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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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