What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 7 (B+)

We’re so close to the end of the show with just two big hours to go, and it’s high time for heightened drama to make it feel like we’re getting somewhere. There were only two truly bad developments, the first of which was the death of Charlie Rogers. Watching the car racing was a thrilling activity, and the emotion Mary felt when she thought that Henry was the one who had been hurt made it clear that she has strong feelings for him. Unfortunately, that sense of attachment made her want to distance herself from him, and I suspect that he won’t stop pursuing her since it’s evident that he’s the first person to really entice her since Matthew. Before we get to Edith’s good news, it’s worth mentioning the misery of Thomas, who no longer has his secretive friendship with Andy since his illiteracy is out in the open and who can’t seem to find support anywhere beyond attempted kindness from the likes of Andy and Baxter. I do hope he ends up okay. In more celebratory news, Bertie made a lovely proposal to Edith, and he even agreed to take Marigold with them without knowing the real reason for Edith’s request. She’s due some happiness, and I can’t imagine she wouldn’t accept. It was thoroughly satisfying to see Mrs. Hughes exact her revenge on Carson in a way that really showed him that he shouldn’t be so hard on her and unappreciative. Molesley being asked to be a teacher was a tremendously wonderful occasion, and Mrs. Patmore’s successful bed and breakfast opening was a great event to go with it. And Violet sure has a strange way of showing her anger, by going on a cruise and getting her family a puppy.