Caution: Spoiler Alert. Do not proceed if you have not seen this episode. The earl feels better but he is bored. He wants to visit London and see Henry Talbot in a motor race, having been invited along with the family to Brooklands.
Racing is part of who Henry is, Mary realizes. She will have to go, despite her misgivings. Could she live happily ever after with someone of such low stature?
The two elder Crawleys wonder about that too. Cora does not think that a professional driver would make her oldest daughter happy. The earl wonder at her attraction to him. “Isn’t Mary too sensible?” he asks, forgetting that he’s had the hots for is common born (albeit filthy rich) wife these 30 years.
A Curious Wedding Invitation
Meanwhile, at the dowager cottage, Violet and Isobel discuss an invitation that Isobel received to Larry Gray’s wedding.
Violet. Photo: Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2016 for Masterpiece
“Why would you want to be there and subject you to more insults?” asks Violet.
“But who would invite me…?” asks a perplexed Isobel.
“I’d say this is the work of Miss Cruikshank. Why don’t I pay a call to her and wink out the truth!”
When Violet talks to that young lady, she sees through her in a trice. Miss Cruikshank, it turns out, wants to fob Dickie off on Isobel, who would act as an adult day care provider for an ailing man.
Lady Violet, tired of losing her battles over the hospital, has a trip planned to the south of France, unbeknownst to her family. She gives Isobel a letter to give to her son after she is gone. “How will he know to get in touch with you?” asks her bewildered friend.
“Through Tom. He is sensible,” says Violet, confident that Sybil’s very capable husband can find her in case of an emergency.
Elsie and Charlie Prepare a Nice meal
Charlie has asked Elsie to make dinner for him on their free day when the Crawleys are all in London, and so she enlists Mrs. Patmore for help.
“Does he appreciate all you do?” Daisy says, listening in.
“Does any man?” Elsie says testily.
Mrs. Patmore, wise sage that she is, has come up with a brilliant idea and schools Elsie on how to teach Charlie a lesson.
When meal preparation time approaches, Elsie has seemingly injured her hand. A thick bandage prevents her from performing normal kitchen duties, or so she says.
Charlie is not at all pleased. “How did you come to do it?” he asks, carrying a large basket laden with food.
“I must have stumbled,” she lies. “I can’t cook! Not like this. You will have to help me.”
Since Charlie’s blood sugar drops precipitously when he’s had nothing to eat, he willingly takes on the cook’s role, as well as the role of scullery maid, footman, and butler.
Elsie guides her man though the process of making a meal, step by painful step.
“Fetch the stove wood. Prep the stove. Get the chicken in the oven, wash your hands, peel the potatoes, wash your hands, prepare the apple crumble, set the table, churn the butter, wash your hands, make the sauce, check the chicken, stir the sauce, boil the potatoes, bake the crumble, thicken the sauce, heat the plates, open the wine, pour the wine, throw out the burnt sauce and make new sauce, get more wood for the stove. Oooooooooooh! Watch the chicken! Watch the potatoes!”
Three hours later, Charlie serves burnt potatoes, forgets the apple crumble, and burns his fingers. He feels a tingling in his left arm, then falls asleep at the table with nary a bite to eat. When he wakes from his stupor, Elsie asks him to soak the dishes for the time being.
“You don’t have to wash up until the morning,” she says magnanimously.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. How many of us, gentle readers, have wondered if upper level management ever truly understood the pressures their honey bee workers are under? I believe that with Mrs. P’s sage advice, Elsie has helped Charlie to discover a new respect for cook, maid, and bottle washer. I doubt he’ll give her much trouble in the future regarding nitpicky details after requesting a quiet meal in his cottage for two.
A Day at the Races
The Crawleys arrive in London for the motor races. Edith visits the staff at her magazine. Her new co-editor, Laura, a pretty woman Edith’s age, is excited about a new column submitted by a Miss Cassandra Jones. “It’s quite amusing,” she says. “We should give her a try.” Edith invites Laura to join them at Brooklands the following day.
Dinner at Aunt Rosamund’s house is not boring, especially when Henry Talbot drops in on dinner uninvited. Lady Mary finds his moves a bit obvious – which does not deter her attraction to him a bit.
Image: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films, 2016 for Masterpiece
At Brooklands, the Crawleys are enjoying the races and refreshments immensely. Laura, Edith’s co-editor, has caught Tom’s eye, and even Lady Mary is caught up with the excitement of watching a group of cars race past them in a blur. But the race seems endless.
“When will it be over?” she asks, as do the viewers, who are accustomed to better music and faster speeds.
Image, Nick Briggs/Carnival Film, 2016 for Masterpiece
Round and round the cars go. Round and round. And then…..a CRASH. A plume of oily smoke rises up. And then, horror.
Henry and all the bystanders rush to the accident at the opposite side of the track. Mary fights her terror, until she discovers that Charlie Rogers has died, not Henry. She feels relief, anger, and fear at the same time. While she wants to support Henry, she is unable to. Her emotions are too raw and the accident reminds her too much of the loss and grief she experienced over Mathew’s death.
During dinner at Aunt Rosamund’s, the earl, Cora, — everyone — is deathly quiet and agree that it was a bloody awful business. A short while later, Henry rings up Mary, who breaks up with him when he is at his most vulnerable. She gives him the awful news over the phone, which is akin to breaking up via text message these days.
“I need you,” he tells her.
She realizes they are not meant to be together. “Give me up,” she tells him. “I wish you nothing but good.”
Mary is sure of her decision. Tom, after learning what she has done, reminds her that being hurt is part of being alive.
A Fine Romance
Meanwhile, Edith snuggles with Bertie’s on the sofa, discussing the sad events. She has never felt so comfortable with someone, and he feels strangely happy, even on a day like this.
Edith and Bertie. Nick Briggs/Carnival Film, 2016 for Masterpiece
“Is it wrong?” he asks.
“No. Today has been sad and wretched and having you here has helped me, that’s all.”
“I want to marry you,” he says, unexpectedly.
“Oh.” Edith is thrilled and delighted, and rather surprised about his proposal. “I’m not the sort of girl that men are mad about.”
“I don’t have much to offer … a penniless land agent,” he counters.
“Would you like me to bring marigold with me?” Edith ventures.
“Marigold? Your family’s ward?”
“You see, I’m much fonder of her than anyone else and I’d hate to leave her behind”.
“Of course. We’ll have children of our own.”
She tells him that she will have to think about his proposal.
“Kiss me and I promise I won’t keep you waiting too long,” she says.
And so Edith has skirted the topic of Marigold’s being her daughter once again. (Cue ominous music, please.)
Bed and Breakfast, Beryl Patmore Style
Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast is coming along nicely. She has attracted her first customers, a doctor and his wife. Along with a lovely breakfast and two guest rooms, her cottage offers an indoor privy.
While Mrs. P. works at the main house, her niece, Lucy, will see to the guest house. Beryl’s goal is to have a reputation for good service and good food. In her mind, she could not have started out better as an innkeeper, even if she tried.
Mrs. Patmore ambushed. Image by Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for Masterpiece
But the paying customers turn out to be a pair of skanks having an affair. The doctor is a mere mister and his so-called missus is another man’s missus. A photographer catches them out and the resulting publicity creates a local scandal.
In no time, Beryl’s pretty little rose covered cottage is regarded as a house of ill repute and she is gaining a reputation as the inn keeper of a tawdry bawdy house. Poor Beryl. In this instance, she can’t win for trying.
The Egyptian Connection
The Crawleys return from London downcast. They are greeted by Isobel, who hands over a letter to the earl from Violet, which tells him that his momma needed a change of air and that she’ll be traveling all over the Mediterranean. As a gesture of love, she has arranged a present for him, which Mr. Sprat has delivered.
His lordship must go below stairs, which all seems very rum to him.
“Her ladyship was most particular, my lord,” says Sprat, undeterred. “She chose the present herself.”
Robert sees the puppy
The moment Robert sets eyes on the yellow lab puppy, his demeanor changes.
“Ohhhhh, hello little one!” he exclaims, hugging the puppy.
He calls her Tiaa, in the grand tradition of naming all his dogs after famous Egyptians – Pharaoh, Isis, and now Tiaa (pronounced Teo.) Or, as the confusing matter stands, Tio or Tiy, another wife of Amenhotep III.
What a sweet ending to a rather sad episode. What say you, gentle readers? Can you believe we have only 2 episodes to go?
Jane Austen's World 
Robert rattled off the names of pharaohs and their wives, trippingly on the tongue, as a little nod to a previous Earl of Carnarvon of Highclere, who sponsored the expedition which discovered the tomb of King Tut. At least, I assume that’s what the idea was.
Thanks–a crucial and fascinating bit of information about Highclere and the Earl of Carnarvon.
I assume that too, Pat, and it’s about high time. Highclere Castle boasts an Egyptian exhibit because of its close connection to the Earl of Carnarvon. I forgot that the earl’s first dog’s name was Pharaoh, but I always assumed that the name of Isis was that tenuous real life connection. Too bad that beautiful pooch was retired because of the awful current events on the world’s stage.
And … I now need a puppy. I feel kinda sorry for Henry. I guess asking for Mary to meet a guy as amazing as Matthew or for Matthew to come back to life in two episodes is too much …..
Yes, Matthew was a one of a kind hero. I think that if he had not been a part of the first four seasons, Downton Abbey might not have enjoyed the enormous success that came its way. The chemistry was there, from the writing, to the scenery, to the perfect casting of that first group of actors.
Mary was lucky. Sybil was lucky. I frankly think it’s too soon for both Tom and Mary to find love again, but the writers were pressured to find Mary a new husband. Thankfully, it wasn’t one of the two suitors from last season.
I love Tom … but then I love anything Irish, so yeah. :)
Vic, you must have seen the uncut version because tonight there was someone taking notes outside the b and b but we didn’t see a photographer, and resulting scandal. Others commented last week that there was very little chemistry between Lady Mary and Henry. This week besides the weepy scenes and resulting lines there seemed even less. Surely casting could have come up with an actor that Mary liked better. The new puppy is a great new cast member. Most country houses have more than one dog in the house, and hounds outside that only made a couple of guest appearances in this series. Without horses and plenty of dogs it isn’t an authentic country home even in the 30’s. Of course the real home was the scene of intense Thoroughbred breeding
You must have missed the scene after dinner when Henry and Mary sought rescue from the rain and he kissed her. If I’m not mistaken that was a lady-like groan emitting from Lady Mary as he kissed her. In my journal, that’s chemistry. Then at the race, in his boyish and yet manly way, he kissed her before he raced. Uh! I think they call that chemistry.
I thought it was very fake. The actors are lacking congruency. As mentioned before, Henry never says anything interesting or shows any charm. He’s upstaged every time by Tom.
Patty, I recommend immersion therapy. You, alone, the sole female, in a room of say, about 100 tall extremely good looking gentlemen. After a few months of this, we can then discuss what’s fake and what isn’t.
We have just witnessed Lady Mary losing it..at long last. She’s released from that icy if safe prison of hers. At the end of this episode, you could spread her on toast. As with most of the rest of us. Henry is the strong silent type. I’m sure they’ll have plenty to talk about in the unfolding of time. He’s devastating. And Lady Mary’s groan with that kiss pretty much confirms it. MAJOR chemistry. Lady Mary didn’t seem to object to a second kiss in front of everyone at the race track, did she? .They’re a perfect match.
By losing it, I mean Mary’s carefully constructed and maintained mask that she shows the world has begun to crumble She is (we hope) opening herself up to love again. This would have nothing to do with being crazy or speaking cockney all of sudden. Nice try on that, Patty!.
A couple of things, Patty. I read an article earlier this year in which the producers were aware that English country houses kept packs of dogs. One problem that the Downton crew encountered was how to maintain a tight filming schedule while working with a group of dog actors. This is hard and very time consuming, since the dogs’ behavior, no matter how well trained, was not predictable. In one instance, the hunt in Season 1, which was staged and rehearsed, several hounds went off track when they saw an actual fox. So the producers compromised, giving the earl one dog who would represent “a pack.”
Also, there is a Tom faction and Henry faction out in Downton Abbey fandom land. Actor Matthew Goode, who plays Henry, has established quite a leading man reputation. I found his decision to leave The Good Wife sad, for he had such good chemistry with Juliana Margulies. This chemistry took a while to build, however, but by the time the two became a couple, their scenes were hot.
In this instance, Mary is deliberately cold (well, she is always), and Matthew Goode, IMO, carries all the weight in the romantic scenes. I think of Tom and Mary as a fond brother and sister, and would hate to see Mary usurp Sybill in Tom’s affection. If they did bond as lovers, she would, hypothetically, have a longer time in her relationship with Tom than Sybill had. Unfair! Plus, Tom has shown that he feels more comfortable with people of his own class when it comes to intimacy. Sybill was the one exception.
I’m curious to know how others weigh in on the Tom vs Henry vs Mary debate.
Its clear to me that Tom is a wonderful, loving brother-in-law to Mary.and Mary is a wonderful sis-in-law to Tom. Tom knows more about what’s going on with Lady Mary than Lady Mary does.Thankfully, she took Henry’s call because Tom was there to support her and then again to help her see that she was not thinking clearly and “in a black mist.” which she was.What a moment on the phone that was between Henry and Mary.
Who of Mary’s suitors but Henry would have dared give her that kiss at
Brooklands? Or would have allowed her to see him in such a vulnerable state after the loss of his good friend? Its interesting that his character is a race car driver. Race car drivers are about split second timing. Choices that must be made without hesitation, the consequences of which can be the difference between life and death. He’s intuitive as well as technically skilled. Henry also happens to be a perfect gentleman. He’s clearly liked..Perhaps both are being transformed;from a kind of self-protective coldness and are, despite themselves, coming to grips with something much bigger than either of them. You couldn’t have dreamed up a better match for Mary than Henry. .
Vic, I’m sure you’re right about the packs of dogs being too difficult to handle. That wouldn’t be the case with horses with a groom occasionally showing up at the front door for recreational riding. Nothing would be more natural but Brit TV has very few dramas with that feature. It’s only in books. As to Tom, I never meant him as romantic possibility for Mary but just as contrast, he has a more compelling personality than Henry’s. Lady L and others seem gaga over Henry. As an audience member, I’m not smitten and don’t feel that Mary is either. When she loses it, she’ll lapse into cockney and swoon over the right actor.
Appreciating good acting is not the same as being ‘gaga’ I’m nobody’s fan. Its about accessing what is compelling about the characters. I’m enthusiastic.
I love good storytelling as I’m sure you do. We just have a difference of opinion regarding Henry. Tom and Henry have many similarities, if different personalities, and are equally at home with one another and with themselves, with less artifice and formality, which is refreshing. I’m sure this is intentional as we see the entire Crawley family adjust to a new way of being and living. Opinions change and adjust. Even improve with the times being lived in. There’s been a kind of symbiosis. Tom has brought much to Downton and becoming part of the family has made him a better man. It works both ways. DA is like a multi-faceted diamond and what we are seeing is love in all its variety and stages. We won’t know what really happens until next Sunday but we’re definitely interested.
I think Bertie knows Marigold is Lady Edith’s daughter.
I will be super disappointed if Tom and Mary end up together. I even have a hard time swallowing their close brother/sister relationship. We all think Tom is tops (I do!) but given Marys cold personality and sense of position, it seems to me she would still think of him as the chauffuer who married up. And accepts him mostly because of the the tremendous help is to her in the running of the estate.
And Vic, don’t forget the badly behaved Labrador/actress who played Isis in season 1 – Hugh Bonneville said she was very difficult to have on set. Even worse, Lady Caernarvon said she couldn’t get along with any of the family dogs. Dogs and kids – very difficult to predict how they will behave.
As much as I would root for Tom and Mary – because often friends turn into lovers without any planning – I think Henry will be the man of the hour in the end. I love Matthew Goode and think he is a fine actor and agree that the romance right now is all up to him. Michelle Dockery has put new meaning into cold and cautious with her character and I greatly admire how very believable she is. But that shell of Mary’s is starting to crack – she’s older and wanting something more in her life than just the estate. First she has to get past the past and come to terms with Henry’s profession – which could change in the future because he has been deeply affected by his friends death. When she deals with that – Matthew’s death in car crash – she’ll be ready for Henry to return.
I thought it was Tio (pronounced Tee-o). The term “winkle” is charming, isn’t it?
As in “winkling it out of her.” The real worry is how Henry and Mary are going to work things out (no doubt passionately) in only two more episodes! I loved the ending (what a fabulous gift for our beloved Sir Robert) as doggies are fantastic healers, and the moment with Mary on the phone with Henry. Wow. Talk about love. Hot hot hot. Thank goodness for Tom–he brought tears. More healing. Loved the juxtaposition of both the adrenalin spiked car racing scene with the quiet, simple, picnic on the school grounds. Andy’s confession about not being able to read and the low opinion of himself was touchingly reflected in Thomas’ face. Empathy–I was so glad Thomas was there. An exciting and compelling episode! Loved it. Amazing. We have absolutely nothing like this here in the states. And, boy, do we need it.
Totally agree, LadyL – whatever will we do when Downton is gone? I can’t think of anything that even comes close.
Lady L, The name Tiaa is pronounced Teo. I made the mistake at first of writing it down that way. Then I decided to do some spell checking. Here’s what I found:
Tiaa or Tia’a was an Ancient Egyptian queen during the eighteenth dynasty of Egypt. She was the wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep II and the mother of Thutmose IV.
I decided Tiaa was easier to spell than Tia’a. :)
Ah ha. Thank you for clarifying, Vic. I wasn’t as thorough. I’m going to be re-watching this episode and was planning on catching the reference so I could better research it.. Interesting pronunciation given the spelling.
Consequence of having a posh British accent? We Americans would probably emphasize the “a” ending in Tia’a.
I’m going to complicate matters. A Wallstreet Journal review calls the dog Tio. And Tiy is another one of Amenhotep’s III wives. So which is it? Tiaa, Tiy, or Tio?
I’d call this way more than a one hankie episode. Matthew Goode’s scene after Charley’s death was moving and poignant. (What a fine actor he is!) First hankie, please. Molesley’s good news and invitation to teach was wonderful…and to think we used to call him “poor Molesley”. Hankie no. 2. Then, as LadyL said above, Tom’s touching words with Mary – he just gets sweeter as time passes. Another hankie, please. Then just when I’d pulled myself together – and couldn’t figure out what gift from Granny would send everyone down to the Servant’s Hall, damn!! I needed another hankie. I guess I suspected a new puppy would show up eventually but this was the best ending to a pretty emotional episode.
Love the hankies. What a great way to describe this episode. Brava.
In complete agreement with you about Matthew Goode’s performance in tonight’s episode. This gives us a look at Henry’s depth and cinched it for me that Mary and he should be together. Next week should reveal if they are reunited.
The puppy got the biggest “AHHHHHH” from me. And did you hear Robert talking “puppy” talk to baby Tio as he carried him upstairs!!!!
Yes, Robert is mush in the hands of dogs and grandchildren. That scene would have been even better if the children had been there with him, shrieking with excitement. And I’m with you – Matthew Goode is my heartthrob of the hour
Mathew Goode is killing it as Henry. He’s absolutely weak knee material as the romantic lead. Oh boy. Mary’s terrified and on the run but its way too late–she’s been in love with Henry from the start.
I almost cried over Mary’s breakup with Henry over the phone. I could feel their mutual pain. All this tragedy and still there’s love in the air for Edith and Bernie. What a romantic scene that was: Bernie with his arm around Edith with the warm fire in the background. And did Lord Crantham tell his sister to “shut up” at the dining table? Now that is real brother and sister stuff!
Only two more episodes. Let’s savor them. Not since Upstairs/Downstairs, Duchess of Duke Street, or the original Poldark, has Masterpiece Theater brought forth a such a British program like Downton Abbey. While these “masterpieces” have all ended (two weeks for DA) they are still available for us to watch from the archives of PBS or Amazon.com. That is my consolation. And the hope that Sir Fellowes has another winner in the upcoming Gilded Age.
Many thanks to you, Vic, for making this last season of Downton Abbey even more enjoyable by continuing to share your “tongue-in-cheek” reviews with us fellow DA followers.
Thank you! Poldark is returning soon, which should be some consolation!
Gosh, Vic – you could find a new calling critiquing Poldark after DA is over. :-)
Did you see an unabridged episode? I didn’t see any fallout from Mrs P’s guest, only a hint of things to come in next week’s previews.
I do believe that adorable pup is a yellow Labrador retriever, not a golden retriever.
Thank you. Shall change the retriever category. I must have seen the longer version, since I depended on a friend across the seas to send me copies, since I begin my reviews 6 weeks or more ahead of time. I apologize for the spoiler.
Poor Edith once again. Mary’s love interest always trump Edith’s accomplishments.
Edith has successfully reorganized a Magazine Publication and brought a real treasure of a Suitor into her life.
But alas, I sense another loss for Lady Edith. Does anyone suspect that straight forward Bernie will not accept the Marigold is my ward charade?
Lastly, I suggest another hankie moment for all the rebuttals Mr. Barrows endured. Where he will come is the biggest mystery in my mind.
I picked up the same vibes in the Edith, Bertie, Marigold scenario. I sure hope Bertie is going to be open minded. I hope we never have to say “poor Edith” again!
Correct to where Mr. Barrows will land
Highclere still has Egyptian items from the fifth Earl of Carnarvon (who married the illegitimate daughter of Alfred decRothschild) , and 93 years ago tomorrow, his expedition opened King Tut’s tomb. His wife is an interesting story in her own right. The current Countess has written a biography of her predecessor.
Love these post-episode wrap-ups! In response to a comment, you mentioned that you have an overseas friend who sends you “copies” ahead of the U.S. viewing schedule. Do you know where one might purchase the U.K. DVD versions that would still work in a U.S. DVD player? I’d love to buy the whole series, but would rather have the U.K. versions – even though the difference is only a few minutes per episode…
If you have an Amazon prime subscription, you can purchase streaming copies of the British version two weeks after they are shown in the UK. Look for Downton Abbey ($19.99) UK edition. English is not my first language. When I write copies, I mean disks. You wouldn’t believe how many times I still edit my posts. I just found out about Amazon’s sales from a friend. Nice to know, since I want to see the UK version for Poldark. :)
Hopefully I’ll get to see the British version someday. They cut out the scandal and I didn’t hear the part where Moseley was offered a job.
Lilibetp, the UK versions are longer. I wonder if those scenes will be incorporated next week.
Excellent point. Could very well be.
So glad Mrs. Hughes finally got one over on Mr. Carson. I hope he has learned his well deserved lesson. To me, Mr. Carson has been almost unlikeable this season.
I totally agree, Carson the Curmudgeon this Season. I am disappointed that Mr. Fellows failed to allow Mrs. Hughes a longer “honeymoon” experience.
I sincerely hope Mr. Carson’s cooking struggles softens his ways with his wife.
Regarding his curt remarks to Mr. Barrows, perhaps there will be a surprise turn of events that will open Carson’s heart.
Lets hope its not a heart attack thanks to Hughes and Patmore’s shenanigans.
As a previous poster wrote, I also saw the hiding photographer but nothing came of it.
Wow, two episodes left! On a programming note, Alastair Bruce will be hosting “More Manners of Downton Abbey” on Feb. 28th (Yes, on the same night as the Oscars) The 9th and final episode of “Downton” is on March 6th.
I’m in, I’d much prefer Alastair Bruce (so charming and so knowledgeable its mind blowing) to parading naked caterwauling pop “singers” and so-called actresses doing gawdy impressions of The Emperor’s New Clothes.The Oscars has turned into some sort of Hooker convention and fashion industry plug. And those learing Hollywood men, gad. Awful. I’ve noted the date and time for More Manners of Downton Abbey–thank you.
I’m with you – Hooker Convention is a great description! I love Alistair Bruce and am looking forward to the second edition of Manners – I saw it listed in my PBS station’s schedule guide a couple of weeks ago. Yeah!!
I am intrigued by Barrow’s plight. Over the years. in spite of his mean nature, he has shown streaks of kindness. Now, even though he is trying to help Alfred, and playing with the children, he is constantly being put down, especially by Mr. Carson. I am actually feeling sorry for him and fear that something bad is going to happen.I don’t want to speculate. It would be too sad. When he was seen crying last week, I was very moved.
And by the way, of all the characters, I’m most like Lady Mary.
I did see the teaching offer to Moseley near the end of the episode, but no mention of scandal for Mrs. Patmore’s guesthouse, except the lurking man, scribbling notes.
By coincidence, someone showed me a picture of a four month old red fox labrador and it is exactly the one, the same color, as Teo. The red fox lab is supposed to be a rare breed. ??? But that’s the pup. Not a yellow lab.
I thought that midnight blue dress Lady Mary wore at dinner after the terrible events of the day at the race track, was a stunner. Really beautiful. The thing that’s so remarkable about the costumes in DA is the fact that they never overpower their wearers but instead enhance the characters at every turn. Even the downstairs crowd. Edith’s flowing amber gold dress was a knockout.
That is, Edith’s flowing amber gold exquisitely beaded dress.
Oops Teo is a yellow lab.
Oops again. Those appear to be sequins or paillettes rather than beading on Edith’s gold dress.
“Poor” Edith made her own bed when she deliberately wrote that letter to Pamuk’s family. While it may have been under the guise of truth telling, Edith’s motivation and intention was to harm Mary. This puts Edith in a different category. Its been a very slow process of forgiveness or a kind of acceptance perhaps, but these are two very different people. Its not in Mary’s DNA to behave as Edith had. Both sisters have matured very well in their own way..
There was a missed opportunity regarding Edith reaching out to Mary at Rosamund’s dinner after the tragic accident. There sits Mary, alone and deeply troubled. So it was particularly wonderful that Henry’s call arrived just at the right moment and the sweet and consoling and wise Tom was there to give her the news and to encourage Mary to speak to Henry. Wouldn’t we all love to have a brother like Tom?
I’d adopt the man in a heartbeat. Of all the characters his development as a person and as an actor has been the most effective. I love what Allen Leach has done with Tom.
Agreed, Lynne. Allen Leach has really defined his character beautifully. He’s become such a wonderful member of the family. Kudos to Allen Leach
I couldn’t help but notice that Greek stone sphynx where Lady Mary takes her fated call from Henry, so I looked it up. The Greek sphynx is depicted as a woman; Mary’s heart was stone at that moment. Oedipus solved the sphynx’s riddle (if not, he would die–eaten by the sphynx) and is known as a threshold figure; helping effect the transition from old (thinking) to new. In mythology, if one solved the riddle, the sphynx died (the old way of thinking).
I’m counting the minutes….
The root word for sphynx means “to squeeze, to tighten up”…that pretty much describes Lady Mary during that phone call. You can see her tighten as Henry opens up to her.