I wish that before I had watched Season 4, I would have pulled out my Season 3 and rewatched it. It would have refreshed my memory as to who the returning characters where. Brian and I were racking our brains trying to remember who Mr. Griggs was (wasn’t he Carson’s partner that was blackmailing Carson in a previous episode?) and who Edna was. Finally we remembered she was the tart who was after Tom and kissed him. Well, I still need to go back and rewatch this episode to catch all the little parts I missed but for now, here are my first thoughts.

Mary – I did not know what to expect with Mary’s character now that Matthew is gone. Mary can be surly with a sharp tongue but Matthew softened her and her love for Matthew (particularly when he was engaged to Lavinia) brought out a more charitable and empathetic Mary that I loved. I could understand her grief but when she was neglecting baby George, I wanted to shake her and tell her she had to buck up for the sake of her child. However, when she had a good cry with Carson then I knew it would be cathartic and part of her healing. (Bravo, Carson.) By the end of the episode, we saw Mary’s spunk once again.

Dowager Countess – Love her. Need say no more.

Robert – I don’t know why but ever since Robert’s past indiscretion with that maid, I can’t seem to warm up to him. Almost everything he does bugs me and his particular treatment to Mary this episode seemed more self serving than worrying about her welfare.

Tom – Now this is a character who I was unsure about at first but have grown to love over time. This episode sealed the deal in the way he cared for Mary and was the voice of reason numerous times.

Edna – Well, they were quick to fill the role of O’Brien with the new baddie Edna. However, she does not seem like one I will  playfully “love to hate.” I think she will be a “nails on chalkboard” character that raises my blood pressure whenever she is onscreen, much like the former Mrs. Bates. Now she has teamed up with Thomas and they are in cahoots as they play cat and mouse with Anna and Bates. (I’m assuming it is Thomas’ way to continue his personal war against Bates.) Thomas and Edna are really going to get me riled up this season.

Anna & Bates – Are they too cute or what? The Valentine card scene was so sweet I had to get out of my chair and kiss Brian. They just make you want to cherish being in love. But all that happiness in our soapy drama means that some turmoil must be ahead. (Refer back to Thomas and Edna.) Also, how could Cora and Robert immediately think so badly of Anna? She has been nothing but faithful to them (above and beyond duty when you consider carrying a dead body from Mary’s room) to automatically believe she would act in such a manner. At the very least, they could have given her the benefit of the doubt or asked her about the “incident” to get her side of the story. Grrr.

Isobel – It was hard to see her in her grief saying that she was not a mother anymore. I hated when she finally rallied to see her grandson only to be turned out by the nanny. I was so happy to see her find a sense of purpose again in helping Mr. Griggs. (Even though I thought it a little creepy to invite a perfect stranger into your home. )  Oh and speaking of that nanny…

Nanny – I can’t remember her name and don’t feel like looking it up but when Thomas was ratting her out I felt sorry for her since Thomas is Thomas. But when those disgusting words were aimed at sweet Sybbie I wanted to jump through the screen and smack her face. Cora can sometimes get on my nerves but when she calmly but firmly kicked her out and wouldn’t let her touch the children or even be in the same room, I was more than pleased. My question is – was it just a coincidence that Thomas made those comments to Cora or did he really know how awful she was treating Sybbie?

Molesly – I like poor old Molesly. Even thought he is sometimes weird and whiny I can’t hep but want to root for the guy. And I was so upset when that bully butler  made him look a fool in front of a prospective employer.

Mrs. Hughes – She was just a busy little bee going through Carson’s trash, finding Grigg’s, talking Cora into taking him in ect. I wonder how she was able to get so much time off from Downton. 😉

The Downstairs Youngsters – The Jimmy, Alfred, Daisy and Ivy saga is a little stale. When Daisy got that Valentine I was hoping there was a new love interest outside of Downton. Inside, there seems to be only two options and Alfred is too whiny and Jimmy is a troublemaker.

Rose – Speaking of troublemaker, I am waiting to see what shenanigans Miss Rose has in store for us this season.

Edith – I don’t know what t think about Edith. As unlikable as she was at first, I have rooted for her many times and shook my head when she made one mistake after another but hoped she’d finally come around, particularly after she got her confidence caring for the soldiers. But now that she is in this Mr. Rochester-ish relationship I can’t imagine it ending well.  I suppose they needed a female character to reflect the changing times and loosening morals.I thought that was going to be Rose’s role but Edith is charging ahead. And are we suppose to feel sympathetic towards Gregson and his lunatic wife? I don’t trust the guy and the fact that he chooses to become a German before WWII will provide for interesting storyline. The only positive thing Edith has going for her are the lovely outfits she is able to wear. Love the colors.

Okay, I wanted to add my fave quotes and tidbits but it’s late and I’m starting to see double so I better get to bed. Let me know what you thought of the episode!! 🙂

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