Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 9 “The Finale”
All good things must come to an end. This show is unique in that it has maintained a certain quality all throughout its six seasons, never rising too much above a certain level and not dropping below it either. While I fell asleep the first time I tried to watch the pilot of what was then a miniseries, I attribute that to the fact that I was just really tired. It’s been quite a journey in so many ways, and also little has changed with the cyclical nature of relationships and events. This finale wasn’t too flashy or big, yet it still managed to resolve a good deal and end things on a warm and endearing note. Most significant, of course, is that Edith got married to Bertie, easily the most well-rounded and likeable of her generally agreeable doomed lovers, and that Mary had a positive role in making it happen, which was a nice change. Edith also proved that she is courageous and honest by telling Bertie’s mother about Marigold, winning points all around, which was wonderful. The wedding was indeed a celebration, and it provided the opportunity for Robert to propose a fabulous if inevitable solution to the problem of Carson’s debilitating condition and Thomas’ unhappiness in his solitary new role. Anna giving birth right after the wedding and remaining in Mary’s bedroom while the Granthams went on to ring in the new year was so appropriate in terms of social separation, and it’s great to see Anna and Bates, who have been through so much, get a happy ending. I like that we got inklings of romance that could lead to something for Daisy and Andy and for Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Mason, and a last-minute reprieve for Isobel and a marriage that almost didn’t happen. Even Spratt managed a wondrous unintentional victory over Denker when Violet responded with laughter rather than disapproval when she found out about Spratt’s side activities. I don’t think there will be another show like this anytime soon, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything that has transpired up until this completely fitting crowdpleaser of a finale.
Series finale: B+
Series grade: A-
Season MVP: Laura Carmichael as Edith
Season grade: A-
Series MVP: Maggie Smith as Violet
Best Season: All of them!
Best Episode: All of them!
Showing posts with label Downton Abbey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Downton Abbey. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey (Penultimate Episode)
Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 8 (B+)
With just one episode left to go in this show, it’s great that the runtimes are getting longer and almost all ground is being covered. The big event in this episode, which did have quite a few monumental developments, was that Edith finally aired her feelings about Mary. It was a horrible thing for Mary to force Edith to tell Bertie about Marigold in the most awful of settings, and though he’s a very kind man, he couldn’t accept the fact that Edith was going to keep it from him. I’d like to think that she would ultimately have told him before the wedding, but now Mary has ruined it all. Naturally, she just feels bad for herself, and somehow she ends up as the one getting married, with Edith being the bigger person and showing up for the ceremony. I’m sure everyone is hopeful that things will work out and that Bertie will return to take Edith back. Thomas’ suicide attempt was a sad inevitability, and it’s at least good that his actions have caused Robert and Carson to decide to keep him on for the time being. Mosley’s first class was a depressing disaster, and it was so nice to see him confess his servant class identity to his students and win their respect. Mrs. Hughes calling Carson her curmudgeon was sweet, and it’s an affirming sign that their marriage will last. Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast being tainted by a scandal was an unfortunate and amusing obstacle, and fortunately that was quickly rectified by Robert’s immediate offer to help by visiting and being photographed. I have a feeling that the series finale will be great, and I look forward to watching it!
With just one episode left to go in this show, it’s great that the runtimes are getting longer and almost all ground is being covered. The big event in this episode, which did have quite a few monumental developments, was that Edith finally aired her feelings about Mary. It was a horrible thing for Mary to force Edith to tell Bertie about Marigold in the most awful of settings, and though he’s a very kind man, he couldn’t accept the fact that Edith was going to keep it from him. I’d like to think that she would ultimately have told him before the wedding, but now Mary has ruined it all. Naturally, she just feels bad for herself, and somehow she ends up as the one getting married, with Edith being the bigger person and showing up for the ceremony. I’m sure everyone is hopeful that things will work out and that Bertie will return to take Edith back. Thomas’ suicide attempt was a sad inevitability, and it’s at least good that his actions have caused Robert and Carson to decide to keep him on for the time being. Mosley’s first class was a depressing disaster, and it was so nice to see him confess his servant class identity to his students and win their respect. Mrs. Hughes calling Carson her curmudgeon was sweet, and it’s an affirming sign that their marriage will last. Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast being tainted by a scandal was an unfortunate and amusing obstacle, and fortunately that was quickly rectified by Robert’s immediate offer to help by visiting and being photographed. I have a feeling that the series finale will be great, and I look forward to watching it!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 6 (B+)
Opening up Downton Abbey to the general public was always going to be a game-changing decision, and it managed to go off without too many hitches and with no one getting hurt, even though Carson was at the ready with his cane to run after a thief should the occasion present itself. And Robert even survived a conversation with a philosophical youngster who snuck into his bedroom. Carson dug himself into an even bigger hole with Mrs. Hughes, and I have to imagine that she’s going to burst sometime soon and tell him that he just can’t keep treating her like that. Romance is brewing between Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason, much to the chagrin of Daisy, who should be focusing on her exams. It’s great to see Molesley approached as a potential teaching candidate, and he so deserves a happy ending. Thomas doesn’t seem set for one, and though he did so much to merit his current treatment, it’s hard to watch him get kicked around so much. Both Mary and Edith seem fated for true love after all, with both of their suitors making moves on them in rather romantic scenes. They still manage to be terrible to each other, with Edith responding with the only defense that Mary would never be genuinely happy for her. The most memorable plotline of the hour was Cora’s unfortunate appointment that undercut and infuriated Violet, who made a scene in front of strangers and is sure not to get over this particular development anytime soon.
Opening up Downton Abbey to the general public was always going to be a game-changing decision, and it managed to go off without too many hitches and with no one getting hurt, even though Carson was at the ready with his cane to run after a thief should the occasion present itself. And Robert even survived a conversation with a philosophical youngster who snuck into his bedroom. Carson dug himself into an even bigger hole with Mrs. Hughes, and I have to imagine that she’s going to burst sometime soon and tell him that he just can’t keep treating her like that. Romance is brewing between Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason, much to the chagrin of Daisy, who should be focusing on her exams. It’s great to see Molesley approached as a potential teaching candidate, and he so deserves a happy ending. Thomas doesn’t seem set for one, and though he did so much to merit his current treatment, it’s hard to watch him get kicked around so much. Both Mary and Edith seem fated for true love after all, with both of their suitors making moves on them in rather romantic scenes. They still manage to be terrible to each other, with Edith responding with the only defense that Mary would never be genuinely happy for her. The most memorable plotline of the hour was Cora’s unfortunate appointment that undercut and infuriated Violet, who made a scene in front of strangers and is sure not to get over this particular development anytime soon.
Friday, February 12, 2016
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.
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.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 3 (B+)
A lot happened in this episode, and we got to witness one of the most significant weddings of this entire show, though the actual ceremony occupied a small part of the hour. Both Mary and Robert were being quite pushy about Carson getting his way in the planning of his wedding, and it was nice to see Cora speak up for Mrs. Hughes and allow her the opportunity to express that she really wanted to do it her way that represented her life. This episode contained the quickest instance of major problem creation de-escalation with Cora bursting in to find Mrs. Hughes trying on her clothes, as approved by Mary, and humiliated her only to apologize a short time later. The devotion that her fellow servants put into making the day special for Mrs. Hughes was sweet, and the happiness was infectious. Anna was smiling for the first time in a while, partially due to her potential pregnancy but also because things are going well. Edith finally saw her editor quit and replaced him briefly with a potential love interest who might end up being just right for her. Let’s hope that Daisy’s obsessive mentioning of Cora’s meddling for Mr. Mason pans out, since it’s going to destroy her if it doesn’t. The intrigue involving Spratt and Denker is unexpected, and I’m curious to see where it will lead. The best surprise of the hour was the unexpected and entirely welcome return of Tom, one of the show’s most sympathetic and endearing characters, who now seems like he may well be around for the rest of the show.
A lot happened in this episode, and we got to witness one of the most significant weddings of this entire show, though the actual ceremony occupied a small part of the hour. Both Mary and Robert were being quite pushy about Carson getting his way in the planning of his wedding, and it was nice to see Cora speak up for Mrs. Hughes and allow her the opportunity to express that she really wanted to do it her way that represented her life. This episode contained the quickest instance of major problem creation de-escalation with Cora bursting in to find Mrs. Hughes trying on her clothes, as approved by Mary, and humiliated her only to apologize a short time later. The devotion that her fellow servants put into making the day special for Mrs. Hughes was sweet, and the happiness was infectious. Anna was smiling for the first time in a while, partially due to her potential pregnancy but also because things are going well. Edith finally saw her editor quit and replaced him briefly with a potential love interest who might end up being just right for her. Let’s hope that Daisy’s obsessive mentioning of Cora’s meddling for Mr. Mason pans out, since it’s going to destroy her if it doesn’t. The intrigue involving Spratt and Denker is unexpected, and I’m curious to see where it will lead. The best surprise of the hour was the unexpected and entirely welcome return of Tom, one of the show’s most sympathetic and endearing characters, who now seems like he may well be around for the rest of the show.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 2 (B+)
Sometimes this show feels incredibly cyclical, and that’s because the same things do happen over and over again. The biggest example is Mrs. Drewe being attached to Marigold and showing too much affection towards her, which in turn makes people question why Edith adopted her in the first place. Fortunately, the Drewe family has now moved away, and so that shouldn’t be much of a problem anymore, though the truth surely must eventually come out. Violet and Isobel disagreeing about what to do with the hospital is far from the most exciting storyline, but it’s good to see them both asserting themselves. Not that she’s ever had any trouble with that, but Mary also isn’t backing down, making sure that it’s known that she has taken over for Tom and not letting anyone intimidate her. She would do well to tone down her approach to Carson’s wedding being held in the estate, since Mrs. Hughes rightfully argues that their wedding should be about them and not about the family that they have served for the majority of their lives. Now that she’s a free woman for sure, Anna working on getting pregnant is a worthwhile development, and it’s nice that Mary is helping her to do that, though Bates is sure to figure out something is afoot and push too much to find out what it is. Thomas has appeared very dejected lately and for good reason, since it feels as if he’s being pushed out. Carson not objecting to him asking to go on a job interview didn’t feel great, and realizing immediately that he wasn’t even going to be considered for a post that he felt demanded far too much of him hurt even more. The times really are changing, and Thomas and Carson are surprisingly alike in their appreciation of the way the system has conventionally worked.
Sometimes this show feels incredibly cyclical, and that’s because the same things do happen over and over again. The biggest example is Mrs. Drewe being attached to Marigold and showing too much affection towards her, which in turn makes people question why Edith adopted her in the first place. Fortunately, the Drewe family has now moved away, and so that shouldn’t be much of a problem anymore, though the truth surely must eventually come out. Violet and Isobel disagreeing about what to do with the hospital is far from the most exciting storyline, but it’s good to see them both asserting themselves. Not that she’s ever had any trouble with that, but Mary also isn’t backing down, making sure that it’s known that she has taken over for Tom and not letting anyone intimidate her. She would do well to tone down her approach to Carson’s wedding being held in the estate, since Mrs. Hughes rightfully argues that their wedding should be about them and not about the family that they have served for the majority of their lives. Now that she’s a free woman for sure, Anna working on getting pregnant is a worthwhile development, and it’s nice that Mary is helping her to do that, though Bates is sure to figure out something is afoot and push too much to find out what it is. Thomas has appeared very dejected lately and for good reason, since it feels as if he’s being pushed out. Carson not objecting to him asking to go on a job interview didn’t feel great, and realizing immediately that he wasn’t even going to be considered for a post that he felt demanded far too much of him hurt even more. The times really are changing, and Thomas and Carson are surprisingly alike in their appreciation of the way the system has conventionally worked.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey (Season Premiere)
Downton Abbey: Season 6, Episode 1 (B+)
This show is officially over in the United Kingdom as of Christmas 2015, but its final season is just getting started here in the United States, and it’s nice to have it back. In a way, things are the same as they always were, but it’s also clear that the plot is moving forward, with some storylines being forever closed, others quickly reopened and then closed again, and still others just getting started. An instance of the first type of plotline that I’m very happy to be rid of is the eternal plight of Mr. and Mrs. Bates, who, after a few meetings during this extended hour, have now been officially cleared of any crime, allowing them to move on to whether they can have a family and where they will live. Mrs. Hughes sending Mrs. Patmore to talk about whether Mr. Carson expected sex from her was extremely awkward and entertaining, and what a sweet response it elicited from the charming Carson. It was nice to see Violet finally take down Denker a bit after she spilled the beans about a secret the Dowager Countess told her, though of course her job isn’t really in jeopardy. It’s about time Edith decided to move on with her life and leave her family behind, and the timing couldn’t be better as the entire extended Crawley family has to start thinking seriously about how long their lifestyle will continue to exist. The hero of the hour was Robert, who didn’t give in to ambitious blackmail demands but instead defended Mary’s honor and made sure that her secret would never get out. And kudos to Mary for refusing to ride sidesaddle, even if it didn’t prove to be the safer way.
This show is officially over in the United Kingdom as of Christmas 2015, but its final season is just getting started here in the United States, and it’s nice to have it back. In a way, things are the same as they always were, but it’s also clear that the plot is moving forward, with some storylines being forever closed, others quickly reopened and then closed again, and still others just getting started. An instance of the first type of plotline that I’m very happy to be rid of is the eternal plight of Mr. and Mrs. Bates, who, after a few meetings during this extended hour, have now been officially cleared of any crime, allowing them to move on to whether they can have a family and where they will live. Mrs. Hughes sending Mrs. Patmore to talk about whether Mr. Carson expected sex from her was extremely awkward and entertaining, and what a sweet response it elicited from the charming Carson. It was nice to see Violet finally take down Denker a bit after she spilled the beans about a secret the Dowager Countess told her, though of course her job isn’t really in jeopardy. It’s about time Edith decided to move on with her life and leave her family behind, and the timing couldn’t be better as the entire extended Crawley family has to start thinking seriously about how long their lifestyle will continue to exist. The hero of the hour was Robert, who didn’t give in to ambitious blackmail demands but instead defended Mary’s honor and made sure that her secret would never get out. And kudos to Mary for refusing to ride sidesaddle, even if it didn’t prove to be the safer way.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey (Season Finale)
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 9 (B+)
This year’s Christmas special includes the obligatory trip out of town for the Crawley family, though this time it was somewhat different since most of the servants didn’t come with them. What that meant back home was a lovely dinner with just Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Patmore, Molesley, and Daisy. This mega-episode had a lot to do with the servants and their roles, particularly when it came to them overexerting their places in efforts to preserve the traditional way of things. Tom receiving the cold shoulder from Stowell was the perfect impetus for Thomas to secret some revenge on him, setting him up to be disciplined by Lord Sinderby, but then going too far by having his mistress show up with a child. Fortunately, that was the ideal opening for Rose to prove her resourcefulness and her loyalty to her new family. Back at Downton, the rivalry between Denker and Spratt came to an entertaining head over a soup battle followed by a stern scolding from Violet. I was pleased to see Matthew Goode as Atticus’ neighbor and another potential suitor for Mary, not that it suggests much hope for his chances given how well his predecessors have done wooing her. Anna didn’t have to spend nearly as long behind bars as her husband did, and the unexplained ending suggests that they may in fact live happily ever after, which seems like a stretch but it’s honestly hard to stick with this whole Green plotline anymore. The very end of the episode featured another happy ending, one that could have been predicted a while ago but seemed like it was never going to happen: the engagement of Carson and Mrs. Hughes, one of the sweetest non-couples ever to become engaged. This season has been a positive and fun ride, somewhat repetitive but ultimately just the taste of soapy British period drama that it’s always been.
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Maggie Smith
This year’s Christmas special includes the obligatory trip out of town for the Crawley family, though this time it was somewhat different since most of the servants didn’t come with them. What that meant back home was a lovely dinner with just Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Patmore, Molesley, and Daisy. This mega-episode had a lot to do with the servants and their roles, particularly when it came to them overexerting their places in efforts to preserve the traditional way of things. Tom receiving the cold shoulder from Stowell was the perfect impetus for Thomas to secret some revenge on him, setting him up to be disciplined by Lord Sinderby, but then going too far by having his mistress show up with a child. Fortunately, that was the ideal opening for Rose to prove her resourcefulness and her loyalty to her new family. Back at Downton, the rivalry between Denker and Spratt came to an entertaining head over a soup battle followed by a stern scolding from Violet. I was pleased to see Matthew Goode as Atticus’ neighbor and another potential suitor for Mary, not that it suggests much hope for his chances given how well his predecessors have done wooing her. Anna didn’t have to spend nearly as long behind bars as her husband did, and the unexplained ending suggests that they may in fact live happily ever after, which seems like a stretch but it’s honestly hard to stick with this whole Green plotline anymore. The very end of the episode featured another happy ending, one that could have been predicted a while ago but seemed like it was never going to happen: the engagement of Carson and Mrs. Hughes, one of the sweetest non-couples ever to become engaged. This season has been a positive and fun ride, somewhat repetitive but ultimately just the taste of soapy British period drama that it’s always been.
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Maggie Smith
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 8 (B+)
Now this is technically the season finale, but we only have to wait a week until the Christmas special airs here in the U.S., while British viewers have to wait over a month. This was a fitting storyline for a supersized episode such as this one, filled with a big trip to London and plenty of drama to go along with it. Atticus’ Jewish heritage turned out to be a big issue, in part because Rose wanted to do as much as possible while his father sternly disapproved of the fact that he would be marrying outside the faith. Surprisingly, his stag party mishap was the result not of his father’s handiwork but of Rose’s mother’s, and she did a good job of making up for it by coming out with the news of her divorce to prepare for any bad press it gave her new in-laws, resulting in a hilarious threat of divorce by Atticus’ mother if he gave them any trouble. I feel like every big secret on this show just boils over to a point that everyone has to guess it and then becomes a big nothing, like Edith being her daughter’s birth mother, something people keep guessing easily. It was very sweet that Robert chose to honor Mrs. Patmore’s nephew at the memorial after all, and she even seems to have kept Daisy from leaving due to her emotional reaction to the news of her impending departure. Tom did a nice thing for once and protected the new footman from being used by Denker, though he did manage to stick it to her in the process. Her ongoing feud with Spratt is pretty hilarious, and I enjoyed the fact that his attempt to cast her in a bad light didn’t work out anywhere near as well as he had hoped it would.
Now this is technically the season finale, but we only have to wait a week until the Christmas special airs here in the U.S., while British viewers have to wait over a month. This was a fitting storyline for a supersized episode such as this one, filled with a big trip to London and plenty of drama to go along with it. Atticus’ Jewish heritage turned out to be a big issue, in part because Rose wanted to do as much as possible while his father sternly disapproved of the fact that he would be marrying outside the faith. Surprisingly, his stag party mishap was the result not of his father’s handiwork but of Rose’s mother’s, and she did a good job of making up for it by coming out with the news of her divorce to prepare for any bad press it gave her new in-laws, resulting in a hilarious threat of divorce by Atticus’ mother if he gave them any trouble. I feel like every big secret on this show just boils over to a point that everyone has to guess it and then becomes a big nothing, like Edith being her daughter’s birth mother, something people keep guessing easily. It was very sweet that Robert chose to honor Mrs. Patmore’s nephew at the memorial after all, and she even seems to have kept Daisy from leaving due to her emotional reaction to the news of her impending departure. Tom did a nice thing for once and protected the new footman from being used by Denker, though he did manage to stick it to her in the process. Her ongoing feud with Spratt is pretty hilarious, and I enjoyed the fact that his attempt to cast her in a bad light didn’t work out anywhere near as well as he had hoped it would.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 7 (B+)
It’s strange to think that the member of the extended Crawley-Grantham family with the least significant romantic or family development in this hour is Mary, though even she managed to get rid of one suitor thanks to another’s aggressive actions. Violet hit it on the head when she told Mary that a lack of compassion can be as unattractive as an excess of tears, and Mary truly is turning back into her bratty cruel old self. It’s endearing to see Cora learn the truth and move past being kept in the dark to encourage Edith to bring home the baby and officially adopt her so that she can be part of the family. Let’s hope that Anna has enough sense not to breathe a word of what she saw to Mary since that will just ruin everything. It’s lovely to see Rose and Atticus so happy together, and let’s just hope that nothing ruins that, especially since they seem to be have made it over the religious hurdle. It’s impressive to find someone who can elicit the same rage from both Tom and Robert, and it’s a shame that Isobel had to be his main victim given that she’s never had an improper or selfish thought in her life. Mosley and Baxter traveling with Daisy to William’s father’s home to encourage her to continue her studies was sweet, and it’s nice to see most of the help functioning pretty well to help each other and focus on their homeowning futures in these changing times.
It’s strange to think that the member of the extended Crawley-Grantham family with the least significant romantic or family development in this hour is Mary, though even she managed to get rid of one suitor thanks to another’s aggressive actions. Violet hit it on the head when she told Mary that a lack of compassion can be as unattractive as an excess of tears, and Mary truly is turning back into her bratty cruel old self. It’s endearing to see Cora learn the truth and move past being kept in the dark to encourage Edith to bring home the baby and officially adopt her so that she can be part of the family. Let’s hope that Anna has enough sense not to breathe a word of what she saw to Mary since that will just ruin everything. It’s lovely to see Rose and Atticus so happy together, and let’s just hope that nothing ruins that, especially since they seem to be have made it over the religious hurdle. It’s impressive to find someone who can elicit the same rage from both Tom and Robert, and it’s a shame that Isobel had to be his main victim given that she’s never had an improper or selfish thought in her life. Mosley and Baxter traveling with Daisy to William’s father’s home to encourage her to continue her studies was sweet, and it’s nice to see most of the help functioning pretty well to help each other and focus on their homeowning futures in these changing times.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 6 (B+)
We’ve all known that it was coming, and I think that the confirmation of Gregson’s death, at Hitler’s hands, no less, was more crucial for prompting Edith to take control of her life and make a major change. It’s been so long since we’ve seen this truly petty, selfish Mary who insists on being cruel to her sister even and especially when she sees just how much pain she’s in. It’s bad enough that she is trying to show both Tony and Charles what they’re missing when she’s pretty much chosen not to be with either of them despite their extensive efforts to seduce her, but to get a modern haircut and show it off at just that moment was particularly unkind. The day at the races was a rare breath of fresh air for the stuffy Crawley family, and provided the perfect opportunity for Edith to make her exit. Taking her daughter away from her adoptive mother wasn’t easy, but I think it will be good for Edith to escape to a new life without the pressures of her family, and hopefully she’ll have access to the money and company that Gregson left her. Carson going with Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore to see the cook’s new property was fun, and I love that Carson so awkwardly proposed buying a similar place with Mrs. Hughes. Bates confirming that he planned to kill but never did is a relief in one sense, but all signs are pointing so strongly at him as a suspect that it’s hard to imagine that he can escape conviction.
We’ve all known that it was coming, and I think that the confirmation of Gregson’s death, at Hitler’s hands, no less, was more crucial for prompting Edith to take control of her life and make a major change. It’s been so long since we’ve seen this truly petty, selfish Mary who insists on being cruel to her sister even and especially when she sees just how much pain she’s in. It’s bad enough that she is trying to show both Tony and Charles what they’re missing when she’s pretty much chosen not to be with either of them despite their extensive efforts to seduce her, but to get a modern haircut and show it off at just that moment was particularly unkind. The day at the races was a rare breath of fresh air for the stuffy Crawley family, and provided the perfect opportunity for Edith to make her exit. Taking her daughter away from her adoptive mother wasn’t easy, but I think it will be good for Edith to escape to a new life without the pressures of her family, and hopefully she’ll have access to the money and company that Gregson left her. Carson going with Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore to see the cook’s new property was fun, and I love that Carson so awkwardly proposed buying a similar place with Mrs. Hughes. Bates confirming that he planned to kill but never did is a relief in one sense, but all signs are pointing so strongly at him as a suspect that it’s hard to imagine that he can escape conviction.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 5 (B+)
This episode felt pretty standard, without too many developments that were surprising. The most jarring part was Simon making a move on Cora, who clearly wasn’t interested, only to have Richard enter and go ballistic. It’s the biggest rise we’ve seen anyone get out of Richard aside from Ms. Bunting, and it seems to have harmed his relationship with Cora more than any innocent flirting or talking about paintings could have. Tom was able to have a moment of romance with Sarah before she left, thanks in no small part to Daisy, who made her own case for the spirit and power of love. I love that Mrs. Hughes decided to speak her mind and not let Carson be the sole influencer over Mrs. Patmore and what to do with her inheritance, much to the chagrin of Carson, who was none too pleased with his advice not being taken. Thomas seems set on contributing to the investigation into Anna and Bates, but he’s not doing particularly well for himself and is sure to have his worsening condition noticed soon. As Mary continues to meet suitors and their women she has wronged, she doesn’t appear to be any closer to settling down. Edith’s fate seems infinitely more sad when she is cornered by her aunt and her grandmother, who tell her that any hopes of spending time with the child nearby to Downton are far-fetched. The news has to come out sometime, and there’s no way that it ends with Edith being happy, sadly.
This episode felt pretty standard, without too many developments that were surprising. The most jarring part was Simon making a move on Cora, who clearly wasn’t interested, only to have Richard enter and go ballistic. It’s the biggest rise we’ve seen anyone get out of Richard aside from Ms. Bunting, and it seems to have harmed his relationship with Cora more than any innocent flirting or talking about paintings could have. Tom was able to have a moment of romance with Sarah before she left, thanks in no small part to Daisy, who made her own case for the spirit and power of love. I love that Mrs. Hughes decided to speak her mind and not let Carson be the sole influencer over Mrs. Patmore and what to do with her inheritance, much to the chagrin of Carson, who was none too pleased with his advice not being taken. Thomas seems set on contributing to the investigation into Anna and Bates, but he’s not doing particularly well for himself and is sure to have his worsening condition noticed soon. As Mary continues to meet suitors and their women she has wronged, she doesn’t appear to be any closer to settling down. Edith’s fate seems infinitely more sad when she is cornered by her aunt and her grandmother, who tell her that any hopes of spending time with the child nearby to Downton are far-fetched. The news has to come out sometime, and there’s no way that it ends with Edith being happy, sadly.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 4 (B+)
When something gets stirred up on this show, it just keeps on building until it boils over and explodes. We’re still talking about Edith’s aggressive godmotherhood, Mary’s impending engagement to any one of her suitors, Violet is spending more time with her Russian would-be beau, Mrs. Patmore is upset about her nephew not being honored in the war memorial, the death of the rapist valet isn’t going away, and Tom’s dear friend is all about angering Robert as much as she possibly can. More news on what may have happened to Michael isn’t promising, and Edith is going to spiral downwards with nothing positive to hold on to in her life. Mary is getting annoying again, weighing her options so publicly with each of the men who want her and seemingly intent on never deciding. It’s unfortunate to see Carson and Mrs. Hughes get such delight from tormenting Mosley by insisting upon treating him as the first footman, and it’s a good thing that he’s the one being given all the works since Thomas is obviously working out some more severe personal problems. Anna being seen in London does not bode well, even if Bates didn’t have anything to do with the murder. Mrs. Hughes and Anna should really come clean with Carson since, though he wouldn’t want to tell a lie, he would be a good ally for them. Robert calling up Daisy and Mrs. Patmore to discuss her teacher’s negative influences was embarrassing, and Violet’s delight at the whole thing was extremely amusing. I like the fact that Isobel got an unexpectedly romantic proposal, since she is probably the show’s purest character and it’s good to see her earn some deserving attention and affection from someone else.
When something gets stirred up on this show, it just keeps on building until it boils over and explodes. We’re still talking about Edith’s aggressive godmotherhood, Mary’s impending engagement to any one of her suitors, Violet is spending more time with her Russian would-be beau, Mrs. Patmore is upset about her nephew not being honored in the war memorial, the death of the rapist valet isn’t going away, and Tom’s dear friend is all about angering Robert as much as she possibly can. More news on what may have happened to Michael isn’t promising, and Edith is going to spiral downwards with nothing positive to hold on to in her life. Mary is getting annoying again, weighing her options so publicly with each of the men who want her and seemingly intent on never deciding. It’s unfortunate to see Carson and Mrs. Hughes get such delight from tormenting Mosley by insisting upon treating him as the first footman, and it’s a good thing that he’s the one being given all the works since Thomas is obviously working out some more severe personal problems. Anna being seen in London does not bode well, even if Bates didn’t have anything to do with the murder. Mrs. Hughes and Anna should really come clean with Carson since, though he wouldn’t want to tell a lie, he would be a good ally for them. Robert calling up Daisy and Mrs. Patmore to discuss her teacher’s negative influences was embarrassing, and Violet’s delight at the whole thing was extremely amusing. I like the fact that Isobel got an unexpectedly romantic proposal, since she is probably the show’s purest character and it’s good to see her earn some deserving attention and affection from someone else.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 3 (B+)
This season’s threads are becoming clearer and clearer the more we get into it, though there are a few surprises along the way too. Those come mainly in the form of Russians who much prefer tea and relics of their past to modern criticism by the likes of their leadership by one Sarah Bunting. It’s hard to decide who is more predictably prickly, Robert or Sarah, since the former always gets angry about anything new or untoward and the latter seems to incite furor whenever she shows up and happens to be invited to crash a party. The big shock of the hour was discovering that Violet had a forbidden flirtation much in the style of Cora with a Russian royal back in the day, and this just after she gave Mary such a hard time for being caught by her valet after her night of passion with Tony. I didn’t mention last week just how fantastic Richard E. Grant, who I first saw in “Gosford Park” over a decade ago and who this past year was one of the main reasons to see “Dom Hemingway,” was as Cora’s admirer who got Robert to boil over when he kept her out for the majority of the evening. Mary isn’t letting anyone tell her what to do, and I really like her relationship with Tom as he peruses his different options of how to upset the balance of things. It’s no surprise that Edith came on too strong and has now been barred from seeing her child, and no one is particularly sympathetic since they don’t know the circumstances. Thomas left rather abruptly to go see his dying father, and things seem to have returned to a comfortable place with Mosley and Baxter that hopefully won’t be upset by his impending return.
This season’s threads are becoming clearer and clearer the more we get into it, though there are a few surprises along the way too. Those come mainly in the form of Russians who much prefer tea and relics of their past to modern criticism by the likes of their leadership by one Sarah Bunting. It’s hard to decide who is more predictably prickly, Robert or Sarah, since the former always gets angry about anything new or untoward and the latter seems to incite furor whenever she shows up and happens to be invited to crash a party. The big shock of the hour was discovering that Violet had a forbidden flirtation much in the style of Cora with a Russian royal back in the day, and this just after she gave Mary such a hard time for being caught by her valet after her night of passion with Tony. I didn’t mention last week just how fantastic Richard E. Grant, who I first saw in “Gosford Park” over a decade ago and who this past year was one of the main reasons to see “Dom Hemingway,” was as Cora’s admirer who got Robert to boil over when he kept her out for the majority of the evening. Mary isn’t letting anyone tell her what to do, and I really like her relationship with Tom as he peruses his different options of how to upset the balance of things. It’s no surprise that Edith came on too strong and has now been barred from seeing her child, and no one is particularly sympathetic since they don’t know the circumstances. Thomas left rather abruptly to go see his dying father, and things seem to have returned to a comfortable place with Mosley and Baxter that hopefully won’t be upset by his impending return.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 2 (B+)
Rose seems to be singlehandedly modernizing this show, eagerly begging Robert to get a radio, resulting in his playing the king’s speech for everyone and then deciding that maybe he should just keep the wireless since they went to the trouble of setting it up in the first place. Robert does seem awfully grumpy lately, judging James and dismissing him at the end of last week’s episode and now groaning about how obnoxious he finds Sarah. He did score one victory, of course, and that was over Carson when they talked to the mother of a soldier killed in the war who made a compelling case for why the memorial should be in the center of town rather than far away from it. Carson did say that he wanted to agree with Robert, which made it not that hard to convince him, and it’s endearing to hear him talk about how his discord with Mrs. Hughes upsets him since he prefers that they see eye to eye. Daisy’s new education is off to a great start with Sarah popping in to give her lessons, though she’s likely either to run off with Tom or be dismissed by Robert before any major progress truly occurs. Everything involving Edith’s godmother role is awkward and she and her co-conspirator are coming on way too strong, and I worry that she’ll soon be exposed for a secret which can’t stay secret for long. Violet and Isobel’s interactions are infinitely entertaining, and though Maggie Smith is a perennial nominee for so many awards, she really is terrific. After his hair dye antics last week, it’s good to see Mosley cast in a more dramatic light with his disappointment about Baxter’s past, and even Thomas is starting to become sympathetic. I guess Anna was just feeling charitable after her uncomfortable and hilarious visit to pick up a contraceptive for Mary in town. Hopefully her dalliance with Tony, which seems quite ambitious, will prove productive in only appropriate ways.
Rose seems to be singlehandedly modernizing this show, eagerly begging Robert to get a radio, resulting in his playing the king’s speech for everyone and then deciding that maybe he should just keep the wireless since they went to the trouble of setting it up in the first place. Robert does seem awfully grumpy lately, judging James and dismissing him at the end of last week’s episode and now groaning about how obnoxious he finds Sarah. He did score one victory, of course, and that was over Carson when they talked to the mother of a soldier killed in the war who made a compelling case for why the memorial should be in the center of town rather than far away from it. Carson did say that he wanted to agree with Robert, which made it not that hard to convince him, and it’s endearing to hear him talk about how his discord with Mrs. Hughes upsets him since he prefers that they see eye to eye. Daisy’s new education is off to a great start with Sarah popping in to give her lessons, though she’s likely either to run off with Tom or be dismissed by Robert before any major progress truly occurs. Everything involving Edith’s godmother role is awkward and she and her co-conspirator are coming on way too strong, and I worry that she’ll soon be exposed for a secret which can’t stay secret for long. Violet and Isobel’s interactions are infinitely entertaining, and though Maggie Smith is a perennial nominee for so many awards, she really is terrific. After his hair dye antics last week, it’s good to see Mosley cast in a more dramatic light with his disappointment about Baxter’s past, and even Thomas is starting to become sympathetic. I guess Anna was just feeling charitable after her uncomfortable and hilarious visit to pick up a contraceptive for Mary in town. Hopefully her dalliance with Tony, which seems quite ambitious, will prove productive in only appropriate ways.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey (Season Premiere)
Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 1 (B+)
This show is back for a fifth outing, and, as usual, it feels like nothing’s changed yet so much is different. The political landscape of England is clearly changing, as Carson earns a chairmanship over his lordship Robert much to the horror of both men, and the independent nature of the Crawley daughters doesn’t seem so crazy anymore. I enjoy the fact that Tony and Mary are talking so openly about marriage and everyone is encouraging them since it feels like they’ve been courting and not courting forever. Bates acting as Tony’s valet is a bit too close for comfort, and Thomas is doing his very best to play the shadowy villain lurking in the background waiting to pounce on Bates’ secret. I do like that Baxter came forward and told Cora of her criminal past before Thomas could throw her under the bus, and he earned himself yet another reprieve by coming to the rescue when Edith’s bedroom went up in flames. James and his elite seductress were hardly subtle, and the look of disdain on Robert’s face when he caught them was priceless. He’s really not fond of too many people, particularly Tom’s new friend who Rose foolishly invited to the party. I love Mrs. Hughes’ encouragement of Daisy’s intellectual and mathematical interests, and it’s good to see her take charge of her life for once. I’m eager to see where this season takes us, as I’m sure it will be another enthralling and fantastically dated period adventure filled with plenty of intrigue and drama.
This show is back for a fifth outing, and, as usual, it feels like nothing’s changed yet so much is different. The political landscape of England is clearly changing, as Carson earns a chairmanship over his lordship Robert much to the horror of both men, and the independent nature of the Crawley daughters doesn’t seem so crazy anymore. I enjoy the fact that Tony and Mary are talking so openly about marriage and everyone is encouraging them since it feels like they’ve been courting and not courting forever. Bates acting as Tony’s valet is a bit too close for comfort, and Thomas is doing his very best to play the shadowy villain lurking in the background waiting to pounce on Bates’ secret. I do like that Baxter came forward and told Cora of her criminal past before Thomas could throw her under the bus, and he earned himself yet another reprieve by coming to the rescue when Edith’s bedroom went up in flames. James and his elite seductress were hardly subtle, and the look of disdain on Robert’s face when he caught them was priceless. He’s really not fond of too many people, particularly Tom’s new friend who Rose foolishly invited to the party. I love Mrs. Hughes’ encouragement of Daisy’s intellectual and mathematical interests, and it’s good to see her take charge of her life for once. I’m eager to see where this season takes us, as I’m sure it will be another enthralling and fantastically dated period adventure filled with plenty of intrigue and drama.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey (Season Finale)
Downton Abbey: Season 4, Episode 8 (B+)
It’s hard to believe that we’ve already reached the end of this season, which started just two months ago. Fortunately, the show got renewed for a fifth season back in November, and so we’ll have plenty more opportunities to revisit Downton. As is standard for the season ender, this episode was all about an outing, and a fresh setting in London proved to be very productive for telling a story. The big plot of the super-sized episode was a comic ploy to get back an incriminating letter that could have disgraced an important regal, and I enjoyed the fact that Bates’ forging and pickpocketing abilities both came in extremely handy. Edith was back already from Switzerland after the secret birth and, ignoring the advice of the two people who know the truth, she opted to have the baby brought to Downton so that it (she) could grow up with her real mother around. Tom’s late-night tour was a serious misstep, and Thomas’ apparent disdain for his former peer is going to help push Tom out of a life he never felt comfortable with but had been living in for a decent amount of time now. Mary protesting against the poker players being referred to as “Mary’s men” was hilarious, and I’m glad that the show is able to poke fun at that. I certainly hope that Mary gets over her stupid conscience and opts not to turn Bates in for his presumed crime of killing Anna’s attacker. It was great to see Paul Giamatti in a perfect role as Harold, whose every moment on screen was a scathing delight. Carson’s reaction to the American valet’s attempt to hawk food and his question about whether anything was “going on” with Daisy was great, and I heartily appreciated the season ending with Carson and Mrs. Hughes holding hands and walking into the ocean together.
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Maggie Smith as Violet and Jim Carter as Carson
It’s hard to believe that we’ve already reached the end of this season, which started just two months ago. Fortunately, the show got renewed for a fifth season back in November, and so we’ll have plenty more opportunities to revisit Downton. As is standard for the season ender, this episode was all about an outing, and a fresh setting in London proved to be very productive for telling a story. The big plot of the super-sized episode was a comic ploy to get back an incriminating letter that could have disgraced an important regal, and I enjoyed the fact that Bates’ forging and pickpocketing abilities both came in extremely handy. Edith was back already from Switzerland after the secret birth and, ignoring the advice of the two people who know the truth, she opted to have the baby brought to Downton so that it (she) could grow up with her real mother around. Tom’s late-night tour was a serious misstep, and Thomas’ apparent disdain for his former peer is going to help push Tom out of a life he never felt comfortable with but had been living in for a decent amount of time now. Mary protesting against the poker players being referred to as “Mary’s men” was hilarious, and I’m glad that the show is able to poke fun at that. I certainly hope that Mary gets over her stupid conscience and opts not to turn Bates in for his presumed crime of killing Anna’s attacker. It was great to see Paul Giamatti in a perfect role as Harold, whose every moment on screen was a scathing delight. Carson’s reaction to the American valet’s attempt to hawk food and his question about whether anything was “going on” with Daisy was great, and I heartily appreciated the season ending with Carson and Mrs. Hughes holding hands and walking into the ocean together.
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Maggie Smith as Violet and Jim Carter as Carson
Monday, February 17, 2014
What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey: Season 4, Episode 7 (B+)
These end-of-season parties are always full of rich developments, and it’s always enjoyable to see them play out in a more relaxed context. I am heartily enjoying the fact that Mary’s suitors have now started carpooling, coming to Downton on numerous occasions with the intention of courting the former ice queen and then leaving after being rejected despite fond memories of pigs and offers to call off engagements. If only poor Edith was in a better situation, with her aunt’s plan to take her to Switzerland to learn French being so quickly revealed as a sham to Violet, who wasn’t as disapproving or lecture-oriented as one might expect, but still counseled against her plan to give her baby to a local farmer so that she could still have a relationship with her child. It was nice to see Alfred return and share a wonderful moment with Daisy thanks to William’s father’s gift basket and the fact that they could be friends since the whole love triangle with Ivy just never worked out. The news of Mr. Green’s death is deeply disconcerting given Bates’ highly publicized field trip, and let’s hope that Mary doesn’t go spilling the beans and that Anna doesn’t press her husband for too much incriminating information. Rose continues to try to buck societal trends, and having Mary counsel her about the error of her actions isn’t exactly a treat, though it probably is for the best. The best new semi-romance of the episode is undoubtedly that between Molesley and Baxter, a genuinely kindhearted couple who haven’t always had the best luck.
These end-of-season parties are always full of rich developments, and it’s always enjoyable to see them play out in a more relaxed context. I am heartily enjoying the fact that Mary’s suitors have now started carpooling, coming to Downton on numerous occasions with the intention of courting the former ice queen and then leaving after being rejected despite fond memories of pigs and offers to call off engagements. If only poor Edith was in a better situation, with her aunt’s plan to take her to Switzerland to learn French being so quickly revealed as a sham to Violet, who wasn’t as disapproving or lecture-oriented as one might expect, but still counseled against her plan to give her baby to a local farmer so that she could still have a relationship with her child. It was nice to see Alfred return and share a wonderful moment with Daisy thanks to William’s father’s gift basket and the fact that they could be friends since the whole love triangle with Ivy just never worked out. The news of Mr. Green’s death is deeply disconcerting given Bates’ highly publicized field trip, and let’s hope that Mary doesn’t go spilling the beans and that Anna doesn’t press her husband for too much incriminating information. Rose continues to try to buck societal trends, and having Mary counsel her about the error of her actions isn’t exactly a treat, though it probably is for the best. The best new semi-romance of the episode is undoubtedly that between Molesley and Baxter, a genuinely kindhearted couple who haven’t always had the best luck.
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