Wow. What an episode. Talk about needing a handkerchief. I watched it again this morning as I was doing laundry and folding clothes. Here are a few thoughts I had.

First Tears – The tears already started the first few minutes as we watched the men prepare for their battle. I loved the way William gave Matthew encouraging words to help him be strong. In turn, Matthew went out and rallied his men to be strong and keep their spirits up. It was painful to watch the men fight in the battle knowing that the ravages of war are all too real, even today.

Fave Scene – I think my favorite scene was when Mary was telling her father of her plans to sit with Matthew in the hospital and he told her that Lavinia was coming too. When Mary agreed that she should be there, you could see the look on Lord Grantham’s face and how proud he was of Mary that she is showing such maturity and selfless love. My second favorite was also seemingly insignificant but it is when Lavinia entered the hospital and Mary walked over and kissed her on the cheek. I am growing fonder and fonder of Mary as each episode passes. I love the way she has put aside her feelings and has befriended Lavinia and encourages her to be strong in her fight for Matthew. She knows first hand the pain of not fighting for something when you have the chance. Yet Mary has not lost the essence of her personality in being strong willed and determined like her Grandmother. I couldn’t help but smile when she told the doctor that she would be a volunteer caring for Matthew whether he liked it or not.

Questioning Team Matthew & Mary – For the first time this season, I really got a sense that Matthew truly does love Lavinia. Perhaps it is on a different level than how he loved Mary but I believe his feelings for her are genuine and that he would truly be happy as her husband. I think this is what Mary sees and what stops her from telling him her true feelings. I was also proud of Lavinia. Perhaps she is not as tenacious as Mary but I don’t think she is as weak and feeble as people think she is, especially remembering how she helped her father earlier. For a moment I actually stopped hoping Mary and Matthew would get back together. I wanted Lavinia to have a chance to prove herself and show that she truly loves Matthew and is willing to live a life of sacrificial love with him. I will hate it if they have her just run away and stay away. Perhaps, circumstances will stop a marriage between them that but I’d hate it to be a character flaw that drives them apart. I also can’t help but wonder if Lavinia’s line “I can’t live without Matthew” will be prophetic.

The Champ – Last week was a quiet week for The Countess but this week she was in all her glory. What is the use of being a Countess if you cannot pull a few strings to benefit those you love? In this case, I was cheering her on. My favorite scene was Travis vs The Countess. One of the best knock outs I’ve seen in a long time! The most touching scene was when she was crying at William and Daisy’s wedding because she “has a cold.” I also liked when she was concerned about hurting William’s father and wanted him to come to the truth gradually so it would be less of a shock.

Sybil & Branson the Pest – Since at least nine months have passed since last week’s episode (assuming with the birth of Ethel’s baby) I can’t help but wonder how long Branson will continue badgering Sybil. His character is getting really annoying so if they land out getting together they had better make him seem less selfish in order for us to be happy about the union.

Snakes in the Grass – Sir Richard may have saved Mary from the scandal but I don’t trust him for a moment, particularly since he finds pleasure in having Mary in his debt. (The previews for next week seem to confirm that.) His only redeeming quality is that he was able to stick it to Mrs. Bates and we were able to see the look of shock on her face when he threatened to imprison her. But it’s easier for a snake to outsmart another snake. Vera certainly will not let Bates and Anna go unpunished. Everything in Bates and Anna’s garden is far from “rosy” and I dread what she has in store for them. (BTW, loved when they were praying together in church!)

Bride & Widow on the Same Day – The whole situation is heart breaking. William may have been a servant but he behaved like a gentleman showing incredible courage, selflessness and quiet dignity in his actions – from saving Matthew’s life, to providing for Daisy to accepting his inevitable death. Although I felt sorry for Daisy to be in anguish over her deceit, I am glad that William was able to die in peace. And honestly, was there a dry eye during the wedding scene amongst characters or the viewers? Good heavens, even O’Brien and Thomas were touched.

Most Tear Educing Scene – I completely lost it when Matthew, feeling completely dejected, looked at his just arrived mom and says, “Mother.” (Makes me want to go hug my little boys.)

Random Thoughts

• Is Jane, the new servant, telling the truth or is she like Ethel?
• In the previews, why were Carson & Mrs Hughes talking about leaving?
• Who was the disfigured soldier?
• Are they including the UK Christmas Special in the USA’s Season 2?

Well, that’s it for now. Fell free to leave your comments or join the discussion at By Sun and Candlelight’s Last Night’s Downtown.