tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post1604999702608247366..comments2024-03-05T19:35:48.700-08:00Comments on Booktalk & More: Downton Abbey Series 2, Part 1Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-53187128587618382262012-01-14T17:50:03.880-08:002012-01-14T17:50:03.880-08:00@Debra - I've been listening to the Downton so...@Debra - I've been listening to the Downton soundtrack ALL WEEK -- isn't it fabulous?! <br /><br />I am SO excited about tomorrow night's episode. I am looking forward to finding out Lavinia's big secret and DYING for a kiss between Sybil and Branson. *swoon* ;)<br /><br />I have heard some rumors too about Cora and Robert but I refuse to try and substantiate them...I want to be as surprised as possible! It is abundantly clear from this first installment, though, that something has changed their relationship dynamic!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-46839340150486937772012-01-14T05:12:31.285-08:002012-01-14T05:12:31.285-08:00I am totally addicted to this. I bought the soundt...I am totally addicted to this. I bought the soundtrack, you know. Thanks to Ruth, I think!<br />Seriously, the theme song, which starts up when we see that adorable English retriever walking up the path toward DA, always gets my blood racing. Just a few notes and I'm a goner. I think I have new appreciation for addictive behaviors. <br /><br />Browse around online and you can find way too much to feed your addiction. Like commenting on blogs :)<br /><br />Tomorrow night! I'm excited. It's almost here! Will we find out what Richard has on Lavinia? A kiss between Sybil and Branson? Will someone off Mrs. Bates? (I volunteer) And what will happen between OBrien and Lang. <br /><br />And, didn't I hear some rumors about Cora and Robert? A little trouble in Paradise? Hmmm.<br /><br />And what will the Dowager Countess say to make us choke on our crumpets?Debra E. Marvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17853387871623424853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-3828933831871145292012-01-13T19:12:04.243-08:002012-01-13T19:12:04.243-08:00@The French Table - Hi Mariangie! Lavinia is a new...@The French Table - Hi Mariangie! Lavinia is a new character for Season 2, so no, didn't miss her in Season 1 at all. And I can't wait to find out Lavinia's secret past -- I am desperate to know what hold Richard has over her! Bring on episode 2!! And I COMPLETELY agree with you about Linney's introductions, they are SO AWKWARD!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-6115772511930466342012-01-13T19:00:31.026-08:002012-01-13T19:00:31.026-08:00Oh, it was everything I expected an more. Althoug...Oh, it was everything I expected an more. Although did they cut some episodes? I just do not remember seeing anything about Matthew and Lavinia in Season 1. Anyhow, the one question I cannot wait an answer for is what is the deal with lavinia and Richard Carlisle...hmmm...there is something going on there. Can't wait for episode 2.<br /><br />Mariangie<br />P.S. Is it me or do the introductions by Laura Liney a bit awkward?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-3314950464251200082012-01-12T16:13:27.318-08:002012-01-12T16:13:27.318-08:00@Jess - Oh I understand, believe me! :) Glad you e...@Jess - Oh I understand, believe me! :) Glad you enjoyed my post -- looking forward to hearing your thoughts on more Downton! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-13031635171901533362012-01-12T14:08:05.851-08:002012-01-12T14:08:05.851-08:00I cannot convey to you how much I can't WAIT f...I cannot convey to you how much I can't WAIT for this to come to dvd!<br />Loved your review, looking forward to the rest ;)Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13051243926956394352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-23156166317247973052012-01-10T06:14:58.500-08:002012-01-10T06:14:58.500-08:00@Charity - You mean I might actually start to like...@Charity - You mean I might actually start to like Edith? I can't wrap my head around that... :P<br /><br />I do know where you're coming from regarding cliches -- they can bother me as well, but in the case of Downton I look for the high drama, I guess. :) However, I would love to read/see a version of the Anna/Vera storyline where their meet plays out as you suggest -- that is a very intriguing "what if"!<br /><br />@Patti - I'm so glad you and Ella are enjoying Downton! My mom and I love watching it and discussing it too. :) And you have no argument from me regarding Lord Grantham -- I think Hugh Bonneville is fabulous, especially in this series!<br /><br />@Kristin - I COMPLETELY agree with you about Mary. She's definitely changed the most thus far. And I'm very curious about how much, if at all, the war will change Thomas and/or O'Brien for the better...right now I'm thinking O'Brien as the most hope in that regard. :)<br /><br />@Lori - HAHA!!! You're killing me Lori! ;) I suspect you're right about Matthew & Mary -- their scenes were so poignant in this installment that it just ripped my heart to shreds. <br /><br />Interesting connection about Cal Macanich -- okay now I'm wondering if Tasha is right and he will turn out to be a German spy. LOL!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-1615816211460955052012-01-09T20:34:03.927-08:002012-01-09T20:34:03.927-08:00Ruth, I love hearing your theories about what migh...Ruth, I love hearing your theories about what might happen...I will force myself to make no relevetory comments, so therefore I will make no comments! HA! I do agree I love Branson and Sybil, but I really ended up so much more invested in the Matthew/Mary story this season. I think you will end up writing so much more about them in the weeks to come!<br /><br />I just realized that Cal Macanich was in The Woodlanders with Rufus Sewell--I kept thinking I knew him and didn't like him for some reason and now I know why! He destroyed poor Rufus in that movie!Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13526569454787709981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-87801555880357602862012-01-09T19:38:10.221-08:002012-01-09T19:38:10.221-08:00I just finished watching it online, and it was ama...I just finished watching it online, and it was amazing! :)<br /><br />I'll admit that I couldn't stand Mary in the first season. But I actually like her now. She has mellowed out and she's much kinder and (I think) less selfish than she was. <br /><br />I thought we had gotten rid of Thomas, but I guess not. That would have been too much to hope for. :) And I'm definitely thinking that O'Brien has a crush on Mr. Lang.<br /><br />I really didn't get as bad of a vibe from Lavinia as I did Sir Richard. But I don't like either one of them. :)<br /><br />~KristinKristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10592919145644124930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-90316807232247100122012-01-09T19:20:49.662-08:002012-01-09T19:20:49.662-08:00Ruth, I think you know that I don't watch much...Ruth, I think you know that I don't watch much in the way of current fare, whether that be TV shows or feature films. Far and away, I am stuck in the 40's and 50's.<br /><br />That said, my daughter (Ella) has gotten me hooked on Downton Abbey, and we enjoy watching it together. I haven't seen last night's episode yet, but I am definitley ready for it. What a fabulous show!!<br /><br />And I just have to say that I think Lord Grantham is a mighty fine looking man, and I would enjoy seeing more development of his storyline. (Yes, I betray my age here...while I do think Matthew and Branson are cute, I'm more in Hugh Bonneville's stage of life, so, no surprise, he appeals to me.)Patti https://www.blogger.com/profile/12931836399684850729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-29806413946258346752012-01-09T19:05:32.570-08:002012-01-09T19:05:32.570-08:00Mary is very sweet to Lavinia. I think she changed...Mary is very sweet to Lavinia. I think she changed the most out of the three sisters, although Edith does soften at times. =)<br /><br />Yes... and no; in the next episode, his politics are HUGELY important. *clamps mouth shut*<br /><br />Cora is behaving very strangely. With Robert... well, you'll see.<br /><br />Poor MDK, when it was broadcast in the UK she did an interview where she asked people to PLEASE remember that she was acting -- on television, she was content to be "the most hated woman in England," but she was concerned that it might reflect on her as well. I hope it didn't! And yes, I'm thinking she'll delight me in "Titanic." I hope. ;)<br /><br />Cliches bother me as a writer, because I can always see a huge variety of ways in which they can be improved on. Had I written Vera, I would have introduced her with much more subtlety and cunning -- perhaps befriend Anna in town and then about three episodes in, we discover who she really is. But alas, it is not to be. =)Charityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15928012771461206094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-86228035047785502302012-01-09T18:46:38.156-08:002012-01-09T18:46:38.156-08:00@Jenny - I was just talking about that very issue ...@Jenny - I was just talking about that very issue with my Mom last night. I could definitely see Matthew and/or Mary marrying the "wrong" person and then somehow finding their way back to each other at the series finale. And wouldn't it be something if Edith got preggers...from a FARMER or something. :PAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-13170486294659404842012-01-09T18:44:49.357-08:002012-01-09T18:44:49.357-08:00@Debra - Wasn't it GRAND?! :) I can't wait...@Debra - Wasn't it GRAND?! :) I can't wait to rewatch it in its entirety!<br /><br />Okay, I will cut Edith some slack there for about 2 seconds -- I have to say though that I really liked the wife's gumption in taking on a daughter of the house and getting her husband back in-line!<br /><br />And yes, that was the same couple that Isobel saved with the needle procedure!<br /><br />Mary and Matthew -- every moment with them was amazing. And the train scene just about did me in! I will have to pay closer attention to Matthew's musical cues...<br /><br />I would love to see O'Brien and/or Thomas change for the good but I don't know about that happening. <br /><br />And seriously -- Bates has some secrets, doesn't he? I can't wait to discover them! :)<br /><br />IT'S NEVER ENOUGH DOWNTON TALK BTW!<br /><br />@heidenkind - You're welcome! Enjoyed the post! :) And good point about Lady Mary -- she's definitely been taken down several notches. Maybe you could make this montage??? Just an idea? LOL!<br /><br />And that is a very interesting idea about Lang -- maybe he IS a spy and he'll turn O'Brien into a victim!!! The possibilities are endless! That would really be something wouldn't it? LOLAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-75034120987782588232012-01-09T18:41:37.200-08:002012-01-09T18:41:37.200-08:00Of course, I love Downton, but it was all too much...Of course, I love Downton, but it was all too much for me in Sunday's premiere. My head was starting to hurt from all the story threads. But still enjoyable. My concern is that since there's going to be a DA 3, that we are going to see certain relationships really drawn out. I predict either Matthew or Mary (or both) will marry and then in the VERY end, will find their way back to one another. I also predict at least one of the sisters gets preggo prior to marriage.Jenny B. Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02561643182219651931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-15394404194856842732012-01-09T18:36:51.552-08:002012-01-09T18:36:51.552-08:00Thank you for the linkage, Ruth! I don't think...Thank you for the linkage, Ruth! I don't think Lady Mary's mellowed, I think she's been beaten down. Sir Richard is someone she'd never even look twice at in season 1, and now they're practically engaged?!? Mary's thisclose to scraping the bottom of the pavement. Next thing we know her life will be montaged and set to "Like a Rolling Stone".<br /><br />As for O'Brien and Lang, she has HORRIBLE taste in men. Just the fact that she likes him makes me highly suspicious of him. He's probably a German spy.Heidenkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09494625457587427781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-27300177159960596242012-01-09T18:20:35.103-08:002012-01-09T18:20:35.103-08:00Where to begin? Well, I've seen a lot of posts...Where to begin? Well, I've seen a lot of posts and blogs today http://www.thirteen.org/downton-dish-episode-1/ <br />and spent two hours on the LIVE twitter party last night. Then, watched it again quietly to catch what I'd missed the first time.<br /><br />Ethel has moxie on her side. (cheek) You know she's just not the new maid. She's bound to be tangled in someone's story line!<br /><br />I'm so glad you told me where I've seen Richard before. Not a big stretch on characters there.<br /><br />Okay, I admit I felt sorry for Edith when the note came at breakfast. Not saying she didn't deserve everything she's brought on herself but...ouch.<br /><br />So - was that the same farm couple who Isobel saved with the needle aspiration procedure?<br /><br />Mary and Matthew's scenes were so amazing last night. wow. the train? And were Dan's eyes that light-blue in Sense and Sensibility? Notice that the music always comes on with Matthew?<br /><br />Sure, I had a small moment of pleasure seeing Thomas quaking in his boots but I then started to feel sorry for him too. What's with that? And OBrien - empathy for Lang? War changes things. I'd say.<br /><br />Which begs the question =what else is Bates hiding? Struggling with guilt that makes him feel unworthy? I thought he was capable of murder last night (would Mrs. Hughes have intervened?)<br /><br />oh, and the clothes? wow. okay, that's enough.Debra E. Marvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17853387871623424853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-4102533641598832032012-01-09T18:05:33.633-08:002012-01-09T18:05:33.633-08:00@Anne - ARGH VERA!!! :P And Ethel...she has to be ...@Anne - ARGH VERA!!! :P And Ethel...she has to be headed for trouble, her introduction has painted her as too much of a loose cannon. I forgot to mention Moseley didn't I? I felt rather sorry for him in Series 1, but now I'm convinced he lied to the doctor, and the way he approaches Anna just makes my skin crawl. And the thing with Edith -- good grief she lost any sense she had, didn't she???<br /><br />@Charity - I KNOW. Mary has had her harsh and brittle moments, but I've always felt there was a compassionate hear there, and her separation from Matthew is just killing her, you can see the toll it has taken. Of course I too love that it has changed her for the better. And her class towards Lavinia -- very nice.<br /><br />Without giving too much away, do Branson's politics become a big issue again? He fits well as a type of the time period, and while I disagree with his politics as well, I get the feeling (perhaps wishing, I know) that his love for Sybil is mellowing him out a bit, redirecting his priorities. Keeping my fingers crossed there. :)<br /><br />Robert makes sense to me in this episode -- however Cora is completely checked out. As far as Mrs. Bates goes, I've never been able to sit through The Tudors so I have no prior attachment to Maria Doyle Kennedy -- though I am really looking forward to her turn in the Titanic miniseries. <br /><br />While she is cliche -- so much of Downton is high drama, and seeing the high drama in this glittering setting -- well I can't help but eat it up. ;)<br /><br />Glad to know I'm not off-base on Sir Richard...haha!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-8918365944542706052012-01-09T17:57:25.701-08:002012-01-09T17:57:25.701-08:00I've always loved Mary; I understand her in wa...I've always loved Mary; I understand her in ways that many people don't seem to, so I was delighted that her loss of Matthew has really changed her for the better. My heart hurts whenever she and Matthew are together -- but apart. <br /><br />I really wish I could root for Sybil and Branson more, but my dislike for radical communist politics kind of makes me leery at her marrying him. <br /><br />To be honest, I'm disappointed in how Julian Fellowes handled not only Robert and Cora, but the entire Mr. and Mrs. Bates fiasco. Vera is a cliche and it is such a painful waste of an extraordinarily good actress -- she hams it up here and she's really capable of so much more. I have a hard time really hating her here in spite of everything simply because she spent fourteen episodes of "The Tudors" making me fall in love with her Katharine of Aragon. I seem incapable of hating Maria Doyle Kennedy in anything!<br /><br />I DO hate Richard Carlisle, however. Without giving anything away, you'll have even more reason to hate him later in the season. =PCharityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15928012771461206094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-4631244355692910282012-01-09T16:39:29.627-08:002012-01-09T16:39:29.627-08:00I'm right there with you! Love Sybil and Brans...I'm right there with you! Love Sybil and Branson. Almost died when stupid Vera Bates forced Bates to resign. That new Ethel girl is a piece of work. And what's up with Moseby? He was such a good guy before but I hate the way he's sidling up to Anna. I feel more sorry for Mary. What's so crazy is that the new guy is basically what Matthew was that she refused (i.e. not aristocracy, just has money)! She and Matthew really need to be together. Cora is an idiot for continuing to trust O'Brien. I still hate Thomas. And what's up with Edith? Kissing a married man--and a commoner, no less! Oh, how to wait another week for the next installment!Anne Mateerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330467138236037032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-70744149730872283372012-01-09T16:07:12.683-08:002012-01-09T16:07:12.683-08:00@Ella - I ADORE Sybil and Branson! The way he look...@Ella - I ADORE Sybil and Branson! The way he looks at her, so adoringly, GAH!!! It just kills me! (BTW, regarding Branson's politics...he seems to have set those by the wayside, at least temporarily, hmm?)<br /><br />Lavinia...boo!!! Hiss!!!! I am ready for her to leave already. Though props to Mary for being so NICE (said grudgingly)...<br /><br />@Rissi - Girl I am NUTS abotu this show! Looking forward to your blogs -- regarding spoilers, all bets are off as soon as I see an installment. ;)<br /><br />@Renee - Thank you! :) I can't wait for Bates to return either -- hour two was a little forlorn without him!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-71065391135801788252012-01-09T16:03:43.021-08:002012-01-09T16:03:43.021-08:00I love reading about the episode all over again. S...I love reading about the episode all over again. So glad to start 2012 with this great series. Can't wait to see what happens with Bates and Anna!Reneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06177523368064618185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-70584885571341329792012-01-09T16:00:42.273-08:002012-01-09T16:00:42.273-08:00SO happy to know you enjoyed this, Ruth! I will de...SO happy to know you enjoyed this, Ruth! I will definitely be blogging about it as soon as I watch it, but if I see it to completion before you, I will definitely warn readers about spoilers. =) <br /><br /><b>Ella</b> - you are not alone, girl! I love Sybil and Branson (they are so cute together).Rissihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11378400717440822186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-50783288565988012682012-01-09T15:53:43.056-08:002012-01-09T15:53:43.056-08:00I am so glad that you finally got to watch this!!!...I am so glad that you finally got to watch this!!!! Now, because I have seen the whole thing, I can only remark on where you are at ;-)<br /><br />Finally, someone else who loves Sybil and Branson as much as I do!!!!!!!!! Mary and Matthew are my favorite couple, followed right behind by Sybil and Branson. I love Branson....despite his political views<br /><br />Lavinia...yep. I hate her. She is way too sweet and good for me. Isn't that terrible ;-)<br /><br />I could go on and on....but I guess I will stop there <3Ellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12361895789616410614noreply@blogger.com