***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!
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.
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.
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
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