tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post7398802510400882663..comments2024-03-05T19:35:48.700-08:00Comments on Booktalk & More: Downton Abbey Series 3, Part 7Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-78749652898897077382013-09-08T15:47:32.294-07:002013-09-08T15:47:32.294-07:00Hello, I see you list Phoebe Nicholls previous wor...Hello, I see you list Phoebe Nicholls previous work, but that you fail to mention her most prestigious 'outing' as the youngest Marchmain sibling in the original Brideshead Revisited. That's the first time I remember seeing her!<br /><br />Best Wishes<br /><br />samAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02980938865506073042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-54817863024398599472013-02-28T07:22:47.792-08:002013-02-28T07:22:47.792-08:00@Rachel - I can't stop laughing!!! :P@Rachel - I can't stop laughing!!! :PAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-89297944305828773042013-02-28T07:17:01.106-08:002013-02-28T07:17:01.106-08:00so i was good up until the vampire banshees. then ...so i was good up until the vampire banshees. then i just lost interest.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256326961775297121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-31759057807607464622013-02-27T11:17:02.921-08:002013-02-27T11:17:02.921-08:00@Rissi - Hopefully that trend continues...but I am...@Rissi - Hopefully that trend continues...but I am sure there will be "growing pains." ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-48224183479059484292013-02-27T11:09:27.745-08:002013-02-27T11:09:27.745-08:00I think you're right. Rose could be an excelle...I think you're right. Rose could be an excellent new addition. So long as Fellowes makes her "grow up" just a bit. She was better in this episode (as you pointed out). <br /><br />Most of all, S4 CANNOT COME SOON enough. Everything about it sounds like it has great promise. Rissihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11378400717440822186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-28159702020541205262013-02-23T08:34:45.018-08:002013-02-23T08:34:45.018-08:00@Lori - I recently purchased the first season of M...@Lori - I recently purchased the first season of Monarch in the Glen because I've heard such great things about it -- I just haven't had a chance to sit down and watch it yet.<br /><br />Couldn't agree with you more about Branson. And I hope that we see more of the Rose we saw in this episode next season...the one that felt real, not a crazy caricature of a flapper.<br /><br />I think this season opened in 1920...?? So it would be sometime in 1922 now? I'm just guessing though...<br /><br />And regarding your later comment...Richard Briers was a dear, wasn't he? Such a talented actor.<br /><br />@Jess - HA! Love your ep title! :) And yeah you are right...this was probably Molesley's best -- most memorable, at any rate -- scene. <br /><br />And thank you as always for the feedback. I think there is a ton of potential here, so to my mind the trauma of this season, the drama and upheaval...it was worth it for the season four set-up. <br /><br />@Susan - THAT is a fascinating possibility! :)<br /><br />@Anne - You and me both. :)<br /><br />@Tasha - Very fair point, that. Matthew dying after all the happy crying he did was more on the sappy end of things.<br /><br />That is exactly why I loved all of the Scottish characters too! I hope we see Rose's parents visiting Downton someday. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-24237146965321823032013-02-23T07:04:09.907-08:002013-02-23T07:04:09.907-08:00Fabulous and insightful summary, Ruth, as usual! I...Fabulous and insightful summary, Ruth, as usual! I have to admit that I bought the dvd as soon as it was available, so I devoured the last few episodes in one fell swoop and had to keep my lips sealed around friends who did not know "the shocker." I have mixed emotions about Matthew's death.....while I accept it, I would have liked to have watched ONE of the daughters and their husband have some happy times together with their child. Poor Sybil never lived to spend one happy day with her husband and child, and now Mary only had a few fleeting moments in the hospital with her beautiful family. Sigh. And my heart really goes out to the people of the UK who had to watch this on CHRISTMAS!! Yikes! What a downer on Christmas night!<br /><br />Ruth, the book blog, Austenesque, posted some hilarious late night TV Downton spoofs recently. Well worth popping over to see them for a few laughs.Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07716758796036142540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-17787635339138217332013-02-23T05:46:10.460-08:002013-02-23T05:46:10.460-08:00@Anne Mateer Yes! I loved all the seasons with all...@Anne Mateer Yes! I loved all the seasons with all those cast changes, but my favorite is season 2 (with Jason O'Mara as Fergal) and my all time favorite episode was the second one, in which Fergal's character was introduced, and Killwillie (Julian Fellowes, no less) and Hector (the late* Richard Briers) schemed against Archie to get the barrel of whisky into their custody. <br /><br />That's the only season I still own. <br /><br />Briers passed away just this Sunday past, on the 17th. <br /><br />I want to visit Scotland too, one day. Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-32923615670733887972013-02-22T22:06:16.321-08:002013-02-22T22:06:16.321-08:00I don't think it was Matthew dying so much as ...I don't think it was Matthew dying so much as the way it played out that was annoying to me. With Sybil it was very well-done and I thought it wasn't overplayed and we had time to adjust to it. With Matthew the final scenes seemed kind of cheesy and then it was like, BOOM! Matthew's dead, see you next season! I mean, if I was a Brit watching that on Christmas Day I'd be LIVID. And it was kind of a soap-opera-y way to end it.<br /><br />On the other hand, I loved all the new the Scottish characters and how they mirrored their Downton Abbey counterparts. They were so delightfully dour!Heidenkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09494625457587427781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-50179960165752023262013-02-22T19:16:14.980-08:002013-02-22T19:16:14.980-08:00@Lori, I thought the same thing about Monarch of t...@Lori, I thought the same thing about Monarch of the Glen! Don't you just love that one, too? Ah, Scotland. Someday I hope to get there. :) Anne Mateerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330467138236037032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-73848700473353794232013-02-22T18:40:20.245-08:002013-02-22T18:40:20.245-08:00What do you think about this? Daisy leaves service...What do you think about this? Daisy leaves service and starts running the farm her father-in-law has given her. Tom takes on Matthew's plans and works to establish the farms on Downton. They discover each other -- again -- but now instead of cook and chauffeur, they are successful people who have climbed several wrungs on the social level.Susan F. Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00383014100399818941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-61009416204480557282013-02-22T18:32:29.648-08:002013-02-22T18:32:29.648-08:00I called this the Episode of Explored Romances. Ge...I called this the Episode of Explored Romances. Geesh, everyone was getting together randomly! lol<br /><br />Oblivious Isobel is oblivious. <br />Poor Clarkson. These two actually could make a fine couple, even if it did come out of nowhere! <br /><br />And I absolutely detested those scenes with Branson and whatever-her-name-was-that-awful-maid. Even though Branson didn't encourage her (yay Tom!), as Mrs. Hughes said, he didn't discourage her either (no, Tom!). I was relieved when Mrs. Hughes FINALLY sacked her! And I guess those scenes might have been worth it for that moment when Branson hears what he really needed to from Mrs. Hughes. I just wanted to hug Tom. <br />As always. ;)<br /><br />I think the best moment of the entire series--and some much-needed comic relief--came in the unexpected form of Molesley. Oh my word. And the Dowager's response, of course!<br /><br />One more thing about this finale (before I end this ridiculously long comment!) is that I was so very relieved that Matthew got to meet his baby boy! Throughout the entire episode, knowing what was coming, I was just waiting for the incident to happen, sure Mary would never see Matthew again after leaving for Downton--worried even that she would lose the baby!<br />Anyways, I found your view on the ending rather refreshing. Well said! I understand; One of my co-workers agreed that it was actually best that Matthew 'leaves' the show this way, rather than a divorce or some other such thing. <br />Talk about an ending with mixed feeling--what a way to end with such dramatic irony.<br />Fellowes definitely has tons to work with in the next series. Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13051243926956394352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-68605256359168076862013-02-22T18:30:55.012-08:002013-02-22T18:30:55.012-08:00The Scottishness of this episode was dear to me. I...The Scottishness of this episode was dear to me. It felt like watching Downton Abbey crossed with Monarch of the Glen, and old favorite of mine. I could watch this ep over and again for the Scottish landscapes. <br /><br />Have you seen Monarch of the Glen?<br /><br />With the departures of characters this season, Branson has risen to claim the top spot on the list of characters whose story I most want to see unfold. <br /><br />I liked Rose better this go-around. I'm happy she's staying on. <br /><br />Matthew certainly left his mark on this family in so many ways, sort of like a super hero that swoops in to set right all wrongs and then flies off into the sunset. He saved the estate (for the present, AND the future), he had an awesome influence on Mary's character, and he provided the family with an heir. His work there was done. LOL<br /><br />Funny how I don't much mind it. I think after Sybil I'd put this show at arm's length emotionally. I'm sad he's gone, but I'm open to new drama. They just better not kill Branson off too!<br /><br />Ruth, your photo captions made me LOL.<br /><br />Lastly, I must have missed something along the way because I'm totally out of sink with what year it's supposed to be now. <br />Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-9737044178862032772013-02-22T16:56:27.860-08:002013-02-22T16:56:27.860-08:00@Rissi - LOL! You're welcome & glad you en...@Rissi - LOL! You're welcome & glad you enjoyed it. :)<br /><br />I don't view Rose as replacing Sybil quite as much as filling a gap...the show needs fresh blood. Even if it comes from irritating sources. ;)<br /><br />I don't really see that Edith should have "listened" to Mary...Mary doesn't know about Gregson's wife, and I didn't get the impression that she actually felt he was dangerous (yet). More just into needling her sister. :P<br /><br />Glad you are looking forward to season four as well. :)<br /><br />@Anne - I am SO impressed that you avoided all spoilers about this episode! I saw the news confirming Matthew's exit on a television news site I frequent. <br /><br />Edna was dumb. I'm glad Branson was clearly not into her...more just vulnerable to being manipulated.<br /><br />And you are SO right that Matthew is the only one (so far) who knew about Gregson's wife...it'll be interesting when THAT comes out!<br /><br />It is going to be HILARIOUS if Fellowes pursues this "romance" between Isobel and the doctor. I rather hope he does. :)<br /><br />Downton has become such a juggernaut I've pretty much given up on trying to remain spoiler-free. My "policy" is dealing with them if they find me, but not actively seeking them out. :)<br /><br />@Kristin - Molesley is such a goober. :)<br /><br />Yay! We agree about Matthew! :)<br /><br />I'm really impressed with how well you did avoiding spoilers all things considered!! That is nuts that you were looking up a Doctor Who item and stumbled on news about Matthew! Craziness. :PAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-25330580516675223242013-02-22T15:54:24.200-08:002013-02-22T15:54:24.200-08:00I couldn't stand Edna. And oh, Moseley. :)
I...I couldn't stand Edna. And oh, Moseley. :) <br /><br />I agree with you completely about Matthew. If the actor wanted to leave, what else could they do? This was much better than he and Mary becoming estranged/divorced/whatever. It wasn't like they were trying to be cruel...Dan Stevens wanted out. This was really the only option.<br /><br />I'm still irritated about how I came across the two big spoilers. I completely avoided them until season 3 had already started airing here. Then I was Googling Lady Sybil's hairstyles (from season one) and the dumb auto-complete thing came up "Lady Sybil dead" and then I knew. With Matthew's death, I was looking up something completely random and non-Downton-Abbey-related (I think it was a TARDIS bookshelf, for goodness sake!) and at the end of the article it says, "In other news, it has been confirmed that Dan Stevens is leaving Downton Abbey." What?? I didn't look at the date on the article so I honestly thought it was coming next season. But then when he was driving in his car and everything was sunshiny and beautiful...I knew. So yeah, I'm still holding a grudge against the internet because I was not looking for spoilers. :)<br /><br />~KristinKristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10592919145644124930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-64397766535568974322013-02-22T15:20:59.708-08:002013-02-22T15:20:59.708-08:00The hardest part about this episode was that I ser...The hardest part about this episode was that I seriously had avoided ALL spoilers--including the fact that Dan Stevens wanted to leave the show--so I had absolutely no idea that was coming!!! I couldn't even cry I was so shocked! But on to other happenings . . .<br /><br />I bawled when Branson broke down with Mrs. Hughes. Oh my word. It killed me. And Edna! Even more forward than the other annoying housemaid that got pregnant. I'm so glad he didn't fall to her wiles. And she was so shocked to be let go. Good grief, girl! <br /><br />Ok, so we do realize that the only person who knew about Gregson's wife is now dead, right? He didn't even tell Mary. So Edith has free rein to conceal it and move forward. This can only be trouble. <br /><br />I had to laugh at Dr. Clarkson. Do you remember how he and Mrs. Crawley were so crossways with each other when she first arrived? And I can't decide if she understood him or not. Sometimes she is so daft to social conventions. <br /><br />I keep thinking Anna and Bates are too happy, too. Surely Julian Fellowes won't let them stay that way. Sigh. It will be interesting to see where things go next season. I might not be so vigilant about keeping myself from spoilers after being blindsided by Matthew's death. It seriously messed with my head for a few days! Anne Mateerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330467138236037032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-43416300555687890092013-02-22T15:17:01.041-08:002013-02-22T15:17:01.041-08:00Ruth... you did it again! Love your wit and fabulo...Ruth... you did it again! Love your wit and fabulous take on this episode! Thank you for sharing. <br /><br />- O'Brien was mean as ever<br />- Rose is perhaps annoying but she makes me laugh (although using her to "replace" Sybil is not a good idea<br />- Anna and Bates: Adorable! What more can be said? <br />- Hospital scene, totally precious!<br /><br />And this this: <br /><i>So Gregson has apparently CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT HIS COLUMNIST and thinks he can actually make this work if he explains his situation to Edith's father. What father in their right mind would be okay with that? I mean C'MON. *rollseyes* He's actually SHOCKED when he runs the scheme by Matthew (Dan Stevens); clearly being married to a lunatic has addled his brain. Now, if not for the whole Rochester-esque life he's leading (which, incidentally, I think is great dramatic fun for the show), I think Gregson is pretty dang perfect for Edith. I mean he liked her BEFORE HE MET HER. But the road to happiness on this show never did run smoothly, so here's my prediction: Edith starts an affair with Gregson, she gets pregnant, he tries to have his wife killed, there is a great scandalous trial resulting in a prison sentence, Edith promises to be faithful, has his kid, crazy wife dies whilst he's rotting behind bars, and then because it was "only" attempted murder he gets out by the season finale and he and Edith marry under a cloud of scandal. Fellowes, you can have that for FREE. *wink*</i> <br /><br />LOL! What a great grasp on this^ plot. It will be annoying if Edith does this but I suspect that she will. Too bad she doesn't listen to Mary in this case. <br /><br />I am also with you about Matthew. Yes, it was upsetting when I first learned he died but by the time the episode rolled around, I was over it. I'd had my momentary rant and am now perfectly cool with it. Plus, series four sounds too promising. :) Rissihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11378400717440822186noreply@blogger.com