Source: ITV

Some of the darker themes of the season are explored, along with the best lighthearted scene of the series.

Anna – It was heartbreaking to see Anna cry at the thought of Mr. Bates leaving with Robert and not being by her side and giving her strength. Thank God Mrs. Hughes told Mary and she intervened. I hope now that Mary knows what happened, it won’t be long until she finds out that it was Green that attacked Anna. Although Anna’s fear about Bates finding out came true. Did you see the look on his face at the end? You could physically see the light bulb click in his head. I just hope that they do not have Bates killing Green and we go through the whole “Bates in jail” storyline again. And they also better not do a “he’s found dead in his house” but we don’t know who is the culprit.

Come on, Fellowes! Let’s see some righteous justice done to Green without any of our beloved characters getting their hands dirty. Here is my suggestion – Mary finds out it is Green. She tells Lord Gillingham. Lord G sacks Green. Green goes on a rampage and does not see a car approaching. The car plows into Green and thoroughly crushes him. Granny happens to be in the car, looks out the window and makes a witty comment about her clean tires now being mucked up. Then shoot to Moseley complaining that they’ll probably ask him to clean up the mess. Yes. Yes. I think that would do nicely. 😉

Edith – The other dark story was Edith and her attempt to have an abortion. Thankfully, she changed her mind at the last minute and did not go through with it. Sigh. Rape. Unwanted pregnancy. Abortion. That’s a lot of heavy topics for just a few episodes. On the one hand, I don’t like it because if I wanted reality I’d look around me or watch the evening news. Viewing DA is supposed to be my brief escape from reality. On the other hand, seeing universal heartache and joy that transcends time is a little reassuring. We see that these issues have all been dealt with before and just as others have triumphed over tragedy, so can we.

Mary  & Napier – I feel sorry for Napier. He keeps pinning for Mary and she keeps falling for his friends. He is the Edith of male suitors. I still think he and Edith would be a nice match. And if they wed then Merry Moseley could be the best man.

Mary & Lord Gillingham – Okay, Lord G, I do love you and think you are swoony but you need to know when to call it quits. You are engaged and need to focus on falling in love with your fiance and stop chasing Mary. If you want to fight the other chaps for Mary’s affection, then you’d better break off your engament and fight honorably. (Oh, and fire your valet. There is a car bumper with his name on it.)

Mary & Blake – I said from the beginning that I love Gillingham but he is too “good” for Mary. She needs someone that fires her up. Blake is closer to being that man. When Blake continually talked about being Mary being aloof and privileged, you knew that there was going to be a scene when Blake would see Mary’s inner strength and tenacity. I just never figured and that all the foreshadowing talk of pigs would be key. However, I absolutely loved the pig scene and hearing Mary’s rare laugh. Who knew that some muck and scrambled egg would melt the heart of Blake.This is going to be interesting.

The Countess & Mrs. Crawley – The other great love story (the sisterly version) of Downnton Abbey is between Violet and Isobel. Their exchanges before, during and after Granny’s illness were priceless. It was nice to see how much Isobel loves and respects Violet, despite their differences. It was just as nice to see Violet play cards (“oh, goody”) to show Isobel her gratitude.

Robert & Cora – I thought their exchange was cute.

Cora – “Oh darling. I do think your going to rescue my hopeless brother is an act of real love, and I cherish you for it.” Robert – “That’ll keep me warm as I cross the raging seas.” Cora – “Good. Now kiss me.”

I’m looking forward to meeting Cora’s brother, played by Paul Giamatti.

Random Thoughts

• I didn’t make any comments on Rose’s story line. Why is the whole Rose and Jack thing not grabbing my attention?? You’d think it would.

• With all the men flocking to Mary, it is about time that Tom gets the chance to stop thinking about running away to America and instead find his own love interest. Enter the woman at the political rally. I am certain this is not the last we’ve seen of her.

• Jimmy is becoming the new Thomas with his behavior and snide remarks about Ivy.

• Moseley may be an unknowing key ingredient is uncovering the tie between Baxter and Thomas as he overhears their conversation. And could he be feeling a little something  for Baxter??

Fave Quotes

• Mary: I’ve been married, I know everything.

• Mrs. Hughes to Carson: I am sorry you’re suspicious of me, but I daresay we both have the personality to overcome it.

• Violet: Try not to let those Yankees drive you mad.

• Isobel: Would you like me to come with you.? — Violet : That is the very last thing I would want.

• Carson: You’re quite a plotter when you want to be aren’t you. — Mrs Hughes: It’s a skill all women must learn.

• Mrs Patmore: I do grudge him the tears and the heartbreak that will flavour my puddings for weeks to come.

• Violet to the Doc: I want another nurse. This one talks too much. She’s like a drunken vicar!

• Violet: Dr Clarkson when you go can you please take that mad woman with you.

• Dr. Clarkson: You’ll be rewarded in heaven. — Violet: The sooner the better.

Best Line of the Night

• Mrs. Hughes to Green: If you value your life you’ll stop playing the joker and stick to the shadows.

(Start revving that car engine, Granny.)

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