left! See you next week. ๐Ÿ™‚

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, ๐Ÿ˜‰


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

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

As usual – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

In other news…

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

Speaking of Andy…

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

 

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

Violet was upset and they had this conversation:

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

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

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

Denker: “Yes, but surely…”

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

She then dismissed Denker from her position.

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indeed, Tom! Cut to the chase. ๐Ÿ™‚

 

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

 

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

 

Random Thoughts

  • Neville Chamberlain, the minister of health, was an actual historical figure. He was the prime minister from 1937 – 1040. His brother the prankster was also a real person.
  • Baxter’s experience with Mr. Coyle’s trial was, as she put it, “a bit anticlimactic.” After all that work up the guy changed his plea and the trial was off. Everything just fizzled out, although Baxter continues to have a hard time letting go of her past.
  • Did you wonder about the “bubble and squeak” that Mrs. Hughes cooked for Carson? I looked it up and Wikipedia said: “Bubble and squeak is a traditional English dish made with the shallow-fried leftover vegetables from a roast dinner. The main ingredients are potato and cabbage, but carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, or any other leftover vegetables can be added.” So now we know!
  • Anna and Bates were smiling and playful and happy…”Bad harvest! Bad harvest!” ๐Ÿ˜‰

 

Other Favorite Quotes

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

 

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

 

Sybbie: “Is Granny Violet a red Indian?”

Robert: “Why on earth would you say that?

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

 

Violet: “Denker has disgraced herself.”

Isobel: “Well, how distressing for you.”

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

Baxter: Of course you are.

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

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

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, ๐Ÿ˜‰


TV Talk: Downton Abbey, Season 6: Episode 4 Recap

logo_downton_season_6W2_This post is later than I anticipated but there has been little time for blogging these days! Here is a recap of Downton Abbey’s Season 6, Episode 4.

As usualย  – SPOILER ALERT!

All photos courtesy of PBS Masterpiece.

Episode 4 Recap

downton_season_6_ep4ANow that Tom is back at Downton, he must decide what he will do to occupy his time. He didn’t want to take the agent job from Mary but she was willing to be co-agents with him. He expressed some interest in cars after talking with Henry Talbot and that made some sense since his background was dealing with cars before he married Sybil. Mary said she would stand by him and support him no matter what he decided, although she did request, “No more Miss Bunting, if you have any pity.” Indeed!

 

downton_season_6_ep4BAs you may recall, Baxter had a checkered past having been accused of stealing jewels from her former employer. It seems she was not the only one who found themselves in such a predicament. The rogue Peter Coyle has made it his mission to prey on female servants, gain their trust (and who knows what else) and then talk them into stealing jewels from their respective ladies. Yet, he always managed to leave the scene of the crime unscathed even though he profited from them. Sergent Willis met with Baxter and told her that Coyle was on bail for theft and he wanted Baxter to be a character witness in the trial. She was adamantly opposed, not wanting to expose her past crimes or see Coyle again. The memories and emotional scars were too painful.

Moseley, knowing her background, tried to talk her into doing it even going as far as talking to Cora about it. He used Edmund Burke’s quote, “All that’s needed for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.” Baxter was getting frustrated with him, knowing that it was much easier to say such words than to put into practice. However, Willis pleaded with her to think of the other women that had already fallen into ruin (two were now prostitutes and another dead) and the future women that would fall into Coyle’s traps if she did nothing.

In the end Baxter reluctantly agreed and was now waiting for word on a trial date. She lamented that Coyle ruined her but Moseley tried to comfort her saying that she was not ruined and the fact that she was standing right there proved it.ย  She responded, “Maybe. But he changed me.” (I am curious to see if we will get a look at this “devil of a man.”)

 

downton_season_6_ep4FLady Shackleton came to visit Downton and brought her nephew who was none other than the eye-catching Henry Talbot with his ability to make Mary exclaim, “Golly!” There was much innuendo and flirtation between them, which gave Granny some pause as she believed “Mary needs rather more than a handsome smile and a hand on the gear stick.” To which Robert commented, “I am surprised you know what a gear stick is.” “I know more than you think!” corrected Granny.

Whatever the outcome between the dashing car man, Mary was devilishly enjoying the flirtations. She went out to dinner with Henry and she confessed she did not share his passion for cars. He asked if her passion was for horses and she replied that it was her work that made her happy. She explained that she was the agent for Downton and shared her hopes for it’s future and as well as her son’s future. She anticipated Henry being shocked but instead he was extremely impressed. She smiled playfully and said, “I hope this means you’re boiling up to make a pass before we’re done.” Slightly taken aback, Henry cleared his throat and admitted, “Probably. But will you accept?” She replied, “No. But I shall enjoy the process enormously.”

Cheeky girl! She knows the pleasure of the chase. Whether or not she allows herself to get caught is yet to be seen.

 

downton_season_6_ep4JThe arguments about the hospital continued and it had all become rather tedious but it made for some of the episode’s best dialogue (as listed below.) Granny was near hysterics during the dinner conversation over the hospital but later sheย  explained why she was opposed to losing control of the hospital. It was not a power struggle but a true concern for the future rights of the villagers. She explained, “For years, I’ve watched governments take over lives and their arguments are always the same – fewer costs and greater efficiency. But the result is the same too. Less control by the people, more control by the state until the individual’s wishes count for nothing.” The others still may not agree but at least they understood her reasoning.

 

downton_season_6_ep4GThomas was playing the role of butler while Mr. Carson was away. He managed to get under everyone’s skin and later Baxter spent a few quiet moments with him. He admitted that he envied the fact that she had friends and a man that cared about her (even though she denied Moseley cared for her more than as a friend.) She in turn wished she could be more like Thomas and not care what people think about her instead of “trembling at the mere idea of public ridicule.” Thomas kindly replied, “You are stronger than you think. And you are wrong about me. I mind what people think.” Unfortunately, he does not leave on that high note and instead gets himself in trouble later.

 

downton_season_6_ep4HLady Rosamond invited Mr and Mrs. Harding to Downton to talk to them about Hillcroft, a school for women of modest backgrounds. John Harding was the treasurer, Rosamond was a trustee and she hoped Edith would also be a trustee. Unbeknownst to them, however, Mr. Harding’s wife was Gwen, their former housemaid that left to become a secretary. Gwen just found out that morning that she was going to Downton and didn’t want to intentionally lie to them but found it awkward to bring up their past association. Anna recognized Gwen immediately and gave her a warm greeting. Thomas, however, was seething that he was a faithful servant ready to be kicked out on the streets while this former housemaid was now eating upstairs with the family. He decided to out Edith during the luncheon to the shock of everyone there.

Although it was awkward at first, the situation took a turn for the better when Gwen shared with them everything that Sybil had done to help Gwen change her circumstances. There were smiles and tears as they reminisced and recalled Sybil’s kindness. A kindness that changed Gwen’s life. In the end, to Thomas’ disappointment, they were grateful to learn the truth but Thomas received a scolding from Robert for his pettiness and lack of generosity. He later reminded him that the reason people were loyal to Carson was because he was a kind man. In a round about way he told Thomas that he would do well to learn that lesson for his next situation once he left Downton. Ouch.

 

downton_season_6_ep4CRecalling Gwen’s words about Sybil, Mary later confided in Anna that she felt ashamed of her own pettiness and how she thought Sybil was a better person. Whatever Mary’s faults, she makes up for it in her care of Anna and her unborn child. Anna had been having pains and she feared that she was miscarrying the baby once again. Mary wasted no time and made arrangements to go to see the doctor in London. Anna feared it would be too late but Mary reassured her she would go to Rosamond’s Belgrave Square and get the doctor to come to see them whatever the time. Tom agreed to drive them and they are able to make the last train in York to London. Thankfully, the doctor saw Anna in time, performed the needed procedure on her and was cautiously optimistic that she wouldn’t lose her baby.

In the meantime Bates was suspicious of Anna, especially after their last minute trip. Despite Anna’s claim that he’ll think she was getting larger because she ate all the pies, he assumed that Anna was afraid to tell him that she was pregnant but lost the baby. When he finally confronted her she admitted that she had been hiding something but it was something good… something really, really happy. He realized what she meant and exclaimed, “Oh God! Are you sure?” With a nod of her head they smiled through tears and has a brief moment of bliss before they were interrupted. I can’t wait for her to start knitting little booties. ๐Ÿ™‚

 

downton_season_6_ep4DI am reluctant to recap Daisy’s story line because all I want to say is “Daisy acts like a spoiled brat and pouts and throws tantrums. The end.” Thankfully, she calmed herself down enough to speak rationally to Tom about their obligation to Mr. Mason. She should have left well enough alone but instead she later went on a downstairs rampage against Cora accusing her of cheating and breaking her word. She stomped upstairs to have it out with Cora despite everyone’s protests and reasonings. Baxter decided s to accompany her in hopes of stopping her from doing irreparable damage.

Meanwhile, Cora was in the drawing room speaking to the family about Mr. Mason and how she hoped they would let him farm Yew Tree. She asked them what would Sybil do and they all agreed that while it wasn’t as financially beneficial, it was the right thing to do. Mary was not present but Tom said he would handle telling her of their decision.

Cora left the room in smiles only to be accosted by Daisy. Luckily, Robert joined them moment later and told Daisy the good news that they were letting Mr. Mason move in. Daisy was speechless (for once) and Baxter thanked them and hurried Daisy back downstairs. Cora remarked that she felt like she just dodged something. Keen observance. Robert got more stomach pains but made nothing of it.

 

downton_season_6_ep4IFinally, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes returned from their honeymoon where they learned all about the “mysteries of life.” They were given a welcome home party in the servant hall and even the upstairs folks joined them. Although Granny remarked that she hadn’t been in the kitchens for over 20 years, to which Isobel asked, “Did you bring your passport?”

Edith shared about her desire to find a female editor that she could work with as a co-editor. Granny was a little exasperated wondering if they’d next have women field marshals and a women Pope. In a rare moment, Mary defended Edith’s decision. But before we could start to think that Mary was taking her Sybil lesson to heart, she returned to her usual coldness with a rude remark about Edith saying, “A monkey will type out the Bible is you leave it long enough.” Sigh.

Finally, they all made a toast to the happy couple and were ridiculously relieved that they didn’t have to use the name “Mrs. Carson” but could continue to say “Mrs. Hughes.” Mr. Carson excused himself and in the closing scene he looked over his old room and removed the card with his name on the door. It was a bittersweet moment. His old life, as were ways of the past, was ending and a new life was ahead of him.

Random Thoughts

  • Robert continued to get his stomach pains. I can’t help but wonder if a darker story line is ahead, especially with this little piece of dialogue between Robert and his sister.ย  Rosamond: “I’m afraid she won’t give up about the hospital.” Robert: “I shan’t think that at her funeral.” Rosamond: “Who says she won’t be at yours?”
  • Edith looked so jaunty driving her car and chatting with Rosamond about Hillcrest, which was actually a real school.
  • We don’t see much of Andy, expect when he is putting Thomas aside. However, tonight he revealed that he’s not a city boy. Instead he was jealous of Mr. Mason’s farm life since that is where his heart wanted to be. Before leaving the room he gave Daisy a longing look. Perhaps that is not all his heart wants.

 

downton_season_6_ep4EOther Favorite Quotes

Robert: “Mama is an old intriguer. She will use tears or terror with equal facility.”

 

Violet: “Really, Robert. You paint me as such a schemer.”

Robert: “No one has a sharper eyes than a loving son.”

Violet: “You read that somewhere.”

Robert: “Why do you never think I can make anything up?”

 

Violet ( to Lady Shackleton): “Are you here to help or irritate?”

 

Lady Shackleton: “How can I present myself as an expert when I don’t know all the facts?”

Violet: “It has never stopped me.”

 

Edith: “I suppose cousin Isobel is entitled to put up an argument.”

Violet: “Of course she is. She’s just not entitled to win it!”

 

Gwen: “I never had any higher education.”

Mary: “Who did? All we were taught was French, prejudice and dance steps.”

 

Mrs. Patmore (to Daisy in response to her complaining): “I wonder if Karl Marx might finish the liver pate.”

 

Robert: “You missed a jolly good dinner.”

Tom: “I bought some sandwiches at the station and ate them in the car.”

Robert: “You are a braver man than I am, Gunga Din.”

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

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Periscope or Katch (past Periscopes), GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, ๐Ÿ˜‰


TV Talk: Downton Abbey Recap: Season 6, Episodes 2 & 3

logo_downton_season_6W2_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 usualย  – 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.

downton_season_6_ep_2A

  • 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 Marigoldย  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 undressesย  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!

downton_season_6_ep_2C

  • 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…

downton_season_6_ep_2B

  • 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. ๐Ÿ˜‰ ) 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

downton_season_6_ep_3A

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.

 

downton_season_6_ep3D“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 herย  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!!

 

downton_season_6_ep3gImpudent 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.ย  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.) ๐Ÿ˜‰

 

downton_season_6_ep3EThomas 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!

 

downton_season_6_ep3HMary & 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.)

 

downton_season_6_ep3FThings 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.

 

downton_season_6_ep3IThe 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.

 

downton_season_6_ep_3AThe 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.

downton_season_6_ep3BCGrab One More Kleenex

Carson gave a beautiful speech to his new wife saying:

โ€œI 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 lifeโ€™s happiness to my unworthy charge passeth all understanding.โ€

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.

 

downton_season_6_ep3C

Best Quotes

Violet: โ€œI know several couples who are perfectly happy. Havenโ€™t spoken in years.โ€

 

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): โ€œI know nothing of Sprattโ€™s friends. He has a great many relations who seem to get married and buried with numbing regularity. Usually on very inconvenient days.โ€

 

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?

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, ๐Ÿ˜‰