What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 5 (B+)

The stakes on this show have rarely been high, except for when Sybil and William both died. The fact that things so infrequently get ultra-serious made the sight of Robert vomiting up a concerning amount of blood all the more worrisome. I’d hope that if burst an ulcer, it wouldn’t play out quite as gruesomely as that. Fortunately, all seems to be well, though it did give everyone a big scare. The presence of Neville Chamberlain at that meal was intriguing, and he certainly had an unforgettable experience. I like the rapport that he and Tom formed, and that he confided in Tom the real reason that Violet had been able to persuade him to come and listen to the divided pleas for different hospital futures. Carson and Mrs. Hughes’ new marriage isn’t without its problems, and Carson so casually criticizing her cooking is not going to start them off on a good foot. Andy eagerly offering to help Mr. Mason and learn his craft was kind, and it’s nice to see Thomas being genuine and good for once and agreeing to keep the fact that he can’t read secret while helping him to learn. It’s a treat to see Edith experience some happiness again in the form of a kiss, while Mary got called out by Tom for always having to come up with an excuse to hang out with her new beau aside from the fact that they’re attracted to each other despite their class differences, which are a major stumbling block to Mary.