It's Your Turn!

This week I am blessed to be spending several days with my mom. To maximize the time I have with her (which never feels like enough) I am going to take a break from writing about Downton this week, and hand it over to you, my kind readers. So please share your comments about Episode 8 with me. I certainly look forward to reading them!

Would You Rather?

Mealtimes are a big part of each episode of Downton Abbey. It makes sense that it is so. Otherwise, the stories involving the kitchen staff would be superfluous. And what would the show be without Mrs. Patmore and Daisy? (For what it is worth, I would have been happy for the family to fast the entire fourth season, if it meant less Ivy/Alfred/Daisy/Jimmy drama.)

Some meals are (a little) more relaxed, like breakfast and tea time at the Abbey. Others are more formalized, such as tea at Granny's and, of course, dinner at Downton. Most of the actors do a lot of serving, sipping, and deft wielding of knife and fork, but not much biting and chewing. Set lights probably do all sorts of interesting things to the food before them. 

So my question for you this week is this: If you could eat a meal at any venue of Downton, with any of the cast members, what meal would it be, with whom, and where?

I would choose dinner at the Abbey with as many of the cast members as could fit around the table. I would be seated within earshot of Granny, and have Rose on one side of me and either Tom or Isobel on the other. And, of course, I would be wearing an absolutely divine dress and have perfectly styled hair. I don't ask for much. Really.

I look forward to your answers!

Downton Abbey S:5 E:7

Our faithfulness has again been rewarded as Downton Abbey delivers another solid, and in most points brilliant episode this week. Most of the plot lines are being moved along slowly enough or have encountered enough difficulties that we aren't sure exactly how the season will end. What delicious suspense! I can hardly wait to see what happens! I will be so sad when it is over.

But where to begin? With Granny, of course, and the many interesting facets we continue to see developing in her character. Earlier in the season we saw her through the eyes of a man who once (and still) wanted to run away with her. The faded, but still intoxicating bloom. We've always known her to be as solid as any fortress, equal to all assaults upon her family's fortune and reputation and have long been entertained by her quick-witted and well-turned remarks, reveling in her ability to put anyone in their place. In this episode we saw another side of Granny. We saw a woman who had been lonely, and found a friend in an unlikely place. A woman who, against her own grain, found common ground with a commoner, and survived the admittance of it. Granny is not brought lower by her esteem for and appreciation of Isobel. Instead, her honesty and objectivity reaffirms for us that this great lady is made so by her ability to look at life and see it as it truly is. How unfortunate that Mary knows her grandmother so little, and for the most part projects her own calloused feelings onto her. 

But what else would we expect from Mary, who throughout the season has grown increasingly smug, egotistic, and unfeeling. We are all relieved to see the Mary/Tony/Mabel debacle finally come to a resolution, but if we are so it must be because Tony and Mabel are happy together, not because Mary is released from a relationship that had grown tiresome to her. Certainly, Tony was acting a bit silly by not taking her at her word and breaking their attachment, but he acted from honorable motives. A lack of communication between Mary and Tony before the time in Liverpool was responsible for his misguided notions of how she viewed her honor, and her lack of awareness of the depth of his regard for her as a woman of reputation. It took Blake's ridiculous scheming to finally bring matters to a head and give Tony an honorable way out of Mary's life and into a happy marriage with Mabel. But I have just one question: What was Tony doing at the cinema with Mabel, if he felt honor-bound to Mary? Hmm.

One note on Mabel. She grew on me, and quickly. My first impulse was to dislike her, intensely, but I couldn't help but be magnetized by her easy-going honesty and general friendliness after the initial sting of being thrust into company with her rival, Mary. Mabel is what Sarah Bunting could have been, had Ms. Bunting benefited from a more thorough education in good behavior. 

Doesn't it make you laugh that after all of his work to break up Tony and Mary so that he might try to win Mary for himself, Blake gets shipped off to Poland? I believe that 90% of his effort was done purely from selfish motives, but I think the other 10% was a genuine affection for Mabel and Tony as his friends, and his desire to see two people who really love each other happily married. Perhaps deep down Blake is actually a romantic. Mary certainly isn't, so I don't think we will see her journeying to Poland. 

The next, or rather, the first blaring head line of the episode was Edith's disappearance, the subsequent outing of her secret by Mrs. Drew, and her reclamation by Cora in London. Edith did an exceptional job of standing her ground, thinking on her feet, and not being swayed by even the rude comments of a visitor at dinner. This Edith bared her beautiful shoulders in a daring evening dress, but not to charm us. No, she was showing us just how strong they can be, as she takes on not only the running of a publishing company, but also the raising of her daughter. Edith and Marigold are to be installed at Downton, but only on Edith's terms. If Isobel knew all the particulars of the situation, I just know that she would give a hearty "Bravo!" As do I. 

While Edith showed us a stronger and more resilient side of herself, the real heroine of the story was Cora. Cora, who made Granny and Rosamund squirm. Cora, who fought for her daughter, but gave her a choice. Cora, who showed us in ways that we have not seen since Sybil's death, just how much she loves her children. But she didn't just shine in her role as a mother. Her compassion for Robert as he grappled with the imminent death of Isis was exactly what was needed to continue healing the previous rift in their marriage. Her welcome of Isis into their bed was such an act of kindness to Robert. But best of all, it was believable. Three cheers for Cora!

I continue to enjoy the easy friendship between Robert and Tom. As Tom is wrestling with decisions about his future, Robert is standing beside him, extending a hand of fellowship and love, but a hand that will not hold him should he choose to go. Perhaps this display of honest acceptance will enable Tom to choose Downton and the family over life in America. Either way, the parting will be on cordial and affectionate terms, something that Robert could have never dreamed of during Sybil's brief marriage to the liberal Irish chauffeur. 

If Tom does go, I can imagine he will have many more conversations with Sybie like the one on the bridge. Parent asks question, child asks "Why?". Repeat ad infinitum. As a mother of young children, I can't help but giggle.

As expected, Rose and Atticus chose to defy the odds and join their fates against whatever the world might throw at them. Unfortunately, in coming years, we know that can be quite a lot. For now, their biggest challenges are Rose's unpleasant but thankfully absent mother, and Atticus' cautious father. Although still very young, Rose has matured in many ways since her engagement to Jack Ross, and I believe Atticus is a solid choice.

A less happy couple at the end of the episode is Lord Merton and Isobel. And why? Because his spoiled, elitist sons would not look beyond themselves to consider their father's happiness. They did no credit to the man who had surely thought through all of the social and relational implications of marrying someone from the middle class. The did not trust his wisdom, nor her character. They didn't even give her a chance, They cut her legs right out from under her, but at least they did it when she was surrounded by people who love her and would defend her. While Lord Merton mildly admonished his sons, Tom literally stood up for her, then received the backing of the Lord of the manor. What possessed those two to wound such a generous and warm-hearted woman is beyond me. I'm not sure how that will end, but I think the marriage is doomed. Who would want such wicked stepsons as they? 

Now to move below stairs.

I am so relieved to see smiles and friendship between Anna and Bates once more. And to be seeing more of him! This return ticket business is troublesome and not yet over, I am sure. But they seem to be ready to move past it emotionally and think toward the future again.

However, shame on them for being so harsh toward Baxter. Of course they do not understand the entirety of her situation, but I thought that their characters were bent toward forgiveness over censure, or at least would allow the benefit of the doubt. To see them snubbing her is painful. And if Mr. Bates plans to spend any more time in the shoe room, he might as well move in there! Has anyone else noticed how often he and Anna are shown in that room?

How interesting it is to see Thomas defending Baxter against the rudeness of the Bates', and not the other way round. In this episode Thomas was not only mild-mannered, he was friendly. And helpful! And kind. He has many, many offenses to atone for, but for now he seems determined to do better by the people who have done right by him. Perhaps accepting himself for who he is (better or worse) has enabled him to do that for others. Whatever has brought on the change, I am all for it. Lady Mary seems ready to step in as the resident snake in the grass, anyway.

Daisy has never been a favorite character of mine, due to her incessant whining. But she's a fixture in the kitchen, and apparently the people who work with her daily feel such affection for her that they hatched a plan to get her out to Mr. Mason's farm so that he could convince her to continue her studies. Can we all say, "Yay Mr. Mason's back!" He has been adorable to me from the beginning.

The visit to the farm was such a lovely moment in this episode, particularly as it gave me ample opportunity to size up the common room in the farmhouse and decide I want an exact replica of it. 

It was also nice to see Baxter, Molesley, and Daisy so relaxed. Baxter looked lovely in her navy sweater and hat, and the buttons on the sleeves of her coat were a very pretty detail. Daisy's saffron-colored frock would be hard for most women to pull off, but it brightened her and strengthened the impression of a young woman waking up to the world and all it's possibilities. Even as a small part of a minor plot line, this was one of my favorite parts of the episode.

A few random notes:

Screens for the food. Apparently the entire English countryside is preparing for a return of the 4th plague because these screens were everywhere! Being placed on dishes by Molesley. Hanging on the walls in the Downton kitchen. Covering a cake on the farmhouse table. People, get your food screens!

George is being drugged. Otherwise he wouldn't be sitting quietly (listlessly?) on Mary's most likely bony and uncomfortable lap. This is a little boy. He would be inside the fireplace or at least wielding the poker at his friendly Uncle Tom. 

Entrepreneurship. What if Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Bates, and Anna all leave Downton and go into business together?! That would be a wildly successful series spin-off, I think. They could call it Upchurch Cottage. (Hee hee)

Good breeding. Cora, Mary, and Edith attempting conversation over the noise of the train without shouting at one another. Granny's pursed lips and look of censure leveled at Larry Grey. Molesley's giggling. Okay, that isn't good breeding but it was hilarious. 

Attire. Rose's liquid blue afternoon dress. Cora's stunning green evening gown. Edith's shoulders (!). Mary's hair ribbon. Granny's long dress contrasted against all the shorter ones at the train station. 

A pinkie ring, Atticus? Really?

Lastly, Anna was cleaning Lady Mary's jewelry in the servants' hall. Because that seems wise.

That is all for this week. Thanks for reading and Happy Viewing!

-Ashley
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Downton Abbey S:5, E:6 A Poem

This episode is definitely my favorite of Season 5, and possibly of the entire series. I wept watching it. I wept sharing my favorite scenes with my husband. I think the writers and actors of Downton reached a higher level of excellence in this week's installation. With only two episodes left in the season, I can hardly wait to see what will happen next!

When the episode ended, I did not feel equal to writing about it. I still don't. But I promised you that I would, and so I did. Here is what I have to offer.



A blue sky smiles on Downton's spires
And cheers for happiness of them
Who call it home above, below,
Lord and ladies, maids and men.


But news of death is brought to her.
A life is shattered from within.
Loneliness weds desperation.
The stolen flower cannot win.


Cold beauty plays coy games with hearts,
With fashion, and tradition.
A point-to-point with human pawns,
Devoid of feeling and compassion.


A secret found by one who knows
What secrets must be kept.
A ticket cannot give the proof
Of innocence from death.


A cup of tea to hold at bay
What cannot be contained
Within a man, unseated prince,
Unrequited, but unchanged.


A marriage torn by apathy;
Neither one acquitted.
But love is faithful to forgive.
What was broken is now mended.


Friendless victim of himself
Alone, unwell, in pain,
Accepts the proffered charity,
Finds friendship in the rain.


Investment in the future,
With money or the mind,
Has others thinking past the present
With an offer to unite.

Let's Play a Game...

I have had the privilege and pleasure of conversing with several of my fellow fans and kind readers about Downton Abbey in general and this season specifically since starting this blog a few weeks ago. The interaction is always informative, enlightening, and most of all enjoyable! I wish that I could have the same chance with each of you! In that same spirit and with the desire to create a sense of community I would like you to play a game with me. 

Each week I will ask a question regarding an aspect of the show. I will give you my answer within the post, and then you may share yours in the comment section below. I do hope that you will play along! I know that I very much look forward to reading each answer. 

For our game this week I would like you to answer this question:

What is/are your favorite scene(s) from any season of Downton Abbey, past or present? 

I have two favorites, both involving Matthew & Mary, both from Season Two.

First, I love the scene when Mary meets Matthew at the train station to give him the toy dog as a good luck charm. Matthew has come back into her life (looking very handsome in uniform!) and she has realized just how much she missed out on when she turned down his proposal. For his part, he is still in love with her, in spite of rejection, war, time, and Lavinia. This scene is all about the eyes and the restrained facial expressions, the billowing steam and the sounds of a soon-to-depart train. So much that each wants to say, so much that they should not and can not. The deficiencies are so deliciously satisfying. 

Second, the scene when Matthew and William return to Downton after being MIA for several days on the front. When I watched this season for the first time I almost ached with hope that Matthew would stride into the room, healthy and whole, while Mary was singing the love song in front of the recuperating officers. Imagine my joy when the writers gave me exactly what I wanted! My delight over this scene has yet to be matched.


Please do play along! I can hardly wait to read your responses!

As always, Happy Viewing!

-Ashley 

Downton Abbey S:5, E:5 Holy Plot Line, Batman!

***Correction from last week: Mabel Lane-Fox was engaged to Tony Gillingham, not Evelyn Napier. Slightly more believable, especially in light of Tony's conduct last week. Thanks loyal viewer and reader for pointing out the mistake.***

We are better than halfway through the season. Some story lines have stalled, others seem to be resolved, and still others have yet to reveal their end. A perfect combination to keep us watching faithfully, expectantly, fanatically!

Hooray, Rosamund is back! Oh wait, not really. Carson might as well say, "Lady Edith, your aunt has come for a week long visit. You are about to be advised to make another terrible decision that will wreck your happiness and plague your soul." Every time this woman comes around one of her nieces ends up doing something stupid/terrible/sad. Such as break up with Matthew. Or let a couple in Switzerland adopt her baby. Only Sybil lived a life exempt of advice from this pernicious meddler, and she's dead. Perhaps it is better after all for Rosamund's sharp nose to be butting about in your business. True to form, Rosamund's advice to Edith is selfish and terrible. Rosamund is interested in seeing Marigold because "she gave up 10 months of her life" for her. Umm, not the baby mama as I recall. And oh, how sad that Lady Edith is in a position that poses great danger for her reputation, but no emotional reward. Because children are really just like money. They are supposed to keep you safe and give you the power to purchase happiness. What? Can't anyone just like children because they are cute and cuddly and slightly smelly and really sweet and disobedient? Nope. That's what the nursery staff is for.

Granny usually dresses like a fortress up in arms and ready for battle, but her slate blue afternoon dress with the drape across the chest was gorgeous! She possibly outshone Mary in that one. Isn't it adorable that she still wears 10 inch feather plumes on her hats, no matter how old fashioned they are? Her attire is as grandiose as her manner. Anything less just wouldn't be right.

On the topic of attire, Edith's clothing is sad again, and the lively headscarves are gone. All that remains are her incredibly pretty evening dresses. While Edith is back in earth-tones, Mrs. Drew had on a startlingly blue blouse that even under a sweater was beautiful. And with her red hair and sharp eyes it was quite a powerful combination. That woman is not to be messed with. The tension between the Drews and between Mrs. Drew and Edith can't last much longer. In that relationship the wife is stronger than the husband. Even though he feels compassion for Edith I don't think he will stand against his wife. 

 

Mary's dress at dinner with Blake and Ms. Lane-Fox was actually, truly ugly, back necklace or not. By contrast Rose looks adorable in an apron. Maybe it's her thin waist, or sweet face, or the fact that a girl who used to be completely self-centered and selfish is actually doing good for others. Rose is learning about pain, compassion, and hope, and what it means to feel on behalf of someone else. Her new acquaintance is handsome and has a fantastic name: Atticus Aldridge. Foreshadowing here: he's a Jew. Why? Because it's 1924 and the Nazis are coming. The Grantham's need a link stronger than the fact that Cora's father was Jewish, something that ties them directly to the coming conflict and makes them intimate sympathizers with the persecuted Semites. My guess? Downton becomes a refuge for fleeing Jews.

Robert voluntarily brought up the subject of Ms. Bunting with Tom over drinks before dinner one evening. What?! We know he hates her, is galled by her, forbade her from his house. But this is proof of how much he loves Tom. At least in his own way. His advice was kind and good, and I'm glad that Tom eventually took it  (Can it really be as easy to get rid of her as driving away in the pouring rain? Probably not.) Robert is coming around to himself again, and I think in an episode or two he will be in sharp relief instead of a vague and hazy version of himself. YAY! Further proof of this is his interest in the building project in the village. Responsible, progressive, economically sound decision-making. It's all we've ever wanted for this dear, lovable, exasperating man. 

Why was Ms. Bunting ever in the show? Yes, she reminded Tom of what he really believes. Yes, she encouraged Daisy to expand her horizons and educate herself. But what has REALLY been accomplished by her character? We don't know that Tom has truly decided on life at Downton. We don't see Daisy making any significant changes to her life. Maybe Tom will settle down in his head and heart and be content. Maybe Daisy will take Mr. Mason up on his offer and move to the farm. But for now, Ms. Bunting was just an annoying dinner guest who potentially set a lot of change in motion. Maybe.

So Thomas is trying to chemically alter his preference for men? Oh my. Baxter is still inexplicably solicitous, and Thomas is as nasty as he's ever been, biting everyone's heads off. My goodness what if he and Edith somehow ended up together?! After all, he did rescue her from the burning bedroom. Nefarious homosexual under-butler turned heterosexual knight in shining armor? Interesting plot twist at the very least.

First footman Molesly had a good taste of his own medicine last episode, and even though he begged off the actual distinction, he looked hurried most of this episode. And what was that line about wanting to be one of many workers? We haven't forgotten about the entire season he spent bemoaning his lot in life while forced to be a common laborer. Fickle Molesly. But sweet Baxter has completely fallen for him, evident in not only her constancy to him even when he is whiney and wishy washy, but LO AND BEHOLD SHE SMILED!! Just as I suspected, it was lovely.

Let's talk holey plot lines for a minute. Why did we witness the dinner with Blake, Mabel Lane-Fox, and Mary? Mary didn't need to be there. In fact, Blake would have accomplished his goal of encouraging Mabel back into Tony's arms much more easily had Mary NOT been there!! But we rarely see action that does not directly involve one of the leading cast members, so there Mary is, dining with a woman who hates her and a man who is scheming to marry her. Those two women are both shrewd enough to discern that and they should have called Blake on it right away. He's only doing this for himself. He wants Mabel to accept Mary's cast-off lover so that he, Mary's cast-off suitor, can try to convince her to be with him. Messy. And aren't we glad that we now know how Charles likes his beef prepared? Ugh. Sometimes he and Mary are so perfect for each other, as they are both so self-satisfied and self-involved. Again, ugh.

I LOVED that it was almost constantly raining. The shapes and colors of their umbrellas are so pretty! And such a good opportunity for meeting a new love interest (Rose) and saying goodbye to an old one (Tom). Rain is definitely romantic, especially when no one ever looks sopping wet.

I'm still not interested in Anna, Bates and the investigation into Green's death. But I DID love the exchange between Mary and Bates regarding Anna's questioning by the police. Mary really put the screws on him, didn't she? I just wish we could see more of the Anna and Mr. Bates that we loved. Oh well. I think I'm getting Robert back so it might be an even trade.

However I cannot count Robert innocent when it comes to the ghastly situation between Cora and Bricker. What kind of a man allows his wife to invite another man who is obviously interested in said wife to their home when he, the husband, will be away for the night?!?! He would take better care of his dog!! I have a feeling that Mr. Bricker has a history of seducing attractive, lonely wives of rich and disinterested men. He seemed completely unabashed by his behavior, and not very offended by Robert's reaction. I do have to cheer for Robert getting a few good punches in, even if it left him embarrassingly winded. If he isn't careful and doesn't stop punishing Cora, the next time she's approached by a potential paramour she might be more willing. But what about that display of her girlish naivete, trying to make small talk with Robert as they received guests to their cocktail party? No one in this triangle is innocent.

Did you see Granny had a cocktail on the table in front of her when she was talking to Edith? A cocktail! I wonder if Carson had to excuse himself for a little lie-down after he served it to her. First the king on the radio, now Granny is sipping cocktails. Maybe there really is a chance that Marigold will find herself ensconced in the nursery alongside Sybie and George. But can we really hope that for her? A life of luxury but little love? 

And on the topic of love, where is Lord Merton? A forthright and endearing declaration of love one episode, complete absence the next. Is he waiting on Isobel's good pleasure? Perhaps. But we need resolution soon on that one. If Granny dangles many more suffering Russian refugees before Isobel she will be lost to Lord Merton forever. 

 Now that Lord Merton finally asked to marry Isobel Granny finally realizes the gravity of the situation and drags Clarkson into the business all over again. And bless his sweet, impartial self, he sees that Isobel and Lord Merton are actually well-matched companions. But wouldn't it be infinitely more romantic if he declared his love for Isobel and they spent the rest of their lives working in the village hospital together? Granny is right, that the relatively inactive life of a lady does not suit Isobel. But wasn't it hilarious for Granny to describe a life so similar to hers in such negative terms? I guess Granny isn't inactive. She's always meddling in the business of somebody or other. 

To the writers I say, enough dawdling! What's going to happen to Marigold? What is Thomas really doing? What is going to happen between Mary and Tony? Is Bates going to be arrested? Is Anna? And a host of other questions. We need answers people! Hop to it!

Happy viewing!

-Ashley