What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 4 (B+)

Maybe it’s just the nature of this show, but there are certain characters who just can’t let anything go and bring the same things up multiple times over the course of one episode. Thomas griping about being let go and Daisy fighting for the rights of Mr. Mason are two such plot points that have come up over and over recently, and only one of them came to an important apex in this hour. Thomas might be upset that no one seems to want him, but calling out Gwen’s past history of employment within Downton’s walls deliberately to embarrass her is exactly the type of behavior that has made him his own worst enemy. It’s a good thing that Robert excitedly announced the news about Mr. Mason before Daisy had a chance to get herself fired for being in an inappropriate place with aggressive sentiments, and now Mr. Mason will be better off too. Most news these days seems to be good news, as Anna’s pregnancy scare turned out to be the impetus for a much-needed medical trip and helped for her to confirm the pregnancy to Bates in a very sweet way. Having Tom back is great for many reasons, not the least of which is his ability to combat Mary’s meaner instincts when it comes to not getting her way in business decisions. Isobel and Violet are still butting heads about the hospital, and I don’t see that ending well anytime soon. Robert’s chest pain is disconcerting, and Baxter’s upcoming trial is also foreboding. On a happier note, it’s nice to see Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes back, and, thanks to the widespread confusion about what to call them, they’ll keep their original names in a progressive move that’s really just been done out of convenience.