In the first episode of the sixth season of Downton Abbey, Lady Mary and her doting papa thwarted a scheming hussy, Lady Edith rolled up her sleeves and completed the layout of her first magazine, Carson and Mrs. Hughes contemplated their upcoming nuptials and all that this entailed, and the fate of Bates and his Anna (violin music, please) was resolved. Spoiler Alert! If you haven’t seen Episode 2, do not continue reading.
Some Talk at Breakfast
Lady Mary’s exquisite crocheted top at breakfast. I want one.
Our favorite servants are working their fingers to the bone preparing breakfast, including ironing the morning paper free of creases. Our favorite pater familias is in the morning room, reading a letter from Tom. Our favorite ice queen is reading a letter from Rose, who is still in The Hamptons. “She writes she ‘might’ be back in August, but it’s a bit early to say, so she must be pregnant,” says Lady Mary, sleuth extraordinaire.
Our favorite middle daughter is doing nothing as usual, which is largely what this episode is about. Having begun Season 6 with a winning episode, the writers decided to coast on their success and take more tea breaks. This week’s plots are weak tea at best, but I suppose they keep the momentum going well enough for us to tune in for Episode 3.
The earl mentions that he plans to meet with Lady Violet and Mrs. Crawley about the hospital situation without his wife’s knowledge. As a trustee of the hospital, Lady Cora hasn’t a clue that there’s a problem between the two bull-headed women. The earl wants to sort things out before sharing the tiff with Cora and before serious blood is spilled on the carpet. As always, he is clueless about the inner strength of his lady wife.
Carson announces that Mr. Finch has arrived to speak to the agent about the Fat Stock Show. Lady Mary is the new agent, unbeknownst to Mr. Finch. “Have him cool his heels for ten minutes, then let him into the library to await my magnificent presence,” she tells Carson.
Mary’s Meddlesome Meddling
The earl then casually asks Carson about the wedding preparations. For a moment Carson worried that his liege was asking about the wedding night, but then realized that the earl said “date” not mate.
“Slowly, m’lord, but now we have to decide where to hold the reception.”
“Well, here of course!” declares Lady Mary.
“Absolutely. You can use the servants hall and make it look kind of special with decorations from the thrift penny shoppe,” the earl condescends.
“Surely we can do better than that, Papa,” says Mary, thinking of donating some of her wedding decorations, “but we’ll talk about that later, as I must hurry off and think of ways to talk down to Mr. Finch.”
Mr. Carson relays the good news of Lord Grantham’s largesse to his intended, but Mrs. Hughes isn’t enticed with the thought of celebrating her marriage where she has slaved away her youth. This causes some consternation between the two lovebirds, for when it comes to Lady Mary, Mr. Carson can’t say no. Mrs. Hughes remains adamant about holding the reception in the school house, placing Mr. Carson in an awkward position – that of finding his backbone.
Upon hearing of Mrs. Hughes’ unreasonable request, Lady Mary INSISTS that Carson SHALL have the reception at the Abbey. “Just leave Mrs. Hughes to me,” she says, dismissing Carson’s sputtering.
One suspects, however, that Lady Mary will finally meet a rock she can’t crack. It is a bride’s prerogative to totally wreck her own wedding day. If Lady Mary had ever seen an episode of Bridezilla, she’d stay clear of Mrs. Hughes, who is beginning to resemble a N.J. Shore bride-to-be standing her ground.
Meanwhile, Belowstairs.
Mrs. Patmore once again refers to Downton’s financial situation and the need to economize to her staff. “I know it’s cheating, but I think I might get a jar of horseradish.” (What? And not stay up until the wee hours of the morning to make it from scratch? Quelle horreur!) Molesley approaches Mrs. Patmore, wanting to borrow some soda. When she says archly, “Borrow?” he promises to regurgitate it at a later time so she’ll get it back.
Thomas Barrow decides to take the bull by the horns before he is constructively discharged, a lovely American euphemism for fired, much like conscious uncoupling now means divorced. (Don’t you just love PC language?) He goes on an interview for a new job, only to find out that the current situation at the Abbey ain’t all that bad. His new duties as “assistant” butler, should he get the job, would entail being a chauffeur, a footman, and a valet. It would not surprise Thomas if this penny-pinching employer would also ask the new assistant butler to cook, do the garden – why do the whole bleeding household if they had their druthers!
Anna and Bates. Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE
Poor Bates finds poor Anna crying alone in some dark corner of the servants hall and begs her to cry in his presence from now on.
“After all, we’re married. We share everything, even your barren state. Your tears are my tears. My tears are yours. Both of us can’t even have half a child. We could adopt!”
“No” says Anna. “I want YOUR child, but I can’t bear a child, so we must remain miserable like this forever!” (Violins, please.)
Lady Mary will hear no more caterwauling. She hauls Anna off to London, where the doctor pronounces Anna’s cervix to be incompetent, just like this plot line. ‘Thankfully, Bates has nothing to do with this!’ Anna thinks gratefully. ‘It IS all my fault.’ Anna is of two minds when the doctor discusses a possible solution. ‘Is a fix possible?’ she wonders. ‘Does this mean Mr. Bates and I might be happy? Oh, woe is me! How could we ever bear such good fortune?’
Apparently so, for the next time Bates sees her, she’s full of the joys of spring. Even bouncy, as he observes. Can they both find happiness after all? T’would be a relief for us viewers, n’est ce pas?
The Hospital Situation (Again)
Lady Cora. Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE
When asked by Isobel why the largely absent Cora was not present at a meeting, Violet sensibly states, “It doesn’t concern her.” Of course not. Violet is in collusion with the writers, who do not seem to know what to do with a lady, who, as part of her countessing duties, supervises the household of a great estate and should, as the neighborhood’s grande dame, sit on many charitable committees. Perhaps Cora is suffering from the onset of early Alzheimer’s and the writers have failed to inform the viewers of that sad fact. Let’s just say that while Lady Mary is treated like a super woman, what with overseeing the estate, steamrolling her idea of a proper wedding reception venue for Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, and finding a solution for poor Anna’s barren state, her mama’s story line might just as well be dead.
As it so happens, there’s still some life left in our disappearing countess. She learns about the secret hospital meetings and attends the next one. Violet gives her the dagger eye, but Cora blithely overlooks her mama-in-law’s express wishes and sides with Isobel, since she’s all for progress. As the season develops, can we hope to see Lady Cora in a meaty story line all her own? Inquisitive minds want to know.
The Fat Stock Show
By now, Mr. Finch had been cooling his heels for quite a while in the Abbey’s library, when Lady Mary strolls in, saying, “I’m sorry, I must be a let-down, Mr. Finch.”
“Not a let-down, my lady, I wouldn’t say that,” says Finch politely, thinking exactly that. He’s come to discuss the fat stock show at Malton with a man, knowing that ladies hate the word “fat” with a passion.
“I don’t want to bother you. We’re really hoping for a decent entry from the Abbey. Who could I talk to?”
“Why, me, of course. Hold onto your hat, Mr. Finch, I’ve replaced Mr. Branson as agent.”
Mr. Finch learns Lady Mary is the new estate agent
Mr. Finch’s face can barely contain his surprise, but he recovers quickly. “Well, it’s a changing world,” he says slowly.
“I thought the fat stock show was held just before Christmas,” she observes.
“Yes, but this is an experiment.”
Experiment, indeed. Lady Mary assures Mr. Finch that two of Downton’s pigs have shown up well in other fat stock shows and that she would discuss the situation with Mr. Drewe, the pig man.
The Drewes (Violins Please)
Later, Lady Mary, with Lady Cora and little George in tow, visits Mr. Drewe to view his lovely black-and-brown pigs. Little Marigold is also with them. Mr. Drewe asks in a roundabout fashion, “Does Lady Edith know you are here?” It is fraught with meaning, since Lady Mary hasn’t a clue who Marigold is, but Lady Cora does.
As you will recall, last season, Lady Edith, who bore a child, but couldn’t keep her child because it was born out of wedlock, a fact that might RUIN her REPUTATION, gave up her child to be raised by the Drewes. So she remained miserable all through Season 5 as she observed some illiterate farmer’s wife raise her precious babe!
Edith visited the Drewe’s farm on every pretext. “It’s warm, Mrs. Drewe. May I see Marigold?” “It’s raining, Mrs. Drewe, may I shelter Marigold with my umbrella?” “The pigs are rutting, Mrs. Drewe, may I show Marigold how they plow the ground?”
These requests creeped Mrs. Drewe out. Why was this wild-eyed aristocratic woman stalking her beloved adopted child every minute of every blessed day? “Mr. Drewe,” she told her farmer husband, “I cannot stand for that woman to be near our Marigold. Tell her she is no longer welcome. Tell her to go make her own baby.”
Poor Mr. Drewe swallowed hard. If only his Margie knew.
Well, we all know how this tale of woe worked out. After news of Gregson’s death, Lady Edith marched up to the Drewes, Marigold’s birth certificate in hand, to lay claim to her baby. Mrs. Drewe tore the certificate into a million trillion pieces, but this did not stop Edith from absconding with her own child and eventually placing Marigold as her ward in Downton Abbey’s nursery and perpetuating her lie in order to SAVE her REPUTATION.
Mrs. Drewe has been pining for her adopted daughter ever since. So when Lady Mary serenely answers Mr. Drewe’s question, “No, Lady Edith is in London,” it’s with a complete lack of irony.
Then, all of a sudden, Mrs. Drewe shows up at the barn and she sees Marigold. The woman is transfixed. She cannot take her eyes off Marigold. She holds the child, clings to her, and is unable to let go. Lady Cora feels uneasy and begins to form a PLAN. Lady Mary, her thoughts full of prize-winning pigs, is still clueless, the thought of her sister having sex out of wedlock never passing her mind.
“Let her go Margie,” Mr. Drewe says softly. (Ominous violin music, please.)
And here we have it – a cure for Mr. Mason’s seemingly unsolvable dilemma. Daisy feels solely responsible for poor Mr. Mason’s impending homelessness with her outburst at the auction. She asks for an audience with Lady Cora, who, recalling Mrs. Drewe’s intense reaction to Marigold, might or might not have a solution for Mr. Mason. That hint is all Daisy needs to put a dimple in her cheek again, and that’s all the viewers need to become angry. For what have the Drewes actually done to place themselves in such unfair jeopardy in Lady Cora’s eyes, other than to do Lady Edith an enormous favor?
The Malton Show: Let’s All Forget About Emotion
The day of the Malton Show, that muddy little affair, has dawned. Lady Mary is in her element. Today she shall demonstrate to the world her talent for choosing the perfect pig for a competition. The servants have been invited, as well as the family.
Lady Mary and Mr. Drewe at Malton. Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE
The little village of Malton (translate Lacock Village) is fairly teeming with people and livestock, and smelling of manure and eau de bête. The Downton pigs are truly magnificent and Lady Mary is awarded first prize. Unfortunately, at the moment of the announcement, all Crawley eyes are upon Mary, not Marigold, who suddenly goes missing.
We know where Marigold is, for Mrs. Drewe was at the event, watching her like a hungry hawk. While Downton’s writers try to build up suspense, there is none. Like the audience, Mr. Drewe knows exactly where Marigold is. And so he heads home and sees his wife in the parlor, rocking the child. “She was bored. They were paying no attention to her, not at all,” Marge says sadly. Mr. Drewe pries Marigold from his grieving wife and places her in Edith’s arms.
The Drewes with Marigold. Image, courtesy Nick Briggs
As his ladies hie off to the abbey, Lord Grantham stays behind to talk to the stoic farmer. Mr. Drewe promises to look for another tenant farm in the morning. The earl knows how much they owe him and will help him as much as he can. At that moment I blew him a contemptuous raspberry. His tepid offer is worthless. He knows it, we know it, and gracious Mr. Drewe knows it.
The door has closed for one tenant farmer whose family has worked the land for over 100 years, but for another it might open, if Daisy gets her way. As the earl notes, “We made a plan, but we forgot about emotion. It seems unfair. It is for the best.”
Unfair, indeed. This plot development stinks, no porcine pun intended. The Drewes deserved better.
And so we’ve come to another end of another episode, which I rank three out of five stars because of the Drewe/Mason story line. Two down, six more to go, not counting the Christmas special (which will probably have Anna giving birth in a barn to drive home the idea of a miracle baby).
What did you think of this week’s offerings, gentle viewer? Feel free to agree or disagree with me.
Jane Austen's World 
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Terri Akin
I’ve made it live. The post published two hours early. Vic
Funny how I couldn’t disagree more with your basic assessment: the first episode showed the worst perniciousness of the creator/writer: let’s punish the servants and present a lowe order female (once again) as evil incarnate. The second came close to returning us to the first season with its quiet diurnal happenings, only too much has happened since for us to slide by what existence is.
I think probably many people will agree with you, Ellen. I can only go by my instincts, which was that the first episode was superior to anything I saw in Season 5. Vic
The Marigold plot line shows how sequels can be too tedious and should be dropped before they show the writer getting stale.
I agree. In fact, I think not only was the entire Drew/Marigold escapade a total bore, I think the entire episode was a yawn.
Lady Mary is way too thin. She looked like a scarecrow on film in her cami and knickers, and I’ve read the camera adds 10 pounds. Lady Edith is a wimp – she owns the magazine, she should tell the editor off. And stop wearing ugly frocks with “Kick Me” on her back. I wish Sybil could be resurrected.
If Fellowes writes disaster into Anna’s and Bates’s new pregnancy, I’m turning off all future episodes of this final season. I’m so tired of everything bad happening to them.
Am I supposed to feel sorry for Thomas? Thomas?!? Not. Am I supposed to feel sorry for Daisy, after her sophomoric outburst? Not. In fact, the only sympathetic figure in this episode was her off-stage father in law. And the pigs, who after winning a ribbon and impregnating a few sows or having another brood of piglets, will become bacon in Mrs Patmore’s kitchen.
Those were very beautiful pigs.
I’m inclined to agree – at least in part – with your assessment. I’m particularly disgusted with Edith, the Marigold issue and the treatment of the Drewes. From the beginning Edith has handled this poor child is the most immature manner. First she’s off to Switzerland and a happy home. Then Edith changes her mind. Back home and off to the Drewe family. Then Edith changes her mind again. Back to DA and the nursery. Poor little Marigold is a yo-yo in disguise and Edith hasn’t the brains God gave an ant. It’s a plot line that is annoying and unsatisfying, and like you Vic, I feel for the Drewes and anyone else who ever crossed Edith’s path. As Robert once said – Crikey!!
There…now I feel better :-)!
I did love Mary’s over-the-top and holier-than-thou attitude toward Mr. Finch and poor Carson. She does it so well that I can’t help but laugh at her. Michelle Dockery can chew scenery with the best, sometimes. And I am liking Granny and Cora going at it – I’d like to see Cora knock her down a notch or two. Granny does always get her way and it would be rather cheering to see her bested by her daughter-in-law.
All in all, a very good summery and fun to read.
That’s not what happened at all.
Edith wanted to keep Marigold after she was born, but allowed Rosamund to persuade her to leave the baby in Switzerland. But she was plotting to find a way to get Marigold to Downton, and somehow decided on the Drewes as the perfect hiding place. This backfired because Mr. Drewe did not tell his wife that Marigold was Edith’s child, so Mrs. Drewe–growing more and more attached to the little girl she’d been told she was going to raise–grew irritated with Edith’s visits. Edith grew desperate to see Marigold, which only intensified Mrs. Drewe’s antipathy. Edith only snatched Marigold and ran away two London for two reasons: 1) Violet and Rosamund planning to ship Marigold to a boarding school and 2) getting the news that Michael Gregson was dead.
Here was her last and only link with the man she loved and everyone was trying to keep them apart. And you’ve forgotten that Edith breastfed her daughter. She had bonded with her for months before Rosamund declared it was time to leave her with the Schroeders.
This is perhaps my favorite episode yet. It’s the most realistic, yet tosses in the most romantic line I’ve ever heard or read. “You’re married now, which means never having to cry alone.” Oh, if only that were true!
Why aren’t you writing for Downtown Abbey? You comments were more fun reading than watching the tired episode. I’m beginning to think I’ll be quite happy when episode nine runs.
This is one very funny review regarding Episode 2. Howevah, I take umbrage at Sir Robert being called a wuss. He’s the bedrock of the family and all good sense and grace. Afterall, he mightily handled that inconvenient blackmail problem of Mary’s beautifully. And I don’t believe it was the earl who mentioned emotions being the downfall of Mr. Drewe’s and Lady Edith’s plan. It was Mr. Drewe who said its emotions that will do it every time. No raspberry for that turn of events, though, I too felt badly about the situation. It would be absolutely necessary, under the circumstances and with Margie’s lack of any propriety and sense in the matter of Marigold,, to move. Otherwise, we’ll have plot lines involving Mrs. Drewe climbing through the window to the nursery and that will be very very bad. At this point, Margie is quite unbalanced and in need of convalescence under doctor’s supervision. What a nut case.
This in no way excuses Lady Edith, who started the mess. Two peas in a pod, really, with the well meaning and kind Mr. Drewe caught in the crosshairs. It was a risk he should not have taken.
But a great story line nevertheless!
Episode 2 seemed soapier than usual but still such great good fun. Its hilarious to see Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson having their first pre-wedding argument.
Wouldn’t miss this for the world. I do wonder how expensive therapy will be for Marigold one day but sadly, we won’t know, will we?
I have to admit that I’ve cheated. I already have seen all of season 6 plus the finale. But I promise I won’t give anything away. The seasons after Matthew died were “meh” for me. Season 6 is better to me than those were.
Edith makes me nuts. From the beginning of this storyline, as the mother of an adopted child, I was in a rage in the way the Drewes were treated. I totally agree with you. Marigold is treated like precious Lady Edith’s possession more than as a human being. Talk about being a candidate for Reactive Attachment Disorder! Yes, Edith loves her daughter, but she operates with extreme self-absorbtion. She always has, come to think of it.
Debbie Downer, I mean, Anna has forgotten how to be happy. “She’s right up there with Elizabeth Taylor”, to quote a line from Steel Magnolias. That whole Anna/Bates drama has gone on and on and on…
Carson is so in love with the Crawley’s, especially Lady Mary, it’s hard to believe he has anything left to give Mrs. Hughes. I mean, their story is sweet and aw shucks, old people in love and everything, but wow, he is so pompous and insensitive. What ever does she see in him? Perhaps it is enough to know she won’t grow old alone, even if she has to put up with a crotchety old curmudgeon like him.
Barrow is now mooning around because he is not appreciated. Really?
He has been Lucifer to everyone around him all this time. Now we’re to feel sorry for him? Well, I suppose even the worst of us can change for the better…I suppose.
Cora is the lost child of the story but Fellowes is trying desperately to build her up into a Formidable Person. Boring impending hospital takeover reveals – wait for it – Tweety Cora, after big ol’ Violet, the Dowager Cat!
Icy Snow Queen Mary is still, predictably, Mary-ish. Prettier than in years past, though.
Comrade Daisy has to learn to manage her emotions. She sure is lucky to have St. Mr. Mason and Mrs. Patmore as surrogate parents. She’s grown into quite a handful. Damn that education.
Molsely the misfit is morphing into Molsely the Mensch. I love it.
All in all, season 6 is way more interesting than it has been for years.
Your reviews are really fun, too. Whatever will you think of next week’s episode?
The irreverence continues, I’m afraid. Those who like their recaps straight up or full of revalatory insights will have to go elsewhere. *sigh*.
love your blog and downton, whatever is going on. saw the costumes at the va historical society this week and they are beyond lovely. i’m actually commenting though on a previous post that had closed comments. (https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2008/02/10/the-economics-of-pride-and-prejudice-or-why-a-single-man-with-a-fortune-of-4000-per-year-is-a-desirable-husband/) about economics in jane austen’s day. i have a question pertaining to the phrase “he has $5000 a year.” when this was said, i realize it means he had this much “salary” per year, but how was the money generated? where did it actually come from, and how would one know how much someone “had” per year? thanks a bunch!
It was generated from the 4% interest of the money he inherited from his father and the income he derived from his lands and other investments. It was bad form to dig into one’s capital.
An unstoppable force meets an immovable object describes Carson and Huges at the moment. Something’s gotta give. Huges is as belligerent as Carson.They’re decent folk. He’s a sweet elder man and it would be easy to fall for him, especially Mrs. Hughes, who’s the perfect antidote for his rigid ways. He’s totally lovable! And really funny. We’ve had the privilege of seeing Carson’s softer side, haven’t we? What would Downton be without him? Thomas is experiencing real caring and doesn’t know what to do with it…but he’s become very interesting as a result of the shift from bad boy to a much better butler.Whether we like it or not Edith is Marigold’s mother and Mrs. Drewe was given concrete evidence of this which she tore into little itty bitty pieces in a supreme fit of picque. Anger acted out will do that. This is not a woman who has much grip on her emotions. We knew that was going to end badly but then we weren’t sure quite how. My sense of it is the Drewes will find happier employment elsewhere in that lovely countryside and all will be well.
Because of their particular circumstances, its without question that Sir Robert will track their progress until the Drewes are safely resettled.
They aren’t going to starve. This is a tv series, not real life.
Well, I have to admit, the scene at the village Fat Stock Show when Marigold disappears reminded me of a vintage radio show broadcast!
Edith hasn’t yet learned to stand on her own two feet…but she did act on her own to retrieve Marigold from Switzerland (?) and farm her out instead with the Drewes, though unwisely, as we now see. What a price the Drewes are paying for it not working out! Soon, since there’s only 6 more episodes, I hope Edith steps out and becomes her “own woman”.
Dear Lady Mary! She’s a hoot! I’ve enjoyed how she’s evolved. Back in Season 1 did she ever imagine she’d end up in the mud with pigs? And win the Fat Stock Show? All that intelligence just itching for a challenge! Now she’s running the estate! But now running Mrs. Hughe’s wedding…that’s another matter. She’s met her match there. We’ll find out in the next episode. how that all plays out…da, dah!
And what did Daisy have for breakfast before she went with the other servants and the family to the auction of their neighbor’s estate? Talk about speaking your mind! Sounded more like an American than an English servant in a great house. But I like her “chutzpah”.
Just do me a favor, Sir Fellowes, don’t show the wedding night of Carson and Mrs. Hughes as you did Bates and Anna. I can still hear Anna giggling like a school girl and it was off-putting.
But I love every last minute of every last episode!
In closing, didn’t Sir Fellowes promise or at least suggest a pre-quel many seasons ago?
All the vignettes within the whole are great little stories. Including the Drewes and Edith saga. Even the pigs..I perk up whenever Sir Robert shows up.. He’s intelligent, thoughtful, and charming, seems a very fair man, and looks great in hunting kit.
Moseley is a gem. I thought it was great to feature Daisy trying on her former teacher’s attitude otherwise known as the Bunting technique for amusing dinner conversation and Daisy actually learns from it which is far more than can be said for the forward and obnoxious Ms. Bunting. As for the hospital argument, we can see a case for each side. Dr,Clarkson’s exasperation mirrors the viewer’s. I hope it turns out that Isobel gets off her high horse and marries Lord Merton. I think those two are particularly wonderful together.
The developing couples are a joy to watch, especially Moseley and Baxter and Moseley’s fatherly interest in Daisy. Our footman is finally coming into his own.
So right – Baxter has really gotten to me with her gentle and kind manner. She and “poor” Molesley would be a wonderful couple. Love the way his character has evolved.
The best part of the episode was Mary’s beautiful crocheted top in the first scene. I thought mostly about that the whole episode. Your review is the best part of the whole season. You are so funny. Love your pins on Pinterest by the way!
I have read some of your comments above. There is a passion for the Victorian / Edwardian country house and style of living it seesm, alive and well.. If ever anybody comes over here and wants to visit a place such as Downton, here are a few suggestions. Polesden Lacy, in Surrey near Dorking is a must. It is owned and run by the National Trust. They tend to try and provide an authentic experience and a head butler will meet you at the door. Polesden Lacy was where diplomats and politicians would meet for weekends in their off duty moments.Leeds Castle (not in Leeds) in Sussex, is a medieval castle that was adapted by the family through many generations. What is now encased within its ancient walls is an Edwardian Country House that people from the arsitocracy held country weekend parties a.Often the odd “American, ” film star would be invited along such as Douglas Fairbanks Junior. The interior is exactly as it was in Edwardian times. So, is a bit of time travelling on the cards?
And Tony, if my memory is correct, portions of Warwick Castle were updated to the Edwardian era…has that changed at all? It’s been years since I’ve been there but I remember the whole Edwardian theme inside the newer portion of the structure.
I’m an optimist. I am pretty sure that the Drewes will be aided by Lord Grantham to find a new farm (very likely the one from which Mr. Moss is being evicted (close enough to make the move relatively easy and far enough away for inadvertent contact between Mrs. Drewes and Marigold to be unlikely. Personally, as a mother and grandmother, I still find this woman’s sentimental attachment to this child somewhat bizarre. She does have her own young biological children. Marigold is just a toddler, more like a pet at this stage of life, so the attachment seems more about Mrs. Drewes emotional need for unconditional love, not love that wants the best for the beloved child.
Just a thought, Lady O. Have you taken your online name from Lady Otteline Morrell who owned Garsington Manor? The Bloomsbury Group with Virginia Wolf used to attend weekend parties there. Also David Herbert Lawrence would turn up. It is said he had an affair with lady O and used her as inspiration for hisnovel Lady Chatterly’s Lover. Just a thought Lady O. We must be careful when we choose online names. Ha! ha!
Hello generalgtony. Heavens! I had no idea. THANK YOU. I must look this up.
It so happens that D H Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover is one of my favorite books. I’ve returned to it several times at different stages of my life.
However, you are right to point out that taking online names requires care.
I was thinking of an old song ladyoladyoladyo or something like that. In addition, if you remember, you had suggested some videos regarding the learning of a Yorkshire accent. Lo, a year or more later, I stumbled on a magnificent BBC 1998 series for Thomas Hardy’s Far From The Madding Crowd; a remarkable film (series) of a very beautiful story. I was absolutely astounded at the quality of the cast as many of the most interesting charactersI presumably spoke with a true Yorkshire accent! As for my online name, I am given pause to reconsider. There’s also a book called “O” which I haven’t read but I get the gist. Anyway, thanks for pointing this out or rather, calling me on it. I ignored a slight hesitation to pick another letter in the alphabet.
Keep the Lady O. It’s a bit of fun and adds all those facets and possibilities.
All the best,
Tony
Well, I’ve tried LadyOlivia and now LadyL. If you’re sure…haaa! will return to LadyO.
I’d like to comment on Bates and Anna. They are not being given their due. Theirs is a pivotal relationship that means much to Downton Abbey’s telling. Lets consider the trauma both have been through in life. Believe it or not, some people really do live through such prolonged suffering as a result of horrible events for which they have had no control over. One applauds their courage and strength to endure, to get through it, as many marriages might not survive such trauma. I doubt Anna would have come through as admirably as she has without Bates. I think their story, so far, has been handled with the greatest delicacy and sensitivity..All the more joyous a celebration at their having overcome such an ominous and truly frightening situation in being made suspects, or at least Anna, in the death of Mr. Green. I LOVED episode 2’s follow up with them. I thought Bates noble attempt to comfort Anna at just the moment it was needed, by offering her such loving support and encouragement about not having to cry alone, was very moving.
We live for these moments and we are happy for them. Champagne, anyone?.
I will make this comment in reply to your eloquent statement, although I could have made it in several instances.One reason why I write tongue in cheek recaps is to elicit comments from readers. I love it when readers disagree with my POV, like you and Ellen. Thank you for stating what you think and feel. BTW, I love their relationship, which is why I dislike their story arcs, which have been so repetitively negative.
What a nice testimony to their relationship! Although their sadness does get bit repetitive, I agree that their courage and strength are pretty amazing. And I love the champagne party – really showing that the barriers between upstairs and down are starting to fall away.
Mary, I agree that that crocheted top is the best part of the episode! Thanks very much for the recap. I love all your posts and have spent many happy hours reading them – thank you! http://theroyalpost.com
I was under the impression that the purpose of ironing a newspaper was to fix or set the ink so that it wouldn’t come off on the reader’s hands. To smooth the folds does’t make a lot of sense as after it’s ironed it’s re-folded before being delievered to the breadfast trays. Is this not true?
It is. Still fun to make fun of the practice….
Well, here’s to the next episode and the “after party” with Vic & Friends!!!!