tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post5897476293186796751..comments2024-03-05T19:35:48.700-08:00Comments on Booktalk & More: Downton Abbey Series 2, Part 3Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-66607196692250651992012-01-24T13:00:52.003-08:002012-01-24T13:00:52.003-08:00@Kristin - Wasn't it awesome? Excuse me while ...@Kristin - Wasn't it awesome? Excuse me while I swoon... ;) And you are SO right...this show has that push/pull DOWN!<br /><br />@Charleybrown - You are so right -- it is fun to see Downton's fame spread. :)<br /><br />I love Penelope Wilton too, please don't get me wrong! I am curious where Fellowes takes her character from here...if the pendulum doesn't swing back towards reasonable to some degree -- well yes, I think I will come to the conclusion that Fellowes got a bit carried away.<br /><br />And I can't help it...maybe I will change my mind about Lavinia...but so far she is so colorless to me when compared to Mary. We shall see! :)<br /><br />I've managed to evade blow-by-blow spoilers, but I do have some hints on where things are going in the second half of Downton's run this year...and I'm VERY curious how the Bonneville "twist" hits me. I will of course document it here. :) <br /><br />Everyone, thanks for stopping by as always!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-4544303679328620872012-01-24T11:45:38.108-08:002012-01-24T11:45:38.108-08:00I've never before seen a period drama have an ...I've never before seen a period drama have an effect like this one does where the characters get under our skin (in good and bad ways)! I had to chuckle at your description of Isobel's pouting but it reminds me that this is yet another plotline where I thought Fellowes derailed a bit. Perhaps I'm biased because I love Penelope Wilton (and her character of Mrs. Crawley) and hated to see her became too self-righteous. Also, I had hoped to see a romance develop with her and Dr. Clarkson after the first season. <br />I also cringed a bit at "that twit Lavinia" but understand in your passion for Mary that Lavinia is the objectionable obstacle! But from the beginning of this season, I somehow knew I would like Lavinia while still hopeful for Mary. I liked seeing the relationship that develops between Mary and Lavinia - interesting dynamics! <br /><br />With regards to the quality of plot/happiness quotient for this season, I can't help but imagine it as an inverted bell curve - strong start and satisfying ending but not without its sagging flaws through the middle episodes. I still love Downton Abbey but would advise fans to lower your expectations for some of the far-fetched plot twists, clichés, etc that did not match up to the excellence of the first season in my opinion. There is one particular plotline re: Bonneville for which I will never forgive Fellowes and can only hope that it's been resolved and not to be dredged up again in season 3 but then again it's his job to put us through the ringer with each and every character that has become so embedded under our skin!! :) <br />P.S. I love that pic with Jim Carter too!Charleybrownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07411948723536117366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-51582199230932210702012-01-24T10:57:33.595-08:002012-01-24T10:57:33.595-08:00The musical lover inside of me made me tear up in ...The musical lover inside of me made me tear up in the singing scene before Matthew even got there. :)<br /><br />I once read a book about writing that talked about the importance of making your characters suffer, with little breaks of happiness. The creators of this show really go for that, huh? <br /><br />~KristinKristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10592919145644124930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-18749108165910474322012-01-24T05:28:17.472-08:002012-01-24T05:28:17.472-08:00@Rissi - Re: Mary - I know! It's so rare to se...@Rissi - Re: Mary - I know! It's so rare to see her THAT open and happy, isn't it? She's normally a bit more reserved. ;)<br /><br />I've heard good rumors about the Christmas episode - I'm looking forward to it (and the rest of this season)!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-85355518711807532062012-01-23T20:15:57.666-08:002012-01-23T20:15:57.666-08:00This was a beautiful episode - I had already forgo...This was a beautiful episode - I had already forgotten about the joyous reunion between Matthew/Mary and William's return (so sweet!). Mary's genuine emotions were on full display in that moment. =) <br /><br />Keep watching for that Christmas episode - it is lovely.Rissihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11378400717440822186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-73816682038378021952012-01-23T17:02:20.288-08:002012-01-23T17:02:20.288-08:00@Joanne - Thank you! I agree -- I liked the one so...@Joanne - Thank you! I agree -- I liked the one song but I'm kinda glad it didn't go into a full fledged musical revue. ;) <br /><br />That is HILARIOUS that Thomas...I mean Rob James-Collier (*g*) is the funniest guy out of character. Poor guy...to be so nice and so good at playing a loathsome baddie! <br /><br />@Anne - I am a bit concerned about Bates -- with Thomas in a position of power in the house I'm afraid Bates has a big ol' target on his back.<br /><br />I know what you mean about William...I don't know how I'd take him getting his heart broken like that!<br /><br />@heidenkind - You're welcome, love your recaps!<br /><br />And if a musical edition of Downton Abbey was a magical as as that Mary/Matthew moment, heck yes I'll be on board with that!<br /><br />And it wasn't Cora who annoyed me but Isobel, LOL! I loved Cora in this ep, LOL!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-26039975432544807772012-01-23T16:58:07.434-08:002012-01-23T16:58:07.434-08:00Thank you for the link again, Ruth. :) That pictur...Thank you for the link again, Ruth. :) That picture with Carson is too cute. <br /><br />I loved the scene with Mary and Matthew singing SO MUCH! I seriously want a musical edition of Downton Abbey, like yesterday.<br /><br />I can't believe Cora annoyed you that much. lol I have to admit it was nice not having her around in this episode though. :PHeidenkindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09494625457587427781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-57899119677469265672012-01-23T16:48:41.602-08:002012-01-23T16:48:41.602-08:00Yes, I was yelling, "Run! Run to him, Mary!&q...Yes, I was yelling, "Run! Run to him, Mary!" in that scene. Fortunately we had the lights dimmed so I couldn't see hubby and son rolling their eyes at me. ;)<br /><br />Loved O'Brien and Ethel and Isobel getting their comeuppance. Now if someone would just take Thomas down a peg or two. Of course Mrs. Hughes did a little bit and of course he would think it was Bates. <br /><br />I was so happy that Edith and Mary were getting along. And poor William. I wish Daisy would just really fall in love with him. I don't think I can stand to see his heart broken. <br /><br />Can't wait for more!Anne Mateerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330467138236037032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-70165277955309816092012-01-23T16:42:10.966-08:002012-01-23T16:42:10.966-08:00Love your recap and comments, as usual, Ruth! I go...Love your recap and comments, as usual, Ruth! I got a little silly, though, when Mary & Edith were performing for the soldiers...I thought, oh dear, let's not venture into The Sound of Music territory and start singing The Lonely Goatherd!! Violet's expression at everyone singing, including Lord Grantham, was priceless (and SO her!) I, too, went searching for some videos and photos of behind-the-scenes and you're not going to believe this!! You know who comes across as the sweetest, funniest, and jokiest person of them all when off set.......Thomas! Yes, he is a KICK, and so is his evil sidekick, Mrs. O'Brien. Out of character and off screen, they are funny!! But be careful, you'll stumble across some spoilers out there on youtube, so tread carefully!Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07716758796036142540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-26179935670712085092012-01-23T16:41:03.666-08:002012-01-23T16:41:03.666-08:00@Heather - You and me both. :) I am told through r...@Heather - You and me both. :) I am told through reliable sources that the Christmas episode (which we're getting as the final episode this season) does give us some satisfaction on the happiness front. Keeping my fingers crossed.<br /><br />And I HOPE that Bates wakes up...he wouldn't want to admit it but he's living a pretty sweet life in comparison to many, and once the reality of communism starts to come out I hope he re-evaluates his priorities. <br /><br />STUPID STUPID ETHEL. She was so dumb. :P<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by, I love chatting about this! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-68220976845166373792012-01-23T16:38:12.650-08:002012-01-23T16:38:12.650-08:00@Lori - I think you're onto something there, L...@Lori - I think you're onto something there, Lori. Isobel could really thrive on the front! ;)<br /><br />Downton will air through February 19th, if memory serves...so we have four more weeks! I also think the last two weeks will be two hour episodes again.<br /><br />@Liv - OHMYGOSH IT WAS SO MAGICAL AND PERFECT AND WONDERFUL!!!!!!! I loved it. One of the best moments of the series, EVER!<br /><br />P.S. Liv, I am so happy you're watching this show. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11986319237275869540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-36860772526681644642012-01-23T16:37:35.892-08:002012-01-23T16:37:35.892-08:00Ok! I am so loving season 2 although the suspense ...Ok! I am so loving season 2 although the suspense is killing me ;) I thought it was so good and I have a LITTLE hope that perhaps the creator will let the characters have a little happiness.<br />One thing that I've been wondering about since episode 2 when Branson says that his noble Communists would 'never kill a bunch of young girls" (the tsar's family) and we know that they do. Will that cause him to waiver in his support of communism? And like Lori said, the flu's coming...will the family be able to get through all that? I'd think probably not, it will touch them in some way. I'm dreading the return of Bate's wife. Maybe she'll have a mysterious accident or something. And poor Ethel...she really had it coming. Saw that a mile a way!<br />hehehe...well...I love this show. So glad there's a corner here to blather on about it ;)<br />great review!~Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01162985502341523594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-35662198279479175912012-01-23T16:27:44.698-08:002012-01-23T16:27:44.698-08:00Seriously, Isobel, she's not the boss of anyth...Seriously, Isobel, she's not the boss of anything. Anyways, how about the moment when Mary was singing and Matthew and William walked into the room. It was magic and perfect.Oliviahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04607985002718980126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319032275293010502.post-25639149197662353712012-01-23T16:25:20.720-08:002012-01-23T16:25:20.720-08:00Oh no. 1918. I'm braced for the flu.
How many...Oh no. 1918. I'm braced for the flu.<br /><br />How many eps will there be? I can't recall right off how many there were last season. Great recap as usual Ruth. <br /><br />I think Isobel NEEDS to be in a hospital tent in France, where some General of some regiment and all his officers are wounded and the surgeons are busy so SHE has to take command of the troops and win the battle or the day or the war or whatever. Think that might get it out of her system? ;)Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.com