Downton Abbey Series 3, Part 4

This week's installment of Downton Abbey saw the Crawley family tragically, irreversibly changed. And as difficult as it was to see that happen, from a dramatic standpoint I thought it was extraordinarily well-done and, honestly, much-needed. As gut-wrenching as it was to see the impact of such shattering grief on the family, this is something they cannot simply ignore and magically recover from with little lasting effect. This loss has the potential power to change the trajectory of character storylines and reset the future of at least one major player -- and in my opinion, as far the sustainability of the show is concerned, that is a good thing.

But before we talk about the EPIC SADNESS, let's try and get most everything else out of the way first, shall we? First of all, Bates (Brendan Coyle) and Anna (Joanne Froggatt) are happy as CLAMS now that he's back in the good graces of the prison powers-that-be and able to receive letters and visitors. I am not really clear about why his cellmate is BFF's with a corrupt prison guard, and why the care so much about making Bates's life miserable -- probably because I don't really care. I mean, whatevs...FREE BATES already, dangit! *wink* Anna has apparently hit on a new theory that, if they can prove and document it, may actually prove her honey's innocence. Remember earlier in the season when Anna visited Vera's own BFF, who no surprise LOATHED the very mention of Bates's name? Apparently she dropped the clue that Vera was last seen scrubbing pastry dough from her hands -- activity that took place AFTER Bates had left her to return to Downton. So, WAIT FOR IT...apparently we're supposed to believe that Vera POISONED HERSELF in order to ruin her estranged husband's life from BEYOND THE GRAVE. *sigh*

The crazy thing is, in this world Fellowes has created that actually seems reasonable in some strange way. :P So, filled with a fresh sense of purpose, Anna takes her theory back to Lord Grantham who passes it on to his lawyer who will then go see Bates himself, because DANGIT the conventions of the social hierarchy MUST BE OBSERVED!

In other downstairs-related action, Thomas (Rob James-Collier) continues to take more than a passing professional interest in Jimmy (Ed Speleers), Downton's latest footman. O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran), ever crafty, continues her long-term game to wreck Thomas for making life difficult for her nephew, Alfred. She takes note of Thomas's interest and does her best to encourage Jimmy to seek Thomas's favor, playing up the latter's influence in the household as Lord Grantham's valet. While Jimmy wants to get ahead, he quickly becomes increasingly uncomfortable with Thomas's "attentiveness." People, when this blows up I have a feeling it is going to be bad.

Daisy (Sophie McShera) seems to be letting the authority that comes with her new promotion to assistant cook go to her head, as she is determined to make new kitchen maid Ivy's (Cara Theobold) life as difficult as possible -- all because Alfred (Matt Milne) is clearly smitten with her. What she doesn't realize is that Ivy only has eyes for Jimmy, and by giving Ivy never-ending heck all she's doing is alienating Alfred by acting like a shrew. POOR DAISY. I am DYING for her to get a little romance on this show and it just kills me to see her feelings for Alfred as yet unrequited. Props to Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nichol) for trying to make Daisy aware of the problem...I love their relationship. :) (Also, I feel so bad for the downstairs actors...it takes three seasons for Daisy to get a costume change and when it comes it just involves wearing a cap?! LOL)

Down the road SCANDAL ERUPTS when Isobel (Penelope Wilton) decides to hire Ethel (Amy Nuttall) to work as a maid. While I think it is all well and good that she wants to help Ethel in this manner, how she can remain so clueless about the reaction of others to this news is BEYOND ME. When her housekeeper/cook Mrs. Bird (Christine Lohr) learns that she's supposed to work with an ex-prostitute, she gets the heck outta Dodge, but not before sending a note to her apparent BFF Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) with the scandalous news. Molesley takes the intel straight to Mr. Carson (Jim Carter), who is HORRIFIED, and honestly while the issue at hand is certainly serious, Carson's reaction is hilarious -- when he kept issuing orders that no maid, and then no footman, was to darken Mrs. Crawley's door, I cracked up. Downton is hardly immune to scandalous shenanigans, dear sir. *wink* I loved how Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) was so clearly unsettled by this development, yet tried to downplay the "scandal" at the same time. Awkward. :P

Okay, now to the difficult TRAGIC PARTS of this installment. *sobs* The arrival of Sybil's (Jessica Brown Findlay) baby is imminent, as Dr. Clarkson (David Robb) is called to Downton to assess her early labor pains (any clue how much time is supposed to have passed between this installment and the last? just wondering). Clarkson gives his super expert opinion that all is normal, only to have the air deflated from his happy prognosis by the news that Robert (Hugh Bonneville) has called in a high-end society obstetrician, Sir Philip Tapsell (Tim Pigott-Smith -- look! it's Margaret's father from North & South!). Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) is taken aback, but Robert only says what I'm convinced EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER WATCHED THIS SHOW has been thinking, i.e. that Dr. Clarkson knows NEXT TO NOTHING. While I appreciate a character on the show finally addressing that elephant in the room, bringing in a specialist smacks of insisting that an archbishop marry Matthew (Dan Stevens) and Mary (Michelle Dockery)...a touch of snobbery.

Shortly thereafter Sir Philip arrives, and everyone is enjoying a formal dinner while upstairs Sybil is left with what, one nurse? Nuts. The disconnect between Sybil's labor and the regular society functions below was jarring, to say the least. Cora has insisted that Dr. Clarkson be present to consult (under the guise of not offending him, clever woman). Clarkson is growing increasingly concerned over Sybil's swollen ankles and increasingly muddled state, suspecting eclampsia -- while I cannot fathom the the pain of labor, I'm pretty sure one isn't supposed to hallucinate. It was just MADDENING to watch the smug Sir Philip dismiss Clarkson's concerns wholesale, THE ONE FRIGGIN' TIME THE MAN IS ACTUALLY RIGHT! *headdesk*

A family can be on edge in the best birthing scenario, but outside Sybil's room the situation quickly devolves into raucous contention over Clarkson's insistence that the lives of Sybil and her child are at risk and Sir Philip's assurance that "nature just needs to run its course." Despite the fact that -- in my view at any rate -- Tom (Allen Leech) should've been the one consulted about his wife's care, he is quite understandably nearly out of his head with fear -- and the contention between the pro-Clarkson Cora and the pro-Philip Robert takes SO LONG Sybil delivers a healthy baby girl, and the danger appears to have passed.

But late in the night Mary rushes to wake her mother as Sybil is in the throes of toxic seizures -- Clarkson was right and the eclampsia has taken hold, but advanced so far as to make treatment impossible. People, this scene was gut-wrenching!! Each and every cast member acted the absolute heck out of the moment -- the overwhelming horror of watching Sybil helplessly thrash about, gripped by seizures depriving her of oxygen...it was TERRIBLE. (I've gotta say, though, even if Clarkson and Philip could do NOTHING, I cannot believe that as doctors they'd just stand around like that...yeesh!)

More than Sybil's actual passing, what killed me was seeing the aftermath play out both upstairs and down. Cora's final vigil and promises to her baby girl DID ME IN. Elizabeth McGovern has been given -- at last -- some really strong material to work with this season, adding much needed depth and passion to Cora as both a countess and, more than that, a devoted mother. Likewise the usually almost effervescent Violet (Maggie Smith), always ready with a quip or comeback, is devastated by Sybil's loss -- so much emotion conveyed in just Violet's stance and walk! Maggie Smith, you are superb. I suspect that Branson has gained in Cora an unexpectedly staunch -- and much-needed -- ally in the family, and I look forward to seeing their relationship play out. Branson has been absolutely gutted over these last two episodes, and I'm curious and hopeful that Fellowes will use him as an example, if you will, of a man's ability to transcend social mores and remake himself at the beginning of the twentieth-century.

Downstairs, the ever-faithful Carson, longest-serving staff member, is gutted as he's known Sybil since she was born -- I'm sure looking on all of the Crawley girls as the closest he'll ever come to having grandchildren of his own. I was taken aback by just how deeply Thomas felt Sybil's loss -- clearly the time they spent working in the hospital during the war was a more precious memory to him than I ever realized, its impact powerfully told by Thomas's unexpected tears. Color me shocked, people, but Thomas is actually getting layers this season. I love it. :)

Mary and Edith's (Laura Carmichael) reaction to the loss of their youngest sister was perhaps the most unintentionally hilarious moment of the episode, as Mary exclaims that OMG THE ONLY PERSON WHO THOUGHT WE WERE NICE IS DEAD!!! And Edith is apparently grief-stricken enough she wonders, she actually wonders, DO YOU THINK WE'LL BE NICE TO EACH OTHER NOW? When Mary basically says HECK NO I could've died laughing. While coping with change is a major theme this season, apparently there are some sacrosanct constants where this show is concerned that will remain unchanged. *wink* (Whoops, almost forgot to mention Edith's pre-tragedy big news -- someone wants her to write a regular NEWSPAPER COLUMN!!! You go, girl!)

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the episode for me came in the final moments, when the seemingly stoic, almost shell-shocked Cora lets loose a brief but jarring verbal tirade blaming Robert for Sybil's death. Their marriage has always been, for the most part, remarkably solid throughout the series' run, so much so that  my heart quakes a bit thinking about this rift. In the show's first two seasons Cora was always the epitome of grace and class -- I don't know if the earlier arrival of her oh-so-American mother played a role in Cora's new fire, but she is fast becoming one of this season's most richly drawn and multi-faceted characters. I love that. And while I am also quite fond of Robert, the man has got to wake up and realize he stands not just in danger of losing his home but his family if he doesn't open  himself to change, and soon. (Though seriously, what was with Matthew thinking the DAY the funeral home or whatever comes to take away Sybil's body is the day to discuss the sweeping reforms he'd like to see initiated at Downton with the family solicitor. As much as Mary and Robert need to wake up and realize the man has a point, that was pretty tactless. :P)

Thoughts? As always I love to discuss! :)

• Read my recap/review of Series 3, Part 3
• Read my recap/review of Series 3, Part 2
• Read my recap/review of Series 3, Part 1
• Purchase Series 3 on Blu-ray/DVD
• Watch Part 4 online at PBS for a limited time

Downton Abbey Series 2, Part 6

Masterpiece Classic granted viewers a super-sized, two-hour episode of Downton Abbey last night, and OH MY WORD was it action-packed to say the least. I think I have whiplash...but that is one of the many reasons I love this show, the unabashed manner in which it embraces all things dramatic and crazy and over-the-top. *wink* Going to try and cover all of the major relationships, so this post is apt to be all over the place. Here's the episode summary from the PBS website:

1919

As the last of the recovering officers depart Downton, the house is reverted to its former state — but not so its residents. The future looms large for a lost and melancholy Robert, an uneasy Bates, a determined Sybil, a cunning, ambitious Thomas and a desperate Ethel.

A stunning revelation deeply affects Robert and Cora and incites Richard to tighten his grip on Mary. But Mary has accepted her fate with detachment. Violet, however, will do no such thing, and even Carson reaches his limit.

Sybil discovers unlikely, however unenthusiastic, allies. A wedding is planned but fate cruelly intervenes. In its wake lay guilt, grief and, among the servants, fresh horrors.

With the end of the war, Downton Abbey is no longer a hospital and life can get back to normal, or so everyone thinks (little do they know). The war has ushered in a new era of "normal," one which will require change of every resident both upstairs and down -- adapt and flourish, or flounder trapped in the past. Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) has found fresh purpose in overseeing the Downton hospital, going so far as to mention an interest in Isobel's (Penelope Wilton) work with war refugees. She's eager to see Mary (Michelle Dockery) established and married, even if it is to the oily Sir Richard (Iain Glen), going so far as to shock Robert (Hugh Bonneville) by suggesting the convalescing Matthew must be removed from his future home if Mary has any hope of getting on with her life. While I like Cora for the work she's embraced during the war, for her willingness to use her position as mistress of Downton to help others, she has completely checked out of her marriage. She's willing to embrace the future (perhaps it is her American background? ha!) while Robert is floundering and depressed, no longer sure of his position or purpose in a postwar world.

Here's how I look at it -- Robert is in the midst of a classic midlife crisis. Not saying I like it, or it is particularly excusable, but it is what it is and I can't say that Fellowes blindsided me with the developments in this week's episode -- Robert's dissatisfaction has been pretty well telegraphed since the start of this season. I have decided, however, that Jane (Clare Calbraith) isn't a scummy manipulator. I think the whole Jane/Robert thing-that-almost-was was the result of two lonely, depressed people making poor choices -- or rather on the verge of making poor choices, since nothing actually happens between the two of them except  some kisses. And that first kiss in the pantry? I can't deny it I busted out laughing it was so AWKWARD, only outdone by the subsequent makeout scene shortly following Cora falling victim to the Spanish flu. Sick wife does not equal time to spark with the pretty maid, Robert, yeesh! :P

My least favorite storyline this season has to be Ethel's (Amy Nuttall), because THERE WAS NO POINT TO IT. Goodness did this maid and her whining get on my last nerve. When Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) tells her that Major Bryant's parents are visiting Downton seeking some closure from their son's death, Ethel crashes the intimate lunch and and is promptly  humiliated by Bryant's jerk of a father, played by Kevin McNally. Again with MORE AWKWARDNESS. While it was great to see Gibbs from the Pirates films in a production like this, did he have to be such a meanie? The only good thing to come out of this whole Ethel mess is when she realizes she can't give her child up because she actually loves him. Was owning your mistakes and resolving to do better for your son THAT hard, Ethel? Because the road to get to this point was torture to watch. *sigh*

Thomas's (Rob James-Collier) innate evilness has been curiously subdued for most of this season. He can still be snarky but he hasn't seemed so actively invested in making others miserable. He decides to dabble in the blackmarket and sinks all of his money into a store of foodstuffs which he then attempts to pawn off on a wary Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol). When the flour and other items he sells to the Downton kitchen turns out to contain plaster dust (ICK!!), he has a hissy fit -- his hopes for postwar prosperity, ill-gotten though it may be, are ruined. O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) is oddly sympathetic -- she's also been a bit "off" this season. I need my Edwardian soap opera villains to commit to being villainous rather than wishy-washy, you know? Also, it just struck me that O'Brien is really Thomas's work wife...HAHA!!

I'm very curious where the show takes Daisy's (Sophie McShera) character next week and through season three. When a Downton wedding is announced (more on THAT in a minute), she takes an adorable interest in cooking the cake under Mrs. Patmore's tutelage (though why they were so gung-ho to start baking THREE MONTHS before the wedding is beyond me). Makes me wonder if Daisy has a future as a gourmet pastry chef. *wink* I love the warmth and camaraderie that has developed over the last two seasons between her and Mrs. Patmore, and given her trial by fire with the whole William ordeal, and the strength of character that revealed, I think she has a bright future.

The best moments of this episode involved romantic developments between my favorite couples, and these two hours delivered in spades. Now that the war has ended, Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) finds herself unwilling to slip back into her postwar -- and in her mind, pointless -- life as Downton's privileged youngest daughter. She finally, FINALLY tells Branson she'll run away with him -- and honestly she is such a measured character, taking her time thinking things through, I really don't see her coming to regret her decision. Her declaration anoints Branson (Allen Leech) with a positively incandescent glow of happiness (wasn't his reaction to the whole "a kiss is all you're getting until we're married" thing adorable? *swoon*)-- there's no politics, no family bashing, he seems genuinely earnest and committed to providing for their future, securing a job as a journalist in Dublin (who knew a chauffeuring resume could segway into journalism?!) where Sybil plans to work as a nurse.

Convinced that her family would object, Sybil and Branson hightail it to Gretna Green, which was AWESOME because that immediately calls to mind Lyida's elopement in Pride and Prejudice. Mary and Edith (Laura Carmichael) follow and convince her return, Mary sure that more time will let Sybil see the error of her ways (NOT!). Branson sleeping in the chair? ADORABLE. Branson all full of bravado in the face of Sybil's family while secretly fearing she might abandon him? FRIGGIN' ADORABLE! Branson refusing to bash Sybil's family, refusing Robert's bribe? CAN I CLONE THIS MAN?! (Side note: I really do think Robert's brief flirtation with Joan is what convinced him to let Sybil and Branson leave with his blessing. I mean complaining about Branson while the Joan thing was going on was a bit too much of the pot calling the kettle black, you know?)

Bates (Brendan Coyle) and Anna (Joanne Froggatt) are still dealing with the specter of Vera's death, even though it is *apparently* a suicide. I have my doubts. *sigh* Tired of listening to Bates whigging out about the investigation into Vera's death and worrying if he'll get arrested for purchasing the rat poison that killed her, Anna steps up and insists that Bates purchase a special license ASAP so they can get married. GO ANNA! She's determined to face whatever comes as Mrs. Bates 2.0, a woman with the right to STAND BY HER MAN. Heck yes, go Anna, I get it girl. Of course it never rains but it pours, and Anna and Bates finally wed while the specter of the Spanish flu is haunting Downton's halls, but that's okay because this show needs a life-affirming moment like that, and anyway we all know Bates and Anna are only allowed to be happy for approximately five minutes, give-or-take, before something else throws a wrench into their happiness. Love how in love Bates and Anna are, and calling each other Mr. & Mrs. Bates? Too sweet! (Another side note: how awesome was Mary's surprise of a specially-decorated room in Downton for Bates & Anna's wedding night? Super sweet considering she's facing the FUTURE OF DOOM with Sir Richard the stalker/CREEP.)

So Matthew (Dan Stevens) and Mary were awesome this week. Mary is of course determined to throw her life away on Sir Richard, even AFTER she finds out that he attempted to bribe Anna to spy on her. When Carson (Jim Carter) is told, he refuses to go work for a man he couldn't respect (CLASSY MAN), which leads to an extraordinarily painful moment between him & Mary, when she lashes out at him for abandoning her. I really couldn't blame her -- she's been clinging to Carson as the hope of an ally her new life with THE CREEP. (Thankfully Mary and Carson talk it all out by the end of this episode.) When the tingling sensations in Matthew's legs turn out to be more than phantom pains, the whole house erupts in celebration -- all except Mary, bereft at the news that Matthew and Lavinia's (Zoe Boyle) engagement is a go once again. Violet (Maggie Smith) in a wonderful moment of understanding surprises Matthew in his bedroom and drops the bomb that Mary's still in love with him and that he shouldn't be marrying anyone out of guilt or obligation (could she not give Mary this speech too?). Matthew's reaction is PRICELESS. (Side note, AGAIN: isn't Dr. Clarkson like the WORST DOCTOR EVER??? How he can hope to enjoy the Crawleys' patronage after the whole non-transected spine debacle is beyond me. And then when the flu hits he doesn't quarantine the house?? WHAT THE HECK???)

When the Spanish flu hits Downton and everyone literally starts dropping like flies at the dinner table, Matthew and Mary share one of their best moments in the series to date. Lavinia is upstairs getting sick (YAY! I'm mean, I know, but the woman needs to GO!), and Matthew puts a record on the new phonograph in the hall, and he and Mary DANCE. *swoon* And I promptly died of joy. The chemistry between Dockery and Stevens just sizzles in this exchange, especially when Matthew remarks that he and Mary were a failed "show," much like the origin of the song they're dancing to, and then there's this glorious second where you can see them both thinking -- but we don't have to fail, do we? And yes, Matthew's whole "you are my stick" comment was poorly-worded, but clearly he meant SUPPORT SYSTEM, right, and even though calling Mary his stick was awkward I still swooned a bit. :) Lavinia drags her sorry sick self downstairs and witnesses their kiss, which is THANK GOODNESS the kiss of death to her relationship with Matthew, forcing her to wake up and smells the coffee and realizes she needs to let him go. AND THEN SHE DIES. It was epic, because of course Matthew decides she dies of a broken heart, which means he has to be miserable for his whole life and never marry because he WAS GOING TO LEAVE HER ANWAY, dangit! *rolls eyes*

So, wrapping things up since this was the finale of Series 2 (Christmas episode airing next week with all new cliffhangers, I'm sure!). Matthew and Mary came *thisclose* to a declaration. UGH! SOMEBODY SAVE MARY FROM HERSELF ASAP! Sybil makes Branson the happiest man in the world = YAY! O'Brien nearly kills herself nursing Cora back from the brink of death (note to O'Brien -- confession is good for the soul, but does it count when the recipient is OUT OF HER HEAD WITH FEVER? Discuss...). Cora recovers and recommits to "being there" for Robert -- but is his heart in it? C'mon Robert, live your flippin' life! Mrs. Patmore and Daisy, should they ever decide to leave service, MUST open a bakery together. That plan has "win" written all over it. Also, Edith is in desperate need of the hope of her own happy ending -- she's come so far, please don't abandon her, Fellowes! And finally -- how heartbreaking was the look of utter horror on Anna's face as she stood frozen in shock while Bates was arrested for Vera's murder? THE DAY AFTER THEIR WEDDING NO LESS (so they got roughly 24 hours, not the normal five minutes of happiness)! A Downton without Bates is just unimaginable...oh the suspense! *wink* Thoughts?

• Read my review of Series 2, Part 5
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 4
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 3
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 2
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 1
• Order the Season 2 DVD
• For a limited time, watch this episode on PBS.org

Downton Abbey Series 2, Part 5

I can hardly believe that there are only two weeks' worth of Downton Abbey episodes left on Masterpiece Classic this season! The last two weeks in particular have been crammed with more information and covered more time than any one hour of television has a right to in my view, but for all that I love this show. IT IS SUCH A SOAP OPERA! Here's this week's episode summary from the PBS website:

1919

As the war promises to draw to a close, uncertainty still reigns. With its ruined aristocratic houses, rationing, and fallen officers, war's aftermath opens some doors for the present and former servants and slams shut others. Meanwhile, Isobel's post-war plans create an indomitable, if unlikely, alliance. But when a mysterious stranger arrives, Downton faces more turmoil.

Sir Richard is anxious to take not just Downton's most beautiful asset, but one of its most treasured as well. In return and against Robert's wishes, he restores a powerful replacement in its halls. And Vera Bates takes startling action.

This post is going to be all over the place, so bear with me (who am I kidding, like there's ever any rhyme or reason to these review/recaps? HA!). As the episode opens, Matthew (Dan Stevens) is still facing a future without luv or mobility, if you catch my drift (*wink*). Mary (Michelle Dockery) has thrown herself into the role of nurse and primary caregiver, and the two share a sweet, heart-wrenching moment when she reminds him that she doesn't have to marry the slimy Sir Richard (Iain Glen), leaving unspoken WHAT WE ALL KNOW TO BE TRUE -- that she just wants to care for Matthew for the rest of his life. Mary, you have come a long way my friend. :) This is the point where I was pretty much ready to reach through the television and shake Mary and Matthew until the truth of their feelings for each other finally spilled out. The tension between Stevens and Dockery is so superbly well-done, I just love it -- it drives me mad but I love it.

Sir Richard is -- no surprise -- bombing at endearing himself to Mary's family (of course I don't think he's really trying, but that's another story). Love the fact that he's jealous of Mary's attachment to Matthew -- seriously what does that say about a guy when he's threatened by a man who is supposedly paralyzed and impotent? Yeesh what a control freak. As part of his plan to embrace an aristocratic lifestyle Richard approaches Carson (Jim Carter) with a shocking offer -- knowing Mary's affection for the butler, and in line with his desire to establish an aristocratic lifestyle with his "new" money -- loads of money to leave Downton and head up their household. I found it fascinating that no one, including Mary, was overly thrilled by this prospect. Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) were more upset by the idea that "new money" like Sir Richard's would purchase an estate nearby, disrupting the centuries-old norm in the neighborhood. Of course where Robert and Carson are concerned, I like to think that Robert's annoyance over the gall of having his future son-in-law poach his butler and Carson's reticence in accepting the position stem from an underlying recognition that Mary is on the verge of making the WORST MISTAKE OF HER LIFE (more on that later).

With the war nearly over, the thoughts of everyone both upstairs and down begin to turn to toward imagining postwar life. While Robert, Cora, and Violet (Maggie Smith) are relieved at the idea of transforming Downton into a home again, Isobel (Penelope Wilton) is horrified a the idea of such waste -- Downton should remain a convalescent/recovery home, and she of course should run it. While I applaud her initiative and desire to make a difference in the world, I think it would behoove her to remember that she is wanting to disrupt the personal life of others while reserving a private home for her own use. DOUBLE STANDARD, just sayin'! Anyways, Violet rises to the occasion and is absolutely hilarious when she plays to Isobel's weaknesses and gently steers her energies towards the plight of war refugees. Maggie Smith's expressions of wide-eyed innocence and earnest intent had me in stitches! As an added bonus, Violet's machinations earn her some serious goodwill points with Cora (I don't think she really cares about that, but she strikes me as the type to note the goodwill bank balance, if you will.)

Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nichol) bemoans rationing in Thomas's (Rob James-Collier) hearing, which prompts him to investigate the thriving black market for rationed goods. Thomas has been curiously mellow for the last few weeks...while he's not reformed, one result of his wartime service does seem to be less of an interest in actively messing with others' lives. O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) is another story, however -- after taking it upon herself to write Mrs. Bates (Maria Doyle Kennedy) and having that volley towards Bates and Anna nearly blow up in her face she seems content to observe -- for the moment at least. For someone who claims to have Cora's best interests at heart she certainly goes about striving to attain that goal in some seriously messed up ways -- maybe she was dropped on her head as a child??

The new maid, Jane (Clare Calbraith), urges Daisy (Sophie McShera) to claim her rights as a war widow -- something Daisy is loathe to do since she was only married to the lately departed and much lamented William for approx. six hours. I just feel like Daisy needs a hug. I really want her to find her happy ending, but with so many men lost to the war I fear the likelihood of her remaining a reluctant war widow is pretty high. I find it rather hard to get a read on Jane's character, which I'm chalking up to her being introduced halfway through the season. It's clear shenanigans are brewing between her and the tragically adrift Robert...I just wish I knew if she is playing on Robert's glaringly telegraphed emotional vulnerabilities, or if this is just one of those "lapses" in judgment, for lack of a better term. THIS IS NOT GOING TO END WELL, IS IT?

The most interesting aspect of this episode was the introduction of a wounded Canadian major, Patrick Gordon (Trevor White), who requested a transfer to the Downton hospital claiming a vaguely-referenced family connection. And OF COURSE Patrick claims to be THE PATRICK, a.k.a. the cousin and heir who drowned on the Titanic. YES, Fellowes couldn't resist bringing Mary's first intended back from his watery grave. :P Of course the question remains is this really Patrick, erstwhile amnesiac and now horrible burn victim, or a clever and opportunistic imposter? Personally I am torn, because I think Fellowes could take this scenario either way. Part of me really wants it to be Patrick, because Edith (Laura Carmichael) was in love with him once upon a time and the two really seemed to bond in this episode. But the other part of me thinks he's a dastardly schemer taking advantage of Edith's newly cultivated niceness, which means he's going to BREAK HER HEART which of course means I will HATE HIS GUTS. *sigh* According to the IMDB, White is only in this one hour this season, so I have to think the Patrick storyline will be revisited in season three -- I certainly hope so, that would be a tremendous story thread to just drop (don't do that to me OR Edith, okay Fellowes?! Thanks!).

It was fascinating to see the rest of the family react to the news that Matthew could be displaced. I loved Mary's indignation -- not only do I have great confidence in her ability to smell a rat where Matthew is concerned, but her whole protective act was FABULOUS. :) This is something of the final straw for Carlisle, though, as seeing Mary's raw, undeniable feelings for Matthew is just more than he can handle. A NICE GUY would release Mary from the engagement and GET ON WITH HIS LIFE, but sadly for Mary she has put herself at the mercy of a snake. Carlisle suggests to Cora that they need to get Matthew married, otherwise Mary will never have children (not sure of the logic there because releasing Mary from the engagement doesn't appear to be an option), and so he brings back Lavinia (Zoe Boyle). Lavinia, getting dragged back to your ex-fiance's house at the behest of a man you seem to hate/distrust does NOT make me think any better of you. GRRR!!! The final scene between Mary and Carlisle this hour, when he threatens to reveal her sordid Turkish diplomat story unless she submits -- and then he has the gall to KISS her -- that scene gave me chills. Where is Mary's moxie when it comes to saving herself? I'm getting the feeling she thinks she deserves to be a martyr to a loveless future...

Let's talk about Bates (Brendan Coyle) and Anna (Joanne Froggatt) for a bit, shall we? I am getting very concerned about this relationship...the stress Vera and her insistence on NOT granting her long-estranged husband a divorce is really starting to put a strain on my season one favorite couple. This is, of course, completely understandable -- I'm convinced vile Vera would sour the patience of the most devout saint -- but I just HATE seeing it all play out. I just want Anna to be happy again! Her stress is getting to me! And Vera turning up dead immediately following a meeting with Bates, who returns to Downton looking as though he got whacked upside the head -- please Bates, please tell me you didn't snap and throttle her. Though the possibility really does bear out the theory that he was a secret ninja/spy/assassin during the Boer War (yes I just went there).

So, leading up to next week's TWO HOUR episode (which is the season two proper finale, as the two hour installment the week after next is the Christmas special), we have loads of cliffhangers which will hopefully see some resolution. Personally I'm really hoping Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) hauls off and smacks Ethel (Amy Nuttall) the ingrate upside the head. I get that Ethel has a crummy life but GOOD GRIEF it's her friggin' fault. Her never-ending sense of entitlement does NOT help matters. *sigh* Also, Branson (Allen Leech) and Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) need to finally, FINALLY kiss. PLEASE, the suspense is KILLING ME. I loved the scene where she visits him in the garage and he's all dishevelled and HOT (it needed to be said, sorry...rawr!). :P She is so over living the life of a privileged elite with her talk of respecting Branson's desire to fight for Irish independence and just give me a few more weeks and I think I'll be ready to kiss Downton goodbye" (!!!). Seriously Sybil, I had no idea you were that far gone...this is one woman who plays her cards very close to the vest. *wink*

Did I miss anything? You all know I HATE to miss anything when discussing Downton, right?! :) Would love to hear what you think!

• Read my review of Series 2, Part 4
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 3
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 2
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 1
• For a limited time, watch this episode online at PBS.org
• Order the Season 2 DVD
• Read Tasha's recap of this episode at Edwardian Promenade
• Read Laurel Ann's recap of this episode at Austenprose

Downton Abbey Series 2, Part 4

This week's installment of Downton Abbey once again covered a ridiculous amount of time, but I can't really complain because it was AWESOME. I've got to say between this week and last week, 1918 has got to be the longest year ever. Here's the episode summary from the PBS website:

Amiens, 1918

Devastating news from the front rocks the very foundations of Downton Abbey, and it is up to the Dowager Countess to buck bureaucratic protocol and bring Downton's men home. In an unwelcome return, Vera Bates threatens to make public the scandalous story of Lady Mary's ill-fated indiscretion. Desperate to contain the story, Mary appeals to the savvy opportunist Sir Richard Carlisle.

Mary is not the only woman to consider hard sacrifice. Some will make it against their will, some will be denied a chance, and some will refuse. Daisy may buckle from its pressure, while Lavinia desperately wishes for such a burden. Sybil must push back. And Cora, preoccupied with the running of the home, cannot see that a sacrifice may already have been made.

Well we all knew that Downton was going to be rocked to the core by devastating news from the front at some point, right? And it finally happens -- Matthew (Dan Stevens) and William (Thomas Howes) sustain severe injuries at the battle of Amiens. Plans are immediately put in place to bring Matthew to the Downton hospital, while William, as a lowly enlisted man, is denied transfer -- denied until Violet, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) steps in and has her most awesome moments yet this season. I absolutely love how driven Violet is to bring William home. He may "only" be a former footman, "only" be an enlisted man, but he is Downton and Violet is nothing if not loyal. The Dowager Countess calls in every favor, pulls every string, in order to bring William home and shows extraordinary kindness and sensitivity when she learns that he has no hope of survival, his lungs destroyed by the force of a shell explosion. (Plus she CRIES at his wedding!) Kudos also to Edith (Laura Carmichael) for continuing her compassionate transformation and agreeing to serve as William's primary nurse. And it was a wonderful surprise to see Paul Copley, a.k.a. Matthews from the Hornblower films, as William's devoted father!

This episode was also the hour where Mary (Michelle Dockery) steps up and is more awesome than ever before. The news of Matthew's severe injuries rocks her to the core, but rather than freak out or retreat within herself she steps into action and determines to serve as his personal nurse. The empathy! The devotion! When will these two crazy kids admit they still love each other?? *sigh* And with Matthew's injuries Julian Fellowes plays the "he'll never walk again OR father children card" -- which we all know is a bunch of baloney because Matthew and Mary are destined to be passionate lovers at some point. You can't create that much repressed tension between two characters and never have a payoff, hmm? *wink*

ANYWAYS...Matthew's injuries bring Lavinia (Zoe Boyle) back to Downton to play the doting fiancee, and she's very nice and concerned and everything but oh so very boring when compared to Mary. Not to mention that she looks to be completely incapable of nursing Matthew through this period or of caring for an invalid beyond that. When compared to Mary there is NO CONTEST in my opinion -- Matthew can rely on Mary to tell him the truth about his condition because they just "get" each other like that, Mary does everything to put his needs before her pain, encouraging him to focus on his future, and -- AND!! -- when she makes the comment about marrying someone in name only, because you just want to be with that person, you KNOW SHE MEANS IT (because in part that stupid Turkish diplomat mess haunts her to this day). Perhaps the best thing to come out of this whole mess is Isobel's (Penelope Wilton) perfectly timed return from France, when she witnesses Mary's care for Matthew -- she wouldn't make such a bad daughter-in-law after all, hmmm? :)

O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) is apparently having second thoughts about writing that EVIL CONNIVING Vera Bates (Maria Doyle Kennedy) that her husband has returned to Downton since the house is in such an uproar over their injured menfolk. And then she has the gall to be surprised that Vera seems determined to bring down the entire Crawley household in order to hurt Bates (Brendan Coyle) and Anna (Joanne Froggatt) by selling the Lady Mary scandal to the newspapers. Really O'Brien? Really, this is a surprise? SHE IS SO DUMB. *sigh* In other Bates & Anna news, though, how sweet was the moment when they go to church to pray? I loved that. Whenever they work through the crazy current Mrs. Bates issues they will be a SOLID couple. :)

I have never really understood why Vera thinks that releasing the story about Lady Mary's ill-fated encounter with the Turkish diplomat was the way to blackmail Bates. I appreciate the fact that Bates doesn't want Anna's name and reputation dragged through the mud, but Mary is the one who stands to be the real loser here -- and so, when Anna tips her off about Vera's plot, she bites the bullet and decides to level with Sir Richard (Iain Glen), her AWOL newspaper magnate suitor. From Sir Richard's brief introduction in Part 1, I knew he was manipulative, but Mary's humbling confession and plea for help  proves just how low the man will go to get what he wants -- marriage to a newly humbled Mary and all the prestige association with the Crawleys will provide. Despite the fact that Mary is making a deal with the devil himself to keep her reputation, I cannot lie I really enjoyed watching Sir Richard thwart Vera's plans and in the process nearly give the woman an apoplectic fit. That, my friends, was fun -- I'll come to terms with the fallout of Mary's lamentable association with Sir Richard next week.

William's presence at Downton is making poor Daisy's (Sophie McShera) life a living hell as anguish over her friend's imminent death and guilt over making him believe she loved him reaches a breaking point. Everyone from Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) to William's father and other assorted staff members seem determined to pressure Daisy to keep up the charade and marry William just so he can die a happy man. OH THE GUILT!!! I really feel like McShera delivers some of her finest acting in these scenes, and raises my respect for the character of Daisy to previously unimaginable heights. The least subterfuge in her actions just tears Daisy to pieces, and while I understand why William's friends want to do anything to keep him happy, I really respect Daisy for wanting to do the right, for wanting to be true to herself, even if she bows to pressure in the end and marries William on his deathbed. (Side note: what the heck was with the vicar and snotty conviction that Daisy wants to marry William for his pension? Way to go Violet for putting that man in his place!) Once committed, Daisy shows a great deal of strength in her determination to stay by William's side until the end -- the wedding and his death were heartbreaking -- way to break my heart, Fellowes, by killing one of Downton's kindest characters!

Meanwhile Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) reaffirms my suspicion that she is a SAINT by revealing that she's been secretly supporting THAT INGRATE EX-HOUSEMAID Ethel (Amy Nuttall) and her illegitimate child. Apparently it would kill Ethel to thank Mrs. Hughes for going out of her way to help her out, grr!!! She still has some delusions that her major will want to do the right thing by her and the baby, but of course THAT'S not going to happen. Interesting to contrast how society views Ethel and the difficulties she faces in being a single mother and Jane (Clare Calbraith), a war widow with a young child, who convinces Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson that she can juggle motherhood and work at Downton.

This episode provides some nice Branson (Allen Leech) and Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) scenes -- I love these moments because there is always this delicious undercurrent of repressed romantic tension. Look, I cannot STAND Branson's politics, and the way he uses news of the murder of the tsar and his family in Russia as a springboard for romantic sacrifice is patently ridiculous -- but I still, still can't resist that look of utter devotion in Branson's eyes every time he looks at Sybil. I AM A SAP. (At least I own it, right?) I mean the moment where Branson touches Sybil's WAIST to stop her from leaving?! GAH!! Too perfect. The Romanov thing? That makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER. Yet I cannot seem to resist Branson's jawline and puppy dog eyes! I NEED AN INTERVENTION PEOPLE. At this rate I am going to be clinging to Branson's devotion for Sybil and disregarding all else until having taken the leap of faith he makes her life a misery. WHO KNEW ALLEN LEECH HELD SUCH SWAY OVER MY EMOTIONS?! Bah!!!! :P

My hair curls! I can look super cute! Too bad this is not the wedding I've always dreamed of!

So as this episode ends, Mary has gotten herself in a royal mess with Sir Richard, who uses her moment of weakness to announce their engagement without any sort of discussion. Vera is TICKED that she can't sell the Mary story to the newspapers or Sir Richard will throw her in jail -- personally I think that woman needs to talk a long walk off a short pier if you know what I'm sayin'! :P With the war almost at an end everyone's life is closer than ever to completely falling apart. I LOVE THIS DRAMA! :)

• Read my review of Series 2, Part 3
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 2
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 1
• For a limited time, watch this episode onlne at PBS.org
• Preorder the Season 2 DVD, releasing February 7th
• Read Tasha's recap of this episode at Edwardian Promenade

Downton Abbey Series 2, Part 3

This episode of Downton Abbey covered a ridiculous amount of time, I'd say probably six months of 1918 are crammed into this one hour installment. Ridiculous? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. :) Here's the episode summary from the Masterpiece Classic website:

1918

Mary's new alliance has aroused Violet's interest in matters of suitability and love. With Sybil in mind, the Dowager Countess declares, "war breaks down barriers and when peacetime re-erects them, it's very easy to find oneself on the wrong side." Indeed, among war's greatest casualties at Downton are the prescribed roles and class boundaries. Thomas is exerting his authority over the servants with aplomb; Mrs. Patmore, Daisy and Mrs. Bird are cooking up a little something on the side; and Ethel has discovered an age-old way to support the war effort. But between Robert and Bates, faith and loyalty transcend class, offering hope when Robert needs it most. Because now, the war has threatened a far more serious casualty.

The simmering conflict between Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and Isobel (Penelope Wilton) over the management of the convalescent hospital at Downton Abbey boils over this week, and I have to say I come down whole-heartedly on Cora's side. Isobel is a whiny, entitled, immature BRAT. When she was introduced last season I rather admired her no-nonsense approach to life and her son's status as Downton's new heir, but clearly her proximity with aristocratic power has gone to her head. Seriously, an adult woman of Isobel's age throwing the equivalent of a toddler's hissy fit (the whole "I want to be needed! I'LL GO TO FRIGGIN' FRANCE!" thing cracked me up) is ridiculous. It's not your house YET Isobel, get over your stupid self. Relieved for once to see her out of the picture for a while. *sigh* Cora's schedule changes were completely reasonable (I really liked that she was paying attention to the needs of her staff), plus Downton is still her FLIPPIN' HOUSE for goodness' sake.

Now that there is no turning back from transforming Downton into a hospital and Mary seems resolved not to break up Matthew's engagement to Lavinia, Violet (Maggie Smith) seems itching for a new area where she can meddle with her inimitable style and sass. In a conversation with Mary (Michelle Dockery), Violet speculates that Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) must be crushing on a man beneath her social station since war breaks down class barriers and causes people to do all sorts of CRAZY things like that. (My question here is, even if Branson wasn't in the picture as far as Sybil is concerned, who the heck does Violet think she's going to fall for with most of the men her age 1) fighting at the front or 2) in a hospital ward?) ANYWAYS....this conversation puts Mary on the alert and she is shocked to discover her sister IN CONVERSATION with the CHAUFFEUR. Oh the scandal...(seriously Mary, give Sybil some credit, at least she was talking with him outdoors, in public as opposed to your episode with the Turkish diplomat...).

Speaking of Branson (Allen Leech), my chauffeur-loving-heart got a wonderful moment when he declared to Sybil that he would stay at Downton in this stupid job he hates until she decides to run away with him (my paraphrase). Seriously, Sybil, how can you just STAND there when he's laying bare his heart like that?! Sure, Branson is a little intense, a bit of a loose cannon, and goodness knows he has his issues but the way he looks at Sybil with such unabashed adoration -- gah! It slays me every single time -- see the final scene, during the hospital concert, as one of many excellent examples thus far this season. What interests me about Sybil and her views toward her privileged class -- I really do think that out of all the sisters she could throw everything off and end up genuinely happy. It would absolutely be a bumpy, likely rocky, road toward that end -- but the possibility is there, and her desire to follow the beat of her own drummer and stand on her own two feet, that would go a long way towards seeing her through (or so I like to think). :)

When Daisy (Sophie McShera) overhears that Bates (Brendan Coyle) is working in a local pub, one thing leads to another and word gets to a rather shocked Lord Robert (Hugh Bonneville) that his former valet has returned to the area and not let him know, or requested his job back. Considering the poor terms on which they parted in the first installment of this season, when Bates refused to divulge the Crawley family secrets his SKANK OF A WIFE threatened to reveal, it's no surprise Bates is unsure of his welcome. This is a classic example of why I love Robert's character -- he's not perfect but he really is a good man at heart, capable of great compassion, and when he takes the initiative to visit Bates, insisting to his wife that he must be the one to apologize to his former servant, I cheered. I loved the warmth and camaraderie of there reunion, the way that for a few moments, at least, class barriers were forgotten and two men with a long history together shared a moment as friends.

One of my favorite storylines in this episode is how a few of the servants start a soup kitchen for homeless former soldiers. This endeavor starts in Isobel's home, when after her departure for France Molesley (Kevin Doyle) and the Mrs. Bird (Christine Lohr) are left with little to do besides light house maintenance. Mrs. Bird starts the soup kitchen and is soon aided by Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nichol) and Daisy, the former setting aside food from Downton's kitchens and raising the ever-nosy suspicions of O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran). Never one to waste an opportunity to get her coworkers in trouble, O'Brien alerts Cora, but her plan backfires deliciously when Cora is thrilled with the soup kitchen and volunteers BOTH their services and MORE of Downton's food stores! That was absolutely priceless! And speaking of O'Brien, she has lost any goodwill points she gained by her brief flashes of kindness toward the shell-shocked Mr. Lang. The woman is a conniving, harping shrew. When Thomas (Rob James-Collier) is appearing more reasonable than you, well you know you're in trouble. (Love Mrs. Patmore though -- she may be misguided in her encouragement of Daisy as regards William, but her heart's in the right place in so many ways!)

Another of this episode's main story threads involves the disturbing news that Matthew (Dan Stevens) and William (Thomas Howes), now his servant, have gone missing at the front. I really liked how this development highlighted just how much Matthew's come to mean to all of Downton since he was first announced as heir -- he really has become part of the family, the son Robert never had (despite his insistence on marrying Lavinia, HA!). Edith (Laura Carmichael) shares a surprisingly heartfelt moment with Mary when she goes against her father's injunction to keep the news about Matthew from her sister -- I really felt like there was no ulterior motive at work, this was one sister realizing that another would want to know the truth, no matter how painful. I will even own that I have really liked Edith over these past two weeks -- her work with the hospital has really allowed her to blossom and come into her own (here's hoping the positive sticks!).

Belowstairs endures some undesired drama when Ethel (Amy Nuttall) is caught by Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) sleeping with one of the officers she'd been seen flirting with repeatedly. Ethel is promptly dismissed without a reference and actually has the gall to be surprised. Ethel I have news for you, you too are a first-class IDIOT. It's like she seriously thought there would be no repercussions for her actions?! Yeesh. It's a lesson in how not to win friends and how TO alienate people. The moment where Ethel returns at the end of the episode, alone and scared to beg help from Mrs. Hughes because she's pregnant (SHOCKER! That's what HAPPENS when you carry flirting with randy officers too far!) is priceless -- talk about a humbling moment, being forced to beg help from the very people you made no secret of disdaining because they made their livelihood in a manner you despised. Third unbelievably frustrating female character to eat crow this episode, CHECK.

This episode ended on what was, for me, a really sublime moment of Downton drama. :) The time has come for the hospital concert where, miracle of miracles Mary has agreed to perform "If You Were the Only Girl in the World" with the accompaniment of her sister Edith. First of all, if you haven't purchased the Downton soundtrack, do so immediately -- Alfie Boe sings the song on that album, and you can hear a clip of his performance here. Mary's about to lose it because she's just learned Matthew's missing, and everyone is all tense and upset and TENSE, and then lo and behold midway through the song Matthew and William walk in. You could've heard a pin drop -- well, only if you could hear a pin over me yelling at Mary through the television to run down the aisle and kiss Matthew already (or vice-versa, at this point I don't really care who makes the first move)! *wink* It was just such a perfectly realized moment, and felt like the end of a season with the palpable emotion and attraction between Mary and Matthew and everyone SO HAPPY.

But it wouldn't be the Edwardian soap opera I love if happiness was achieved that easily, would it?! Sure, Matthew's alive but he's headed back to the front, and he's still engaged to that twit Lavinia, and Mary is determined to be all noble and self-sacrificing. SIGH. And Anna (Joanne Froggatt) is ridiculously happy that Bates is back at Downton, and of course they jinx themselves by revelling in HOW HAPPY they are and how close they are to their goals (silly kids!). While I have no idea where exactly we are in 1918, precisely, if there's one thing this show teaches us it is that a lot can happen in an hour. *wink* Here's to next week! In the mean time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode!

• Read my review of Series 2, Part 2
• Read my review of Series 2, Part 1
• My Downton Abbey pinboard is EXPLODING!
• For a limited time, watch this episode online at PBS.org
• Pre-order the Season 2 DVD (releases February 7th)
• Read Tasha's recap of this episode at Edwardian Promenade

In closing I want to share two behind-the-scenes images that I found absolutely hilarious! The first is from am Entertainment Weekly feature, showcasing Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens (I just love their expressions!):

And the second is the cast showing their affection for a very droll Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) from the PBS behind-the-scenes gallery for episode one: