Drafting Notes to Lord F-- Carson the Curmudgeon should be kicked off via heart attack. The straight footman gets to be the new butler but Mrs Hughes-Carson takes the real reins of control as Mary has made it clear to the lower minions. Mary, after a fling with a beautiful bubble-headed (and -butted) beau sees the light and marries Tom as he saves her from the sexy swain; he departs shabbily by hiring away Barrows to be 'his man'. Violet the violent tongued slowly dies over two episodes of cancer being treated at the newly reorganized hospital where she sees L. Grantham né American at her managerial best. Lord G becomes a recluse in his Library and declares he will organize his grandfather's papers on Egypt's 20th dynasty. The new dog, however seems to cheer him up but the old boy seems to be on the fade. Edith gets her Marquis and Marigold even after a letter from the Germans confirms Michael's demise. Mosley, offered Downton's top job opts for continuing to be a teacher and marries his charming if somber maid-friend. Mrs. Patmore makes merry with the good Sargent at her BnB though they do not marry--he's Catholic. Rose and Atticus get into the Jazz era young and restless set and are Briton's brightest of the 'Bright young Things'. "Attaboy" as he is known, becomes a political animal and comes to Tom a great deal for thoughts on liberal ideas.
1
Please, please, please, let there be a Downton movie or series that will show the cast of characters dealing with the storms (and changes) they are currently blissfully unaware are coming there way. What fun to see how each would react to WWII. Edith's magazine would become more important than ever. She would realize she does not have to cower before Bertie and his mother, forever "damaged goods". She would return to London, take the helm and raise Marigold. Bertie could admire her or not. Who cares! Mary will lose the estate, but Tom and Henry are going to make a fortune as the new entrepreneurs rising out of the war machine. Mary will help them run their business. Little George will proudly learn to be a top notch mechanic. Oh how much fun it would be to see them all changing with the times! I can't figure out how the downstairs staff will play into this new life. They will make lives of their own? That would be fun to see as well. I am only saying goodbye for now. I am confident they will be back.
A great six years, something interesting and classy to take our minds off the insanity of today's world for 1 hour a week.
My humble advice to Fellowes is, please don't save EVERYTHING to the last. I've seen the last episode and it is too full of resolutions to the point of being ridiculous.
Nobody mentions the poor departed Lavinia, whose money they have all been living on.
Will be sorry to see Downtown go, but probably best not to think about the WW ll years to come.
Will be sorry to see Downtown go, but probably best not to think about the WW ll years to come.
3
Not to mention the intervening Great Depression, only 3 years in the future at the end of the series...
I want to see Anna have her baby!!!
1
Now I get it!!! That wasn't Spratt's anarchist nephew hiding out in the shed-- it was Spratt's amenuensis or ghostwriter ---or bike messenger for his latest column for the London papers. See what is says in google-- "Ann Landers was the original pen name of Ruth CROWLEY in 1943."
Well, that's simply a misspelling of Crawley and now we can understand it as a typical move by Spratt as a sneaky social climber!
Well, that's simply a misspelling of Crawley and now we can understand it as a typical move by Spratt as a sneaky social climber!
1
Come on, Abbots! We're nearly at 1,000 comments... we can do it!
2
Michael Gregson will enter stage right. He has now manged to get his divorce and recover from his amnesia/ coma. He will sweep Edith off to London where they will become a publishing power house. Poor Marigold will finally have a last name and two doting parents. They will check in on her before they go out for dinner. She will be left as usual with nanny.
Second scenario: Bertie will return to marry Edith. He has convinced his Mama that since she has proven to be fertile and she can produce his heir and a spare. He does enjoy he company. He will hire Barrow as his "Butler". Still not sure about Marigold's last name. Barrow is quickly promoted to be Bertie's Valet.
Mary will appear in very fashion forward white coveralls. She can then hand her husband the appropriate wrench.She will not be amused by this for too long, so will move on.
Second scenario: Bertie will return to marry Edith. He has convinced his Mama that since she has proven to be fertile and she can produce his heir and a spare. He does enjoy he company. He will hire Barrow as his "Butler". Still not sure about Marigold's last name. Barrow is quickly promoted to be Bertie's Valet.
Mary will appear in very fashion forward white coveralls. She can then hand her husband the appropriate wrench.She will not be amused by this for too long, so will move on.
13
Late to the commentary here (just caught up last night) but I have been thinking about this and had to chime in. While I am not defending Mary at all, I have never been an Edith fan. As a couple commenters have noted (but some seem to have forgotten), Edith acted unforgivably in the first season, by ratting on Mary in a very damaging way (of course Mary has not been any better, just saying it wasn't only one way). Then many sad sack escapades -- she didn't really grow on me although the best parts were when she stepped up her game and took on more "modern" roles like learning to drive and then, of course, becoming an editor. Ditto for Mary, actually, becoming the agent. Wonder what will happen with that now?
Anyway, I'm guessing it will all be resolved happily ... looking forward to the wrap up column by Mr. Bayard!
Anyway, I'm guessing it will all be resolved happily ... looking forward to the wrap up column by Mr. Bayard!
4
Well, Abbots. I don't know about you, but I was VERY surprised at not seeing the Finale last Sunday...And here I was all ready with the hankies and Champagne!!
I mean, what cheek! at stringing us all along for another week!!!
Guess reruns will have to do until then...Anyway, get ready to place your bets!
I mean, what cheek! at stringing us all along for another week!!!
Guess reruns will have to do until then...Anyway, get ready to place your bets!
4
It's great to be catching up with what's being said about the final days of DA. The series has gotten much more interesting. I mainly want to see how it comes out and what others think about it. What a lot of interest here.
I watched the Downton Abbey Season 6 marathon yesterday and barely finished my weekend chores. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching the very handsome Mr. Talbot (Matthew Goode). As for the final episode prognostication, I think that Mary will bring Edith and Bertie together. Edith should get some long-lasting happy experience and one up on Mary, i.e., Marchioness of Hexham. As someone already commented, Bertie should have recognized her hesitation and tried to talk to her. I will not be satisfied until that marriage occurs.
6
Very upset the finale started at 7:30. No warning on last week's show and Comcast DVR did not pick up the time change.
PBS airs finale next Sunday. They showed all S6 in order this afternoon/evening.
2
Watching the whole sixth season (so far) on PBS today, Edith really did have Bertie's decision coming at her (regardless of his title or his mother). It doesn't excuse Mary's constant "wicked sister" routine, but Edith actively lied. On balance, Edith has been a pathetic decision maker since the start. She should actively embrace a life like her aunt, publish her magazine, raise her daughter (in London) and come to Downton from time to time.
3
Golly gumdrops, I enjoyed this recap!
5
I believe it will occur to our Bertie—
somewhere mid-flight half-way down the continent—
that “had he behaved in a more gentleman-like manner,”
he would have:
#1 Noticed that Edith was hesitant and concerned and oddly self-demeaning,
#2 Not pushed her into making a commitment before she was ready, and
#3 Asked her what was it? What was on her mind?
When he was talking about his worries for taking over as ‘Marchioness,’ he told her that he had a: “Sound moral conscience maybe, but what about the courage? Help me, please.”
And yet, it completely escaped him that she needed his help finding her own courage to speak up.
PS Doesn’t “Marchioness”
sound like he should be wearing
little white-tasseled boots and spinning a baton?
somewhere mid-flight half-way down the continent—
that “had he behaved in a more gentleman-like manner,”
he would have:
#1 Noticed that Edith was hesitant and concerned and oddly self-demeaning,
#2 Not pushed her into making a commitment before she was ready, and
#3 Asked her what was it? What was on her mind?
When he was talking about his worries for taking over as ‘Marchioness,’ he told her that he had a: “Sound moral conscience maybe, but what about the courage? Help me, please.”
And yet, it completely escaped him that she needed his help finding her own courage to speak up.
PS Doesn’t “Marchioness”
sound like he should be wearing
little white-tasseled boots and spinning a baton?
15
He wasn't going to be 'marchioness,' that would be his wife (like 'countess'). He is the marquess.
4
Most translators of Kleist render the name of his immortal novella as "The Marquise of O." for that very reason.
3
Am i the only one in America who longs to see Violet reunited w/ Prince Kuragin ? i have decided that Princess Irina does an Anna Karenina, throwing herself in front of a Paris Metro train, bec. life as a destitute emigree is impossibly bitter, and leaves Igor free to rush back to Downton to a life of love and leisure w/ the Dowager countess. so many other ideas pop into our heads as we discuss and dissect. this is the first time i have seen this site, and i'm hooked !
6
Hmmmm ... That could be one of the wonders worked in the finale. But he would have to keep his hair washed. He really is an oily fellow.
7
I think that was part of why she went to the south of france someone else said it to.
2
I will miss these hilarious round-ups as much as the show. Thank you, Louis Bayard!
11
Oh gumdrops, Mr. Bayard's round-ups are better than the show--much better.
Janice K - Mary's son, George, gets the estate upon reaching majority age. If Mary and Henry have a son (or daughter, if he fee tail is broken), Mary's scond child becomes second in line.
2
George inherits the title and the estate when his grandfather dies. You mean the entail. No, it will not be broken. Although legislation has been proposed in Parliament to allow for female succession of peerages, it has been brought to the floor for a vote. There are some peerages (Scottish peerages) that allow for female succession and others that have allowed succession to the daughters of the original peers. The first Duke of Marlborough had no surviving sons so the Letters Patent was changed to allow the succession to pass through the duke's surviving daughters and their male descendants. The recreation of the Duke of Fife allowed for the succession of his daughters and male descendants, as is the Mountbatten earldom. The first earl had only 2 daughters so a special remainder was added to the creation of the title to allow for his daughters to succeed and limited the succession to their male heirs. The present Countess is the 1st earl's daughter. Her sons and their male descendants can inherit but not her daughters or their descendants. Her sister and her sister's son are also heirs. The son has only daughters. So Lady Mary's children by Henry Talbot will have no rights to the title or the estate as George is heir through his late father, not his mother.
3
"So Lady Mary's children by Henry Talbot will have no rights to the title or the estate as George is heir through his late father, not his mother."
Only one show left to see that next-in-line heir, Violet's fabled chimney sweep from Solihull.
Only one show left to see that next-in-line heir, Violet's fabled chimney sweep from Solihull.
3
Marlene - when the original heir, Patrick, shows up and claims Edith, how will that affect your calculations?
6
I just wish the show would go on...it would be interesting to see how the family reacts to the crash of 1929, the Depression, and the "gathering storm" of the Nazis and WW II.
Maybe a movie/one-shot TV show, Mr. Fellowes?
Maybe a movie/one-shot TV show, Mr. Fellowes?
10
I agree, I would like to see what happens during the Depression, the London Blitz, and WWII. The writing and silly plotting on the show drive me crazy sometimes, but I do enjoy it so. I've grown very fond of the characters and the actors. Somehow, most of the actors manage to rise above the writing, which is one of the things that makes the show so good. Lady Mary can be pretty reprehensible, for example, but Michelle Dockery makes her sympathetic, at least to me (although I see from reading the comments that a number of the other Abbots may not feel this way).
There is talk of a movie. Google Downton Abbey movie -- maybe we'll get one!
There is talk of a movie. Google Downton Abbey movie -- maybe we'll get one!
9
That's what I wanted to see as well; and mentioned it a few times. Maybe we can hope for periodic 2-hour TV movie updates.
5
Lady Edith's suggestion that there would come a time when only she and Mary would be able to remember all these people and the happenings at the estate, brought a vision of these two, now elderly dames, flashing back on their lives beginning with that statement and then moving forward into the future that many of us wish The Baron would fashion for we Abbotts.
This episode showed Isobel talking to Lord Merton or the empty chair, asking him why should she want to go to Larry’s wedding, in light of his past insults concerning hers. This yields a couple of puzzled looks and eyebrow raises. What’s she doing with him? It appears Violet hadn’t seen her to tell her of her meeting with Miss C before she left for France. So next, we find Isobel confronting the saucy Miss, asking her if this (sudden gushy good will) isn’t just a bold farce. No smiles from Isobel throughout. Brave simpers from the Miss. (The young lady might be a force down at the Junior League, but she’s way over her head in this game.) Isobel goes on to override the “I speak for him” twat to advise that she required Larry to speak for himself. THAT is more like it. This tiresome drag-out can only be compensated by a High Noon type showdown. I’m sincerely hoping we will get one. Taking a page from Mary’s book, We Better!
6
Violet told Isabel about Miss C in the previous episode.
3
That conversation was about her planning to go. She did not tell Isobel what she was going to say. Isobel does not appear to know that Violet confronted the girl with the motive of wanting Isobel around to nurse Lord Merton in his old age so the girl would not have to - and more. If Isobel had known the details of that confrontation itself, I think she would have given Merton an earful on the subject. But Isobel held forth very well as it was.
4
Mindy Newell is right -- Violet told Isobel, after speaking to the divine Miss Cruickshank, that now she had to choose whether to abandon Lord Merton to his selfish and greedy relatives.
1
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Henry get the estate if Lady Mary dies?
Matthew and Mary's son, George, is the heir.
1
@ Janice
As far as I can tell the Estate still goes to Mary's son, George.
As far as I can tell the Estate still goes to Mary's son, George.
2
Mary's son, George gets it, upon majority age. Mary is something like a Queen Regent right now. If Mary and Henry have a male child,
2
A few thoughts:
Has anyone mentioned how GORGEOUS that black gown was that Mary was wearing? I. Want. That. Gown.
Why do commentors refer to the Crawleys by their title? As an American I will say either "Mary," or "Mrs. Crawley, but not "Lady Mary." It's not required of me, and I won't do it.
I'll never forget Edith's cruelty in the Pamluk issue. But she did look radiantly happy in the final scene, with the children.
Has anyone mentioned how GORGEOUS that black gown was that Mary was wearing? I. Want. That. Gown.
Why do commentors refer to the Crawleys by their title? As an American I will say either "Mary," or "Mrs. Crawley, but not "Lady Mary." It's not required of me, and I won't do it.
I'll never forget Edith's cruelty in the Pamluk issue. But she did look radiantly happy in the final scene, with the children.
4
Me, too!
2
Titles are used regardless of whether we are Americans are not. She is Lady Mary because she is the daughter of an earl. She is commoner as only peers of the realm and the sovereign are not commoners. The Duke of Cambridge ceased to be a legal commoner when his grandmother created him duke of Cambridge, as he is now peer. The title Prince or princess in the UK is by letters patent from the sovereign, and thus does not confer a separate status -- Lady Mary is not Mrs. Crawley. She's not American.
1
Well at least remember Mary's previous cruelty as well.
6
Speaking of Bertie Wooster, in one episode of "Jeeves and Wooster" (the early 90s Hugh Laurie/Stephen Fry series), they visit a friend's country house and, yes, it's the "Downton Abbey" manse!
3
Yes, as Totleigh Towers, and featuring the Odious Spode.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tgi8tejnKs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tgi8tejnKs
3
Checked that out - Wonder what the Crawleys would say if they came home to all those Fink-this, Skiffy, Binky and what nots around. Does anybody in that series have a straight name? Talk about comic relief.
2
This episode showed Isobel talking to Lord Merton or the empty chair, asking him why should she want to go to Larry’s wedding, in light of his insults, the worst she had ever received. LM’s patent vapidity (his excuse for his offspring – take after the bad wifie, you know) and his cluelessness place him as a non-starter in the personhood realm. What’s she doing with him?
Meanwhile, I was wondering, hasn’t Violet told her of her confrontation with the girl, and figured she hadn’t. That took place right before she left for France – clearing up that piece of business. They appeared not to have met after that.
So next, we find Isobel confronting the saucy Miss, asking her if this (sudden gushy good will) isn’t just a bold farce. No smiles from Isobel throughout. Brave simpers from the Miss. (The young lady might be a force down at the Junior League, but she’s way over her head in this game.) Isobel goes on to override the “I speak for him” twat to advise that she required Larry to speak for himself. THIS is more like it.
Nothing less than a High Noon showdown will compensate for this tiresome drag out. I’m sincerely hoping we will get one. Taking a page from Mary’s book, We Better! :-)
Meanwhile, I was wondering, hasn’t Violet told her of her confrontation with the girl, and figured she hadn’t. That took place right before she left for France – clearing up that piece of business. They appeared not to have met after that.
So next, we find Isobel confronting the saucy Miss, asking her if this (sudden gushy good will) isn’t just a bold farce. No smiles from Isobel throughout. Brave simpers from the Miss. (The young lady might be a force down at the Junior League, but she’s way over her head in this game.) Isobel goes on to override the “I speak for him” twat to advise that she required Larry to speak for himself. THIS is more like it.
Nothing less than a High Noon showdown will compensate for this tiresome drag out. I’m sincerely hoping we will get one. Taking a page from Mary’s book, We Better! :-)
Sorry about the repeats on this. During the delay in posting, I re-sent. Alas, they posted all of them with a host of others at the same time. Yikes.
3
Septimus as Miss Lonelyhearts was certainly an amusing surprise, but for one shining moment an even more stupdendously stupendous possibility had occurred to me: Violet!
5
@spenyc
Me too! -- But still must admit, Spratt is a natural!!!
Me too! -- But still must admit, Spratt is a natural!!!
3
Yes, granted!
Why hasn't anyone ever raised the fact that two brown-eyed daughters can't belong to two blue-eyed parents? Edith looks more like Lady Rosamund than anyone else and Mary doesn't look a bit like her father. Hm... maybe a series finale shocker?!
4
@Librarian
What??? -- Are you channeling Gregor Mendel?
What??? -- Are you channeling Gregor Mendel?
5
@NH Librarian, though I suspect a lot of us learned about the genetics of eye color through simple Punnett squares, the matter is in fact a lot more complex than that. While it's not highly likely that two blue-eyed parents would have two brown-eyed children, it's also not impossible. The NIH has a good website explaining this: ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/traits/eyecolor
2
Technically, this was the final episode. The US final ep is what is known as the Christmas special, seen three months after the final episode.
and finally.... for the season finale; a long awaited moment would be a reconciliation between Bertie & Lady Edith, orchestrated by non other than Sister Mary. (scripted in the competent hands of Lord Fellowes) This would at last, leave us w. faith in the plight of Sisterhood worldwide.
5
Upon reflection, I think Edith's "reconciliation" with Mary was quite amusing. She essentially said that Mary is an awful human being and it will take the death of all their friends and relatives, as well as a dose of senility, for them to be friends. Stated calmly and rationally, this speech shows that Edith is a capable of been pretty darn mean. Way to go Edie!
5
That is not at all what Edith said.
8
--You know I'm sorry.
--I assumed you would be fairly sorry unless you're actually insane.
--I'm not insane but I am sorry, I don't know why I did it. Not really.
--I've told you. Because you were unhappy so you wanted me to be unhappy, too. Now you're happy again, you'll be nicer... for a while.
--If that's what you feel, then why are you here?
--Because, in the end, you're my sister and one day, only we will remember Sybil... or Mama or Papa or Matthew or Michael or Granny or Carson or any of the others who have peopled our youth... until, at last, our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike.
--What do you think he'd have made of it? I went to his grave to tell him, which isn't like me.
--Matthew loved you and wanted you to be happy. I'm sure he'd be very, very pleased. In fact, I know he would. You look nice, by the way.
--Thank you.
--I assumed you would be fairly sorry unless you're actually insane.
--I'm not insane but I am sorry, I don't know why I did it. Not really.
--I've told you. Because you were unhappy so you wanted me to be unhappy, too. Now you're happy again, you'll be nicer... for a while.
--If that's what you feel, then why are you here?
--Because, in the end, you're my sister and one day, only we will remember Sybil... or Mama or Papa or Matthew or Michael or Granny or Carson or any of the others who have peopled our youth... until, at last, our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike.
--What do you think he'd have made of it? I went to his grave to tell him, which isn't like me.
--Matthew loved you and wanted you to be happy. I'm sure he'd be very, very pleased. In fact, I know he would. You look nice, by the way.
--Thank you.
5
I'm dismayed by all the comments about Bertie. Why should he have to be gay just because he's nice and gentlemanly? Title & $ aside, he's clearly the catch here. Competent (remember how he saved the day by taking charge of the open house?), a man who knows his own mind and makes decisions on moral grounds (his leaving Edith was all about trust, and unlike Edith his response was swift and clear), someone who understands the ins and outs of the hierarchical order but isn't above making coffee and fetching sandwiches when needed, but also savvy (his advice to Edith on the selection of magazine photos), and so on. Why isn't everyone (of both sexes)swooning over this character?
18
Oh, I am going to miss Downton, and you! I must read your books.
2
Remember, early on, Edith betrayed Mary by writing that note.
3
There is a good bit of discussion on that as you scroll further down. You may find the various comments interesting.
Oh, I have a strong inkling that Michael Grigson will return and he and Edith and Marigold will live happily ever after. Barrow will replace Molesley, Anna and Bates will have a healthy child and name her Violet after the dowager who may or may not pass away during the final episode. I still love Mary though I don't understand her pitiless persecution of her sister. I don't get that. Edith already sabotages herself enough, why add to it? Tom will marry the new female editor and employ Spratt on permanent staff on the publication. I'm going to be BEREFT when this show ends, and shall be re-watching my taped episodes for years to come.
7
*Gregson
1
I have always thought Gregson would return.
Nope, not a slow news day. My step-father's marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Devon earned a page one headline in The Daily Herald, then a nominally socialist rag, 'From Castle to Cottage'. A while ago...
4
I look forward to seeing Anna finally happy with a cute wee Baby Bates. My question is how long will this happiness last before Sargeant Willis appears to arrest the poor little nipper.
27
This has got to be one of the all-time best comments!
1
It's a comment that several others have made as well in previous recaps.
He's like an Alfred Hitchcock cop -- plodding but unstoppable.
Predictable predictions: Yes, the columnist had to be a man. And Barrow
was driven to suicide - now, Michael Grayson must re-appear; Tom and the editor find romance, Barrow is employed by the "Agents" in the newly restructured Downton Abby LLC., Baxter and Mr Mosley agree to marry, Anna's baby arrives, Mary is pregnant, and (hope this doesn't happen), Lord Grantham has a heart attack. Isobel marries no one.
was driven to suicide - now, Michael Grayson must re-appear; Tom and the editor find romance, Barrow is employed by the "Agents" in the newly restructured Downton Abby LLC., Baxter and Mr Mosley agree to marry, Anna's baby arrives, Mary is pregnant, and (hope this doesn't happen), Lord Grantham has a heart attack. Isobel marries no one.
1
What is this about anyway? -- Isobel and Lord Merton (groan)
He is such a cardboard cutout and so counter intuitive to Isobel’s stated priorities and value system. Is she subject to impression after all, or did he come along at the psychologically strategic moment?
When Dr. Clarkson made his addresses, it was definitely not the moment, as Matthew had just died, and she stated she was happy as she was. To me, he was much the more interesting and rounded person, and fit with Isobel’s interest in the work. From one of the recent hospital discussion settings, it was made clear that Isobel is still involved there.
Isobel, the staunch crusader appears to be gone, so who is she now? And what is going on with this? I have missed Isobel and Dr. Clarkson, for that matter. There is now a huge stretch for a reuniting there, or is that just the kind of thing Fellowes would like to do, cutting all this LM thread he has strung?
Will there be a High Noon showdown with Larry and company that will more than compensate for the boring continuance of this? Will there be a sudden occurrence or emergency in the Dr. Clarkson or other direction and, again, suddenly, the landscape changes? Or will Isobel chuck men altogether and go back to contentment as she was, or go in an entirely different direction?
It’s something I care about for Isobel’s sake particularly. Does anyone else?
He is such a cardboard cutout and so counter intuitive to Isobel’s stated priorities and value system. Is she subject to impression after all, or did he come along at the psychologically strategic moment?
When Dr. Clarkson made his addresses, it was definitely not the moment, as Matthew had just died, and she stated she was happy as she was. To me, he was much the more interesting and rounded person, and fit with Isobel’s interest in the work. From one of the recent hospital discussion settings, it was made clear that Isobel is still involved there.
Isobel, the staunch crusader appears to be gone, so who is she now? And what is going on with this? I have missed Isobel and Dr. Clarkson, for that matter. There is now a huge stretch for a reuniting there, or is that just the kind of thing Fellowes would like to do, cutting all this LM thread he has strung?
Will there be a High Noon showdown with Larry and company that will more than compensate for the boring continuance of this? Will there be a sudden occurrence or emergency in the Dr. Clarkson or other direction and, again, suddenly, the landscape changes? Or will Isobel chuck men altogether and go back to contentment as she was, or go in an entirely different direction?
It’s something I care about for Isobel’s sake particularly. Does anyone else?
8
I kept re-sending this because of the long posting delay. I can't believe they just shot all three of them through. Sorry!
2
@VL, I've never seen the goodness of fit in the "match" between Isobel and Lord Merton, and don't really understand what brought them together either. I agree with you about Isobel and Dr. Clarkson, and have long thought them particularly well-suited to each other in many aspects of their interests, values, and temperaments. Unfortunately, I don't feel like we've seen any hope of a reunion between the two of them for a long time (though presumably the potential was there, given that they've both continued to be involved with hospital work). With storylines evolving so hastily as the season concludes, I suppose anything's possible, but as much as I like Isobel and Dr. Clarkson together, I don't think it would be particularly satisfying to see them absurdly rushing together either just for the sake of tidily tying things up. We'll have to make do with our imaginations if Fellowes' decisions don't suit!
4
Celtic -- Actually, I'd take an absurd rush of I and DC together for any sake. Ha
4
Okay, now that I'm capable of Downton-related thoughts that don't consist of "Barroooowwwww!" -
1. I thought it was sweet to see Tom and Bertie putting on the Punch & Judy show. Showed a nice quality to Bertie (one of many) and I do hope we'll see him again in the finale.
2. I really like Tom, but my, he is meddlesome, isn't he?
3. I can't help but still find Mary and Henry's "romance" entirely contrived. It's as if two cold, stoic people with no chemistry* and little in common were pushed together by people telling them that they're in love for each other, perfect for each other, etc., until they up and agreed that there were no two ways about it, they had to be wed. Combined with the speed at which it all progressed, it just feels so forced! (*Tom and Henry had more chemistry in the car on the way to the wedding than Mary and Henry did at the wedding!)
4. Okay, this is Barrow-related, but I think with so many starting to find second careers outside of service, Baxter would have real potential as a nurse. She really was superb in Barrow's crisis. Calm, collected, decisive, tender, respectful, compassionate, capable all at once - and still composed afterwards. Wonderful!
5. Did the Dowager's advice to "make peace with yourself" seem sort of modern? I suppose it's as old as time, but seems to fit in with our modern constructs and ways. I agree with those who said it was good to see people hugging, though. That kind of support is invaluable. (Now someone go hug Barrow!)
1. I thought it was sweet to see Tom and Bertie putting on the Punch & Judy show. Showed a nice quality to Bertie (one of many) and I do hope we'll see him again in the finale.
2. I really like Tom, but my, he is meddlesome, isn't he?
3. I can't help but still find Mary and Henry's "romance" entirely contrived. It's as if two cold, stoic people with no chemistry* and little in common were pushed together by people telling them that they're in love for each other, perfect for each other, etc., until they up and agreed that there were no two ways about it, they had to be wed. Combined with the speed at which it all progressed, it just feels so forced! (*Tom and Henry had more chemistry in the car on the way to the wedding than Mary and Henry did at the wedding!)
4. Okay, this is Barrow-related, but I think with so many starting to find second careers outside of service, Baxter would have real potential as a nurse. She really was superb in Barrow's crisis. Calm, collected, decisive, tender, respectful, compassionate, capable all at once - and still composed afterwards. Wonderful!
5. Did the Dowager's advice to "make peace with yourself" seem sort of modern? I suppose it's as old as time, but seems to fit in with our modern constructs and ways. I agree with those who said it was good to see people hugging, though. That kind of support is invaluable. (Now someone go hug Barrow!)
9
Good review. Don't see Tom as meddlesome. That place needed his warmer Irish blood. He's really a part of the family now, and Mary has given him place to speak into her life. And we are SO glad he did.
2
Soooo male-centric. If Baxter can be a nurse, why not a doctor?
Flax - In the mid 1920s, the culture was male centric.
3
Was there any foreshadowing whatsoever of Spratt being a lonely hearts columnist? Even one scene of him furtively pecking at a typewriter?
What lazy, lazy sophomoric writing, outlining and character development (or lack thereof) this series has evidenced. Can't believe such sumptuous, costly production values were wasted on a writer/creator who has less ability to plot than the average commentor to these recaps, and no qualms about plagarism.
What lazy, lazy sophomoric writing, outlining and character development (or lack thereof) this series has evidenced. Can't believe such sumptuous, costly production values were wasted on a writer/creator who has less ability to plot than the average commentor to these recaps, and no qualms about plagarism.
7
I think Spratt had motive, means and opportunity.
He would know all about Edith and her magazine, he lives in a world of women and I think you have to assume that quite a lot of what appears in his column is straight from the lips of Violet anyway (who wouldn't want to read that?)
Perhaps I misremember, but when he is fussing his with his stamp collection was that meant to be a cover for his journalism?
So, I'm not saying that it is not without its problems as a piece of plotting but I think some of the difficulties are at least addressed.
He would know all about Edith and her magazine, he lives in a world of women and I think you have to assume that quite a lot of what appears in his column is straight from the lips of Violet anyway (who wouldn't want to read that?)
Perhaps I misremember, but when he is fussing his with his stamp collection was that meant to be a cover for his journalism?
So, I'm not saying that it is not without its problems as a piece of plotting but I think some of the difficulties are at least addressed.
2
Spratt could send in his "copy" handwritten. I'm sure that was common then, as typewriters were not yet household items.
Another element of that - Most seem to assume that because Edith's editor asked to see the writer in person, out of curiosity she said, that does not mean he will move to London. He mails in his submissions. Also, it is a part-time endeavor, supplemental income, though he may write for several places. His main job is butlering at this point, so those wanting to fit Barrow into that post may have to wait.
Another element of that - Most seem to assume that because Edith's editor asked to see the writer in person, out of curiosity she said, that does not mean he will move to London. He mails in his submissions. Also, it is a part-time endeavor, supplemental income, though he may write for several places. His main job is butlering at this point, so those wanting to fit Barrow into that post may have to wait.
4
I believe, in a prior episode, he was seen writing something at the kitchen table as Mrs. Denker was pleading with him to convince Violet not to fire her. I thought is was a nice, subtle foreshadowing of the reveal.
2
It's interesting to compare the way that Edith's bad choices (frequently stupid mistakes) are generally not mitigated by the family (e.g. Tom asks if he should help with Bertie, as opposed to being "pathologically meddlesome" with Mary's love life), with the way in which Mary's bad choices (generally cruel) are met with people standing in line to salvage the wreckage and hand a glorious 2nd chance back to her on a silver platter.
16
"Martha Stewart Grieving." Priceless.
14
Louis Bayard you are one funny writer!
11
Just as grief was a part of this episode, I am beginning to grieve the end of Downton Abbey. Our local PBS station is having a public showing of the last episode on the big screen. While I think that will be fun, I want to watch the last episode in solitude.
Some thoughts:
1) Barrow's suicide attempt had less blood than Lord Grantham's ulcer incident.
2) I'm thinking that Tom's need to "meddle" into Mary's love life was from a sense that this is what Sybil would do if she were alive.
3) Spratt's extraciricular activities are hilarious.
4) Lady Mary did show compassion by bringing Master George to visit Barrow. If only she could spread that compassion around.
5) While the Dowager Countess has had a difficult time accepting the changing times, I think that Carson is having an even harder time.
6) Here's to Lady Edith finding happiness. And that happiness does not need to be in a marriage.
Some thoughts:
1) Barrow's suicide attempt had less blood than Lord Grantham's ulcer incident.
2) I'm thinking that Tom's need to "meddle" into Mary's love life was from a sense that this is what Sybil would do if she were alive.
3) Spratt's extraciricular activities are hilarious.
4) Lady Mary did show compassion by bringing Master George to visit Barrow. If only she could spread that compassion around.
5) While the Dowager Countess has had a difficult time accepting the changing times, I think that Carson is having an even harder time.
6) Here's to Lady Edith finding happiness. And that happiness does not need to be in a marriage.
36
I don't think Sybil was a meddler.
2
Barrow looked exactly right...white as a ghost. All the blood was mixed with the water in the bathtub.
4
I don't think Tom was a meddler.
4
If you think Mary blurting out the truth about Marigold was harsh just think of how harsh it would have been if the truth had come out, as it most certainly would have, after the marriage had been publicly announced. And let's be fair, before Mary spoke Edith had been having a grand old time trying to provoke her sister. Had Edith, for once, risen above her need to annoy Mary perhaps Mary would have risen above her need to put Edith in her place.
Green eyed Edith's problem is that the only thing she has ever really wanted in her life is to be Mary, but it's never going to happen and she has never found a way to deal with it.
Green eyed Edith's problem is that the only thing she has ever really wanted in her life is to be Mary, but it's never going to happen and she has never found a way to deal with it.
5
NOT !!
18
Respectfully disagree with your Psych evaluation.
3
Is that you, Mr. Carson? Edith has never wanted to be Mary - Mary who has been miserable and angry for most of her life. Not that life has been that gentle with her if you really think about it.
I think Edith is going to be one of those women who changed the world!
I think Edith is going to be one of those women who changed the world!
7
Best of all this episode was not having to listen to nails-on-a-chalkboard Daisy!
(Except when she gave Molesley the recognition he deserved, which was very sweet indeed.)
(Except when she gave Molesley the recognition he deserved, which was very sweet indeed.)
13
Yes.... But mainly, short and sweet.
1
Let's raise a glass to the wardrobe department! From head to toe, not a glove, a hat, a tiara out of place.
68
Indeed!! -- a glass or two, may be in order... Well done!!!
5
As Fellowes' scripts become increasing banal, the costumes become more spectacular. The costume designer is the true star of this soap.
21
@Feldman
The costumes have ALWAYS been spectacular!!!
The costumes have ALWAYS been spectacular!!!
9
my favorite line: Lord G's bedroom gloat to Lady G that Edith had got herself "a copper-bottomed marquis."
8
It's spelt Marquess in England.
Just PLEASE Mr Fellowes, allow Lady Edith to be - at last - HAPPY!
11
I wondered why Edith didn't simply present herself as a widow and Marigold as the child of her "husband" who died in Germany. Couldn't the Granthams have paid someone to whip up a fake marriage license? (Dreadfully immoral--I admit it--but look at the behavior of this crew.)
I also felt that this was two episodes scrunched into one, another reason Mary's odious behavior and then change of heart gave the viewer whiplash--and why her "redemption" seems too pat and quick.
I think Edith will have her day next week: Bertie will return and accept her. If not, what did we just go through all of that for--just to leave Edith emotionally destitute yet again?
I agree with those here who are unhappy with Barrow's suicide attempt because it smacks of that "gay so suicidal" motif we've seen over and over again. I wonder where the resolution lies here, also: this character has gone from miserable disruptor to miserable wretch. To what end?
Finally, I wonder if Elizabeth McGovern will be happy to finally be able to stop leaning her head to one side and grimacing.
I also felt that this was two episodes scrunched into one, another reason Mary's odious behavior and then change of heart gave the viewer whiplash--and why her "redemption" seems too pat and quick.
I think Edith will have her day next week: Bertie will return and accept her. If not, what did we just go through all of that for--just to leave Edith emotionally destitute yet again?
I agree with those here who are unhappy with Barrow's suicide attempt because it smacks of that "gay so suicidal" motif we've seen over and over again. I wonder where the resolution lies here, also: this character has gone from miserable disruptor to miserable wretch. To what end?
Finally, I wonder if Elizabeth McGovern will be happy to finally be able to stop leaning her head to one side and grimacing.
38
Really liked your review.
The faked marriage was probably considered, but wasn't feasible since Gregson was married when he left England. Then, a "mystery man" would have raised more attention, as she hadn't been seen with "him." You think?
Definitely feel the effect of the whiplash due to the scrunch. As someone here adeptly pointed out, all this time was wasted on the hospital bore, nothing happening much, and then the pivotal climaxes are rushed into without the appropriate development. That's why many of them seem so bogus.
We seem to just have to put up with what's being thrown at us and do our own sorting out. I agree that Edith will have her day on March 6, in some fashion. Other extended trials, like Barrow's, will hopefully be settled acceptably, but we will no doubt have to swallow a lot to get many of them down.
The faked marriage was probably considered, but wasn't feasible since Gregson was married when he left England. Then, a "mystery man" would have raised more attention, as she hadn't been seen with "him." You think?
Definitely feel the effect of the whiplash due to the scrunch. As someone here adeptly pointed out, all this time was wasted on the hospital bore, nothing happening much, and then the pivotal climaxes are rushed into without the appropriate development. That's why many of them seem so bogus.
We seem to just have to put up with what's being thrown at us and do our own sorting out. I agree that Edith will have her day on March 6, in some fashion. Other extended trials, like Barrow's, will hopefully be settled acceptably, but we will no doubt have to swallow a lot to get many of them down.
11
Maybe Marigold's father isn't really dead and will reappear from Germany!
2
If you really wanted to be devious; Edith might be able to find a stand-in for Gregson, get 'married,' (Gregson's death is probably not officially recorded in the UK) and then have the stand-in disappear and have Gregson declared dead in Germany. Yes, it would require some fudging; but it might be doable.
5
I was wondering if the driver man who has no job and no money yet can still drive his Bentley around England in a joyous carefree manner stopping off at the odd country house for afternoon tea and some eccles cakes, was going to descend into the red mist and chuck the annoying snob Mary down the stairs. He would have done himself and the rest of us a favour.
So Barrow tries to do himself in by getting into a bath fully clothed. I suppose even in death he knows Mr Carson wouldn't have approved of blood stains on the bed or carpet. Next thing you know they're dragging him out of the tub bone dry. The actor who plays Barrow appears to have a matter of fact stoic maudlin manner so he seems a perfect fit.
The bloke who plays Bertie does a excellent portrayal of a bumbling, golly gosh, "I know we're married but we must get ready for bed in the dark so not to see each other's naughty bits" born to the manor Englishman of the time. Edith was lucky, I'm certain he's hiding something.
So Barrow tries to do himself in by getting into a bath fully clothed. I suppose even in death he knows Mr Carson wouldn't have approved of blood stains on the bed or carpet. Next thing you know they're dragging him out of the tub bone dry. The actor who plays Barrow appears to have a matter of fact stoic maudlin manner so he seems a perfect fit.
The bloke who plays Bertie does a excellent portrayal of a bumbling, golly gosh, "I know we're married but we must get ready for bed in the dark so not to see each other's naughty bits" born to the manor Englishman of the time. Edith was lucky, I'm certain he's hiding something.
6
I think we will see Edith content with her lot--career and raising Marigold. After all, she has resources so won't be a destitute single mom.
Edith and we, perhaps, will discover that Bertie's mother truly is a control freak as was hinted at in this episode, with Bertie the ever-dutiful son. Edith will be relieved that she once again loved and was loved, and she didn't have to bear the consequences, first Michael's married state/divorce? and now a beastly mother-in-law and momma's boy!
Someone else mentioned in an earlier week's comments that maybe Barrow will become demoted to footman and thus be able to stay at his "home." Mosely or Molesly or whatever his name is survived the shame of demotion. I think that would be a good resolution. Throwing him out now would be tough unless Carson just sees the suicide attempt as more reason to push Barrow out.
This bunch is both predictable AND unpredictale! Part of the fun.
Edith and we, perhaps, will discover that Bertie's mother truly is a control freak as was hinted at in this episode, with Bertie the ever-dutiful son. Edith will be relieved that she once again loved and was loved, and she didn't have to bear the consequences, first Michael's married state/divorce? and now a beastly mother-in-law and momma's boy!
Someone else mentioned in an earlier week's comments that maybe Barrow will become demoted to footman and thus be able to stay at his "home." Mosely or Molesly or whatever his name is survived the shame of demotion. I think that would be a good resolution. Throwing him out now would be tough unless Carson just sees the suicide attempt as more reason to push Barrow out.
This bunch is both predictable AND unpredictale! Part of the fun.
2
So once again B---- Mary gets hers at Edith's expense, with an assist from phony boohooing her little soul out to granny Violet. Sadly predictable and tiresome. I know Mary's popular but really, it's time she was put in her place and KEPT there. Anyone else notice she never talks about making anyone else happy? It's always about what SHE's going to get out of a relationship?? And then she marries someone with whom she has less chemistry than she does with her tiara? Well I'll tune in on 3/6 to see poor Edith once more, but this episode was despicable in its cheap sops awarded to the wrong characters.
16
As the episode ended with the confrontations and admissions still fresh, there wasn't time for their effects to show up. We have yet to see what Mary will do with what she's heard, a lot of it for the first time. I disagree that she was phony with Granny Violet. But she's got a lot to learn about what is love, that it's giving to another, a learning curve for about everyone actually. But her reasons for protecting herself really hit the ear for the shallow bit they are. I see hope for real change from what's happened though.
5
Wha struck me as phony was, every time she said she didn't know why she [told Bertie about Marigold] I wanted to slap her, because she knew EXACTLY why she betrayed Edith, and she ENJOYED doing it. That line about how she thought He already knew? Mary is as selfish and conniving as Fleur Forsyte (the Forsyte Saga), only with a better wardrobe allowance. So of course everyone loves her, or loves hating her...
8
I have tried to like Mary for a long time, and was in hopes that the end of this series would give me a reason to feel that sticking with her had been worth it. Unless something happens in the last episode to undo what she has done, I'm afraid that sticking with her has not been worth it. She has not proven worthy of our loyalty. She's still all about Mary, as she always has been.
4
Couldn't get through all the comments, so, sorry if I repeat.
I saw this episode as the end of the "Edith is her own worst enemy" phase. As much as we modern people can't imagine how afraid she was to tell Bertie about Marigold, think about the times and her station. I believe that until this episode, Edith was truly ashamed and mortified about Marigold and how she got there. But at the breakfast table (didn't we all predict from the opening ringing of the bells that it would be Mary who blew the secret?), I think this was the first time I ever heard Edith say, loud and clear, "I am Marigold's mother." It was her moment of liberation. "There I said it." And then the show ends with her looking truly joyous watching Marigold play. The worst is over. She never has to go through that again. Whether Bertie comes back or not, Edith is finally on her way to being her own, happy person. Mary may have done her a favor.
I saw this episode as the end of the "Edith is her own worst enemy" phase. As much as we modern people can't imagine how afraid she was to tell Bertie about Marigold, think about the times and her station. I believe that until this episode, Edith was truly ashamed and mortified about Marigold and how she got there. But at the breakfast table (didn't we all predict from the opening ringing of the bells that it would be Mary who blew the secret?), I think this was the first time I ever heard Edith say, loud and clear, "I am Marigold's mother." It was her moment of liberation. "There I said it." And then the show ends with her looking truly joyous watching Marigold play. The worst is over. She never has to go through that again. Whether Bertie comes back or not, Edith is finally on her way to being her own, happy person. Mary may have done her a favor.
73
Your ideas actually enter a fresh vein of exploration here and add much. I loved them. Thank you.
14
Well thanks VL! I even kept thinking about Edith after I wrote this and thought she may have a chance to have the one modern, fulfilled life among the Crawleys. Goes to London with Marigold, makes some real friends, interesting people whose greatest concern in life isn't under butlers or whether they brought a jacket for dinner, has lots of success in publishing, maybe wins some journalism awards, becomes the toast of the town, raises her daughter to be an educated independent woman. Wouldn't that be better than being a marquise?
25
Marchioness.
1
I've not seen the final show nor read any spoilers. But I can imagine one ending being Bertie and Edith making up and locked in an embrace, and having Edith open one eye to see Michael Gregson standing in the doorway. In any case, there have been too many loose ends tied up this season; everything seems to work out which of course in life it doesn't. And one of the draws of Downton Abbey has been its willingness to portray unhappy events that rock us to our core. I would not put money on a tragic event in the last episode, but seems there should be something to shake us up a bit on our way out the door.
4
As much as I have loved this show, I think Julian should be flogged or at least required to marry Denker for the horribly unimaginative story lines of the final season, otherwise known as the demise of Lady Mary Crawley. What a bitter pill for Lady Mary to swallow that her "pathetic" younger sister will outrank her! Born to marry to higher aristocratic rankings, Lady Mary is forced to marry a lawyer.....who works! So middle class all because Lady Edith forever black balled her from society by publicly confessing that a Turk was found in Lady Mary's bed. Worse, now Lady Mary's closet confident is an Irish butler who convinces her that a man of no social ranking is worthy of her merely because he's in love with her. What else can a man of Henry's station do except profess love? His courtship smacks of a social climber with no real ambition, and has made nothing of himself to dare, clearly beneath Lady Mary. I'd love for the grandeur of Shirley Maclain's character to stroll in with an American Titan of industry who falls madly for Lady Mary, which would set up interesting story lines as WW2 approaches. Or a French Duke.......Julian when did you come to despise your leading lady?
4
I like to think of Mary as Elizabeth Elliot - vain, narcissistic, and essentially empty. Mary's comment some weeks back that her education was dancing, riding and prejudice (or something like) is showing. She's essentially as dumb as dad, and will likely lose the estate once it's fully in her hands. (I can't see Tom hanging around forever.) And SPOILER: I looked ahead. Mary's going to have nasty old Barrow for butler which means both upstairs AND downstairs will have egoistic twits in charge in the future.
Tom was the chauffeur not butler. Big difference to Abbots.
2
This again.
Henry was very careful in his words to Mary. He noted the barriers as position and fortune. He comes from one of the great families of England who were lords and captains when the Crawleys were still stealing cattle and the house of Hanover were minor robber barons.
Position is a place of power. Winston Churchill was very minor nobility, roughly equal to Henry, but his roles in government gave him position. Fortune is a big pile of money--Rosamond's husband had that, yet Violet enjoys digging at their lack of antiquity. Richard Carlisle had both, by the way, and what a catch he was!
For Mary to reject Henry on that basis alone--lack of position or big money--is indeed beneath her.
Henry was very careful in his words to Mary. He noted the barriers as position and fortune. He comes from one of the great families of England who were lords and captains when the Crawleys were still stealing cattle and the house of Hanover were minor robber barons.
Position is a place of power. Winston Churchill was very minor nobility, roughly equal to Henry, but his roles in government gave him position. Fortune is a big pile of money--Rosamond's husband had that, yet Violet enjoys digging at their lack of antiquity. Richard Carlisle had both, by the way, and what a catch he was!
For Mary to reject Henry on that basis alone--lack of position or big money--is indeed beneath her.
6
Carson is an unbearable snob! I am in stitches at "for your sake, Mrs. H. I hope he's tearing it up in the bedroom."
21
How much weight has Tom gained? I'll accept guesses in increments of a thousand pounds.
9
Who cares?
5
a) This topic has been done to death.
b) Really? increments of a thousand pounds?
b) Really? increments of a thousand pounds?
5
I must say that Edith's abbreviated "olive branch" soliloquy touching on the passage of time and death and carrying on was as fine a piece of writing as Downton has had to offer.
32
I agree. That was the first moment this season when I found myself tearing up just a little. And wonderful delivery by Laura Carmichael!
13
Agree with Tyrone and Lucy both!
2
(Well, agree with Tyrone and Lucy on how touching the soliloquy was and how excellent its writing and delivery were. Really an outstanding moment from all fronts. But I can't claim that it was the first moment this season that had me tearing up. Highly-sensitive, easily-choked-up viewer here and, having described earlier how I wept for Barrow, I figured I'd better clarify my agreement here!) ;)
2
I'm sorry, but why is everyone piling on Mary when the outcome for Edith would have been the same with any kind of "late reveal" to Bertie? She never told him about Marigold in what might have been a trustworthy moment ( when was that going to be?) and any marriage commitment & reveal before Tangier (s) would have had the same effect on him apparently.
Good old Mary flung the dynamite & cleared the place out to where it would have settled all along. Edith is a simp ... Bertie a twit ...
Mary's fab.
Good old Mary flung the dynamite & cleared the place out to where it would have settled all along. Edith is a simp ... Bertie a twit ...
Mary's fab.
8
I'm with you.
Mary's sort of a monster, though, no? Pretty heartless all along when it comes to Edith. Not a whit of familial love to spare for her. Sad, really.
4
Simply the most entertaining thing on television. End of.
2
Mr Bayard - Your comments are as enjoyable as the series itself. You know how to turn a phrase! Well done.
3
If you appreciate Mr. Bayard's turns of phrase and haven't had a chance to read his novels yet, I highly recommend that you check them out! Superb character development, phenomenal storytelling, and exquisitely crafted sentences. Surely one of the finest writers of our time!
2
First, I'm going to miss Mr. Bayard's recaps almost as much as the series. Second, the only way I can leave D.A. happily is if Mary is drawn and quartered next Sunday.
8
I think Bertie's gay, anyway.
BTW, for a savory to follow the Downton Abbey treacle, try Chatsworth Estates in 'Shameless' (the British version) now on netflix.
BTW, for a savory to follow the Downton Abbey treacle, try Chatsworth Estates in 'Shameless' (the British version) now on netflix.
5
Your photo certainly gives turn to tradition -- very funny!
5
Maybe when he does come back, as predicted, he'll come back for Barrow.
7
I hate Mary. Is Julian Fellows a "Mary" - what does he have against Edith. The redemption of Mary in this episode was too fast and too easy.
9
He's clearing the decks for the really happy ending.
1
Hey, it's not over. I sincerely believe Edith will have her day. Also think Edith had the most effect on Mary after the debacle, and that she and Mary will begin to know one another like never before. It will need to be a true Epiphany for Mary, because I think Edith will come out very, very well. The way things wrapped so quickly on this may be nothing to the tie ups on 3/6. I think we can expect some shockers, some rabbits pulled out of the hat for many.
4
VL, I think you'll be satisfied.
OK, so here's my theory, for whatever it's worth.
Bertie goes to Tangiers and finds out that his cousin faked his own death to get out of being the Marquess, because he's obviously gay and doesn't want to deal with getting married and siring an heir.
Yes, I know, why should I assume he's gay. Well why drop all those hints about his being delicate and spending all his time painting pictures of beautiful boys. I mean, really. What was all that about if not shorthand for really gay.
So, the Marquess faked his own death. Bertie finds out and starts to understand the complexity of keeping secrets and it opens his eyes up to Edith's predicament. He comes back, tells her his secret (he's not really the Marquess), and asks Edith for her hand. They will keep each other's secrets.
He also brings his cousin with him (in disguise of course). At the wedding, the cousin and Thomas lock eyes and it's love at first sight and they run off to Tangiers for a fabulous life together. Because honestly, I'm getting tired about the "difficulties" of these super privileged people. I just want Thomas to find love and happiness and for the series to end the way every series should end, with a passionate man on man kiss.
Is that too much to ask?
Bertie goes to Tangiers and finds out that his cousin faked his own death to get out of being the Marquess, because he's obviously gay and doesn't want to deal with getting married and siring an heir.
Yes, I know, why should I assume he's gay. Well why drop all those hints about his being delicate and spending all his time painting pictures of beautiful boys. I mean, really. What was all that about if not shorthand for really gay.
So, the Marquess faked his own death. Bertie finds out and starts to understand the complexity of keeping secrets and it opens his eyes up to Edith's predicament. He comes back, tells her his secret (he's not really the Marquess), and asks Edith for her hand. They will keep each other's secrets.
He also brings his cousin with him (in disguise of course). At the wedding, the cousin and Thomas lock eyes and it's love at first sight and they run off to Tangiers for a fabulous life together. Because honestly, I'm getting tired about the "difficulties" of these super privileged people. I just want Thomas to find love and happiness and for the series to end the way every series should end, with a passionate man on man kiss.
Is that too much to ask?
52
Hahaha! I'm pretty sure your last wish (for Thomas) is too much to ask of Julian Fellowes, but I'll join you in the hope!
2
Omg. This is would be greatest wrap up ever. Well done !
3
Yes.
2
I really had my heart on Edith slowly turning to Mary and mournfully whispering "You've always known Matthew is Marigolds father..."
57
Am I the only one who isn't impressed by Henry Talbot? With a misshapen face and no chin to speak of, I don't believe Mary had the hots for him. More importantly, I don't notice any personality there... he just repeats "I love you" ad nauseum.
I guess I was the only one hoping Mary would stick to her guns and send Henry packing.
I guess I was the only one hoping Mary would stick to her guns and send Henry packing.
34
No, you most emphatically were not. Most fans of Mary's character were hoping Henry would go the way of her other recent suitors. The worst pairing ever on Downton Abbey, aside from Branson and Bunting in seasons 4/5.
Not only does he lack personality, he and Mary lack any smidgen of chemistry. You can practically see the anti-magnetic forces ruling there.
Not only does he lack personality, he and Mary lack any smidgen of chemistry. You can practically see the anti-magnetic forces ruling there.
3
Some agree with you, but to me, he is handsome, and would be more so with some conversation and animation. It's too bad he's scripted that way.
9
Couldn't agree more! Wish Julian had written the character entirely differently, as a brash, virile man of destiny and success rather than a sopping mess who is willing to live off the estates couch. I can see Lady Mary demeaning him for the rest of their married life if he doesn't flourish in success. Unsatisfying character and storyline for these two, what a waste of Matthew Goode's superior acting skills.
6
I feel a special human connection while watching Downton Abbey. Initially it's just refreshing not to be assaulted by televisions usual dish of violence and vulgarity. Then the world of 1925 unfolds, the emotions, traditions, structure, and life as usual. The fashion, the food, the characters, the plot all pull me along with interest and fascination. I love to experience and feel another time, more simple than ours, less violent than ours, more kind than ours. I am so grateful Julian Fellows has brought this world to us. The escape is so welcome. I dint know how to say more.
37
Yes I would agree. There is warmth and decency without the winking and smirking and snarking. And refreshingly un-ironic kindness. These days we need all we can get.
7
I think you'll enjoy this:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/02/the-dust-that-falls-from-dr...
"While some period fiction offers an escape from contemporary concerns, the best stories of the past illuminate the present. The boom in Tudor fiction addresses modern concerns with the operation of state power and the suppression of women, and, in De Bernières’ book, someone in the second decade of the 20th century warns of what can happen “when the government promises to prop up the banks”, while the Afghanistan subplot, involving western treatment of what are then called “Mohammedans”, previews a pay-off in our own day.
Some of De Bernières’ readers will not forgive him for failing to write another Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. But 'The Dust That Falls from Dreams', while not a follow-up to his signature title, deserves a large following for its own story of war and love."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/02/the-dust-that-falls-from-dr...
"While some period fiction offers an escape from contemporary concerns, the best stories of the past illuminate the present. The boom in Tudor fiction addresses modern concerns with the operation of state power and the suppression of women, and, in De Bernières’ book, someone in the second decade of the 20th century warns of what can happen “when the government promises to prop up the banks”, while the Afghanistan subplot, involving western treatment of what are then called “Mohammedans”, previews a pay-off in our own day.
Some of De Bernières’ readers will not forgive him for failing to write another Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. But 'The Dust That Falls from Dreams', while not a follow-up to his signature title, deserves a large following for its own story of war and love."
3
I agree with most of your sentiments. I enjoyed every season of Downton, and I'll miss it very much. Very high quality television.
But was that time really more simple and less violent? The show presented World War I as a backdrop to the landed gentry. But millions of people were killed in that war, and more millions were injured and displaced. Babies born out of wedlock had to be given up, homosexuality couldn't be spoken of. I'm not sure it was really a simpler or less violent time.
But I still enjoyed everything about the show!
But was that time really more simple and less violent? The show presented World War I as a backdrop to the landed gentry. But millions of people were killed in that war, and more millions were injured and displaced. Babies born out of wedlock had to be given up, homosexuality couldn't be spoken of. I'm not sure it was really a simpler or less violent time.
But I still enjoyed everything about the show!
4
Think I can speak for all the Abbots when I say I'm not sure what I'll miss more: Downton or these little masterpieces. Thank you, Louis Bayard.
19
No, you can't speak for me.
I absolutely know which I'll miss more.
I'll miss Mr. Bayard's recaps.
Then I'll miss reading and conversing with this lively community.
I will NOT miss Downton Abbey!
Our relationship has run it's course. I'm confident that it is as much over me as I am of it.
I absolutely know which I'll miss more.
I'll miss Mr. Bayard's recaps.
Then I'll miss reading and conversing with this lively community.
I will NOT miss Downton Abbey!
Our relationship has run it's course. I'm confident that it is as much over me as I am of it.
2
There is a sequence in this episode that strikes me as one of the most pivotal and impressive, in many aspects. It is the visit of Grandmama Violet to Mary about exposing Edith and her relationship with Henry Talbot. That hasn’t had much discussion here. To me, it brought out the acting abilities of both, and evoked the most human sides of both characters. We have seen Violet adapt to change by degrees, being the second-to-last holdout on the strict old order. We have had a glimpse of her romantic side with the reappearance of the Russian nobleman. But she showed forth a soft side that has never bloomed quite like it did in that room that day.
On the other hand, while Mary began with her usual stiffness, Grandmama’s openness and heartfelt reach had a profound effect on her. It succeeded in melting the frost, and she opened up her feelings about Edith, which showed need for some work. But, it brought her to reveal her real withdrawal from relationship with Henry - the fear concerning his hazardous occupation. It progressed from there to the subject of love, a heretofore almost taboo subject – strange as that may sound to modern ears. It went from the typical discussion of a match to a discussion of love’s place.
That hasn't really been discussed here.
On the other hand, while Mary began with her usual stiffness, Grandmama’s openness and heartfelt reach had a profound effect on her. It succeeded in melting the frost, and she opened up her feelings about Edith, which showed need for some work. But, it brought her to reveal her real withdrawal from relationship with Henry - the fear concerning his hazardous occupation. It progressed from there to the subject of love, a heretofore almost taboo subject – strange as that may sound to modern ears. It went from the typical discussion of a match to a discussion of love’s place.
That hasn't really been discussed here.
31
It was a very touching scene and it reminded me of a similar Maggie Smith scene in A Room with a View. Leave it to the Dame to make Mary human.
I took that interlude seriously and found it very effective in acting and significance in the story. It showed how much the Dowager has grown and changed from the beginning. It was good to see Mary responding at the moment at least. She was getting pretty scary.
So, will Gregson miraculously reappear????
5
There's much discussion on that subject as you scroll down.
I very much doubt it, as his death in Germany was confirmed yonks ago.
3
PROPOSAL TO LOUIS BAYARD: OK, we know that Downton Abbey is copyrighted but why not change the names and write a parody as a novel? It would be a best seller! OR are people allowed to use existing characters and parody them for-profit? That's what MADTv and SNL do so.....I think you should put (deliciously poison) pen to paper and get going because you have a knack for it and heaven knows this series will exit with a lifetime of story lines just begging to be parodied!
13
The writing has been traveling downhill for the last two or three seasons. This episode dropped the show to its lowest point. Impossible to suspend disbelief. Mary has lately turned into a parody of her former character, and when Fellowes tries to rescue her at the end of this episode it didn't have a prayer of working. Bertie's character, even considering the time period, has been so strong - he's such a good guy. Completely not believable that he wouldn't understand that Edith - of course - was afraid he'd reject her if he knew that Marigold was her child out of wedlock, etc. Even if he does come back, this rejection was really stupid and out of character. It seems that Fellowes ran out of juice long ago, and is desperate to try and end this thing properly. And utterly failing. Too bad. This Bayard commentary is far more interesting now than the show. Maybe he should continue for another season.
18
Yes, the writing has become worse and worse as season 4 turned into 5 turned into 6. The show should have ended after season 3. Pity that the producers weren't smart enough to either stop when they were ahead or else hire a team of writers to help Fellowes come up with some new and interesting ideas.
1
We couldn't disagree more. This was the rebound episode that was so highly anticipated. It was going south, but this one saved any further decline. It was thoroughly enjoyable, moving and utterly believable. Unlike like Ms. Dibble, we will truly miss DA when it goes.
5
And yet, you continue to watch the show because ........ ???
1
Mary did manage to ruin her sister's life and still get her man while everyone forgave her spiteful rant, as if oh well, that's just Maryl. If there were justice in this fantasy world her marriage would fall apart fast when he realizes the spoiled brat he married. Not one person in that family thought to console Edith as if oh well, nothing works out well for her. Tom wanted a non-titled car man so he wouldn't feel constantly outclassed so maybe the crime is his for pushing until they practically eloped. At the end it seems they are all just cruel caricatures. Maybe that explains why their world disappeared and no one cares. And why it's our viewing guilty pleasure.
10
That culture of repressing inner feelings and talking on a disconnected level has a lot to do with the things you express. I really agree with them, but I see some effect from the signal events and improvement coming.
5
I agree with other commenters - let Bertie run off to Tangiers with Barrow, Edith runs off with the new editor of her magazine, Lady Violet can finally pass all to Robert and Rosamund and Marigold finally talks, saying, "God bless us, everyone." Curtain down.
13
Did anyone else find the dowager's speech, ending "For I believe in love," to be incredibly moving? The only time I have really choked up and cried in the entire series. Our knowledge of her history with Prince Kuragin shows it isn't merely a platitude, not the she is capable of uttering any such thing. Oh, that Maggie Smith. Genius.
29
No, I found it extremely out of character. As was the behavior of most other characters in this and the previous episodes.
3
The people, as well as the times, are changing.
3
How likely is it that an 80+-year old, very strong-minded and opinionated woman is going to change along with the times? I think Violet's mind is going. Her entire performance in the second half of the series was out of character.
1
Comparing predictions with my 92 year old mom, I think one's predictions for Edith's fate reflect your own history and view on life. I think Edith will be happily unmarried, with her prize Marigold. My mom thinks the man will come back, to create happiness. Generations!
19
God bless your mother, and tell her to keep watching in hope.
Listen to the wisdom of our elders.
1
Hmmmm ... Interesting hint. YES! YES! YES!
Notice she said "the man" will come back, leaving it open maybe? I'm onto a second one right now. Either way - Yes, yes, yes.
Notice she said "the man" will come back, leaving it open maybe? I'm onto a second one right now. Either way - Yes, yes, yes.
Mary wasn't nearly, not even remotely sorry enough for what she did. I agree that Bertie may not be perfect for Edith, but for all Mary knew he was her one true love. Then to plan her own wedding a few days later, without taking steps to apologize to her sister? Has she really regressed so far in her character development? I would think Henry might think twice about marrying someone so cold and cruel, but, hmmmm, she forgot to mention it to him! Edith's generosity, while admirable, came unbelievably soon after the offense, but more power to Edith...please Mr. Fellows...more power to Edith!
51
Looked like Mary heard things for the first time she had never considered. She will need to develop, but actually, Edith left for London right after the confrontation, so she couldn't have gone to her. Edith got to her first as soon as she came back to the house. I see the potential revealed of the shake up and wake up moving things forward. Mary has more of a learning curve on how to relate to another person like this. She appeared totally startled by some of the things Edith expressed very evenly in their last conversation. I see it as having begun.
7
I also think Mary was surprised at Edith's depth and good sense, having never been open to hear her.
5
And Lady Mary was probably also surprised at the few choice words Edith had for her as well....I know I was. Chapeau, Lady Edith!
5
I honestly think I will miss this column as much as the show. Louis Bayard makes me laugh every week.
And for the record, as a baby boomer child of a British war bride, I can attest to the fact that actual humans did in fact say, "Golly gumdrops!" and "What a turn up!"
And for the record, as a baby boomer child of a British war bride, I can attest to the fact that actual humans did in fact say, "Golly gumdrops!" and "What a turn up!"
32
Actually, it was Michael Gregson's sarcophagus, not Sybil's grave where the children were playing - which explains Edith's smile. Sorry to disappoint anyone who is hoping that Gregson will reappear in the finale. I would also have liked for him to sweep Edith off her feet once again.
3
No. Go back and view it again. It said Sybil Cora.
7
It said Sybil Branson.
3
why was the dashing groom attired in white tie, tails and top hat for a daytime wedding? If they have been so fussy about the silverware placement how could they allow such a fashion disaster.??
2
It was a morning coat, I believe.
4
Absolutely obligatory at that level of society to wear a morning coat to your wedding. And the "daytime wedding" is common, as well.
10
A morning wedding has traditionally been the only acceptable time, as it proves that the bride is not pregnant. Morning sickness would be evident, so the old saw goes. A society wedding at any other time of day simply met with disgrace, as it implied pregnancy, not a good start in social standing for a couple. At a morning wedding, a morning coat with tails and a top hat was expected. The attire shown in the episode was perfect. The only strange thing was not having the bans read for 3 Sundays prior, but the bishop relative got them around that, it seems.
9
Prolly my last comment on this.
I need to comment on the tableau depicted.
Look at that tree! It has to be 6 fe... erm 2 meters across! The bark shows a strong and healthy living being that has been in that spot for what has to be close to 350 years!
Can you imagine living in a place where your family has been (well paying people to) tending a single living being for as long as that tree has been there?
The tree is not a set piece. It's really been there perhaps as long as the abbey itself (probably longer). That picture gives me (anyway) a different perspective on the self image of the Grantham line. And of their responsibility to their past.
That's a darned fine tree! Long may it stand.
(But is that a FitBit Bertie's sporting? Seriously, who wears a black watch with a brown everything else?)
I need to comment on the tableau depicted.
Look at that tree! It has to be 6 fe... erm 2 meters across! The bark shows a strong and healthy living being that has been in that spot for what has to be close to 350 years!
Can you imagine living in a place where your family has been (well paying people to) tending a single living being for as long as that tree has been there?
The tree is not a set piece. It's really been there perhaps as long as the abbey itself (probably longer). That picture gives me (anyway) a different perspective on the self image of the Grantham line. And of their responsibility to their past.
That's a darned fine tree! Long may it stand.
(But is that a FitBit Bertie's sporting? Seriously, who wears a black watch with a brown everything else?)
17
In another story it's the Tietjens' Groby Tree, cut down by a hellkite on her way out the door.
1
Sorry to have to say this, but, you people really need to think up on your Gay knowledge!
Holey Moley! Reading these comments the number of different people who think Bertie is gay simply because his cousin is gay.
And by the way, we only think that because of the euphemistic descriptors given by Bertie. But with that we give Bertie our current understanding and acceptance of "these things."
It is quite possible that Bertie lives in denial of his cousin's sexuality. He could actually think that the Marquess is a He-Man Lady Killer Marquess who just happens to live the life of the "Confirmed Bachelor" who likes to horse around with the young carefree lads in Morocco.
We think that he knows, what we think we know!
And beyond that still, some large portion of you think that makes Bertie gay too.
Not that there would be anything wrong with that.
But y'all are really homophobes!
Holey Moley! Reading these comments the number of different people who think Bertie is gay simply because his cousin is gay.
And by the way, we only think that because of the euphemistic descriptors given by Bertie. But with that we give Bertie our current understanding and acceptance of "these things."
It is quite possible that Bertie lives in denial of his cousin's sexuality. He could actually think that the Marquess is a He-Man Lady Killer Marquess who just happens to live the life of the "Confirmed Bachelor" who likes to horse around with the young carefree lads in Morocco.
We think that he knows, what we think we know!
And beyond that still, some large portion of you think that makes Bertie gay too.
Not that there would be anything wrong with that.
But y'all are really homophobes!
15
Bertie's a bit subtler than he's given credit for. He's made it plain that his cousin was not like other men, and that he loved him none the less for it. He insists on Peter's decency and dignity. That he did so in a family situation where others may not explains why Peter entrusted him with the estate.
It's hard for adolescents to realize that it is possible to have a non-sexual friendship with a potential sexual partner, gay or straight. Post-adolescence, it just means one hasn't made the transition into adulthood.
And he didn't break with Edith because of Marigold, but because she didn't trust him to understand. It's a fine point. He's not sure that she trusts him.
It's hard for adolescents to realize that it is possible to have a non-sexual friendship with a potential sexual partner, gay or straight. Post-adolescence, it just means one hasn't made the transition into adulthood.
And he didn't break with Edith because of Marigold, but because she didn't trust him to understand. It's a fine point. He's not sure that she trusts him.
20
Hardly surprising. Edith doesn't really trust herself either.
1
Finally after six seasons and the loss of Mathew, Mary's deep antipathy toward Edith has finally given way to full blown rage. I am still amazed at how emotionally connected I feel toward each character.
It is certainly the brilliance of Julian Fellows script and the perfect casting of each character that has drawn me into their family. I'm so middle class that British royalty seems so pretentious and out of touch with my world, yet each is a compete personality.
I will miss them and doubt that I will ever again feel as connected to whatever part they play in future productions as I do with them in Downton Abby.
Is it their British accents that have convinced me that actors are trained more seriously there? We have our greats. but I can't name one name brand star, man, woman or child who has the ability to inhabit a roll the way everyone from Jim Carter to Maggie Smith have. It will seem odd as it did for me watching a disheveled Maggie living in a van or Carter acting in a roll as a doting grandfather playing anyone else. Life does go on and I wish the entire cast and crew a successful future, wherever their next fantasy leads them.
P.S. Mr Fellows: I hope you have finally cut Edith a break.
It is certainly the brilliance of Julian Fellows script and the perfect casting of each character that has drawn me into their family. I'm so middle class that British royalty seems so pretentious and out of touch with my world, yet each is a compete personality.
I will miss them and doubt that I will ever again feel as connected to whatever part they play in future productions as I do with them in Downton Abby.
Is it their British accents that have convinced me that actors are trained more seriously there? We have our greats. but I can't name one name brand star, man, woman or child who has the ability to inhabit a roll the way everyone from Jim Carter to Maggie Smith have. It will seem odd as it did for me watching a disheveled Maggie living in a van or Carter acting in a roll as a doting grandfather playing anyone else. Life does go on and I wish the entire cast and crew a successful future, wherever their next fantasy leads them.
P.S. Mr Fellows: I hope you have finally cut Edith a break.
22
Jim Carter is doing great here in the U.S., raising awareness, etc. for victims of the Nepalese earthquake.
8
It's role....not roll...
Actors play a role.
One puts butter on a dinner roll.
Actors play a role.
One puts butter on a dinner roll.
8
It could be a phonetic typo, something that happens when you know full well the correct word or spelling. It happens when your fingers get ahead of your brain. Has it never happened to you?
I read an article about it once and would link if I could find it.
I read an article about it once and would link if I could find it.
4
The story is ultimately about the Abbey more than the people who temporarily live and lie while inhabiting it. As a metaphor for the end of feudalism and the beginning of modernism, democracy, and 2016, the Abbey stands as a staunch symbol, not of what used to be, but of what still reigns in our society: the sometimes civil but essentially destructive divide between the rich, privileged, one percent and the rest of us. DA can have thousands of sequels.
8
You're joking, right???
6
What a roller coaster.....I kept veering back and forth between Carson Must Die, Mary Must Die, Carson Must Die HORRIBLY, etc. But there was redemption in this episode, and I cried when Mary cried at Matthew's grave, and Carson has a chance at humanity because he is married to a woman with the kindness/patience/forbearance of both Mother Teresa and the entire canon of Roman Catholic saints.
As for Edith, I realize that there's an Edith voodoo doll full of pins on Baron Fellowes' shelf, but something about the overall limpness of her character still makes me want to shake her. Kudos to her for finally bashing Mary with the B word.
I think I'm going into withdrawal.....
As for Edith, I realize that there's an Edith voodoo doll full of pins on Baron Fellowes' shelf, but something about the overall limpness of her character still makes me want to shake her. Kudos to her for finally bashing Mary with the B word.
I think I'm going into withdrawal.....
37
I have to give Julian Fellows credit where it is due -- he's a superb craftsman. That's why the roller coaster worked last night. I'm almost ashamed to admit he had me in near tears and finally tears at least three times last night, including at the gravesite. I found the scene all the more poignant because of the personal loss of Michelle Dockery just after the final season began in North America. Her fiancé died suddenly.
17
I believe her fiance was ill for some time.
1
In the end I think that Lady Edith will take to wearing trousers and smoking cigars.
28
As DA draws to a close (finally), I can’t help wondering: if Dan Stevens and Jessica Brown-Findlay hadn’t left the show, how would the drama have played out?
The plot lines would have been entirely different. Sybil would have been an important character. Mary would have been happily married, and so no suitors and no suspense over her choice. What would JF have come up with instead? Can’t imagine.
Does an entirely different Downton Abbey exist in an alternate universe somewhere?...
The plot lines would have been entirely different. Sybil would have been an important character. Mary would have been happily married, and so no suitors and no suspense over her choice. What would JF have come up with instead? Can’t imagine.
Does an entirely different Downton Abbey exist in an alternate universe somewhere?...
19
Yes, in Alexandria, VA, with zombies as the hoi polloi.
5
You'll enjoy watching "The Good Wife" or some other drivel (with lots of commercials), no doubt.
1
I would have preferred they stayed around as well. I think it would have been a better Downton Abbey (and easier to time-skip to the Depression and WW 2).
I did like how they handled the Sybil storyline however.
I did like how they handled the Sybil storyline however.
1
Bertie will come back and marry Edith. His comments about Momma show a man who has spent his life being ruled by Ma who probably controlled his finances. Now he's inheriting a title and hopefully some land and money with it and he can finally break free and that will give him the courage to marry Edith because he'll realize that she was actually quite brave to have a child out of wedlock and not abandon it but do whatever it took to keep herself close to the child even if it meant pretending the child was her ward. Plus he knows that she loves him -- and she loved him when he had no prospects -- and based on his character -- that will weigh a lot with him now that he's a Marquis and every woman who was suddenly interested would be more interested in the title than in him.
Lord Merton will marry Mrs. Crawley. I really had hoped she'd marry Dr. Clarkson since they have the bond of medicine BUT not to be -- Mrs. Crawley will be the new Lady Merton.
Barrow will continue at the Abbey -- yay!
Lord Merton will marry Mrs. Crawley. I really had hoped she'd marry Dr. Clarkson since they have the bond of medicine BUT not to be -- Mrs. Crawley will be the new Lady Merton.
Barrow will continue at the Abbey -- yay!
26
Exactly my thoughts about Bertie. But will Edith accept him after he walked out on her? I am hoping that Edith finally has a chance at money and title but has learned their emptiness compared to the responsibility of raising Marigold as a daughter, not a ward.
The shocking-est scene in this episode was Bertie's wordless rising from the breakfast table after Edith says "Marigold is my daughter". How rude. He would not have done that if Robert had still been in the room. As a land agent maybe they would have been happy. But as a marquess he is not the catch he seems to be.
The shocking-est scene in this episode was Bertie's wordless rising from the breakfast table after Edith says "Marigold is my daughter". How rude. He would not have done that if Robert had still been in the room. As a land agent maybe they would have been happy. But as a marquess he is not the catch he seems to be.
Well, life returned to Downton last night after weeks of hospital zzzzs. Kudos to Edith for finally bashing her nasty sister in a short but wonderful scene. Perhaps she didn't tell Bertie her full story because she's become an emancipated woman who enjoys her career, friends, child and London life - she may not want to saddle herself with Bertie & his emotional baggage, his new responsibilities and a dragon mother-in-law. They do seem simpatico, but maybe he's gay? Mary and Talbot leave me cold; that story line was rushed and I didn't give a toss about their instant wedding. Glad Barrow was rescued in time; his character has been slowly evolving for the better... he can be Violet's butler after Spratt departs for newspaper stardom. I used to like Carson, but his treatment of Barrow has bordered on harassment and his trashing of Mrs. Patmore (while idolizing his employers to a sickening degree), is offensive. Kudos to Mrs. Patmore and Mosley for carving new careers for themselves while servitude is dying out! Hopefully Daisy, with her newfound knowledge and gumption, won't be chopping onions for long. Branson needs a girlfriend, perhaps Edith's editor? I want to see Mosley and Baxter get together, and Anna holding her baby at last. Isobel is wise to steer clear of Lord Merton's slimy family. Wonderful acting in Mary's cemetery scene and also Edith's scene prior to Mary's wedding, when she waxes philosophical about their future memories. A truce at last!
24
Is anyone wondering why Anna doesn't look pregnant? Still skiinny like a rail!
While I'm on that subject ... I'm assuming that the other actresses in DA live on black coffee -- oops, I should have said "tea' - and carrots.
While I'm on that subject ... I'm assuming that the other actresses in DA live on black coffee -- oops, I should have said "tea' - and carrots.
8
Will Anna be holding a baby in the Christmas special?
3
The surprise about Bertie's title was implausible. Someone at Downton would have looked Bertie up in the "stud book" (Burke's Peerage) once A. Edith was showing interest in him and B. they knew he was a cousin of the Marquess. Matthew was a recent example of distant cousins becoming a heir presumptive (presumptive, not apparent, because the Earl could have had a male heir by a second wife--credits to Dorothy Sayers' Peter Wimsey novels for that bit of peerage law.)
12
The Crawleys knew the lineage, but the living heir was only 39, so it was a very long shot for Bertie to inherit, considering a normal life span and possibility of progeny to inherit before him.
10
The Earl very nearly had a son by his FIRST wife. You'll recall that Cora became pregnant and had a miscarriage when she slipped on a bar of soap that her maid left by her bath. It was a boy.
It was only after that happened that Mary agreed to marry Matthew.
It was only after that happened that Mary agreed to marry Matthew.
4
Even less surprise for watchers. After Bertie mentioned at Brancaster last year that he was Lord Hexham's third cousin, the Guardian boards lit up like a Christmas tree.
5
Thanks Louis Bayard for making me laugh out loud on a day filled with news of sad events and very mean people. Best character description today was for Tom: "Under pressure from her pathologically meddlesome brother-in-law..."
21
It's a shame that Bayard got that wrong.
3
Note that even in Mary's most vulnerable moment, wailing to her grandmother that she doesn't want to be a "crash widow" again, she STILL revealed that she needs to one-up Edith in the matrimonial sweepstakes-"find me a duke." A Duke outranks a Marquess. It also was interesting that she focuses on being a crash widow-is she concerned that if Henry dies in a crash, she will be viewed as a jinx when searching for her third husband?
9
t thought the plot involving Mary was not believable. They have not done well by her in the last few weeks. Does she marry the guy even though he may be a crash victim? They hardly know each other. Too much of a rush for closure. She is a very unsympathetic character. The stuff at the grave was not believable.
Unsatisfying.
Unsatisfying.
15
Saw it as non-development of the relationship. We are to assume it from statements rather than viewing. Tom affirms and others, so the development occurred "off camera" it seems. Don't like it, but we have to play along to go forward, it seems. But I had the same thought about the matter of her stated priorities - her love for him would be expressed by wanting to enhance his life, give to him and see his fulfillment. Tough decision to make to put the risks besides, but always wondering about the person and not being with them. They have been taught to subvert these feelings to maintain their own property and line. But things are changing.
3
The interesting thing is that I would imagine Mary would make a good catch for a duke. Sure, minor Euro-royalty or the daughter of a duke might be better; but the pretty daughter of an earl ain't so bad.
2
Edith the successful editor teams up with Sir Richard Carlisle, ruthless newspaper tycoon and Mary's abandoned beau from season 2, and they finally publish that juicy headliner about the death of Kamil Pamuk!
But seriously, I'd like to see the feud between Mary and Edith come to an end. I want to like Mary more than I do. She was so vulnerable and beautiful in season 2 when she and Matthew were engaged to other people and yet they couldn't keep their eyes off each other.
But seriously, I'd like to see the feud between Mary and Edith come to an end. I want to like Mary more than I do. She was so vulnerable and beautiful in season 2 when she and Matthew were engaged to other people and yet they couldn't keep their eyes off each other.
13
Now I am going to rewatch on the streamer because I always rob myself of the dialogue guessing the next moments. Roll up, roll up, Roku!
I shall miss DA, particularly Violet but am cheered by the promise (I hope) of the new War and Peace and Indian Summer series. Actually I think Julian Fellowes (Guardian readers call him Uncle Julian) has done a good job. We mustn't forget that he's an arch conservative or, as we English call it a toff, so he's projecting the world as he fondly remembers it. It's interesting that the series is named after a stately home and that its underlying message is its preservation because the Fellowes family lost its stately house and I've read that it felt it keenly.
12
"War and Peace" is far better than I expected. Truncated, but that's how television works now. No surprise that Paul Dano's Pierre won great reviews, despite a complete physical dissimilarity, but the most acclaim went to Jessie Buckley as Marya.
You'll see; keep an eye on the mousy girl.
You'll see; keep an eye on the mousy girl.
1
Paul Dano is brilliant as Pierre. James Norton ain't bad either. The last episode had me crying like a baby.
1
I'm glad to hear it. I've saved War and Peace on the DVR to binge watch.
1
Am I the only one who thinks that Bertie's plane to Tangiers is going to go down? But that he'll survive narrowly and realize that he really loves Edith and he's missing the chance of his (lucky) life?
10
Not enough time for that to play out.
1
The true villainess in this drama is the interfering Lady Rosamund Painswick: Robert's merry widow sister who has lived her life vicariously and intrusively through the Crawley sisters since season one.
Remember when she advised Mary to refuse Matthew's proposal until after Cora's (miscarried) late-in-life baby for fear an infant brother would displace Mathew sending him back to the shadows of gently bred without a title and fortune. Then she marched on Lady Edith like Napoleon commanding a battlefield of royal bastards not once, but THREE times trying to rid the family of little Marigold and the scandal that begat her. And really, isn't Auntie Roz partly to blame for Marigold in the first place. Lest we forget Edith was in fact in Rosamund's charge when left unchaperoned with a London sophisticate who fathered Marigold out of wedlock. Tsk. Tsk.
And now with righteous indignation Rosamund browbeats Robert and Cora, "We must make her tell him. Is this the man you want to trick into marriage with a scandal we are trying to hide?" This from the very woman who compelled Edith to hide the dirty scandal from her own parents.
Shame shame on you Auntie Roz, you diabolic meddler! It's off with your head at the guillotine in Trafalgar Square. And no last supper saddle of lamb for you.
Remember when she advised Mary to refuse Matthew's proposal until after Cora's (miscarried) late-in-life baby for fear an infant brother would displace Mathew sending him back to the shadows of gently bred without a title and fortune. Then she marched on Lady Edith like Napoleon commanding a battlefield of royal bastards not once, but THREE times trying to rid the family of little Marigold and the scandal that begat her. And really, isn't Auntie Roz partly to blame for Marigold in the first place. Lest we forget Edith was in fact in Rosamund's charge when left unchaperoned with a London sophisticate who fathered Marigold out of wedlock. Tsk. Tsk.
And now with righteous indignation Rosamund browbeats Robert and Cora, "We must make her tell him. Is this the man you want to trick into marriage with a scandal we are trying to hide?" This from the very woman who compelled Edith to hide the dirty scandal from her own parents.
Shame shame on you Auntie Roz, you diabolic meddler! It's off with your head at the guillotine in Trafalgar Square. And no last supper saddle of lamb for you.
11
Remembering Aunt Rosamund more with Edith, standing with her throughout her various trials, giving support. Both Mary and Edith found it easier to talk to other relatives than their parents at various times. At the time you mention, Edith was too old for a chaperone and as sophisticated as Mr. Gregson. Cora also encouraged Edith to tell Bertie about the child. Rosamund is as prone to human error as any of them, but don't see a black hat for her. Hey, they use her place like a hotel when they go to London, which is their choice.
25
Hahaha. Great takedown!
2
Regarding the unpleasantness at Mrs. Patmore's B&B, one of the best lines was that there had certainly been many adulterers in the dining room upstairs.
This series started with a navigation disaster; is it possible that it will end with an aviation disaster, thus dispensing of poor Bertie?
This series started with a navigation disaster; is it possible that it will end with an aviation disaster, thus dispensing of poor Bertie?
7
Edith narrowly escapes a life with someone who plays for the other team and being forced to deal with a horrid mother in law. Bad behavior by her vengeful jealous sister will, in the end, prove beneficial in some way.
5
Bertie doesn't play for the other team, but the relative in Tangiers who died did. They treaded lightly on that development last night.
12
How could we expect Mary and Edith to get along when their
father and his sister never have kind words for each other.
father and his sister never have kind words for each other.
10
They're siblings, who let their hair down with one another, but I don't see a settled antagonism like the girls.
10
Here we are at Season 6, Episode 8, one episode left in an epic drama tracing a minor aristocratic family transitioning the social and technological changes from 1912 to 1925. Primary character? Mary Crawley. And like any protagonist she has to come to her point of self-realization, sees the light, chooses to alter her destructive course, steps out into her brave new world.
Alas, the crucial months leading to her new self-awareness, exemplified by choosing her 'match' in Henry Talbot, were given short shrift. These were precious hours, dear Abbots, when we should have watched the slow unpeeling of Mary's hard mask, when we should have gotten to truly know Mr. Talbot, who he is, what is his character (demonstrated by actions, not words), and who are his family? Where did he come from? What is the essence of this man who has warmed and won our heroine's heart? Instead he is given the time one might need to choose a puppy from a pet-store.
I needn't recount how those hours were spent, or dramatically misspent because you have kindly done it for me. It's enough to know they are gone forever and we are the poorer for it.
Alas, the crucial months leading to her new self-awareness, exemplified by choosing her 'match' in Henry Talbot, were given short shrift. These were precious hours, dear Abbots, when we should have watched the slow unpeeling of Mary's hard mask, when we should have gotten to truly know Mr. Talbot, who he is, what is his character (demonstrated by actions, not words), and who are his family? Where did he come from? What is the essence of this man who has warmed and won our heroine's heart? Instead he is given the time one might need to choose a puppy from a pet-store.
I needn't recount how those hours were spent, or dramatically misspent because you have kindly done it for me. It's enough to know they are gone forever and we are the poorer for it.
46
Yes! How true! To be satisfied at the resolution, we need character revelation, of which there was precious little re Talbot. Too much time was spent on Gillingham, etc. if we think about the characters we care about in literature, they've all been developed. I think Downton has a literary quality to it, but the execution of the Mary/Talbot plot line - no. Edith and Bertie yes because we've seen them in private moments together to have some sense of who he is.
15
GwenBoston -
After submitting my comment I thought about Elizabeth and Darcy. Miss Austen gives us both characters almost immediately and we spend the next 400 pages watching them slowly grow into less-prideful and less-prejudiced people finally able to see the beauty in each other.
Perhaps Henry could have grazed the edge of Mary's life these six seasons, each staying in their own worlds but touching lightly and casually, until time and circumstance draws them closer. Ah, well. What's done is done and there's nothing left but to move on.
After submitting my comment I thought about Elizabeth and Darcy. Miss Austen gives us both characters almost immediately and we spend the next 400 pages watching them slowly grow into less-prideful and less-prejudiced people finally able to see the beauty in each other.
Perhaps Henry could have grazed the edge of Mary's life these six seasons, each staying in their own worlds but touching lightly and casually, until time and circumstance draws them closer. Ah, well. What's done is done and there's nothing left but to move on.
7
Totally agree, yet there is some point to not developing the relationship between mary and henry. Unlike matthew and gilliam, this time it's all about attraction pure and simple. She has position and $; what she's looking for now is just chemistry, which gillliam couldn't provide. No need to do the try before you buy thing with henry, because the physical attraction was there from the moment she clapped eyes on him. Her b----yness is her essential character, yes, but it's now exacerbated by sexual frustration. Wonder what the Freudians out there would have to say about her attraction to the race car driver. Matthew Goode isn't given much to do or say because the character is all about bringing on the sexual confidence of Matthew Goode (and possibly the extra stiff upright posture to match Mary's-- has anyone else noticed just how stiff these two are?)
2
Re: the air travel adumbration - Please let the last episode be a time jump where they all pile into the Hindenburg.
3
Adumbration! Well played.
After Bertie's description of his mother, would you really wish Edith to marry him? What a life she would have to look forward to...a member of the English 'upper crust' with an out-of-wedlock child in tow and an unforgiving mother-in-law? Mary did her a great favor! Her work at the magazine is a much better future for both her and her daughter. Does she really need a marriage to be happy?
13
I think Edith has a better grip on what it means to be modern than Mary ever shall, so she'd be a great improvement on the model.
10
i agree. And the love scenes between Edith and Bertie are more comfortable than passionate, so maybe they make better friends than lovers. Edith looks happiest while running the magazine, which Bertie will help support with his new-found money.
1
Weren't we all hoping that Barrow would find true love with the Marquess? I have a soft spot for RJC and this character, so I hope he will be happy someday.
8
Maybe Thomas will get to displace the mean old butler of Branchester Castle, who summoned Rose's father-in-law's mistress at precisely the wrong time.
4
@mm
That "mean old butler" is the great Alun Armstrong...and NOBODY can displace him!
That "mean old butler" is the great Alun Armstrong...and NOBODY can displace him!
6
He is not a novice anywhere.
1
First, I want to say, I really enjoyed watching the antics of Lady Mary, and she is one of my favorite characters. However, I am glad that she got called out for being a you know what that rhymes with witch.
Yes, she has been horrible. Really horrible. Stop making excuses for her vile behavior because of the Pamuk affair. Mary has gotten her revenge on Edith already, in the first season no less, when she told Sir Anthony Strallan that Edith wasn't really interested. This was devastating to Edith, since she saw that relationship as her last chance for marriage.
In the end, I felt sorry for Mary. The fact is that her entire family kept Marigold's parentage a secret from her for fear of what she would do. Not even her own family could trust her with this information. And then, when she finds out, her first thought is not to be happy that she has a niece, or to be sad that her own sister couldn't trust her, but to keep silent with this information until she could find the perfect time to hurt Edith. Sad.
Even so, this was the best episode of the season.
Yes, she has been horrible. Really horrible. Stop making excuses for her vile behavior because of the Pamuk affair. Mary has gotten her revenge on Edith already, in the first season no less, when she told Sir Anthony Strallan that Edith wasn't really interested. This was devastating to Edith, since she saw that relationship as her last chance for marriage.
In the end, I felt sorry for Mary. The fact is that her entire family kept Marigold's parentage a secret from her for fear of what she would do. Not even her own family could trust her with this information. And then, when she finds out, her first thought is not to be happy that she has a niece, or to be sad that her own sister couldn't trust her, but to keep silent with this information until she could find the perfect time to hurt Edith. Sad.
Even so, this was the best episode of the season.
32
I think things are set up to make the series end reasonably happy.
*Mary needs to more fully redeem herself by going to Bertie and bringing him and Edith back together. This is what SHOULD happen, since Mary's lame 'you know I'm sorry' speech was hardly sufficient.
*Mary and Henry now need to set up a proper house, equipped with a proper butler. They will hire Thomas, partly because Mary loves Thomas' relationship with her son, George. It parallels her own important relationship with Carson.
*Molsely will ask Mrs. Baxter to marry him, either before or after he is asked to become a full-time teacher.
*Mary needs to more fully redeem herself by going to Bertie and bringing him and Edith back together. This is what SHOULD happen, since Mary's lame 'you know I'm sorry' speech was hardly sufficient.
*Mary and Henry now need to set up a proper house, equipped with a proper butler. They will hire Thomas, partly because Mary loves Thomas' relationship with her son, George. It parallels her own important relationship with Carson.
*Molsely will ask Mrs. Baxter to marry him, either before or after he is asked to become a full-time teacher.
8
Mary needs to get Bertie back. That is her ONLY redemption.
14
OK, for those who wonder where all this is going, remember the Dukes had more money than any landed gentry could get their hands on, vroom vroom. When Mary Left Tony...Biddle!
Mary Duke made a non-stop drive from Palm Beach to NYC to dump Tony before he could get a word in edgewise, your honor. It made this rag Times. I know because Aunt Peggy married Tony after she off loaded her first flameout, Teddy. This is why my stepmother's mother's trust was not so great, not until 60 would she throw her own clam bakes.
Mary Duke made a non-stop drive from Palm Beach to NYC to dump Tony before he could get a word in edgewise, your honor. It made this rag Times. I know because Aunt Peggy married Tony after she off loaded her first flameout, Teddy. This is why my stepmother's mother's trust was not so great, not until 60 would she throw her own clam bakes.
1
And then she died.
Look out for heiresses making promises your children will get what's coming to her if she can squat on their mother's legacy to feather her own nest. Dad was such a silly Jack and the takeoff pilot. She's not getting hers until she's sixty, so why should these greedy children get anything, I ask you dearly departed? She saw fit to submit that for proof of heartlessness, as my godmother, too.
But why did Smom's family have to screw mine over, twice? Her mother and my mom's dad having a go of it while Mom's mom was pulling a Thomas? Mom grifed fo her half of her mother's legacy, TOO? Is there something genetic about this pathetic pathology to destroy what little those who are happy with little can have?
I could crush it, that pathetic excuse for taking and never giving away the family's treasure chest, hold that keep! But why destroy a legacy with taxing so rich and devious a casting of plot lines? Uncle Will was one of five Tea Pot dome plotters, Sheldon! I hit the big time when Stepmom mixed hers up with mine. Yup, she got my mines, too. But little did she know my favorite collection is scandals. I'm swimming in them!
Look out for heiresses making promises your children will get what's coming to her if she can squat on their mother's legacy to feather her own nest. Dad was such a silly Jack and the takeoff pilot. She's not getting hers until she's sixty, so why should these greedy children get anything, I ask you dearly departed? She saw fit to submit that for proof of heartlessness, as my godmother, too.
But why did Smom's family have to screw mine over, twice? Her mother and my mom's dad having a go of it while Mom's mom was pulling a Thomas? Mom grifed fo her half of her mother's legacy, TOO? Is there something genetic about this pathetic pathology to destroy what little those who are happy with little can have?
I could crush it, that pathetic excuse for taking and never giving away the family's treasure chest, hold that keep! But why destroy a legacy with taxing so rich and devious a casting of plot lines? Uncle Will was one of five Tea Pot dome plotters, Sheldon! I hit the big time when Stepmom mixed hers up with mine. Yup, she got my mines, too. But little did she know my favorite collection is scandals. I'm swimming in them!
1
I am a romantic and that is why I watch Downton Abbey.
In my view, if Bertie really loves Edith, he would have forgiven her reticence to tell him the truth about Marigold. He may have had to take time to think about the implications, but he would not leave her because she doesn't "trust him."
This does not seem realistic to me.
It was somewhat strange when leading up to this confrontation, despite receiving his marriage proposal, Edith was still unhappy. This "poor Edith" line has been milked too long, especially since she proved her courageousness in getting Marigold and becoming a successful newspaper editor. Why can't she be a strong heroine?
Her character was unbelievably passive in her acceptance of Bertie's decision. She should have pressed him to love her!!!
In my view, if Bertie really loves Edith, he would have forgiven her reticence to tell him the truth about Marigold. He may have had to take time to think about the implications, but he would not leave her because she doesn't "trust him."
This does not seem realistic to me.
It was somewhat strange when leading up to this confrontation, despite receiving his marriage proposal, Edith was still unhappy. This "poor Edith" line has been milked too long, especially since she proved her courageousness in getting Marigold and becoming a successful newspaper editor. Why can't she be a strong heroine?
Her character was unbelievably passive in her acceptance of Bertie's decision. She should have pressed him to love her!!!
8
"Her character was unbelievably passive in her acceptance of Bertie's decision. She should have pressed him to love her!!!"
Not at all passive. What she did was in her time considered to be extremely shameful. An out-of-wedlock marriage ruined a woman's reputation. She would not be received in polite society. Her child would be shunned. Earlier, she talked about not wanting to live in some out-of-the-way hole of an apartment in London if her secret were revealed.
I think there's a chance that Bertie will reconsider but with his new, public role he has to be mindful of the potential for scandal in addition to his concern that Edith that did not tell him. Nor do I blame Edith for being unable to screw up the courage, although she tried.
Not at all passive. What she did was in her time considered to be extremely shameful. An out-of-wedlock marriage ruined a woman's reputation. She would not be received in polite society. Her child would be shunned. Earlier, she talked about not wanting to live in some out-of-the-way hole of an apartment in London if her secret were revealed.
I think there's a chance that Bertie will reconsider but with his new, public role he has to be mindful of the potential for scandal in addition to his concern that Edith that did not tell him. Nor do I blame Edith for being unable to screw up the courage, although she tried.
14
Yes, it is obvious that it was shameful to have an out of wedlock child at that time and that she would be shunned by "polite society".
But telling Bertie didn't mean that the whole world had to know that it was her daughter; they just had to know that she was adopted by the family.
He left because she didn't "trust" him enough to tell her, not because of the fact that the baby was out of wedlock.
When she learned that, she should have fought harder. And he should have understood why it was so difficult to tell him. She didn't want to lose him.
But telling Bertie didn't mean that the whole world had to know that it was her daughter; they just had to know that she was adopted by the family.
He left because she didn't "trust" him enough to tell her, not because of the fact that the baby was out of wedlock.
When she learned that, she should have fought harder. And he should have understood why it was so difficult to tell him. She didn't want to lose him.
2
Given the dynamic and the times, it's quite understandable why she didn't push. Your approach to this is very anachronistic.
2
The editing floor is presumably thigh deep in answers to our questions e.g. how did Mosley's class calm down? That Fellowes needs a good talking to about his cartoon version of the tiara brigade, though it probably takes him all day to add up the contents of his bank account. Trying to come up with a title for this : Cope Opera? Upscares, Downscares? My favourite title is a malaprop friend who insists on calling it Downtown Abbey - a contradiction in terms with few exceptions. Fellowes tries to wind us up but the whole thing has become a fashion parade interrupted by bad manners - when it could have been a little more Barbara Cartlandised with some flower arrangements, and a bit more about the surrounding folks. Don't they every have anyone over? Isn't there ever a workman who steals silver? Don't the children ever ride? If I could write the last episode, I'd concentrate on the puppy, have a lovely gay relative make hand made pyjamas for Thomas, and show the railway being rerouted around the estate. Where is the rest of England? Who brings the mail? And when is Brendan Coyle coming to Milwaukee on a speaking tour? Maybe to Irishfest?
3
first time watching i wondered why the schoolkids calmed down, watched it again and mosley discloses his other other job and it turns out lots of the parents were in service too.
8
Baxter suggested that he let the children know who he was--one of them, not a stranger.
3
I was hoping so desperately that Bertie would come around. Lady Mary is a monster, and Edith should have committed grievous bodily harm to her after she outed her. To have her show up at Mary's sham wedding is the height of irresponsible writing. This should have been the final relationship ending betrayal for those two.
So much time was wasted on dead end stories: the damn hospital, Isobel and Lord Merton, Barrow's myriad job interviews. Now we are down to one last episode; it is what it is. This last episode however was pure meat, much like the first season.
Bravo for another wonderful recap, Lord Bayard.
So much time was wasted on dead end stories: the damn hospital, Isobel and Lord Merton, Barrow's myriad job interviews. Now we are down to one last episode; it is what it is. This last episode however was pure meat, much like the first season.
Bravo for another wonderful recap, Lord Bayard.
20
My prediction (wrong of course) was that Mary was going to blurt it out and Bertie, or should I say, Lord Wrexham, would matter of factly say "Well, OF COURSE Edith told me. Marigold is to be the flower girl at the wedding".
5
Mary is a monster?!?! Mary never took a child from her established family and stood idle as
said family is forced out of their home...all for helping Edith out of a tight spot. Mary also has never forgotten to mention she's a mother to a suitor. Edith baited Mary and got what she deserved. Poor Edith??? Stop vilifying a strong woman. Someone had to fill the poor sap in, clearly Edith wasn't getting to it. Please...oh please...let Edith be miserable...she deserves it!!!
said family is forced out of their home...all for helping Edith out of a tight spot. Mary also has never forgotten to mention she's a mother to a suitor. Edith baited Mary and got what she deserved. Poor Edith??? Stop vilifying a strong woman. Someone had to fill the poor sap in, clearly Edith wasn't getting to it. Please...oh please...let Edith be miserable...she deserves it!!!
10
Where's that dish towel for this last one.
Mary's love life quandary , which is for real given her complex character, previous marriage history and social standing, was too quickly and neatly resolved to be realistic. Julian Fellows was obviously in a hurry to end the season with a fairy tale aura. IMHO, it would have been more poignant, memorable ...and romantic to Matthew's fandom had she remained single.
5
A bit bummed the parents had no clue Bertie was a better catch than they guessed; displays their uppity ignorance. I picked up on his misery at being spare to the heir, immediately. OMG, Brancaster blows the doors of Downton.
10
I am most surprised by the number of women who must like Mary and feel Edith has been getting what she deserves. My sense from the first series is that Mary had been making Edith's life a misery for years before Edith sent the letter to the Turkish ambassador about Mr. Pamuk's death. Plus they were in their late teens at the time and what did Mary actually suffer for her indiscretion. Now they're supposed to be adults who have both felt loss and grown from their experiences but only one has.
35
I have held firm from the beginning that Edith is the true heroine of this tale and plan to be redeemed in that knowledge in the final episode.
4
This is going to work out !!
Am I the only person who remembers what Lady Edith did to Mary? To me that was much worse. What goes around comes around...
8
How was that worse?
2
Most people who talk about that forget that it was Thomas who spread the story through his letters to his friend in London; Cora heard that way from Susan. Edith's letter--prompted by O'Brien pushing Daisy to tell Edith what she'd seen--only served to add weigh to an existing story.
Not to mention the hunt party who was in the house who saw how Mary ignored Napier and Matthew for Pamuk. The very next day Napier came to Cora and told her it was all off between him and Mary.
Not to mention the hunt party who was in the house who saw how Mary ignored Napier and Matthew for Pamuk. The very next day Napier came to Cora and told her it was all off between him and Mary.
3
SP:
Appreciate your recall of the Thomas letter. I think most of us have forgotten about that.
Appreciate your recall of the Thomas letter. I think most of us have forgotten about that.
3
Just as a VERY long-term series arc note:
If the series can manage to make it to 1 January 1926, that's when the Law of Property Act 1925 went into effect, abolishing ... fee tail for land. Remember the entail that was the original raison d'etre for the series?
If the series can manage to make it to 1 January 1926, that's when the Law of Property Act 1925 went into effect, abolishing ... fee tail for land. Remember the entail that was the original raison d'etre for the series?
11
It also happens to be when the Public Domain became frozen in time, not until 2019 will our copyrights again unwind since Sonny Bono sold US down the river. Clock hands stuck for twenty more years so we could be blanketed with Universal reruns.
2
That's not too far away!
No one got the Suddenly Last Summer vibe from Bertie's waxing on about his uncle's lyrical sunbathing habits? What wasn't said, my dear reader? I think he might have some closeted historical relations, himself.
I love a good day in the graveyard, but these are different times. Nothing is more peaceful than a bunch of silent witnesses to life and love and loss. Give it a toss, toffers!
I love a good day in the graveyard, but these are different times. Nothing is more peaceful than a bunch of silent witnesses to life and love and loss. Give it a toss, toffers!
8
I did! I thought, "that's why they 'buried' him so quickly."
1
I noticed that and also thought Bertie might be gay what with his attachment to his mother and description of his cousin.i think Edith might be better off without him in spite of his wealth.
Joan
Joan
3
I bet you Bertie is Bi and Edith is just the guy to understand.
2
So, bets on Barrow beating out the competition for managing the London House? Harry will keep Mary quite so going to and fro.
4
I've always been fond Mary the b*tch because she's occasionally demonstrated kindness towards others, especially her lady's maid. However this episode made me want to slap her for destroying her sister's Edith's betrothal to Bertie. I understand that some people have a reflexive emotional reaction to some people, even when they should have grown out of a pattern long ago (Mary being poisonously unkind to kind Edith) but this was beyond reflexive her action was truly evil. I loved Mary up until this episode, but this latest action towards her sister was beyond forgivable.
32
Edith had a lucky escape, Bertie looks like he could end up playing for the other team.
7
I thought that myself and thought also that Rosamund and Lady Violet had their own doubts when they mentioned Bertie's ties to his horrid mother.
Loved the series. Can't tell whether it's over. And admit I got all teary during the last episode. That being said, there could be follow ups...on the various characters that played here. Mrs. Patmore and her B&B adventures; the death of the Countess and the further progression of the various family members thru the Great Depression; Edith and her publication would stand by itself as a series; a love life for Branson and even a return to his socialistic beliefs; the family members that made off to America; and whatever happened to that terribly disfigured cousin (who nearly died on the Titanic) who had a closer claim to Downton? Shouldn't he reemerge to continue pushing for that claim?
So much really good stuff there.
So much really good stuff there.
Elaine, there is one more episode. I believe they are skipping next week for some reason, so don't be fooled. Gladyou mentioned Patrick (the disfigured cousin). I've been thinking the whole time he would return- get Downton and Edith! Too late for that now, I guess we were to believe he was an imposter.
1
People keep mentioning that Edith started the Pamuk affair but that doesn't excuse what Mary did. Why can't they be civil to each other after all this time? Unrelated, I live for these recaps, I can't deal with Downton ending.
8
I don't care enough to comment on the clothes, but Having read many comments here I found it interesting that no one commented on the halo effect on Edith as she stood in the cemetery.
The light shining through the brim of her chapeau was as if she was wearing one of those circular florescent bulbs!
I hate to be the one to say that I can't wait for this show to be over. I only watch it because I have so much invested in it so far.
Oh, and everyone seems to have given up on Patmore/Mason.
This ep was less a Soap Aria, and more like a Karmic Book cover version of DA.
The light shining through the brim of her chapeau was as if she was wearing one of those circular florescent bulbs!
I hate to be the one to say that I can't wait for this show to be over. I only watch it because I have so much invested in it so far.
Oh, and everyone seems to have given up on Patmore/Mason.
This ep was less a Soap Aria, and more like a Karmic Book cover version of DA.
3
What a relief to have one episode this season not devoted to: 1) the elderly romance, 2) Daisy's anger management issues, 3) Anna and Bates with the accompanying theme music
17
@Mary
THANK YOU!!..And here I thought I was the only one who couldn't stand the Bates (either of them!) or their sappy theme...A round of Fuller's London Porter and a bag of crisps for you!
THANK YOU!!..And here I thought I was the only one who couldn't stand the Bates (either of them!) or their sappy theme...A round of Fuller's London Porter and a bag of crisps for you!
9
The best thing about this dull season 6 of Downton Abbey is Louis Bayard's snarky recaps! Well done!
3
An omen of love will loom for Tom before the curtain goes down.
Edith will be happy ever after. Would be too sad for that not to happen in this telenovela.
Moseley's job offering telegraphed a happy end for Barrows. They threw the suicide attempt in for fun. I don't think it was about being gay. He could have been straight when he was nasty. It's more about him losing his home--where people came to care about him.
Moseley's second day at school telling his personal story and connecting with the pupil's was hanky worthy.
What happened to Baxter's jail house visit? Will she and the cowardly lion hook up?
Marigold showed signs she has a pulse--sort of.
Edith will be happy ever after. Would be too sad for that not to happen in this telenovela.
Moseley's job offering telegraphed a happy end for Barrows. They threw the suicide attempt in for fun. I don't think it was about being gay. He could have been straight when he was nasty. It's more about him losing his home--where people came to care about him.
Moseley's second day at school telling his personal story and connecting with the pupil's was hanky worthy.
What happened to Baxter's jail house visit? Will she and the cowardly lion hook up?
Marigold showed signs she has a pulse--sort of.
12
Michael.......COME BACK!!! We don't have a body.....we know you're still out there!
14
@Sandy
Sorry. No chance against the Brown Shirts. He's a goner.
Sorry. No chance against the Brown Shirts. He's a goner.
2
Yes! I've been hoping all along that Michael Gregson will return (he was in a prison camp all this time perhaps)!
4
Edith has a convenient memory. She forgets that she wrote a letter to the Turkish embassy concerning Kamal Pamuk and that she called Mary a slut. That letter caused the invitations that Mary might have received to dry up so in effect, Edith ruined Mary's chances first.
Perhaps if Edith had not tried to get back at Mary at breakfast, Mary might not have said what she did.
Mary is prickly, but you do know where you stand with her.
Perhaps if Edith had not tried to get back at Mary at breakfast, Mary might not have said what she did.
Mary is prickly, but you do know where you stand with her.
10
Mary already ruined Edith's chances for another marriage several seasons back, so she's already had her revenge. Seems to me that should be enough. Now it's pure spite and fear of being outranked.
7
On the other hand, it seems as though Edith is always trying to "one up" Mary.
It was an act of disloyalty for Edith to send that letter and call Mary a slut. It almost forced Mary into a marriage with the newspaper magnate.
It seems that Mary fights her own battles. Their parents seem unaware of the letter or what Edith called Mary after being confronted about it. So in spite of Edith's gloating, Mary has a confidence in herself that Edith is just developing. Mary does not suffer fools gladly.
Despite asking Grandmama Violet about a duke, Mary does marry Henry because she has realized that a marriage between equal temperaments counts more.
It was an act of disloyalty for Edith to send that letter and call Mary a slut. It almost forced Mary into a marriage with the newspaper magnate.
It seems that Mary fights her own battles. Their parents seem unaware of the letter or what Edith called Mary after being confronted about it. So in spite of Edith's gloating, Mary has a confidence in herself that Edith is just developing. Mary does not suffer fools gladly.
Despite asking Grandmama Violet about a duke, Mary does marry Henry because she has realized that a marriage between equal temperaments counts more.
2
A complicated scene at Breakfast. It looked as if Edith was buying time to fess up to Bertie when she told him "not now," but had to latch on to Mary's situation as a blind when pressed for the why. Mary's reveal is in some sense a reaction to being used, and to having her vulnerability highlighted semi-publicly. She is not a woman to be pitied! While we'd all like to blame one or the other sister, the situation is at fault. And what about the origins of the rivalry? Maybe if lord & lady g had shown the girls enough love in the first place, they wouldn't be scrabbling tooth and nail for the best girl badge.
3
Anyone get the irony of the name "Lord HEXham"? Maybe breaking with him is a good thing for poor Edith. Maybe it signifies the spell she's been under her whole life will be broken too.
6
Oh yes, and what about Miss Cruikshank???
That is a Dickensian name if we we heard one...
That is a Dickensian name if we we heard one...
2
Speculation 1: The clan are all standing around their huge Christmas tree singing a carol when suddenly a new voice joins them. Turning around in astonishment, they see Michael Gregson there in the doorway.
Speculation 2: Same scene, but it's the bandaged man who claimed to be Patrick Crawley in Season 2, Episode 6, and actually is Patrick. As the legitimate heir to the Abbey, he banishes them as he takes over. In one of those slow screen crawls, we learn from the text what happens to them all. Robert takes up his true calling, raising labradors. Mrs. Patmore opens up a successful chain of No-Tell Motels across Yorkshire, employing the entire downstairs staff. Edith moves to London to run her magazine and eventually marries another media giant, while Mary and Henry make do until his used car lot goes under and they divorce. She eventually marries some aging aristocrat with a title, which is all she was ever after in the first place.
Speculation 2: Same scene, but it's the bandaged man who claimed to be Patrick Crawley in Season 2, Episode 6, and actually is Patrick. As the legitimate heir to the Abbey, he banishes them as he takes over. In one of those slow screen crawls, we learn from the text what happens to them all. Robert takes up his true calling, raising labradors. Mrs. Patmore opens up a successful chain of No-Tell Motels across Yorkshire, employing the entire downstairs staff. Edith moves to London to run her magazine and eventually marries another media giant, while Mary and Henry make do until his used car lot goes under and they divorce. She eventually marries some aging aristocrat with a title, which is all she was ever after in the first place.
31
No-Tell Motel. Jolly good old chap!
4
How your narrative oozes with bitterness!
I guffawed out loud last night, and then got into a laughing fit ALL OVER AGAIN this morning when I read this recap quote, Mr. Bayard:
"Hugh Bonneville, bless him, can make an ejaculation like “Golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!” sound like something a human would say."
I think if any other character had said it, it would still be funny, but rolling off the lips of the Patriarch (oh, his-manly-Lordship) made it that much funnier.
"Golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!" will be perfect for the Downton commemorative T-shirts.
"Hugh Bonneville, bless him, can make an ejaculation like “Golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!” sound like something a human would say."
I think if any other character had said it, it would still be funny, but rolling off the lips of the Patriarch (oh, his-manly-Lordship) made it that much funnier.
"Golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!" will be perfect for the Downton commemorative T-shirts.
19
Yes, let's jump right into it, why don't we....Uh-oh. The 'Marigold Problem'. Had to happen sooner or later, but Mary!--you really outdid yourself this time! Couldn't wait to cook Edith's goose, could you? Glad you finally got back the tongue-lashing you've been giving out since Season 1--Congratulations, Tom! for getting off your pulpit long enough to do the right thing!...And poor Mrs. P. Everyone laughing behind your back because you're the proud owner of the House of the Rising Sun..really, some people. And poor Bertie. All that money and land, and now, no Missus. Chin up. At least you still have a Dragon of a mother tucked away somewhere...And sorry, fellow Abbots. I have to eat my hat! Didn't think Thomas would end up in the bath -- the signs were just too darn obvious!...at least he got an orange and a few more words out of Master George. And talk about being thrown for a loop -- SPRATT is MISS JONES?? Gotta love Julian Fellowes for that one!.. Very glad to see our Dowager escaped the French. Good Luck Henry Talbot, better keep your engines running. And well done , Mr. Molesley --You belong at the head of the class! Well, the clock is ticking (for you too, Lady Edith). We're at the finishing line, so break out the hankies (and the Champagne just in case)....
It promises to be grand old time. Anon, Abbots!
It promises to be grand old time. Anon, Abbots!
27
George: "Mr. Bawwow"--too cute.
3
I was shocked when Lady Mary suddenly up & married a race car driver! She kicked the tires with Mr. Green & decided against the deal. Wouldn't she at least have wanted to take Henry Talbot out on a full test drive before marrying him? Maybe a long weekend getting the feel of the throttle and how the engine performs in various positions, I mean conditions?
17
You don't mean Mr. Green, you mean Anthony Gillingham.
Green was his nefarious and happily dead man servant.
Green was his nefarious and happily dead man servant.
3
Mr. Green was the rapist/valet. Mary had the dirty weekend with Tony Foyle, Lord Gillingham.
4
Nah. Not needed.
He has panache and she is clearly enthralled with him
He has panache and she is clearly enthralled with him
I loved this episode, lots of touching moments. I especially enjoyed Mosley's Mr. Chips moment. Golly Gumdrops, we will miss you Louis Bayard!
17
And I was touched to see that Daisy was touched by Moseley's success and also that she then shared it with the other servants.
4
Sorry. Should have written M-O-L-E-S-L-E-Y.
2
Great clothing comment!!! Hilarious! and perceptive. Martha Stewart Grieves! HA!
And as far as Sad Sack Edith's future, the ominous tones of her beau's relationship with his MOTHER are supposed to make us see that the marriage would have been hell on wheels.
Edith will, instead, be a GREAT mom, now acknowledged, to Marigold, with Sybill's blessing, as they dance around her grave.
And as far as Sad Sack Edith's future, the ominous tones of her beau's relationship with his MOTHER are supposed to make us see that the marriage would have been hell on wheels.
Edith will, instead, be a GREAT mom, now acknowledged, to Marigold, with Sybill's blessing, as they dance around her grave.
12
With Bertie gone, Gregson can come back.
(I've never stopped hoping.)
(I've never stopped hoping.)
9
The Brownshirts got him, so sorry to be the one to break it to you...
5
I kept hoping the reports of his death were faked by military intelligence so he be an underground operative, reporting from pre-war Germany. Anything - no matter how far fetched - to see a happier ending for Edith.
2
What about Miss Baxter visiting that guy in prison? Is that subplot over?
And when the sensitive, artistic Marquess who liked watching the fisherman was first mentioned a few weeks ago I was sure there'd be an opportunity there for Thomas's employment. Too late now.
And when the sensitive, artistic Marquess who liked watching the fisherman was first mentioned a few weeks ago I was sure there'd be an opportunity there for Thomas's employment. Too late now.
9
Forgot about that.
What a shame that time will have to be wasted in the finale to tie up that loose end.
What a shame that time will have to be wasted in the finale to tie up that loose end.
1
That was awfully big of Edith to show up for the wedding and to make amends with Mary - she didn't deserve it. Edith owns what will become a successful publishing house, a beautiful flat in London, and will have a warm, loving relationship with her daughter. I can see her with a nouveau riche American, who won't give a fit about Marigold. As for Mary, we all know how the aristocracy and their grand houses end up.
Bertie and Barrow would make a fine couple.
Mr. Mosley has a solid future, I just hope it includes Baxter.
Poor Mrs. Hughes, stuck with Carson and Mary it seems...
Bertie and Barrow would make a fine couple.
Mr. Mosley has a solid future, I just hope it includes Baxter.
Poor Mrs. Hughes, stuck with Carson and Mary it seems...
16
Am I the only one who sees parallels between Lady Mary and that other "love to hate her" archetype Scarlett O'Hara? They're but a pond and about 70 years removed from each other.
13
I've often thought that Downton Abbey was a cross between Gone With the Wind and Upstairs Downstairs.
6
The clumsiest plot development of all was making former butler Spratt become the Agony Auntie writing a lovelorn column for Edith's mag.
How to explain the sudden appearance of parasols in Yorkshire? First used by Cora and Edith on a rare motherly stroll upon the greensward. Then Edith brought another sunbrella on a crucial walk and talk with Bertie. Anyone remember that fad in Yorkshire?
Penelope Wilton as Mrs. Crawley continues to be a beautiful woman, perfect in a role that seems to have been created for her.Let Larry Grey grovel to her.
How to explain the sudden appearance of parasols in Yorkshire? First used by Cora and Edith on a rare motherly stroll upon the greensward. Then Edith brought another sunbrella on a crucial walk and talk with Bertie. Anyone remember that fad in Yorkshire?
Penelope Wilton as Mrs. Crawley continues to be a beautiful woman, perfect in a role that seems to have been created for her.Let Larry Grey grovel to her.
15
@Margaret
Respectfully disagree. If ANYONE can throw zingers into an "Agony Auntie" column, it's SPRATT!!!...Between the Dowager Countess and Denker, look at all the practice he's been getting.
Respectfully disagree. If ANYONE can throw zingers into an "Agony Auntie" column, it's SPRATT!!!...Between the Dowager Countess and Denker, look at all the practice he's been getting.
11
Perhaps it's just my imagination, but I believe there was a conversation between Spratt and Denker early on that touched on agony columns.
4
I had remarked in response to an earlier episode how impressed I am at Mr. Fellowes's placing importance on forgiveness, or at least a forgiving spirit (which is not the same as reconciliation) in his characters. I noted that inclination in spades in Episode 8. For all of their "hauteur," these are human beings who have flaws (In fact, "hauteur" is one of those flaws.), and they are eventually brought up short by their own brokenness. Edith's observations to Mary that they will be left to remember those who have passed on and will pass on underscores, for me, what a forgiving spirit looks and sounds like.
17
I'm praying Bertie sees in Edith's acceptance of his hurt and recoil that she shoots straight and from the hip if a guy will give a gal enough time to reload.
4
Our prayers to Fellowes's ears! My sense of Bertie is that he's a "good sort," a gentleman, and a thoughtful man, who, upon deeper reflection, may reconsider his action and realize that Edith is a woman of substance and character. In my book, that would be one of the best surprises for the final episode. Let's pray hard!
10
One. More. awful....
I shall truly miss looking forward to the next installment of the continuing story of the folks at Downton Abbey. And, as others have said I will really miss reading the recap in the New York Times on Monday morning as well as all the comments.
I hope the BBC and PBS can soon come up with something as delightful and with such universal appeal as Downton Abbey.
And I can hardly wait to see what Louis has to say about the finale next week.
I hope the BBC and PBS can soon come up with something as delightful and with such universal appeal as Downton Abbey.
And I can hardly wait to see what Louis has to say about the finale next week.
7
This genre, Upstairs Downstairs TV serials, was the brain trust of Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh. Begin with the original, and then enjoy their come back and what ever other copiest made hay from this sunshine.
4
I would suggest "Home Fires" which stars the woman who played Lady Rosemond as a leader in the Women's Institute chapter in a small town in Western England in the early days of WWII.
11
The actress is Samantha Bond. The series is quite moving -- And as usual, she's brilliant!
2
So many downers last night in Downton...I felt down watching it all. Lady Mary really hit new lows!
But on a lighter note my favorite line: Hughes to Carson
'But you're my curmudgeon!"
But on a lighter note my favorite line: Hughes to Carson
'But you're my curmudgeon!"
8
@Fahey
Yes. That was sweet...but somehow I was still wishing for the soup tureen to land on top of his head, curmudgeon, or not.
Yes. That was sweet...but somehow I was still wishing for the soup tureen to land on top of his head, curmudgeon, or not.
1
I haven't watched the show in years and just came across this column today. Boy, have I been missing out. This is the most entertaining recap piece I've read in a very long time. Well done!
16
I'm a southerner - we grew up playing in cemeteries around our ancestors' graves. At least Sybbie gets to visit her mum.
19
I am from a colonial town in eastern NC and we always played in a cemetery with graves dating back to the early 1700's. Seeing the same on Downton brought back many happy memories and made me remember that as a child, there was no real fear of death.
8
My cousins and I often got together at my grandmother's farm when we were children in northern Ohio. For a bit of excitement, we would walk across the cornfield to the Catholic churchyard where my grandfather was buried. On the tombstone was my grandmother's name with her birthdate and her blank death date (it ended up being 1988). We had a lot of fun romping in the cemetery with the full support of our elders.
7
I agree completely. I had a conversation today with a friend whose mother just passed about all of our wonderful rural Eastern NC mourning traditions.
2
Although my sympathy/empathy for her did grow over the past few seasons, I had never completely forgiven Edith for writing the letter to the Turkish embassy about Mary & Pamuk in the first season of DA; it was inconceivable to me that one sister could act so viciously toward another, potentially destroying her reputation in a world where even a hint of scandal could make her a pariah forever. Thus, I've stayed in Mary's corner during their feud even while shaking my head at much of the behavior that has caused other fans to dislike her so intensely.
That said, I was completely gobsmacked at Mary's comment about Marigold at the table. G*d knows she certainly got her own back after 5 years but this was beyond the pale and Edith responded with far more grace than I could have managed in the same situation.
Badly done, Mary. Badly done, indeed.
Oh, but when Spratt emerged as Cassandra Jones, well, to borrow Lord G's delicious phrase: golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!
That said, I was completely gobsmacked at Mary's comment about Marigold at the table. G*d knows she certainly got her own back after 5 years but this was beyond the pale and Edith responded with far more grace than I could have managed in the same situation.
Badly done, Mary. Badly done, indeed.
Oh, but when Spratt emerged as Cassandra Jones, well, to borrow Lord G's delicious phrase: golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!
39
Mary got her own back a while ago, when she told Sir Anthony Strallan that Edith wasn't interested in him, causing him to have doubts about their relationship. This was revenge not only for the Pamuk ordeal, but because Sir Anthony had originally come to Downton to meet Mary, and Mary just couldn't accept that his affections shifted to Edith. Seriously, Mary got her own back long time ago and then some.
26
I envy the actors. Their run is over. Fellows is so busy wrapping up loose ends (and ones never tied to anything to begin with) he has Barrow attempting suicide and attending a wedding all in the week! Fellows also succeeds in making one of the few sympathetic characters, Carson, a newly-wedded misogynist and heartless "employer" at the same time. Meanwhile, the always wooden Mary has a heart-to-heart with her dead husband that should have been witnessed not by her former mother-in-law but by her soon-to-be husband. He wasn't so lucky.
I cannot imagine how Baxter and Molesley will have enough time to get it together in the final episode. Perhaps they can at Bates' and Anna's baby's christening. Meanwhile, Daisy is poised to take over for Molesley, who finds the task of ministering to future cricketers too much to handle. All we need now is for Edith to finally find happiness. Perhaps she and Tom can work things out being the only ones left standing.
I cannot imagine how Baxter and Molesley will have enough time to get it together in the final episode. Perhaps they can at Bates' and Anna's baby's christening. Meanwhile, Daisy is poised to take over for Molesley, who finds the task of ministering to future cricketers too much to handle. All we need now is for Edith to finally find happiness. Perhaps she and Tom can work things out being the only ones left standing.
6
"Golly gumdrops" ?????
1
@Wolfe
I'm still trying to figure that one out, too...
I'm still trying to figure that one out, too...
Common response in the UK many years ago. In the US the equivalent would be oh my God or my goodness. Died out when I was a kid and anyone caught saying it was ridiculed. Refers to Gumdrop sweets (candy).
4
@HC
I know what it means, but it still sounds strange coming out of Lord Grantham's mouth.
I know what it means, but it still sounds strange coming out of Lord Grantham's mouth.
1
So much seemed telegraphed this season--and does anyone doubt a show down & resolution for Edith & Bertie's Mom - leading to a new modern family ?
And it is odd to read so much caricature applied to Lady Mary, the only psychologically complex figure at Downton. She is widowed by tragedy, burdened with the responsibilities of an eldest 'son' to manage & carry on the estate- she has historic perspective. And she has a mask, that comes off under pressure...
The main disappointment with this Downton end game is the absence of real heat between Mary & Henry. He just doesn't have that Dan Stevens heft.
Undoubtedly we will see more period dramas ahead; the genre has been fabulous from Brideshead through Jewel in the Crown !
And it is odd to read so much caricature applied to Lady Mary, the only psychologically complex figure at Downton. She is widowed by tragedy, burdened with the responsibilities of an eldest 'son' to manage & carry on the estate- she has historic perspective. And she has a mask, that comes off under pressure...
The main disappointment with this Downton end game is the absence of real heat between Mary & Henry. He just doesn't have that Dan Stevens heft.
Undoubtedly we will see more period dramas ahead; the genre has been fabulous from Brideshead through Jewel in the Crown !
21
You mention Mary's outfit color coordinated with Matthew's grave, but no mention of her bridal outfit? She may be a skinny b**ch, but she is one gorgeous clothes horse. I will miss the costumes on Downton most of all (if I had to pick one thing). I know I was Mary is a former lifetime.
23
I prefer the word "slender" to "skinny". The concept of it being normal to eat everything in sight just because it's available is rather lower class. The uppers eat small tastes of what they want precisely because they know it will always be there.
1
@Tom
FYI. It's the "lower class" that work non-stop to make it possible for the "Uppers" to eat next-to-nothing, and hold their noses in the air while doing so.
There's no way to work hours like that on an empty stomach.
FYI. It's the "lower class" that work non-stop to make it possible for the "Uppers" to eat next-to-nothing, and hold their noses in the air while doing so.
There's no way to work hours like that on an empty stomach.
2
Wasn't it just three weeks ago that Lady Mary dissed the idea of a wedding breakfast?
14
A sit-down wedding breakfast--not done. It would be a buffet.
Mary going from "I won't" to "I do" faster than the speed of light and the various plot lines being pushed towards conclusion, it's like forcing forsythia to bloom in March.
30
I'm a huge fan and not to be cynical, but I had to cringe when Violet told Mary that she "believed in love." I found it jarring. When stacked up against the cumulative effect of all her acidic one-liners, such tenderness just didn't seem in character.
14
I think granny went to the south of france to see that Russian guy and that is why she came back all lovey dovey.
5
Old people can BS the young ones into believing they believe in hopey changy, too. She was not going to put up with Mary's foul mood for another season.
3
I love her acidic one-liners, but I've always thought Violet has real feeling.
2
Edith didn't lie to Bertie. She tried to slow him down (during his proposal) so that she could express her Truth in her own way - not as everyone told her to. Even Bertie responded twice to her silence: "I'll take that as a Yes."
Edith is an example of a woman who struggles to be whole. How easy to blame her for all of her 'failings' rather than the mean, competitive, misogynistic world into which she was born.
Her courage is growing- that's why she's made a stand to keep her daughter, Marigold. And she has taken on owning a magazine and choosing to hire a smart, smoking (!), female editor.
But when it comes to Love and Marriage, she continues to be oh so fragile.
I'm pretty sure the last episode will have a baby for Anna and Bates and a return of Bertie for Edith!
A Just and Happy Ending for my favorite soap opera!
Edith is an example of a woman who struggles to be whole. How easy to blame her for all of her 'failings' rather than the mean, competitive, misogynistic world into which she was born.
Her courage is growing- that's why she's made a stand to keep her daughter, Marigold. And she has taken on owning a magazine and choosing to hire a smart, smoking (!), female editor.
But when it comes to Love and Marriage, she continues to be oh so fragile.
I'm pretty sure the last episode will have a baby for Anna and Bates and a return of Bertie for Edith!
A Just and Happy Ending for my favorite soap opera!
67
We've come a long way since the sinking of the Titanic. I wear Downton as a badge of pride during the pro-football season. My buddies ridicule but I know they too sneek peeks during the commercials. So onto next week, oh wait, make that two weeks (PBS milking it for all its worth). Please let Edith find some happiness in life!!!
29
@rich
Well done!! Wear your Abbot pride!!... And let's all light a candle for Lady Edith.
Well done!! Wear your Abbot pride!!... And let's all light a candle for Lady Edith.
5
Downton is such an odd show. Week after week we have to watch a dreary and completely pointless fight over the county hospital, but then in fifteen minutes at the end of the season we wrap up an entire romance.
One of the reasons the first couple of seasons were so engaging was that Mary and Matthew's romance played out over a long period of time....we dien't have to give Mary that long with her new beau, but perhaps long enough to remember his name?
Maggie Smith is a gem, and the dowager is a wonderful character, but surely something more interesting could happen to her than a hospital boardroom fight...while her romantically challenged granddaughters just sort of sit in the background?
I've enjoyed the last couple of episodes, but as a season it was pretty dull. Once again the costumes were one of the primary joys. That fabulous coat thing that Edith wore! Mary's wedding dress and black sparkly dinner gown...golly gumdrop!
One of the reasons the first couple of seasons were so engaging was that Mary and Matthew's romance played out over a long period of time....we dien't have to give Mary that long with her new beau, but perhaps long enough to remember his name?
Maggie Smith is a gem, and the dowager is a wonderful character, but surely something more interesting could happen to her than a hospital boardroom fight...while her romantically challenged granddaughters just sort of sit in the background?
I've enjoyed the last couple of episodes, but as a season it was pretty dull. Once again the costumes were one of the primary joys. That fabulous coat thing that Edith wore! Mary's wedding dress and black sparkly dinner gown...golly gumdrop!
33
Pardon me, but i thought Lady Mary was talking sense when she said something to the effect that sure, she's attracted to the big hunk but what about when that attraction fades? Where would she be then? Fellowes hasn't bothered to write any believable relationship between them other than a bit of dry, clever repartee.
The more i think about it the more i think Bertie won't be coming back for Edith. They could have had a life together before his field-promotion to marquess - but under his new circumstance i don't think so. She is liking her independence and running the mag. However - he might come back if it turns out that his wicked mother has an older son and he's not the marquess after all, or that he's not really his mother's son. That would be a happy ending!
Why is everyone always going "up" to London from Yorkshire? I thought it was figure of speech until i saw a Foyle's War episode where Foyle makes a deduction based on a character saying "came up to London" (from the south coast) rather saying "down to" or "sideways to London," thus revealing he knew more than he was admitting to. So it doesn't seem to be a universal figure of speech.
The more i think about it the more i think Bertie won't be coming back for Edith. They could have had a life together before his field-promotion to marquess - but under his new circumstance i don't think so. She is liking her independence and running the mag. However - he might come back if it turns out that his wicked mother has an older son and he's not the marquess after all, or that he's not really his mother's son. That would be a happy ending!
Why is everyone always going "up" to London from Yorkshire? I thought it was figure of speech until i saw a Foyle's War episode where Foyle makes a deduction based on a character saying "came up to London" (from the south coast) rather saying "down to" or "sideways to London," thus revealing he knew more than he was admitting to. So it doesn't seem to be a universal figure of speech.
5
It is indeed not universal. It seems to be regional. I live in MA, and my boyfriend lives in RI, but he always says he's coming "down" to see me, even though I live north of him. I usually think of it geographically, where up is north and down is south, and if it's sort of sideways, it's a judgement call between up, down and over!
I hope edith finds someone better. It wouldn't be much fun being married to a wimp with a scary mother.Even if he does have a castle.
2
Why do people who live on the west coast of the United States refer to going to New York as coming out to NY? Instead of coming back, especially if they originally migrated. Normally, the cultural and power center is to where one goes up or goes back and the more recently settled or sparsely settled area is one to which one goes down or out. The west coasters turn that on its head to assert their hipness.
Michael Gregson is a spy for Her Majesties Secret Service and they had to protect his cover by seemingly killing him off. Voila, he really isn't dead and will be coming back for Edith. How is that for implausibly wonderful...
39
I like it !!
9
I've been hoping for the same secret agent surprise all along!
4
I never felt an iota of chemistry between Mary and Matthew, and found him so unattractive and wimpy that the graveyard scene seemed particularly ludicrous. Not feeling too much octane in her relationship with Talbot either, just seems like sloppy writing all around.
Rosamund sure was wasted for the past five years. If her character had appeared more regularly and in depth it would have added greatly to the texture of the show.
Glad Thomas survived. He should replace Spratt - I could see the dowager enjoying Barrow's shrewd observations and sardonic humor.
Rosamund sure was wasted for the past five years. If her character had appeared more regularly and in depth it would have added greatly to the texture of the show.
Glad Thomas survived. He should replace Spratt - I could see the dowager enjoying Barrow's shrewd observations and sardonic humor.
31
@Ebbie
True. Rosamund might have been wasted, but she still had one of the best wardrobes on the block!!!
True. Rosamund might have been wasted, but she still had one of the best wardrobes on the block!!!
7
I think her not being there serves a point.Cora and robert seem very uneasy when she is there.I think she is edith's mother. I really really do.
3
The Dowager and Thomas are made for each other. I hope we see them go off into the sunset together - nattering at each other the entire time.
5
I would like to give kudos to Lesley Nicol, who plays Mrs. Patmore. I find Mrs. Patmore quite relatable and feel her every emotion due to Ms. Nicol's acting ability. I have laughed and I have cried with and for Mrs. Patmore throughout the series. She is one of my favorite characters in Downton Abbey.
153
@mmc
Agree!! -- Let's hear if for Mrs. Patmore (and Lesley Nicol). A true heart of gold...(and nerves of steel to put up with that Daisy!)
Agree!! -- Let's hear if for Mrs. Patmore (and Lesley Nicol). A true heart of gold...(and nerves of steel to put up with that Daisy!)
13
I too love Mrs P.
She reminds me of a very dear and now departed friend I had in England many years ago. Her manner, her sense of humor and duty, her figure, and her scones, all remind me of my friend whom I miss every day.
She reminds me of a very dear and now departed friend I had in England many years ago. Her manner, her sense of humor and duty, her figure, and her scones, all remind me of my friend whom I miss every day.
10
She's a wonderful actress, I agree!
Quite crafty, this Fellowes fellow.
Slyly hiding a writer's confession in plain sight amidst all the tawdry brouhaha:
Lord Grantham: "I don't think this family can boast much in the way of artists. Although we did have an aunt who was quite good at macrame. (Pronuonced, mah CROM me)"
Yes, by all means, tie up all those loose ends so we may put this moldy tapestry into storage. And be right quick about it, my good man!
Slyly hiding a writer's confession in plain sight amidst all the tawdry brouhaha:
Lord Grantham: "I don't think this family can boast much in the way of artists. Although we did have an aunt who was quite good at macrame. (Pronuonced, mah CROM me)"
Yes, by all means, tie up all those loose ends so we may put this moldy tapestry into storage. And be right quick about it, my good man!
4
What about "Master George", Mary's son with Matthew? Shouldn't there have been a scene with Mary explaining that he has a new Daddy?
7
I had tears in my eyes at the wedding but not in joy for Lady Mary. Poor, sad, pathetic and pitied Lady Edith saw a real chance for happiness destroyed by her sister's malicious snipe yet Mary walks off with her prize and a second wedding. Grr. Barrow's slices were not nearly as wounding as Mary's to Edith.
17
I loved this series from the first episode and have watched it loyally! But Edith's talk to Mary last night about sisterhood was the first time I got really choked up. That was very true to life.
By the way, for all you complainers on this site, the simple solution has all along been: JUST DON'T WATCH. When YOUR series is on TV, then you can try critiquing.
By the way, for all you complainers on this site, the simple solution has all along been: JUST DON'T WATCH. When YOUR series is on TV, then you can try critiquing.
21
Yes, agree,
Edith's words about their entire world only living on in her memories and in her sister's, that they would be the last repository of the whole thing when all the other characters had departed the scene, were powerful.
I
Edith's words about their entire world only living on in her memories and in her sister's, that they would be the last repository of the whole thing when all the other characters had departed the scene, were powerful.
I
9
My brothers and I used to cuddle under the comforter while our parents were out and called it "Old Times." I bet Pinter would draw a pint or two from that one, but the only thing pervy about it was how precocious we were. We we orphaned far to soon and left a step mother to smother us evily.
1
Will Tom and Mary keep the forest the same size, or make it larger?
Now we know what they do when they're out "agenting."
Now we know what they do when they're out "agenting."
11
Didn't that line sound like something absurd and odd that one would make up on the spot to try to cover up what one had really been discussing when someone else showed up unexpectedly? "Well, you know, I heard that so-and-so actually really likes so-and-so... but they're so wrong for each other. I really think..." [narrator spots one of the subjects of conversation approaching - raises his voice] "ahem, so you don't think we should make the forest larger, then?"
1
Exactly. One of the darndest things i've heard on this show, as if they could snap their fingers and make the wood larger should they so desire.
Mary is standing staring into the forest doing nothing so I thought Tom's remark was a joke?
1
The writing has been poor for some time. Now, everything seems so rushed and the writers desperate to come to a conclusion in a finished story line. At this point, I fully expect a Gilbert and Sulivan operetta ending. Julian Fellowes will go all the way: Edith will get married (yes, Bertie will return, finally coming to his senses) and Isobel Crawley and Lord Merton, and they'll be a few pairings in the servants hall: Molesley and Miss Baxter, Daisy and Andy, and Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason. Because he's been such a good sport, Tom Branson will get to marry anyone left over. Sadly in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, that usually means the ugly (but funny) girl. Then, all the couple will gather in the entrance hall and sing, "Oh, Joy Unbounded," while credits roll.
8
Maybe there isn't enough time for development, but what about Tom and the editor!
8
jay65 -
Apparently, the writer is not bothered with development at this point. That pairing seems to be indicated. It seems we can expect anything, which would also include red herrings.
Apparently, the writer is not bothered with development at this point. That pairing seems to be indicated. It seems we can expect anything, which would also include red herrings.
Hello. Adorable Lab Publicist here: After enduring several scenes of fat pigs, we're back! However, one scene per episode with puppy Teaa velcro'ed to a chewing basket is a slap in the face to the departed Isis! In the final episode, it is imperative that the essential canine character, who humanized Lord Grantham all these years, be allowed to romp, urinate in the library and chew Mary's shoes.
18
I fear the fate of the pup, if it dares to chew on Mary's shoes.
I had not followed the series, until I discovered Louis Bayard's Monday morning column. Now drawn to the melodrama, with the promise of a Monday cupa with Mr. Bayard, I chuckle, gasp and editorialize during each episode.
6
All you Mary-haters: Have you forgotten that Edith started it all with the Pamluk incident?
10
NOT -- Edith retaliated to Mary's very brutal slices a good bit before that.
5
yeah . But mary messed up her engagement to stralan too and she laughed and acted really tacky when edith's fiancée died.
8
Actually, her behavior was in retaliation for Mary's attempts to blow up Edith's relationship with Anthony Strallan,
7
I haven't read all the comments... But Mr. Bayard, I AM surprised at you!
That you let slide the most hysterical (and both intentional and unintentional at the same time) When someone, probably Carson said "Thanks the Lord that the Dowager isn't here to see this!" and the cut is to Violet riding in! Viewers KNEW it was her, instantly, because it would be too outrageous for it to be her, unless it was a deliberate joke by Br. Fellowes.
That you let slide the most hysterical (and both intentional and unintentional at the same time) When someone, probably Carson said "Thanks the Lord that the Dowager isn't here to see this!" and the cut is to Violet riding in! Viewers KNEW it was her, instantly, because it would be too outrageous for it to be her, unless it was a deliberate joke by Br. Fellowes.
10
@dredpiraterobts
That was a pretty amazing entrance wasn't it?...She couldn't have gotten there any quicker if she were riding a broomstick...Don't mess with the Dowager!
That was a pretty amazing entrance wasn't it?...She couldn't have gotten there any quicker if she were riding a broomstick...Don't mess with the Dowager!
12
Edith's most insightful comment concerned Mary's transitory happiness. Mary is nice when pleased with her circumstances. But, she will become bored, bitter and a bitch once again. Mary is clearly on the path to Miss Havisham-dom twice removed through marriage. She will end up moping about a disintegrating estate laid low by her poor stewardship.
Edith, on the other hand, does not need Bertie. She was most happy working with her office staff. As a fine and creative manager, she has built a great, happy team. Her product is depression proof. Will she take pity on Mary and occasionally invite her for a London holiday? Hope not.
Edith, on the other hand, does not need Bertie. She was most happy working with her office staff. As a fine and creative manager, she has built a great, happy team. Her product is depression proof. Will she take pity on Mary and occasionally invite her for a London holiday? Hope not.
38
But perhaps there IS a wonderful surprise waiting for us on March 6th. Only The Shadow knows ...
3
Really? The estate seems to be running fine under Mary's stewardship, and she just got re-married.
7
I fear that I shalll miss this column as much as I shall miss Downton. Well played, old chap!
39
never in (television) history has a character garnered more sympathy or risen to higher heights than Lady Edith. Brava ! we needed to wait 5 years, and second to last episode to relish in her 'Mary bashing ' at long last. and lest we forget what a truly classy act she is... her attendance at her miserable sisters wedding. Cheers ! I look forward to seeing these dazzling damsels appearing on the big screen in the future.
20
Class act? Have you forgotten that it was Edith who wrote to the Turkish embassy to disclose what really happened to Mr. Pomuk? Edith did not hesitate to constantly visit the farm to see Marigold despite having given her up. She caused the couple that had kindly taken the child in to have to leave their home and move away. She carried on an affair with her editor boyfriend before he went to Germany and disappeared, leaving her pregnant. This would have ruined her in society had it been known. Edith was always sneaky and jealous, constantly feeling sorry for herself. She ended up with a flat in London and a career at the magazine. A lot of her unhappiness was due to her choices and actions, not Mary. So, although Mary was not the best of sisters, Edith certainly had not behaved well. The Pomuk thing was unforgivable. I had very little sympathy for her.
10
I see a younger girl trying to attach the same as Mary, with Mary dissing her at every turn, seeming to loathe her existence. Mary's rivalry with Edith was always put forth with more force than Edith's response to it. Mary did sabotage two marriages for Edith, definitely altering her chance for attachment and happiness. Forgivable? Edith's spontaneous fall from grace was not as sly with the preventive as Mary's calculated trial run with Gillingham - good grief. The Drewe thing was embarrassing, but think where she was and what had happened to her. Comparing hearts, the more sensitive one goes to Edith. Mary had a lot more support as the oldest, better looks and favor, all of which she has habitually taken as her right and due.
11
Judy, you keep saying that, but Mary continually provoked Edith. Second, the whole point of settling Marigold with the Drewes was so Edith could see and visit her. It was Drewe's wife who was psychotic.
4
"(Isn’t there some part of you that wishes she would rise to the challenge and become Yorkshire’s wealthiest madam?)"
YES YES a million times YES, Mr. Bayard! especially when one sees the actress in the 21st C. talk-backs that PBS is flogging us with nightly...her hair's all curly, her lips are painted red... she'd be a perfect Lady of the Night!
YES YES a million times YES, Mr. Bayard! especially when one sees the actress in the 21st C. talk-backs that PBS is flogging us with nightly...her hair's all curly, her lips are painted red... she'd be a perfect Lady of the Night!
Alt Ediths:
E dashes (or shall it be DAESHs) off to the airport to kiss Bertie, "We'll always have London." He gets on the plane and flies to Casablanca. E turns to Tom and says " Tommy, I think this was the end of a beautiful friendship!"
Sim.
Bertie goes into business in Morocco and lives the dissolute life until, one day he utters those words..." Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." It's Marigold! Just the right age for Bertie now!
E dashes (or shall it be DAESHs) off to the airport to kiss Bertie, "We'll always have London." He gets on the plane and flies to Casablanca. E turns to Tom and says " Tommy, I think this was the end of a beautiful friendship!"
Sim.
Bertie goes into business in Morocco and lives the dissolute life until, one day he utters those words..." Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." It's Marigold! Just the right age for Bertie now!
4
Oh, I don't think Bertie is a Woody Allen.
4
I've read it here before and last night brought it to mind...Mary is Carson's daughter.
17
They both have certainly been behaving in similar manner, lately! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree??? Haha.
2
Early in the series I began to think about that possibility; but that's too farfetched even for Fellowes.
1
I was so looking forward to meeting the newly minted Lord Hexham's gorgon of a mother. Speaking of Bertie, I think he was just looking for a reason to hie off to Tangiers to look up the deceased uncle's Arab catamites.
13
You may still. After all, the Christmas special has yet to air. You never know.
2
The camera scanned over the wedding witnesses and I believe I saw the wonderful actress Dame Harriet Walter, in a standing in a pew. I truly hope it's she. We'll be in for a great treat!
@MDeB
And I was curious as to which actress might play her....Anyway, there's still next week for Mother 'Squeers' to appear....
And I was curious as to which actress might play her....Anyway, there's still next week for Mother 'Squeers' to appear....
Yawn.
2
Edith marries Bertie and buys the Drews a fabulous farm.
14
"Martha Stewart Grieving" takes the cake for the funniest line in a chuckle-filled recap. Mondays just won't be the same when DA ends.
Seems that Mary broke the land-speed record going from "I'd live in terror" to "I do". A little hard to swallow, but even that was topped by Edith forgiving Mary enough to attend the wedding. I guess when you're running out of episodes, and you've wasted most of the season on the burning question of hospital equipment, this is what you get.
Bertie will come around once he appreciates the fear of losing everything that gave Edith pause when it came to telling him about Marigold. Edith will get her happy ending and be socially superior to Mary.
Are they giving that puppy the same drugs they had used on Marigold?
Seems that Mary broke the land-speed record going from "I'd live in terror" to "I do". A little hard to swallow, but even that was topped by Edith forgiving Mary enough to attend the wedding. I guess when you're running out of episodes, and you've wasted most of the season on the burning question of hospital equipment, this is what you get.
Bertie will come around once he appreciates the fear of losing everything that gave Edith pause when it came to telling him about Marigold. Edith will get her happy ending and be socially superior to Mary.
Are they giving that puppy the same drugs they had used on Marigold?
108
"I guess when you're running out of episodes, and you've wasted most of the season on the burning question of hospital equipment, this is what you get."
Touche.
Touche.
14
Right. What ever happened to the hospital? The fate of St Vincent's or or Lennox Mini?
2
@Tom
I don't think they'll be turned into Luxury Condominiums, if that's what you mean.
I don't think they'll be turned into Luxury Condominiums, if that's what you mean.
2
God, I love this show! Well done, Louis!
9
Normally I am a cynic about period dramas, but, when Lady Mary finally got married, I found I had to get up and blow my nose.
7
Good for you, George. I found myself in a similar predicament. Sunday evenings will lose their lustre without the prospect of Downton Abbey to view.
10
I thought it was a great episode. I came close to tears a few times. All the acting was excellent. When I watch other shows I always feel they don't come close to this one in quality. Let's not be too cynical; let's enjoy it for what it is for as long as we have it.
59
Thank you for saying this. The snark factor around here really gets to me. What other television program is of this quality, for this many years?
31
It's funny because while I completely agree with you (and cried what felt like every 5 minutes during last night's episode), when I go to leave a comment, I find the things I most want to talk about are the couple things that irked me or didn't make sense. Haha.
I think it's just the bias of reviewing anything in general... Almost as if it goes without saying that it's the best show ever.
I think it's just the bias of reviewing anything in general... Almost as if it goes without saying that it's the best show ever.
5
While I will admit that I long for Edith to have a "happy" ending with Bertie I'm reminded of an Edith Wharton short story (Old New York) where an American high society woman has a child out of wedlock and submits to the socially acceptable hoax of a married sister being the mother. To this day her hurt at having to watch her daughter from a distance as the unmarried aunt and her idleness as a woman who could not work have remained with me. Edith on the other hand has not done badly for herself. She has created a life outside of Downton which provides excitement and mental challenge and gets to interact with her daughter even if it is as her "ward". Not a bad ending for the time.
35
Can I really be the only one who watched the final half-hour with my jaw hanging down to my knees? I'm supposed to (a) care about who or what Mary marries and (b) rejoice in the beautiful wedding after what she did to Edith? The fact that Julian Fellowes expected us to overlook Mary's truly evil action toward her sister and immediately be interested in her wedding shows just what a shallow writer he is. Appalling!
92
Well said
BUT... twas Edith who drew the battle lines so long ago (haven't we all been here from the start?) with her own "evil action" with Mary's Turkish diplomat.
Edith's character was revealed (again) in her failure to come clean to her beau about Marigold.
There are no heroines among the surviving sisters.
Edith's character was revealed (again) in her failure to come clean to her beau about Marigold.
There are no heroines among the surviving sisters.
2
Everyone seems to have total amnesia about what Edith has done. But then again this is Downton where character development is barely one dimensional and people can't seem to actually follow that much.
3
I hope Edith marries Bertie and with her new found position buys the Drews a farm.
8
I think Edith dodged a bullet. She would never be happy being Bertie's beard.
1
Bertie is Violet Venable's son? I think he's his nephew, but keep it on the down and low.
Mary Crawley is the most despicable character on television.
And, like most rich narcissists in our society, regardless of how useless and harmful she is, she still wins and gets what she wants.
I hope her new husband confesses on their wedding night that he only married her to have a relationship with the divine Mr. Barrow!
And, like most rich narcissists in our society, regardless of how useless and harmful she is, she still wins and gets what she wants.
I hope her new husband confesses on their wedding night that he only married her to have a relationship with the divine Mr. Barrow!
92
Or leaves her for omitting the tale of Mr. Pamuk, exposing him and his relations to unforgivable scandal.
3
Maybe he's just after her for her money.
1
So, why do I want to sleep with her? Does this make me despicable? What of Barrow?
I have to say that this season - from the costumes, to the camera shots and especially to Julian Fellowes dialogue have been beyond what you would expect, even from Downton. The last scene in a couple of episodes - particularly the shot of Barrow shrouded in darkness crying or Carson removing his nameplate before getting married were exquisitely done. . This episode, no less remarkable, particularly Edith's explanation to Mary about being the keeper of their memories. Altogether a season beautifully done.
56
Yes. That shot of Bertie and Edith after their leave-taking. She stands tall and lovely looking back at him, as he diminishes with every step away from her, sinking into the earth.
10
Very satisfying fight with Edith, and a natural-seeming blossoming of grace, dignity and independence. No poise under pressure yet - she just can't speak at crucial moments - so maybe she wouldn't be a good whatever-she-would -be with a marquess, and she'd probably have to give up the magazine business. It sees that we're being given a sense that she will be able to be happy in her life as it is. Of course there is always a chance that the Dowager has some dirt on Bertie's fierce mama and can get all that dusted. I think Edith is right that Mary will just go mean again when she's unhappy. Loved Henry's line "Thank God for you". Not ready to be happy for Mary , the cow. It's so nice to have you back where you belong Violet.
16
She'll be a marchioness.
1
I think Julian Fellowes got very lazy after season 2. I expected some news from Sir Richard Carlisle (who should have been more sympathetic), Patrick Gordon (or Crawley), maybe something about Michael Gregson--his wife is still alive and who is paying her bills if Michael left it all to Edith? Also, what happened to Anthony Strallan, Tony Gillingham, etc. Only Evelyn Napier seems to reappear every once in awhile.
9
If Fellowes kept the story lines alive for every peripheral character who has appeared over the years, there would be no time for the primary ones.
Gregson very likely set up a trust for his wife long before he died.
Gregson very likely set up a trust for his wife long before he died.
4
I will miss reading Louis Bayard as much as I will miss Downton Abbey when this whole madness is over.
16
Hear hear!
2
NO ONE is going to like this comment, but I adore Lady Mary. She is the nasty person in all of us, the one who says mean things no one else will say, but she has a conscience: bringing George to Barrow, the almost hug with Mrs. Crawley at the cemetery, that very English sense of duty. Louis Bayard, I dropped my coffee cup I laughed so hard at the thought of Carson tearing it up in the bedroom! Please find another show to recap.
54
I agree with you. Everyone seems to forget what Edith did to her in an effort to expose what happened with Mr. Pomuk. Edith is no long suffering angel.
4
Well Laura, you are very kind but indeed, yes, Mary Crawley is, simply, the most easily hated character currently starring in television. On the other hand, what a great role for an actress!
10
I hoped Isobel and Mary might hug, but alas: their big hats!
5
I was so excited when it looked like Mary might finally realize she's not the center of the universe, but apparently she's only allowed 10 minutes of bad luck before her world is literally perfect again.
Even if Edith and Bertie (who are perfect and adorable together) patch things up, it won't make up for years of Fellowes pushing Edith's often more-important storyline to the side to make room for Mary's drama. Edith had to be shipped off to Switzerland to have her baby, her boyfriend's death was mentioned with as much casualness as a Spratt/Denker plot... She's never had that big, cathartic moment where everyone acknowledges how crazy it is that she HAD A KID and that Marigold's father died. Mary got full episodes devoted to the same type of events.
But I loved the whole episode.
One thing I found odd was that Granny came back just to talk to Mary. Why make a big thing out of Granny leaving for two months, sailing off into the literal sunset as the show ends, just to have her come back in the next episode? What was the point?
Even if Edith and Bertie (who are perfect and adorable together) patch things up, it won't make up for years of Fellowes pushing Edith's often more-important storyline to the side to make room for Mary's drama. Edith had to be shipped off to Switzerland to have her baby, her boyfriend's death was mentioned with as much casualness as a Spratt/Denker plot... She's never had that big, cathartic moment where everyone acknowledges how crazy it is that she HAD A KID and that Marigold's father died. Mary got full episodes devoted to the same type of events.
But I loved the whole episode.
One thing I found odd was that Granny came back just to talk to Mary. Why make a big thing out of Granny leaving for two months, sailing off into the literal sunset as the show ends, just to have her come back in the next episode? What was the point?
26
It's just another Julian fellowes 'neveimd' moment.
2
It made no sense for Granny to return to Downton because Tom wrote to explain Mary's fear of marrying a racing car driver. It seems Mr. Fellowes was under a lot of pressure to wrap up so many story lines and didn't have the luxury of time before fulfilling assignments elsewhere. And Maggie Smith, everyone's favorite granny, had to be the one who saved Mary.
4
Mel:
Mary is the star, after all, so she will get more time, but the brush off for Edith is unnecessary. I saw Violet skipping off as her relief for the humiliation she suffered at being ousted by letter from the hospital high position, finding her family knew it and didn't tell her. Like they could, yikes! Those with wealth in those days customarily went abroad to let things settle back home. She also needed to settle her hurt pride.
Tom knew who to write to save the day in Mary's crises. Grandmama has a history and an inroad into Mary's sphere like no one else. And, of course, she hied it home to "her" girl. And was oh, so effective ... YES, she was!
Haven't thought about the plot line point, maybe to work with others. Moot point now and not much interested in that. Maybe others have something about it.
Mary is the star, after all, so she will get more time, but the brush off for Edith is unnecessary. I saw Violet skipping off as her relief for the humiliation she suffered at being ousted by letter from the hospital high position, finding her family knew it and didn't tell her. Like they could, yikes! Those with wealth in those days customarily went abroad to let things settle back home. She also needed to settle her hurt pride.
Tom knew who to write to save the day in Mary's crises. Grandmama has a history and an inroad into Mary's sphere like no one else. And, of course, she hied it home to "her" girl. And was oh, so effective ... YES, she was!
Haven't thought about the plot line point, maybe to work with others. Moot point now and not much interested in that. Maybe others have something about it.
GOLDEN WORDS:
Mary: Have you been lonely?
Barrow: If I am, I only have myself to blame. I've done sad things. I don't know why, can't stop myself. Now, I'm paying the price.
Mary: Strange, I could say the same.
Mary: Have you been lonely?
Barrow: If I am, I only have myself to blame. I've done sad things. I don't know why, can't stop myself. Now, I'm paying the price.
Mary: Strange, I could say the same.
52
I'm glad (and surprised) that Fellowes drew this parallel between these two unlikely characters -- and that they admitted to each other and to themselves that they have at times sabotaged their own happiness by hurting others.
15
@JR
The parallel has been there all along....just not in the same room!
But it really was a touching scene -- and what an Epiphany!!!
The parallel has been there all along....just not in the same room!
But it really was a touching scene -- and what an Epiphany!!!
8
Golden, yes, but Barrow said he'd done "bad things," not "sad" ones. As far as what he said, that is, not the outcome, which is most certainly the latter.
The scene of Mary in the cemetery at Mathew's grave was lovely - except for the blurred person in the back ground. We were glued to figuring out who that was, and so it undermined Mary's dialogue. It was Isobel, of course! But it could have been Cora or Mrs. Hughes or even Daisy out of the kitchen. So strangely shot - they could have had Isobel coming out of the church at the end of the little speech, but no. The clothes on Edith are getting much more colorful, as she comes back to life after losing Gregson, but Mary is looking very Cruella de Vil, very monochrome and losing color, what is that about? The most memorable part was Barrow's attempted suicide, although we have no idea how they saved him seeing as nobody put any pressure on his wounds, a Boy Scout could've advised them on first aid and it would have been a better scene. But having little George and Mary appear at his bedside was lovely - very unexpected, are we seeing the Mary-and-Carson thing repeat with George and Barrow? Time will tell.
13
When Baxter discovered Thomas in the bath, she tore off pieces of her slip to tie at his wrists and stop the bleeding.
10
Although we didn't see it, Baxter tore up her slip for bandages, so I assumed she applied pressure.
4
I loved the blurry Isobel! Thought is was pretty evident who it was. After all, she would visit Matthew's grave.
Baxter was seen tearing material (from Barrow's shirt?) for a tourniquet.
Baxter was seen tearing material (from Barrow's shirt?) for a tourniquet.
I will nevah forgive Baron Fellowes if Bertie doesn't come back for Edith. If there's one person who should have it all -- career, admirable growth and maturity, love child, doting husband, a title that out ranks Mary's -- it's Edith. And what a wedding we could end the run with!
37
What entitles Edith to happily-ever-after?
Edith was the original villain in the case of the dead Turkish diplomat.
She had an affair and then gave her daughter to someone in good faith; from whom she then withdrew her! and forced them to move!
She didn't come clean with Bertie.
She's in-suf-fer-able. Yeesh. If she gets what she "deserves" she'll be lucky to have her mag and her baby. buh-bye.
Edith was the original villain in the case of the dead Turkish diplomat.
She had an affair and then gave her daughter to someone in good faith; from whom she then withdrew her! and forced them to move!
She didn't come clean with Bertie.
She's in-suf-fer-able. Yeesh. If she gets what she "deserves" she'll be lucky to have her mag and her baby. buh-bye.
6
Actually that was Thomas who started all the talk about Mary when he wrote to his friend in London about it, and O'Brien who brought Daisy froward to Edith to tell what she'd seen that night. Lots of blame to go around, but as usual, only Edith gets punished.
And she "gave" her daughter to the care of the Drewes only with his assurance that she could see her when she wanted.
And she didn't force them to move--Drewe himself made that choice because it was that or his wife's sanity.
And she "gave" her daughter to the care of the Drewes only with his assurance that she could see her when she wanted.
And she didn't force them to move--Drewe himself made that choice because it was that or his wife's sanity.
8
@ Steve
It was Edith, not O'Brien who encouraged Daisy to talk about seeing Mary, Cora and Anna carrying Mr. Pamuk's body back to his bedroom.
The incident occurred after Mary's London season. Edith wrote the letter that caused Mary's invitations for the London season to vanish. Evelyn Napier told Mary that the letter that Edith wrote was given more credence in the Turkish embassy because it came from Edith.
When Mary returned to Downton, she confronted Edith who airily said that she thought they deserved to know the circumstances of the countryman's demise and she called Mary a "slut." The parents appear to know nothing of Edith's role in the letter and how she talked to Mary because it is never mentioned by them. It never appeared that there were any consequences for Edith which probably makes the situation with Marigold's parentage more galling for Mary.
Considering how Edith has taken Marigold away from two mothers (the one in Switzerland and Mrs. Drewe) and caused the Drewe's to move out of the farm they have worked since Waterloo (over a hundred years by 1925) does not make Edith a heroine. She did make a nuisance of herself with Mrs. Drewe and it's hard to blame Mrs. Drewe for being angry at having the little girl she came to love being taken from her. It did not appear that Mrs. Drewe snatched Marigold at the Fat Stock show, but took her back to the farm when Marigold wandered away from he inattentive mother.
It was Edith, not O'Brien who encouraged Daisy to talk about seeing Mary, Cora and Anna carrying Mr. Pamuk's body back to his bedroom.
The incident occurred after Mary's London season. Edith wrote the letter that caused Mary's invitations for the London season to vanish. Evelyn Napier told Mary that the letter that Edith wrote was given more credence in the Turkish embassy because it came from Edith.
When Mary returned to Downton, she confronted Edith who airily said that she thought they deserved to know the circumstances of the countryman's demise and she called Mary a "slut." The parents appear to know nothing of Edith's role in the letter and how she talked to Mary because it is never mentioned by them. It never appeared that there were any consequences for Edith which probably makes the situation with Marigold's parentage more galling for Mary.
Considering how Edith has taken Marigold away from two mothers (the one in Switzerland and Mrs. Drewe) and caused the Drewe's to move out of the farm they have worked since Waterloo (over a hundred years by 1925) does not make Edith a heroine. She did make a nuisance of herself with Mrs. Drewe and it's hard to blame Mrs. Drewe for being angry at having the little girl she came to love being taken from her. It did not appear that Mrs. Drewe snatched Marigold at the Fat Stock show, but took her back to the farm when Marigold wandered away from he inattentive mother.
6
Bertie's cousin was gay. He as much as says so, in a coded way, to Lord Grantham and the others when he arrives at Downton. Bertie is also gay, clearly. I think Edith dodged a bullet, thanks to Mary. She'd have found herself married to a gay man, living in grand fashion on a storied estate. That wouldn't suit her at all.
9
I agree Bertie is gay Edith dodged a bullet. Her Aunt, Lady Rosamund nailed it when she turned to Cora and pretty much said so.
3
That doesn't explain why a gay man free and on his own would want to woo and wed a prominent society woman. As a beard? She's too worldly for that--plenty of naive widows who don't look too deeply into things.
1
Yes! I absolutely agree. Bertie's affection for his artist cousin who takes joy in watching the young fishermen at sunset. The moment when he choked up about said cousin in the library. His comments about his mother having been an important figure in his life. I really thought Bertie was going to be the answer to Thomas' story, not Edith's.
6
If it wasn't for the lines of the Dowager Countess, especially her snappy repartee with Isobel, I would have given up on Downton long ago. It jumped the shark with Matthew's death and rather than be period drama became contemporary soap opera. Julian Fellowes should be ashamed of the way he let it deteriorate. If he didn't have the talent to write it he should have found someone who did.
22
To be fair to Fellowes, he's said his plans were thrown into disarray when Dan Stevens (Matthew) wanted out of the series. What we got is a bit different from what he originally envisioned. That's not to say that it wouldn't have deteriorated as it has. Most series do.
4
Please someone, anyone! do that miserable old bugger - Carson - in and give us all some relief. If they're going to have the local copper keep showing up with his round grandfatherly weather beaten face for his weekly cup of tea and apple crumble excuse, give the old bloke something to really do and solve a "who's done it".
Carson is found swinging from the grand stairs bannister and a annoyed Lady Mary barks out in her permafrost way 'Tom make yourself useful and cut him down, he's blocking my sun" Lord Crawley joyfully announces the hall will be decorated for a celebration not seen since the end of the great war and even the servants can watch the frightfully upper crust waffle and sup champagne.
Carson is found swinging from the grand stairs bannister and a annoyed Lady Mary barks out in her permafrost way 'Tom make yourself useful and cut him down, he's blocking my sun" Lord Crawley joyfully announces the hall will be decorated for a celebration not seen since the end of the great war and even the servants can watch the frightfully upper crust waffle and sup champagne.
5
Have you seen Mary's skin? She avoids the sun at all costs.
And why do I suddenly want champagne and waffles?
And why do I suddenly want champagne and waffles?
8
Does anyone else think it strange that nobody, even Bertie himself, seemed aware of the fact that he was next in line to be Marquess, even though he professes to be close to the Marquess? The story line all along was that he had no prospects, "nothing to offer" Edith.
17
Edith says she knew, as did Bertie, but because the Marquess was in his thirties, no one thought he would die soon.
5
Of course he knew, and he told Edith (she tells the family this when she shares the news of his new status). But the current Marquess was young, so Bertie's chances of actually inheriting anything were slim.
10
That's because he wasn't next in line-his cousin or brother or something was, but said person was thirty-something and in good repair-ergo, his actual prospects were close to nil.
8
I just wanted Edith to jump over the table to Mary and give her a...as they say...knuckle sandwich....I know, I know.
29
One other match I want to see before the series ends is Molesley and Baxter.
33
Aren't they already matched????
May we share Henry, too?
5
I could have watched an hour and 20 minutes of watching people rip Mary a new one. In my opinion, even with Branson and Edith lambasting her, she still got off easy. She is an odious character and I had no interest in her milquetoast romance with the racecar guy.
Lord G certainly has turned it around though, right? A couple seasons ago he was the worst character on this show and now he's one of the best. And Carson has sunk to new levels of troll.
Thank GOD we were spared the tedious scenes of Daisy fighting on behalf of the People this episode.
Lord G certainly has turned it around though, right? A couple seasons ago he was the worst character on this show and now he's one of the best. And Carson has sunk to new levels of troll.
Thank GOD we were spared the tedious scenes of Daisy fighting on behalf of the People this episode.
38
Yes! yes! yes!! ...and we were basically spared of the Bates as well!!!
3
Could not wait for my husband to finish preparing dinner as my eyes were glazing over with boredom. Can't wait for PBS to present something new soon. Watching political news is more exciting than any of this program.
Mercy Street isn't bad. It stars that Mary Elizabeth something or other, Ava Gardner's niece or grand-niece.
2
I think you mean Mary Elizabeth Winstead?
1
@PrairieFlax
It's Mary Elizabeth Winstead. And I agree, the show isn't too bad. Norbert Leo Butz is fun and provides great comic relief...Didn't know she was related to Ava Gardner, though...wow!
It's Mary Elizabeth Winstead. And I agree, the show isn't too bad. Norbert Leo Butz is fun and provides great comic relief...Didn't know she was related to Ava Gardner, though...wow!
Best episode to date, fast moving, extraordinarily written and performed.
Bravo!
Bravo!
14
Episode duration has started to vary widely, with most of them managing a bare 45 minutes, then this one last night that was 75...The whole season has the feeling that the principals have gotten bored and decamped for greener pastures, leaving the interns to finish up, while the sun sets slowly on the British empire...
12
Actually, it's been consistent. The first and last (regular) episode of most of the seasons is extended. The middle episodes are 47 minutes and the Christmas Special is also extended (this last one is 2 hours).
1
Saving Barrow was a soap opera mis-step. If he had died, at least his character would have had a full story, and the rest of us could be relieved that he's gone. (Really, who likes this guy?) Instead, I foresee guilt allowing Barrow to end up a little peacock. Meanwhile, what happens to Bates? He stays a valet forever, with a family, and his working life ends when Bertie Wooster/Earl Grantham dies. Bates started out as a really interesting, shadowy man. Too bad he couldn't have had a double life (like Spratt for gosh sakes!) and been an undercover agent in the prison. All of the nonsense about murdering his first wife would have been a cover, and he ends up with lots of Victoria Crosses or whatever medal you get for spying on fellow Brits!
6
I like Barrow -- always have. For too long Fellowes wrote him as a mustache-twirling villain, but the character has grown more complex, and Rob James-Collier has given him added depth and subtlety. This is a man who has been rejected and reviled all his life and hasn't learned how to form relationships. He is just now understand how he has sabotaged his own happiness through his behavior. But for a gay man in the 1920's English countryside, life could never be easy. I would be interested in following the character's story arc beyond the timeline of the show.
8
I suspect that Mr. Bates' storyline was abbreviated due to the actor's alcoholism and failed rehab attempts, not to mention a DUII. Notice that he doesn't have any scenes with Lord G even though he's the valet.
3
@Scandibaby
Now, THAT storyline is far more interesting than anything the Mr. Bates character could ever come up with onscreen!
Now, THAT storyline is far more interesting than anything the Mr. Bates character could ever come up with onscreen!
downton abbey, while interesting has become stale the last couple of years. seasons 1, 3 & 4 were great, season 2 was a disaster except for the the christmas special. the best single episode of the entire series was the christmas special of season 4. seasons 5 and 6...just ok
3
Tonight's episode was made possible by Mrs. Patmore's B&B Of Ill Repute . . . and viewers like you.
50
"Thank you."
2
(And perhaps now that the Crawleys have visited and posed for a picture at the B&B, business will really take off, and for the finale, Downton/PBS will go REALLY meta and tell us that the episode was made possible in part by Beryl Patmore!)
I agree that Michelle Dockery was quite touching (when Mary wasn't being a bitch) in the scene before Matthew's grave. Unfortunately, either PBS/Thirteen or TimeWarner had a glitch lasting about 3-4 minutes at that point and so I lost most of that. When things "came to," Talbot and Mary were back in the house clinching things.
4
It ended after she met Isobel in the graveyard--did you see that bit?
The whole ep is on the PBS streaming channel.
The whole ep is on the PBS streaming channel.
I fully expect another season of Downton. Stock-market crash, depression, war? What better dramaturgy does the writer need? I'm sure Lady Mary and Carson would become ardent supporters of the BUF with Mosely's dreaded cousin Oswald coming for a visit.
There's far too much money to be made by not extending DA for another season or two. I would expect Jeff Bezos or Netflix to offer the Baron, say, $20 million, and 5 to 10 to each of the players. Or nothing if they choose to join the fictional Matthew Crawley. (And the career of the actor who played him.)
There's far too much money to be made by not extending DA for another season or two. I would expect Jeff Bezos or Netflix to offer the Baron, say, $20 million, and 5 to 10 to each of the players. Or nothing if they choose to join the fictional Matthew Crawley. (And the career of the actor who played him.)
1
I hope not. I'm ready for something new!
1
I wish I could have kept my eyes open.
2
Well finally, we were rewarded in spades for our forbearance. That Mary would out Edith's secret was even more evil then I thought she was capable of. Barrows was headed for a disaster and for a moment it seemed like he was a goner. Sprat as a lovelorn columnist was just hysterical. I cannot even critize Mary's marriage. If there was a perfect episode this season this is it.
21
@WRJH
I don't know about you, but I'm just relieved not to hear about Tom & Mary getting married anymore....
I don't know about you, but I'm just relieved not to hear about Tom & Mary getting married anymore....
9
WRJH -- I heartily agree and want to try to get it as a single, maybe the last one too. It brought me back to the livelier and more interesting first few seasons.
Which canvas tote shall I buy...
The one with "What's a weekend?" silkscreened on the side,
Or, "Golly gumdrop"
Hmm, I'll take the one that says "Martha Stewart Grieving"
The one with "What's a weekend?" silkscreened on the side,
Or, "Golly gumdrop"
Hmm, I'll take the one that says "Martha Stewart Grieving"
13
Or (I paraphrase) "who has an underbutler nowadays?"
2
I loved how the status-consciousness remains in even the most emotionally draining scenes. When Mary asks Granny to find her a duke, it's no accident that her becoming a duchess would be the only way for her to outrank Edith as a marchioness. As there are only 26 non-royal dukedoms it was a bit optimistic to think that there must be "one to spare."
The fight between Mary and Edith can't really be called a showdown--it was a very short scene, and all they did was call each other names. Edith's acknowledgments of their future selves is quite insightful and redounds well to her character. I thought for sure that we would see Bertie standing in the distance at the wedding, but I guess it's not to be.
I actually saw Spratt having some sort of secret (fun!) life and while I knew Miss Jones would be a man, it was a great surprise to see him in the office. Now that's a spinoff I'd like to see.
The fight between Mary and Edith can't really be called a showdown--it was a very short scene, and all they did was call each other names. Edith's acknowledgments of their future selves is quite insightful and redounds well to her character. I thought for sure that we would see Bertie standing in the distance at the wedding, but I guess it's not to be.
I actually saw Spratt having some sort of secret (fun!) life and while I knew Miss Jones would be a man, it was a great surprise to see him in the office. Now that's a spinoff I'd like to see.
18
Mary's "duke" comment was meant to be ironic. Even her Granny got it.
4
I feel there is little evidence to support the notion that the trouble with Henry was lack of a title or the prospect of one. Clearly, it was the crash widow thing. Mary has been content to let everyone, including the viewer, believe she was snobbish rather than fearful. So, now she is married to Stirling Moss (I believe he is one of the survivors of the British and World F1 circuit, perhaps he was killed on a track in retirement). Does he move into Downton and commute to his racing team garage?
1
Sir Stirling is still alive and well, thank goodness. He did have a horrific accident at Goodwood that ended his professional career; but he still drives at exhibitions and such (often at The Goodwood Revival).
1
And what about Anna's and Bates' baby???!!!
11
He's wrapped around the stitch.
Finally, a Bates gets hanged!
Finally, a Bates gets hanged!
Hopefully the Season will end before we have to hear anything much more about it....or, them. Sorry.
I thought that this episode felt like Fellowes was panicking because he hadn't tied up any loose ends yet, so he decided to conduct a class in advanced rope knotting.
9
Anna gets a stitch.
Barrow gets stitched
They have an Aunty who does Macramé.
And there's a Looming sense of finality about the show in general.
Barrow gets stitched
They have an Aunty who does Macramé.
And there's a Looming sense of finality about the show in general.
2
They should have called this episode "Tea and Strumpets."
13
This has been a beautifully paced season, with quiet episodes building up to this superb roller-coaster episode, which brought me to tears more than once. Fantastic acting from Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, and Kevin Doyle this week. I'm not crazy about the whole Barrow arc -- I don't understand why they're all being so cruel to him after tolerating his machinations for years -- but I think Fellowes just wanted to give Rob James-Collier a chance to show his acting chops, which he has done magnificently. I've gathered two new catchphrases over the past two episodes: "You're a cool little miss," and "a tawdry local brouhaha" ("That's me," says Mrs. Patmore under her breath, with perfect timing as usual).
19
I don't think so. Like most of the past seasons, it doddled along with mostly minor stuff (while most of us knew where it was heading) and then rapidly drew to a close with everything falling neatly into place. There definitely was some fine storytelling, acting, costuming, and cinematography.
2
I can see Edith's Bertie as a chinless wonder at the Drone's Club Golf Outing, Richard as Lord Emsworth, any of the pigs as the Empress of Blandings, Mary a lovely but terrifying girlfried, Edith as Madeline Bassett . . .
3
don't forget Gussie Fink-Nottle..he's got to be in there somewhere. i actually enjoyed this episode.
3
I saw the way Bertie looked at Mary earlier when she was being a prig to Edith. He knows quality of character, and she hasn't got It.
5
What will we do when Downton ends? No, not on Sunday evening; on Monday morning, when we have no recaps. They're better than the show itself.
21
Glad to see we dodged the bullet of a Tom and Mary romance--that I could not have taken! Poor Mr. Barrow. Despondent, suicidal...and then Mary has to come and say he's just like her? Talk about adding insult....
The best thing about the last couple of seasons is how much better Edith looks in the "modern" styles-hair and clothes- than Mary does. Plain sisters, unite! All the cream and peach tones looked wonderful on E. last night, especially walking in the fields with Lady Cora. Mary went full unflattering widow in a lot of weird black, and then we had the menswear breakfast look. As for Lady Cora, who usually has our favorite clothes (I watch with my daughter)--what was that awful blue thing she wore to tea? And when will Anna start to show? Do we get a baby for the finale?
The best thing about the last couple of seasons is how much better Edith looks in the "modern" styles-hair and clothes- than Mary does. Plain sisters, unite! All the cream and peach tones looked wonderful on E. last night, especially walking in the fields with Lady Cora. Mary went full unflattering widow in a lot of weird black, and then we had the menswear breakfast look. As for Lady Cora, who usually has our favorite clothes (I watch with my daughter)--what was that awful blue thing she wore to tea? And when will Anna start to show? Do we get a baby for the finale?
13
Mary was empathizing with Barrow and admitting her own faults. I didn't see that as insulting at all.
7
And her kid give the man a lemon, to squeeze on those cuts!
Don't trust him with the salt shakers?
(I know it was an orange...)
Don't trust him with the salt shakers?
(I know it was an orange...)
What a beautiful and simple elegiac speech by Edith about the winnowing of life down to memory in old age. And so it is with another grand television melodrama, soon to be gone but living forever in the hearts of its most loyal and dedicated viewers. I can see granny's pursed lips, or Edith's blush, and Carson's disapproving scowl floating in the mists in the back of my mind already.
40
Mary's expression when she finds out that Bertie is a Marquess and that Edith will outrank her is priceless. Kudos to Michelle Dockery for knocking it out of the park without saying a word.
75
She is a formidable actress (watch her in The Hollow Crown), and I wish Downton gave her more range to stretch in. But she has been especially good in this final season.
11
What gorgeous clothes on display in this episode! The women really did look lovely.
28
Mary's red coat was sublime.
6
I want to take a pressser to her work suit, the seams seem unsteamed. No top stitch? The new rage?
1
I predict that Lady Edith will live happily ever after with Bertie. But in order to do so, he will have to abdicate his title the way the future king did around that time in order to marry Mrs. Simpson. And I think Bertie will have to do so since his as yet unseen mother (who we're lead to believe is a tyrant) will forbid Bertie from marrying a woman who had a child out of wedlock. And if Lady Edith and Bertie don't end up together in the end, well, Julian Fellows truly is a cold, heartless _ _ _ _ _ (I'll give you a hint. The headline for this article hinted at the same word.)
12
In fictionland, Bertie is not the only possibility.
True, but Bertie and Edith seem right for each other.
4
There is absolutely no reason why Bertie would need to renounce his title in order to marry Edith. (Indeed, he couldn't do so. It wasn't until the 1963 Peerage Act that a hereditary peer could renounce his title.)
7
Sure, Edith spoke the truth when she described Mary.
But what is Edith's problem, really? She owns a business and London property. She has a child. All three of those taken together, she could live quite respectably in cognito in London (plenty of war-widows about and put a phony man's name on the masthead, and Bob's your uncle, Edith).
Yet, she clings to Downton because ... ?
Probably because Baron Fellowes, never far from a handy chart of English lit conceits, needs Edith to be 'the writer' of the whole Downton history and thus must do stupid things like not decamping immediately for a life of London wealth and money and comments from neighbors of "probably a war-widow."
Edit deserves the guilt and shame of the presently analyzed episode precisely because she lacked any strategic vision at all -- Bertie would have accepted and respected an honest retelling from Edith of Marigold's parentage (any fool could see Bertie was actually a decent human being) and then Edith could have then, their marriage pact made, instructed Bertie to play coy at breakfast. Bertie could then have awkwardly broached the subject as Lord G left the room. And then as Mary prepared to pounce, as everyone had predicted, Bertie could have delivered the lines that Edith had given him: "Marigold? Oh yes, lovely Edith told me all about that. The Grantham name is discretion isn't it, Lady Mary? What happens in bedchambers here the whole family keeps secret -- even for years, right?"
But what is Edith's problem, really? She owns a business and London property. She has a child. All three of those taken together, she could live quite respectably in cognito in London (plenty of war-widows about and put a phony man's name on the masthead, and Bob's your uncle, Edith).
Yet, she clings to Downton because ... ?
Probably because Baron Fellowes, never far from a handy chart of English lit conceits, needs Edith to be 'the writer' of the whole Downton history and thus must do stupid things like not decamping immediately for a life of London wealth and money and comments from neighbors of "probably a war-widow."
Edit deserves the guilt and shame of the presently analyzed episode precisely because she lacked any strategic vision at all -- Bertie would have accepted and respected an honest retelling from Edith of Marigold's parentage (any fool could see Bertie was actually a decent human being) and then Edith could have then, their marriage pact made, instructed Bertie to play coy at breakfast. Bertie could then have awkwardly broached the subject as Lord G left the room. And then as Mary prepared to pounce, as everyone had predicted, Bertie could have delivered the lines that Edith had given him: "Marigold? Oh yes, lovely Edith told me all about that. The Grantham name is discretion isn't it, Lady Mary? What happens in bedchambers here the whole family keeps secret -- even for years, right?"
30
I like your last paragraph scenario, alas it didn't play out like that.
I disagree with your first part in that the series seemed to be moving in that direction for Edith. She was moving towards London and independence, and she could probably 'hide' in plain sight to a degree. We see that as good; but someone raised as Edith was, would find that somewhat disappointing. She obviously likes Downton and the idea of a traditional marriage and children. You're depiction has a more modern cast to it.
I disagree with your first part in that the series seemed to be moving in that direction for Edith. She was moving towards London and independence, and she could probably 'hide' in plain sight to a degree. We see that as good; but someone raised as Edith was, would find that somewhat disappointing. She obviously likes Downton and the idea of a traditional marriage and children. You're depiction has a more modern cast to it.
4
It's gratifying to see the men blossoming out into new areas of endeavor - Spratt as sob sister; Tom as matchmaker; Moseley as educator.
Reaching the final episode will be sad for many of us. But fear not dear Abbots, there's always Jacqueline Winspear's wonderful "Maisie Dobbs" mystery series, featuring a lowly house maid who makes it across the class divide. Her story starts just before WWI and quickly jettisons into the 1920's and onward. Currently only available in books, but we can always hope that it will catch Lord Fellowes's eye.
Reaching the final episode will be sad for many of us. But fear not dear Abbots, there's always Jacqueline Winspear's wonderful "Maisie Dobbs" mystery series, featuring a lowly house maid who makes it across the class divide. Her story starts just before WWI and quickly jettisons into the 1920's and onward. Currently only available in books, but we can always hope that it will catch Lord Fellowes's eye.
6
Really!! within days of a botched suicide, Barrow is back to work and life carries on as usual?
Perhaps his attempted suicide could be linked to a vitamin C deficit, but thanks to young George and the orange....
Golly Gum drops, George.
Perhaps his attempted suicide could be linked to a vitamin C deficit, but thanks to young George and the orange....
Golly Gum drops, George.
6
No kidding! While I'm glad that Barrow appears recovered and didn't suffer more, suggesting that all would be well after a couple of days in bed, a couple of visits, and a few cups of tea is shamefully unrealistic - and detracts from the depth of the character and of the (albeit miserable) storyline he was given! Then again, his recovery isn't the only one that was unrealistic; for instance, we do also have Robert up and about and looking just fine very shortly after an acute illness, massive blood loss, and an invasive operation. (And again, I'm glad Robert didn't suffer more, but it all seems a tad unlikely.) So perhaps that's just the way things go in Downtonland!
3
It's called television.
1
Last I saw, he was not yet back to work.
3
Best moment: Edith to Mary alone pre-wedding. Very touching scene that wraps up the episode in one word: memory. Quite lovely, really....and ought to be shown at the start of every sibling therapy session.
28
I agree - very real, very potent and I really think very effective. The way Mary responded to the things Edith said, her face. It's probably the first time they ever really talked. It definitely had the look of the first time Mary ever heard those things. Instead of reacting, she took it in in wide-eyed wonder. That society submerged so much.
Edith has been less hampered with the demands of their culture, not being first born, and has been more at liberty to develop herself as a person. Her ease and depth of sharing were so edifying, I would think to anyone that heard it.
Things marched on, of course, to the wedding, but I really think Mary will positively respond to it. It's like Grandmama opened her up with her potent words, and she is now open at a new level.
Thank you for this post.
Edith has been less hampered with the demands of their culture, not being first born, and has been more at liberty to develop herself as a person. Her ease and depth of sharing were so edifying, I would think to anyone that heard it.
Things marched on, of course, to the wedding, but I really think Mary will positively respond to it. It's like Grandmama opened her up with her potent words, and she is now open at a new level.
Thank you for this post.
4
Wouldn't it be grand if Mary had to curtsy to Edith in the final episode!
22
GOLLY GUMDROPS!!!!!
1
Curse the Baron for back ending all the action in this final season! I'm exhausted.
In Lady Mary's nuclear nastiness she even took a shot at her father, who would have none of it, "that's a low blow, even for you, Mary." The Earl was not amused. (Any chance of her disinheritance and her working in a mechanic's shop? Just looking for some justice....)
It seems the climax has been pre-empted by the Oscars next week. Carson is not amused. I hope Mrs. H can make popcorn.
In Lady Mary's nuclear nastiness she even took a shot at her father, who would have none of it, "that's a low blow, even for you, Mary." The Earl was not amused. (Any chance of her disinheritance and her working in a mechanic's shop? Just looking for some justice....)
It seems the climax has been pre-empted by the Oscars next week. Carson is not amused. I hope Mrs. H can make popcorn.
13
"Curse the Baron" How very Snoopy of you!
Mary will not inherit – her son George is the heir, with his mother as 'agent' until he reaches majority. Of course, there won't be much left by that time.
After Edith packed her bags & escaped to London, Tom said she'd "gone up to London." Is that an idiom I never heard of? London is well south of Yorkshire.
It's an idiom, like "down Maine."
7
Even now, in England it is always "up" to London. Partial exception: one goes up to Oxford; but if "sent down", you take the "up" train to London!
7
like out East in US rather than back East.
The characters are bent out of character to give us all some happy endings.
Downton is a fairy-tale. There were good times in the good old times, but Dickens shows us other aspects. The movie Sufragette reminds us that people had laundry done, but Downton shows little of that. They ironed newspapers and sponged stains from evening wear, but who laundered the bed linen?
Downton is a fairy-tale. There were good times in the good old times, but Dickens shows us other aspects. The movie Sufragette reminds us that people had laundry done, but Downton shows little of that. They ironed newspapers and sponged stains from evening wear, but who laundered the bed linen?
1
What about Mary's menacing "I better not" to her new husband when he promises she won't regret marrying him? I half-expected her eyes to turn red and fangs extend in a vampire's grin.
10
Wow. Even a lover's tease is interpreted as evil?
1
Really!! Within days of his suicide, Barrow is back to work and life carries on as usual?
Perhaps his attempted suicide could be linked to a vitamin C deficit but thanks to young George and the orange.....
Golly gum drops, George.
Perhaps his attempted suicide could be linked to a vitamin C deficit but thanks to young George and the orange.....
Golly gum drops, George.
"Will Bertie come to his senses?" As badly as I feel for Lady Edith, I do not think it would be true to the writing of this week's episode for Bertie to return. Had he left after Edith leveled with him, he could have had a change of heart about accepting the circumstances of Marigold's birth. But both he and Edith made the point that the reason for the break was one of trust. That is not so easily overcome and it should not be done facilely in service of the finale.
4
Keep an eye on Henry- he has something up his sleeve with that "little bit of car business" he had to attend to in London...
2
I don't think Bertie will be at all surprised by any information about his cousins gained in Tangiers---he pretty much spelled it out for Edith in a prior episode that his cousin bats for the other side...which just means his Mamma was so happy because Bertie became the Marquis much sooner (while she was alive to enjoy it) than after the cousin died at later age...of course there was no AIDS in the 20s...
Have seen/drawn the parallels between Barrow and Lady Mary before, both in temperament and behavior, but it was a nice surprise to see Mary bring George to wish Barrow a speedy recovery...one of her few redeeming qualities...
Of course Spratt will be sacked and Barrow made his replacement, eventually taking over Downtown after Carson after the Dowanger is gone and Carson retires...it helps to have a butler with more secrets than the family...
Can Michael Gregson make a miraculous return--will it be Easter season at Downtown for the next episode? Did his wife pass away in that asylum?
I must admit I was comparing Mrs. Patmore's predicament with news stories about the trouble an AirB&B in the neighborhood can bring...
Did Mary ever give Henry the ultimatum about the car racing? I didn't see it, if so...
Have seen/drawn the parallels between Barrow and Lady Mary before, both in temperament and behavior, but it was a nice surprise to see Mary bring George to wish Barrow a speedy recovery...one of her few redeeming qualities...
Of course Spratt will be sacked and Barrow made his replacement, eventually taking over Downtown after Carson after the Dowanger is gone and Carson retires...it helps to have a butler with more secrets than the family...
Can Michael Gregson make a miraculous return--will it be Easter season at Downtown for the next episode? Did his wife pass away in that asylum?
I must admit I was comparing Mrs. Patmore's predicament with news stories about the trouble an AirB&B in the neighborhood can bring...
Did Mary ever give Henry the ultimatum about the car racing? I didn't see it, if so...
2
Gregson's decaying remains were discovered and identified a long time ago. No return for him, unless the last episode is a zombie apocalypse.
4
Yup, the Munich Brown Shirts got him for speaking English and dumped him in a canal with anyone else sounding socialist.
1
So Bertie goes to Tangier and realizes that his cousin wasn't "artistic" or rather finds out exactly what "artistic" is a euphemism for. Then he considers for himself, "So my cousin made with boys and I'm going to let the only rich woman who ever gave me the time of day before I was rich rot because she made with a boy? So that I don't bring disgrace onto this title? This title? The one that everybody knows was held by an 'artist' in a city owned by the French!"
12
I loved this episode. It was packed with anticipation and action. However, I think Fellowes rushed Mary's romance with the race car driver. I never felt them to really be in love. And seriously Tom? All his interference was too over the top as were all others jumping on Mary's Love train so fast. I think we needed at least one more Dockery/Goode episode. Goode is one of my favorites, so versatile an actor and attractive, a pre-marital romp would have been fun for those two.
14
Yes, Fellowes does the long, slow romance wonderfully well, but not so much the love-at-first-sight. When he wasted the Charles Blake build-up, turning him into a pal, it was disappointing, and although Goode is a good actor, Fellowes didn't give him much to work with other than the two of them being attracted, and even that was somewhat hard to see.
3
Edith will have a townhouse in London, and Barrow will serve there - it would not astonish me to see him pals with Spratt. Bertie will come back to Edith and not need to sire a child.
Tom was so busy matchmaking that he didn't advance his own romantic interests. I think the show will close with Tom's future opening up a bit.
Expect the manners show to make some of the very stilted behavior seem more appropriate, if not logical. Kind of a "decent people don't do such things" story. It was a very different world.
Tom was so busy matchmaking that he didn't advance his own romantic interests. I think the show will close with Tom's future opening up a bit.
Expect the manners show to make some of the very stilted behavior seem more appropriate, if not logical. Kind of a "decent people don't do such things" story. It was a very different world.
4
Tom and Edith's editor will probably hit it off at the Christmas party -- and we can imagine it from there.
7
I know what happens; but hypothetically, why would Bertie not want to have children? After all, he's now the marquess and would need a male heir and Marigold doesn't really preclude his having children with Edith if that comes to pass.
2
I think the final "Christmas" episode is not Sunday 28th (conflict with Oscars?), but the following one, March 6, doggone it.
1
The More Manners doc place-holding for it next week is well worth watching.
3
Is it a different one or the same 'manners' documentary? The first one had interesting bits; but was very padded and slow. As if it could easily have been 30 minutes or so.
1
Lady Mary gets off easy. Edith takes rejection with a chin up, stiff upper lip attitude. Tom has lost his sex appeal.....it's not just the weight gain. Bananas indeed.
24
Bertie? A domineering mother; the Marquess was "delicate" and loved painting the boys of Tangiers? Perhaps, Bertie will return and apologize to Edith for nearly dragging her into his own "secret" life.
9
You got that Suddenly Last Summer tinge of warning, too? Rescue him, Edith!!
Love the show and love your recaps!!!
I enjoyed yesterday's episode but a few things "jumped the shark" for me.
Barrow---meh. Here is a fellow who has been a courtier or trouble from day one. In an era where homosexuality was reviled, he somehow pressed on without much self hatred. Then because he was suddenly the unpopular kid with no job prospects he goes all Godfather? I could have believed it if I would have seen more of a climax in terms of him having an aha moment. However, I never saw that and so it did not ring true. Nor did Baxter's suddenly "knowing" ring true either.
Mary, quite contrary. Again, the lady who bedded Pamouk and has lived by her own terms is all "I know my own mind" and then marries this guy for no other reason than sex appeal? I saw it, sort of.
Edith coming back---where did that come from? These two have hated each other from day one. Maybe if she would have apologized for Pamouk and said ok, I get where we have gone wrong, enough. But a "you're my sister, you look nice" and attending her wedding when Mary just ruined hers, again? Don't buy it either.
Finally, what a love story between Tom and Mary. Now THAT is the road not traveled that should have been,...
I enjoyed yesterday's episode but a few things "jumped the shark" for me.
Barrow---meh. Here is a fellow who has been a courtier or trouble from day one. In an era where homosexuality was reviled, he somehow pressed on without much self hatred. Then because he was suddenly the unpopular kid with no job prospects he goes all Godfather? I could have believed it if I would have seen more of a climax in terms of him having an aha moment. However, I never saw that and so it did not ring true. Nor did Baxter's suddenly "knowing" ring true either.
Mary, quite contrary. Again, the lady who bedded Pamouk and has lived by her own terms is all "I know my own mind" and then marries this guy for no other reason than sex appeal? I saw it, sort of.
Edith coming back---where did that come from? These two have hated each other from day one. Maybe if she would have apologized for Pamouk and said ok, I get where we have gone wrong, enough. But a "you're my sister, you look nice" and attending her wedding when Mary just ruined hers, again? Don't buy it either.
Finally, what a love story between Tom and Mary. Now THAT is the road not traveled that should have been,...
13
Agree, except for Tom and Mary. Tom loved the truly kind, generous Sybil. Why on earth would he want Mary?
22
Actually I think I predicted Barrow's suicide two episodes ago. (I'm rather surprised they let him live.) I felt that it was well broadcast.
6
{Finally, what a love story between Tom and Mary. Now THAT is the road not traveled that should have been,...}
Could you have imagined during one of his fits of rage, she seized him in her arms and kissed him passionately declaring, he was the only mad who could ever replace Mathew!
Golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!!!!!
4
Congratulations to Mr. Fellowes for going beyond TV's usual high school emotional range all the way down to kindergarten. After seven seasons we discover that everything Mr. Fellowes learned, he learned in Grade 0, and not in a good way. Mary makes the residents of Downton look like a family of horrid brats and then, as part-reparation, walks down the aisle with a man who still adores her? Poor Edith's ardent suitor knows no more than to give her tit for tat? And then there's Carson, who has become the equivalent of a bratty classroom bully.
On the plus side, the clothes are still fab.
On the plus side, the clothes are still fab.
24
I thought Edith was a little underdressed for a wedding, sort of '20s business casual
5
@Bronx Girl
Well. they aren't exactly BFFs, are they???...Anyway, Edith's new business-casual looks are pretty snappy, don't you think?
Well. they aren't exactly BFFs, are they???...Anyway, Edith's new business-casual looks are pretty snappy, don't you think?
3
Bronx Girl- Edith did change into a new outfit for the wedding, and a new hat too.
A weak follow thru after Mary gets her just desserts (from virtually her entire family). After appearing to be moved by her chastising she doesn't even follow thru and put first things first (apologize to Edith). Really? And Edith recovers mightily, zipping home to celebrate ... really? A melting gumdrop of an ending to this episode for sure. Boo hiss and all that... Might the writers be tiring of our standing ovations? Make the show weak so we'll be glad to move on...?
15
The only sure bet for the finale of Downton is that I will miss Louis Bayard desperately.
27
He does write books, pretty good ones, so you might try giving those a read. Generally he is less bitchy in those than here, and you might think that a good thing. Or not.
2
@Jonathan
Not really with you in describing Mr. Bayard's writing here as "bitchy"...But then again, I'm one who appreciates a dry (sometimes called 'snarky') sense of humor.....Maybe it's just a New York thing.
Not really with you in describing Mr. Bayard's writing here as "bitchy"...But then again, I'm one who appreciates a dry (sometimes called 'snarky') sense of humor.....Maybe it's just a New York thing.
2
I couldn't help but notice the expressions of love by Edith and Mary for Branson, despite his increasingly meddlesome behavior in their private lives. It is, has it ever, been real love, or more likely a patronizing acceptance of his presence in the household?
Mr. Carson's growing truculence towards just about everyone probably reflects his distress over Lady Mary, with whom he's had a special relationship. Or it could instead be a way for Julian to poke at generations of Brits, high and low, for their stubborn insistence on holding God and Country over all semblance of rational thought as Britain's colonial hegemony began its slow collapse. Whatever the explanation, Carson's behavior strikes me as increasingly annoying, rather than funny, as I think the writers want him to be.
Mr. Carson's growing truculence towards just about everyone probably reflects his distress over Lady Mary, with whom he's had a special relationship. Or it could instead be a way for Julian to poke at generations of Brits, high and low, for their stubborn insistence on holding God and Country over all semblance of rational thought as Britain's colonial hegemony began its slow collapse. Whatever the explanation, Carson's behavior strikes me as increasingly annoying, rather than funny, as I think the writers want him to be.
25
Am thinking that what Fellowes might be doing is presenting Carson as the last vestige of the ancien regime, holding onto a soggy timber of the sinking ship while all the others in the cast (even his lordship and the dowager) have long left on the lifeboats and boarded the rescue ship (or maybe it's a commercial airliner).
22
"Martha Stewart Grieving"--thanks for that!
105
Truly tacky ending! My mother would have shot me for running in the graveyard when she visited her parents!
I hope we find out happened to Mr. Drew and his family. Lord Grantham's treatment of the Drews is a monstrous injustice. The Drew family had been tenants of the Crawleys for generations and Mr. Drew did raise Downton's prize pigs. His one fault was to try to do a good thing for Lady Edith. Admittedly, Mrs. Drew has issues, but Lord Grantham just threw the family out on the the road with only a "terribly sorry".
57
This isn't reality! It's a fantasy show. So viewers, it may not fit your ideology, but you have to let some things go to enjoy "art". What literature is "pure" in the sense you're looking for?
1
I accept your point. Downton is a mild "bosom heaver" with some interesting social commentary. That said, as in literature, an engaging story is not limited by the plot of the writer. Julian Fellowes has worked hard to create a time and the people who inhabit it. I guess I have trouble "sticking to the script."
I remember something about Robert making a financial arrangement with Drewe. I'm certain that he didn't send the family on their way with nothing.
Drewe himself said that they would leave even before Robert had a chance to say it. It was an impossible situation with the child.
And yes, there are gross injustices in this world, and sometimes they find their way into fiction.
Drewe himself said that they would leave even before Robert had a chance to say it. It was an impossible situation with the child.
And yes, there are gross injustices in this world, and sometimes they find their way into fiction.
7
Well didn't this episode 'take the biscuit'!
Mosley and Sprat my new heroes.
While it is true that there are some among us who never find JOY in life, I am confident Mr Fellows will find something for Edith as she and all these wonderful characters exit into the ether.
Bravo! Bravo Mr Fellows and thank you.
Mosley and Sprat my new heroes.
While it is true that there are some among us who never find JOY in life, I am confident Mr Fellows will find something for Edith as she and all these wonderful characters exit into the ether.
Bravo! Bravo Mr Fellows and thank you.
24
Is it too much to hope that Barrow was despondent because Bertie loved Edith, and that a remorseful Bertie marries Barrow and they run off to Tangiers?
92
Great minds clearly think alike, tashmuit.
8
And Bertie did seem to be terribly fond of his dear departed delicate cousin . . .
Or the corollary: Idiots seldom differ (no offense to either of you..)
Oh, I don't know...I thought Barrow's near-death experience came from having watched "Godfather Part II" too many times and being inspired by Frank Pentangeli. But that's just me.
The writing this season, and especially this episode, is like something a college student ran off while strung out on No-Doz on a deadline.
Oh, and thanks so much for the Leo Buscaglia reference last week. I can never again think of Tom as anything else. I can't wait to see him as an old man running Esalen seminars in the 1960s.
The writing this season, and especially this episode, is like something a college student ran off while strung out on No-Doz on a deadline.
Oh, and thanks so much for the Leo Buscaglia reference last week. I can never again think of Tom as anything else. I can't wait to see him as an old man running Esalen seminars in the 1960s.
15
I agree about the writing. It's as if Fellowes lost interest when he could see he needed to bring it to an end. I'm still watching because I love the sets and the costumes but I quit feeling involved in the plot a while ago.
12
Maybe Barrow will become Lady Violet's butler now that Spratt has found a new career.
6
The writing was never good - I still can't get over the tired device of using influenza to kill off Matthew's fiancee (the one before Mary) and to resolve the conflict, and of course, Matthew's miraculous, implausible recovery from paralysis - oy vey!
6
The thing I am going to miss most about Downton Abbey is not the show but this column!
57
Bertie will finally come out, comes back to Downton, apologizes to Edith and Barrow ends up being the Marquess's new paramour. Wasn't that Barrow's goal from the very first episode?
35
How about if Marigold's father returns from his "visit" to Germany ?
144
He's dead.
I had this same thought when I was drifting off to sleep last night. Something's gotta give with Edith. Please let her end up happy somehow.
1
Its the only way to end it. If the best we have to hope for is Bertie crawls back to Edith and asks her to marry him, then it's a yawn, and not applause for Mr Fellowes.
1
Am I the only one thinking that having Bertie slink away opens the door for the miraculous reappearance of Michael who has been in Germany 1/in hospital with amnesia from the beating or 2/in jail for inciting a riot?
Or Bertie can come back 1/realizing that Edith's deception was born of fear of losing him or 2/ his mama wants him to snare the daughter of an earl (though now that he's marquess he should have no trouble getting a wife; but just how many eligible earl's daughters are out there?)
I will miss this show and this column and the Abbots.
Or Bertie can come back 1/realizing that Edith's deception was born of fear of losing him or 2/ his mama wants him to snare the daughter of an earl (though now that he's marquess he should have no trouble getting a wife; but just how many eligible earl's daughters are out there?)
I will miss this show and this column and the Abbots.
36
Bertie mentioned his mother's sense of decorum a few times..and her importance in his life .. therefore I felt a [not stated] reason for not marrying Edith was that he knew his mother would never accept a daughter in law with an out of wedlock child.
2
Let me be the first pedant on the block to point out that the city in Morocco is named Tangier, not Tangiers, as everyone in Yorkshire seems to think.
32
Allow me to be the second pedant and quote the Wiki page on Tangier as saying it is "sometimes referred to as Tangiers."
9
I lived in Morocco and in the dialect of Arabic that the Moroccans spoke the city was called Tanjah and although the city's name was spelled Tangier it seemed all the Europeans called it Tangiers with the "s".
2
ok Eee Wee.
Edith has become an adult and Mary not so much.
104
No matter what happens, Edith will find true happiness ( in her daughter, in her work, in her own self worth) and Mary never will...after all, what is her worth but as mother to the next Earl of Grantham. When he is 21 who is she?
8
She runs the estate.
1
I began to watch just for the wife-points; now, I'll miss it. #PetulaClark
4
Oh dear! Who or what could help sort out Edith and Berite's situation. Let's see. Cassandra Jones advise column for starters.
44
It was a corker, it was a stinker, it was a corking stinker, it was a tawdry local brouhaha, it was a week end to end all week ends, it was the best of times (for glorious Molesley, hoorah, I was quite touched at Daisy listening to the classroom miracle because only Kevin Doyle could have pulled that off), it was the worst of times (Mary at her sublimely nastiest bitchiest zenith ever since birth and still - again - getting her man), it was pure golden Downton at its corking stinking best and worst and all rolled up together in a batch of Mrs Patmore's biscuit dough with raisins... we shall never see the like of this again, until the Christmas special that is.
146
And where, pray tell, was Lord Robert's new puppy?
37
The puppy was shown briefly in a little basket during an exchange between Robert and Cora. We know what puppies do, even at Downton Abbey, so the scene was quite short.
10
In a basket in the library, looking up adoringly.
13
Lying happily in a basket in the library in one of the very first scenes.
2
Most obvious plot line for the last episode: Spratt works full time as a gossip columnist. Barrow replaces him as Granny's butler!
53
so Bertie's cousin was not straight, but is Bertie gay as well?
Maybe he's bi, for Edith's sake. I'd rather her just stay and be fabulous in London, at least before the next war breaks out. The true upside to marrying Bertie is out-ranking that God-awful Mary.
Maybe he's bi, for Edith's sake. I'd rather her just stay and be fabulous in London, at least before the next war breaks out. The true upside to marrying Bertie is out-ranking that God-awful Mary.
52
I don't think Bertie is gay. I think he just loved his cousin and accepted him for who he was. Too bad Thomas didn't get a job with the late Marquess, though.
4
At least Edith took the high road and did not inform Mr. Talbot about Mary and Mr. Pamuk! Speaking of The Turkish diplomat, I had a chuckle when Cora said: Poor Mr. Pelham.
20
Don't forget that it was Edith that wrote to the Turkish Ambassador about Mr Pamuk dying in Mary’s bed. So Edith has not always taken the high road as she does in this episode, and Mary's spitefulness is no doubt related to Edith's low blow of squealing on Mary to the Turkish Ambassador. That certainly endangered Mary's reputation in the social strata that she holds so dear, so squealing on Edith is her way of getting back no doubt. Sibling rivalry is one of the truer plot lines in Downton Abbey.
2
Sorry, but you are wrong. Edith informed the Turkish Embassy about what had really happened, and I think was the source of the information threatening to be revealed in gossip newspapers. Mary's then boyfriend, played by Iain Glen, SIr Richard Carlyle, a newspaper magnate had to get the story spiked. Edith and the high road - not so much.
2
So that's two marriages that Mary's ruined for Edith. Think that will be sufficient revenge?
Some people have Mary confused with Kriemhild.
Some people have Mary confused with Kriemhild.
3
You are the best, Mr. Bayard.
15
So sad for Edith. I don't think Bertie will be back. Her way forward is in London with her magazine as she will become a notable and respected trail blazer running the magazine. Quite a good and interesting life and every bit equal to and even surpassing Mary.
Who knows what will happen in the last episode, but I could see it ending with and death of the Dowager and the birth of Anna and Bate's child - the passing of the old order and onto the ascendency of the new.
Love the series and am sorry to see the characters all fade away.
Who knows what will happen in the last episode, but I could see it ending with and death of the Dowager and the birth of Anna and Bate's child - the passing of the old order and onto the ascendency of the new.
Love the series and am sorry to see the characters all fade away.
54
Speaking of Anna's baby--is she still pregnant? She has not gained any weight in her breasts, waist, face...did the last two episodes occur over one week? Continuity editor, get with it!
6
Maybe Michael WILL return from Germany.
Here! Here! Loved your comment, Nancy!!
"Martha Stewart Grieving" -- I love it!
24
I am hoping that the finale brings a "Making of a Marchioness". I think Bertie and Edith are wonderful together and Bertie will realize this on his trip to Tangiers. How Edith can even be civil to her Mary after what she did show a strength of character and font of emotional intelligence that Mary will never have. Poor Barrow! Thank heavens for Miss Baxter! It is wonderful to see Robert embracing some modernity at last. As to Carson, he is Mrs. Hughes "own curmudgeon" and sympathies should be sent to her. I so want to Mary to have to curtsey to Edith !
29
More like 'Return to Brancaster.'
1
Yes. Finally, Edith told Mary what we all knew she really was but wouldn't it have been great if she had done it at the table in front of the entire family? Does Edith really think that she will some day sit down with Mary and reminisce about the family? How could she even be in the same room with her treacherous sister?
40
If this were not the end of the Downton, I would predict that the Mechanic would be trouble for Mary.
And, c'mon, Mary has a walk-in closet of skeletons for Edith to drag out. Remember Season 1, shuffling Mary's dead lover around in the middle of the night? Switching from psychotic Mary killing Edith's wedding to weepy Mary was too much for one episode. Round the bloody bend.
And, c'mon, Mary has a walk-in closet of skeletons for Edith to drag out. Remember Season 1, shuffling Mary's dead lover around in the middle of the night? Switching from psychotic Mary killing Edith's wedding to weepy Mary was too much for one episode. Round the bloody bend.
13
Edith DID drag dead lover out by writing to the Turkish embassy. Let's not forget that.
4
Didn't Edith start all this in the first season by writing an anonymous tip re the Turkish diplomat? Nevertheless, I'm on her side!
I was sure that the Dowager Countess would be Cassandra Jones, but if it cannot be she...
I was sure that the Dowager Countess would be Cassandra Jones, but if it cannot be she...
7
The letter was in retaliation during that period, not the start of it.
8
Louis Bayard's Downton recap is a highlight of Monday!
29
Carson got some good lines this week:
(to Molesley) "What makes you think you'll be any good?" Way to encourage your fellow man, dude.
But the best line of the episode and maybe of the entire series ever over the past six years:
"TO SAY NOTHING OF THE SUICIDAL FOOTMAN IN THE ATTIC." I think we've got our spinoff!
(to Molesley) "What makes you think you'll be any good?" Way to encourage your fellow man, dude.
But the best line of the episode and maybe of the entire series ever over the past six years:
"TO SAY NOTHING OF THE SUICIDAL FOOTMAN IN THE ATTIC." I think we've got our spinoff!
29
I would watch that spinoff! Well, not that one precisely, but I do find myself wanting to see what happens to Barrow, to Molesley, maybe to some others too. (But preferably in episodes written by Mr. Bayard. Or in my own imagination. No longer in episodes written by Mr. Fellowes.) But really, I thought the "footman" line of Carson's was the peak of insensitivity and callousness amid all of the insensitive and callous remarks he's made over the course of the season. He was always rather old-fashioned and stuffy, but I didn't really mind those qualities or his rigidity... but now he's downright thoughtless, with an incredible lack of compassion for his wife or his fellow man in general (the Crawleys seeming to be the only exception). A really unfortunate way to develop his character, particularly in the farewell season of the show.
6
Unfortunately it gets worse for Carson.
1
Carson shows some aging not noticed before, and was never this surly. He's the last holdout for the old ways, and that's started to chafe. Lord G did not appreciate his "Are you sure ... " about the family visiting Mrs. Patmore's B&B to lend their support. He appears to be at the bend or break point.
4
Wicked hilarious re-cap.
9
Most, I will miss your lingua franca dissertations, Mr. Bayard. Even though English is my mother tongue, you drape it from a moire valance.
12
Edith started the feud with Mary in the first season, when she wrote to the Turkish Diplomat about Mary and Kemal Pemuk, in an effort to sully Mary's reputation. I think Mary has been trying to punish Edith for this since the first season. So even though I agree that Mary is usually a b#%*¥ toward Edith, Edith is no angel herself. I loved Edith's attempt at rapprochement with Mary after their fight, "By the way, you look nice." So sisterly.
And golly gumdrops, thanks for another great recap, Mr. Bayard.
And golly gumdrops, thanks for another great recap, Mr. Bayard.
13
I have a teeny hunch that it goes way, way further back than Mr. Pamuk. May probably terrorized Edith when they were little.
13
Edith responded to Mary's ongoing brutal attitude toward her with the letter, not started it, which action was retaliated against. Edith dropped out of the sniping a long time ago when her life began to move on. Mary continued with the venom mentioned in the current episode. Only the last couple of episodes has Edith said things to and about Mary, who has had the heaviest hand in the matter. She told her grandmother this episode that she wanted to put Edith in her place ?? Is that supposed to be forever ground under her heel? There is a marked difference between the handling by the two. Mama and papa never told first daughter that it's not all about her, nor corrected her displays of resentment of the fact.
12
Yes -- this is clearly a continuation of lifelong competition and resentment.
5
Costume continuity glitch? After her previous scene's relatively dull costume, the beautiful and luxurious off-white ensemble Mary wore at her gravesite "conversation" with her late husband Michael (and which, as Mr. Bayard noted, coordinated quite well with his tombstone) was not what she wore (wasn't that the same day? she had said Henry would be there on the next train) in the following scene to greet and proclaim her love to Henry Talbot. Instead, she was in the mousey dress from the pre-gravesite scene. It was as if she dressed-up for the grave visit, then dressed down again to meet the man she wanted to spend her life with. Did not seem like Mary, or any other women on the show (or anywhere) but I know the gods who created Downton must have been thinking something very enlightened when the final edits came down from on high....
8
Gentle question: Don't you mean "...her late husband Matthew..."?
1
Thank you, wordnerd! Yes, I meant Matthew. Curious to know if I was imagining that glitch at a pivotal moment in Mary's storyline,
although to give the show credit, the quick change perhaps was intended as a testament to her new humility.. Or maybe Mary wanted to show Henry that she was finally willing to admit that her vanity was standing in their way...
although to give the show credit, the quick change perhaps was intended as a testament to her new humility.. Or maybe Mary wanted to show Henry that she was finally willing to admit that her vanity was standing in their way...
Looked to me like she just put that pretty coat over the mousy vest to go to the graveyard.
Malaria in Tangiers, my foot!
9
Here's how it will work out: the dead Marquess in Tangiers, his scrupulous heir will learn, lived a life of isolation and shame because he was gay. He was, after all, described as "delicate," and living the life of an artist. Bertie- already established as a man of deep and sappy sensibilities himself- will realize it's not worth losing the woman he loves, merely because she tried to keep the secret of her love child. Edith will finally catch a break, and the last-episode sun will set on Downton.
20
After season after season of watching Thomas bully, intimidate, and be generally rude to the rest of the staff, I struggle to come up with a lot of sympathy. He and Mary are cut from the same cloth, right down to the parallel faux-surprise, "Oh, didn't you tell them already?" moment during a meal this season. Maybe they act out of their pain, but they're also needlessly destroying other people's lives (or at least trying really hard). I think the reason the family doesn't value him has a lot to do with his repeated attempts to shame fellow servants, other members of the household (Tom), and even guests were generally met by distaste from everyone in the family (with the possible exception of Mary), so it's hardly difficult to see why they'd decide he'd be the first to go. It's likely that he's burnt as many bridges elsewhere as he has within the house, so staying in a place that at least tolerates him may be his happy-enough ending. Alternately, maybe Pratt will make enough money from his new column that he can "retire" and Thomas can take over the butler position there. He's obviously well-suited to duke it out with Denker.
36
The DA people seem to have forgotten how bravely Thomas behaved during the house fire. His quick response saved lives.
3
Huh? Didn't he set the fire in the first place?
2
No, Edith threw a book and it landed near the fireplace. Thomas was in the hallway--up to no good, I think, but was in the right place at the right time to save her life. No matter--saving one's life shouldn't guarantee job security--after all, who has an under butler nowadays?
2
Let's not forget that Lady Mary only recently found out about Marigold's being Edith's. I'd think her face was red after so many years and blew the lid off that in a truly cringeworthy scene.
2
What I want to know, Bishop Bayard, is whether your first viewing of an episode is just a flat-out wallow in the splendor of it all, before you get down to work, or whether you're watching from the get-go with pad and pen in hand, making notes and exercising professional discipline.
But to the topic at hand. Could Lord Grantham's prediction of surprises! surprises! foreshadow the return of Marigold's papa?
And I suppose Barrow's prospects for becoming the Marquess's valet are now out of the question. Unless "Downton Abbey and Zombies" is under consideration for next year's lineup.
But to the topic at hand. Could Lord Grantham's prediction of surprises! surprises! foreshadow the return of Marigold's papa?
And I suppose Barrow's prospects for becoming the Marquess's valet are now out of the question. Unless "Downton Abbey and Zombies" is under consideration for next year's lineup.
3
I've often said that we need a mash-up of my two favorite Sunday night shows: Downton Abbey and The Walking Dead. Downton Dead anyone?
Maybe we could start with the suicidal footman in the attic.
Maybe we could start with the suicidal footman in the attic.
5
My theory is that Bertie goes to Tangiers and finds out how gay the late Marquess really was, realizes that he's being a prig about the Marigold issue, and returns in the final frames minutes to marry Edith. The hints in this episode were quite broad enough.
18
A total bitchfest all around!
So satisfying to see Edith finally rip Mary a new one!
So satisfying to see Edith finally rip Mary a new one!
15
Everyone seems to be missing the point that Edith did tell Bertie on the balcony that her life has become very complicated and that he might want to be careful. There were alarm bells ringing, but he seemed uninterested in knowing what she was talking about. As he was leaving Downton the next day, she should have told him that she TRIED to explain the night before. Instead, she allows him to walk away thinking that she tried to trick him. Sorry, but I think that in a more realistic storyline she would have tried harder to salvage the situation.
233
"more realistic story line?" Is there anything in this storyline that is realism? Of any sort? Besides the costumes, I mean...
5
Edith should have mentioned how difficult it was to tell him the truth about Marigold, how she feared it would cause him to break with her and his she could not allow herself and Marigold to live in the shadow of a lie.
7
I wholeheartedly agree.
2
Well, well, well, Abbots, this was quite the episode! And our Mr. Bayard's recap is the dessert we deserve after watching Mr. Carson be a shrew in the last few episodes about his wife's cooking, about Mr. Moseley's new world, about Barrow's sadness.
I predict that since Spratt will take on that job as the columnist for the magazine that Violet will need a new butler, and Barrow would fill the job nicely.
"It was like an issue of Martha Stewart Grieving." My favorite line in the recap.
I think my-----I mean OUR Tom could become a motivational speaker. Travel the land giving the aristocracy some thoughts about emotional intelligence. He really gave it good to Mary. Loved it.
Happy to see puppy in the basket. What happened to the radio? Marigold springs to life as she ran around tombstones...who knew?
I was hoping Mrs. Patmore might book a room in Ye Olde House of Strumpetry and invite Mr. Mason to "Come up and see me some time. "
I predict that since Spratt will take on that job as the columnist for the magazine that Violet will need a new butler, and Barrow would fill the job nicely.
"It was like an issue of Martha Stewart Grieving." My favorite line in the recap.
I think my-----I mean OUR Tom could become a motivational speaker. Travel the land giving the aristocracy some thoughts about emotional intelligence. He really gave it good to Mary. Loved it.
Happy to see puppy in the basket. What happened to the radio? Marigold springs to life as she ran around tombstones...who knew?
I was hoping Mrs. Patmore might book a room in Ye Olde House of Strumpetry and invite Mr. Mason to "Come up and see me some time. "
34
After each insufferable Viking River Cruise affluenza ad this season, I settled in bracing myself for yet another episode indicating Downton's downward spiral. I dozed during the hospital arguments, rolled my eyes each time the police sergeant stopped by to falsely accuse/entangle/intimidate, and grew weary of Carson's insufferable servitude/elitism. The exploding ulcer scene perked things up temporarily, but last week was same old same old. I realized I continued watching only to enhance my enjoyment of Lord Bayard's analysis.
Well - tonight I am asking "what you’re talking about, Willis?" [Oh Louis Bayard - you crack me up.] I was enthralled, surprised, touched, and moved to tears in a couple scenes. Only slightly irritated at times - which is a vast improvement over constant eye rolling at the screen in previous weeks. [And I could not help but wonder what it was like for Michelle Dockery filming the scene at the grave when her own real life fiance was seriously ill - that thought made me more teary.]
Bananas indeed!
Well - tonight I am asking "what you’re talking about, Willis?" [Oh Louis Bayard - you crack me up.] I was enthralled, surprised, touched, and moved to tears in a couple scenes. Only slightly irritated at times - which is a vast improvement over constant eye rolling at the screen in previous weeks. [And I could not help but wonder what it was like for Michelle Dockery filming the scene at the grave when her own real life fiance was seriously ill - that thought made me more teary.]
Bananas indeed!
26
Death in Tangiers of a sensitive single titled Englishman . For a moment , I thought I was watching Brideshead Revisited.
21
Looked forward to "Revisited" and was mightily disappointed except in Matthew Goode's performance of course. But there will be a "Downton Revisited" one day and let's hope it's better than Bridesead's shot at it.
1
Mrs. Patmore's problems with her new Bed and Breakfast are all part of a major marketing misunderstanding: the sign out front proclaims, "The Best Bangers this Side of Surrey!"
25
Don't forget the complementary Spotted Dick!
6
"Don't forget the complementary Spotted Dick!"
Steve, you hit it out of the park with that one!!!
Steve, you hit it out of the park with that one!!!
1
An excellent review (as always) of a compelling episode. But I must admit I was surprised that Mr. Fellowes, who is typically meticulous about portraying his characters with emotional authenticity, allowed Edith's devoted parents to brush off her devastation after the break-up and move on with beaming smiles at Mary's wedding just days later. It didn't ring true. At all.
25
They've often 'written off' Edith's romantic prospects and know what an impediment an illegitimate child would be. While they will support Edith, they are not going to overdo the turmoil.
3
Wow, Edith's turmoil was already overdone. How would a hug or kind words overdo that?
1
No one said anything about not hugging her; but to not celebrate Mary's wedding would be ridiculous.
1
Ah paradox, you make the world turn! Downton Abbey and a whorehouse! A Duchess and a bitch! Two side of the same coin, methinks!
3
This was a great episode. I'm hopeful that in the finale Violet ends up
with her true love, the Russian Count.
with her true love, the Russian Count.
5
Violet's sudden return from the Riviera, plus her touching words to her troubled granddaughter about loving despite all the obstacles -- and imagine, even touching Mary while doing so! -- give me hope that Prince Kuragin will attend Edith and Bertie's wedding with her. It's a long shot, of course, but long-running TV and film series often have pivotal cast members return for the final curtain call. IMO the prince would qualify as such.
2
There may still be hope for the return of Bertie as the real untold story of how the Marquess died in Moracco comes out. There were just too many references to his being a "sensitive" man and Bertie being unable to answer why he preferred to live in Moracco. A Royal "outing" may cause Bertie to reveal his own secret. Edith could yet have the last laugh on Mary...
8
I think Bertie has said before that he knows his cousin bats for the other side--
The fact that he and a female had an understanding was just to cloak the fact that he was gay and would marry only at the last moment--maybe never if he couldn't stomach the idea of breeding an heir...
So in all likelihood, Bertie's mom knew with fairly strong suspicions that her son would be the heir--eventually...
Bertie is just maybe a little too sympathetic to his cousin's plight...
The fact that he and a female had an understanding was just to cloak the fact that he was gay and would marry only at the last moment--maybe never if he couldn't stomach the idea of breeding an heir...
So in all likelihood, Bertie's mom knew with fairly strong suspicions that her son would be the heir--eventually...
Bertie is just maybe a little too sympathetic to his cousin's plight...
5
After all the debates over language that sounds out of place this season, and when expressions originated and so forth, if Bertie ever utters the phrase "bats for the other team," then we will really have a discussion about anachronistic-sounding language on our hands! (Would be fun!)
Amazing episode! The sweetest moment for me was Master George handing Barrow the orange. Mary is getting her just deserts from Edith. Finally.
13
While we all felt contempt for Mary referencing Edith's "past", I did think back to the fact that Edith turned Mary in regarding the death of Mr what's his face at Downton in one of the first episodes. Very nasty of Edith. Maybe they just deserve each other.
14
First, Thank you Louis Bayard! I love these columns - and the responses - more than the show.... For weeks, I've been worried about Thomas taking his life - so was relived that he survived his attempt and that there's just enough time for something decent to happen to the bloke. Although, Mary and Master George's visit was genuinely moving - the most I've liked that snobby bee-atch at any time in the history of the show. She was brutal towards her sister, who probably would have confessed to Bertie in time. Furthermore, I don't get the sudden wedding and marriage. Matthew Goode is an adorable actor - but Mary is so cold, I haven't witnessed any true chemistry there. She declared herself in love tonight. Her fears of being a race-car widow seemed very real. Still not getting the passion. Whereas Edith's love for Bertie seemed genuine and based on lovely shared experiences. Hope Bertie changes his mind and gives her and Marigold a chance. Loving Baxter, Mrs. Patmore, Mosely, Grandmama, Isobel, and Sprat - what a hoot!
13
@Jeanette, agreed 100% to all of this! Thanks for putting it far better than I could've (particularly as I am still all hung up on Barrow)! (Feeling massive caring and compassion for Barrow and finding Carson incredibly thoughtless and unpleasant; my how things have changed since Season 1!)
2
Cool - thanks!
Wasn't it implied that Bertie's cousin was a homosexual, painting those boys at the beach in Tangiers? And that he and Bertie were very close, in addition to Bertie being a momma's boy? Lady Rosamunde looked at him said something like"this will never do." I think it implied that Bertie was a closeted homosexual.
12
Being a " closeted homosexual" was the only way to be a homosexual then.
11
It certainly seemed to suggest Bertie might be gay. But before last night he and Edith did seem to have actual chemistry and he pursued her like nobody's business. So either Fellowes meant last night as a red herring or it was an unintended implication? I think Edith is going to get her wedding at last.
Thanks to Louis for pointing out the 'gumdrops' line. Last night I thought I'd pack that phrase away to pull out sometime. Hilarious.
And Mary really deserved that term Edith threw at her. But thanks to others for reminding us of Edith's un-sisterly act in season one!
Thanks to Louis for pointing out the 'gumdrops' line. Last night I thought I'd pack that phrase away to pull out sometime. Hilarious.
And Mary really deserved that term Edith threw at her. But thanks to others for reminding us of Edith's un-sisterly act in season one!
2
Rosamond seemed to respond to his genuine emotion, and said
"And that's the man you want to trick into marriage?"
"And that's the man you want to trick into marriage?"
6
A Little Dorrit - Thank you Mr. Bayard!
Oh dear, Bertie might be out of a job! Oops, he's the new Marquess of Hexham!
"You're not a princess in "The Prisoner of Zenda"!
Oh dear, Bertie might be out of a job! Oops, he's the new Marquess of Hexham!
"You're not a princess in "The Prisoner of Zenda"!
6
Didn't you think it was going to be Bertie as Mrs. Advice-Column?
Every step Bertie took as he walked away from Edith I thought, now he'll turn around, NOW he'll turn around.
The solid black beaded dress that Mary wore reminded me of Morticia Adams a little-- except that Morticia was much, much nicer.
Maybe this is why Freud needed to exist. Only Grandmama seems able to figure out the psychodynamics and reach through Mary's profound lack of self understanding. At the moment that Lady V gave Mary a good long loving hug did it seem to me that I can hardy remember anyone upstairs ever doing that in this show. And goodness knows there are plenty of people who could use one.
And finally-- fellow Abbotts I'm impressed that you understood that Lord G was talking about turn-ups because I thought he was talking about Turnips!
Every step Bertie took as he walked away from Edith I thought, now he'll turn around, NOW he'll turn around.
The solid black beaded dress that Mary wore reminded me of Morticia Adams a little-- except that Morticia was much, much nicer.
Maybe this is why Freud needed to exist. Only Grandmama seems able to figure out the psychodynamics and reach through Mary's profound lack of self understanding. At the moment that Lady V gave Mary a good long loving hug did it seem to me that I can hardy remember anyone upstairs ever doing that in this show. And goodness knows there are plenty of people who could use one.
And finally-- fellow Abbotts I'm impressed that you understood that Lord G was talking about turn-ups because I thought he was talking about Turnips!
11
It has been a while, but what a wonderful episode. Rather than simply "playing out the string," it will now be difficult to wait two weeks for the final (I know I can watch it elsewhere, but I choose, on the strength of this episode, to wait).
I actually laughed out loud as the program opened with the house of ill-repute scenario. And, surprisingly, was moved by Edith's and Mary's reconciliation. That is what good television can do and tonight's episode was good television.
While there is much to be resolved and despite a number of disappointing episodes this season, the folks at Downton seem to be heading into the sunset with a promise that loyal viewers will not be disappointed. And, while we may be left to wonder about a few of the remaining loose ends (will the mystery of life ever reveal itself to Mrs. Patmore?), Downton, on the whole, will be remembered on many a Sunday evening when the clock in the drawing room strikes 9:00.
I actually laughed out loud as the program opened with the house of ill-repute scenario. And, surprisingly, was moved by Edith's and Mary's reconciliation. That is what good television can do and tonight's episode was good television.
While there is much to be resolved and despite a number of disappointing episodes this season, the folks at Downton seem to be heading into the sunset with a promise that loyal viewers will not be disappointed. And, while we may be left to wonder about a few of the remaining loose ends (will the mystery of life ever reveal itself to Mrs. Patmore?), Downton, on the whole, will be remembered on many a Sunday evening when the clock in the drawing room strikes 9:00.
16
"It was like an issue of Martha Stewart Grieving." Brilliant! Mr. Bayard, you have truly outdone yourself there; I started laughing out loud when I read that sentence.
16
I was distracted at the graveyard by the fact that Matthew's tombstone looked 100 years old when he's only dead maybe 4 years ... Lol a detail but bad set design for a show that is so careful with detail.
38
"You're my curmudgeon," is all we get, after waiting most of the season for Mrs Hughes to deliver the comeuppance Carson so richly deserves?!?
Sure, why not? It makes as much sense as everyone suddenly deciding en masse that Mary is nasty because she's unhappy (we even have the Bateses as a Greek chorus of confirmation, because if this idea is not supported by previous storylines we can try to legitimize it by having every character repeat it a lot in this episode), not to mention Edith, smiling sentimentally at Marigold and her cousins--even though her best chance at happiness just slipped through her fingers due to her own failure to be honest, she still has her daughter and her nice sister's grave to appreciate, after all.
Sure, why not? It makes as much sense as everyone suddenly deciding en masse that Mary is nasty because she's unhappy (we even have the Bateses as a Greek chorus of confirmation, because if this idea is not supported by previous storylines we can try to legitimize it by having every character repeat it a lot in this episode), not to mention Edith, smiling sentimentally at Marigold and her cousins--even though her best chance at happiness just slipped through her fingers due to her own failure to be honest, she still has her daughter and her nice sister's grave to appreciate, after all.
4
Great recap, as always, Mr. Bayard, but you did miss something big: Marigold has not only awoken, she can run! What a relief!
Edith, you idiot. There was a time when you had backbone. More than one perfect opportunity to tell the truth, and you blew it, even knowing that you couldn't keep the secret forever. What excuse has Mr. Fellowes in mind for you? The affluenza defense, perhaps?
On the other hand, loved it when she finally had it out with Mary -- although even that was decorous; don't these people ever get REALLY mad? -- and disappointed when she arrived at Mary's room to make up. I still want to kick Mary halfway to Sunday. I hope Bertie loses his mind and decides to take Edith back anyway. She hadn't said the word yes and at breakfast tried to stop him from making the announcement, so he can rationalize it all away.
I knew Spratt was up to something, but what a delicious surprise! The remaining question there is, what has Denker been cooking up?
Gold stars as usual to Molesley, Mrs. Patmore, and Baxter. Daisy and Barrow are both on the road to redemption. Only Mr. Carson seems irretrievable, but I'm sure a rabbit will be pulled out of a hat.
Edith, you idiot. There was a time when you had backbone. More than one perfect opportunity to tell the truth, and you blew it, even knowing that you couldn't keep the secret forever. What excuse has Mr. Fellowes in mind for you? The affluenza defense, perhaps?
On the other hand, loved it when she finally had it out with Mary -- although even that was decorous; don't these people ever get REALLY mad? -- and disappointed when she arrived at Mary's room to make up. I still want to kick Mary halfway to Sunday. I hope Bertie loses his mind and decides to take Edith back anyway. She hadn't said the word yes and at breakfast tried to stop him from making the announcement, so he can rationalize it all away.
I knew Spratt was up to something, but what a delicious surprise! The remaining question there is, what has Denker been cooking up?
Gold stars as usual to Molesley, Mrs. Patmore, and Baxter. Daisy and Barrow are both on the road to redemption. Only Mr. Carson seems irretrievable, but I'm sure a rabbit will be pulled out of a hat.
85
Decorous? - Edith flinging the b word twice, speaking of Mary's venom with full heat and vigor. I registered those words finding their mark. No one ever tells Mary about herself. But, then again, a mud wrestle out at the sty might have better reflected "really mad." Tom's teeth were bared in his session, plain language, spades called the same, ending with the bully-coward shot. What there? Use of fists?
12
VL: No tears, no sobbing, no inarticulate reaching for the right word, no voice cracking. This was the build-up of terrible, destructive behavior over many years, yet they made perfectly formed sentences and never broke a sweat -- kind of the way we often wish we'd handled ourselves, in retrospect.
11
"Martha Stewart Grieving" indeed! I had exactly the same reaction, which effectively put an end to my own waterworks. Good on you, Mr. Bayard.
35
I don't know which made me laugh more, the thought of Beryl "Madam" Patmore running a 'Crumpets and Strumpets' house of ill repute ("Are these your tarts, Mrs. Patmore?"), or of Spratt being revealed as the lonely hearts columnist -- which, after putting up with Mrs. Denker, actually makes eminent sense in a way.
149
Brilliant writing, Rich.
1
Spratt can move to London and Barrow become Granny's new butler.
1
This was a very interesting episode. My wife now hates Mary after she ratted Edith out to Bertie. No hope of redemption here. Gotta love the way Violet and Isobel have slapped Miss Cruikshank about. Nice work, ladies. The mental image of Carson "tearing it up in the bedroom" is LOL funny. Good on you, Louis Bayard, for that one. Our prayers are on the verge of being answered re Barrow. Now, if Bertie can just come around and throw Edith a bone it will be all good. Sorry to all those nitwits who thought that Tom and Mary were suitable for a love connection. What a daft notion that was! We are on the precipice of a whole new terrain. We will suck it up and carry on with the knowledge that "Downton Abbey" is a goner. Did they start shooting the movie yet? Should I tell my therapist that while watching DA I frequently yell out "You go Molesley" or "Stop messing with Barrow, Mr. Carson" or "Mary, you b____!" or "shut up Daisy." And what of the tears? What will it be like when "Downton Abbey" is gone? I'd rather not think about it.
175
Love your commentary.
Back at ya, babe!
Don't know which I'll miss more - the DA series or this column. Great fun.
72
The column, definitely.
13
I much preferred the episode this time to the recap.
5
Nope, will miss the series more - anyone can write a column (done very well by the way)
2
Edith's boyfriend is a shy, sensitive fellow who unexpectedly inherits a great title. Isn't the parallel to George VI obvious enough without naming him Bertie as well? That comment aside, I just hope Bertie comes back to Edith in the final episode.
133
Bertie was a very uncommon nickname in that period. And no, I saw no parallel with Edith and the Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
1
Where do you see a parallel except for the name? I guess that Edith's Bertie will not give up title and fortune for Edith, but marry her none the less.
And the Bertie who inherited the crown of England was anything but shy and sensitive, partying like a playboy when away from the Court of St. James. He was also considered by the politicians at that time to be the dumbest tool of all the royals.
And the Bertie who inherited the crown of England was anything but shy and sensitive, partying like a playboy when away from the Court of St. James. He was also considered by the politicians at that time to be the dumbest tool of all the royals.
1
Bertie was NOT an uncommon nickname. It's a very common diminutive of Albert.
4
Not to disagree with Mr. Bayard but surely the best line of the episode was "Bananas"!
25
Fellowes drew an unexpected parallel between two unlikely characters -- Mary and Barrow, both of whom have said hurtful things without fully understanding why, lashing out in their misery. That was a sweet and telling moment in Barrow's room, with little George wanting to make him feel better, and Mary admitting this shortcoming of hers.
I knew that there would have to be a reckoning with Mary before the end of the series, and her explosive exchange with Edith and their quiet conversation before Mary's wedding were quite satisfying. I lost my only sibling a few years ago, and I can tell you that a very painful part of that was knowing that we could never sit together in our old age and share remembrances of our past. Edith expressed that wish for a peaceful future together beautifully.
I knew that there would have to be a reckoning with Mary before the end of the series, and her explosive exchange with Edith and their quiet conversation before Mary's wedding were quite satisfying. I lost my only sibling a few years ago, and I can tell you that a very painful part of that was knowing that we could never sit together in our old age and share remembrances of our past. Edith expressed that wish for a peaceful future together beautifully.
291
You and that quiet exchange between Edith and Mary made me effectively wish that I was not in fact an only child.
8
Edith gave the most convincing speech for family forgiveness, but I still wasn't convinced. Mary and Barrows are both monsters. People who pull the stunts they both have, with the intention of hurting other people, don't deserve happy endings. Of course, a loooong time ago, Edith wrote the Panouk letter, which was awful, but if I recall correctly, the earliest episodes set up Mary as the aggressor in their enmity.
9
People who do hurtful things are usually in pain themselves.
1
I hope that just once before I die I have occasion to exclaim, "Golly gumdrops, what a turn-up!”
124
The more I think about it, the more I find it actually quite GALLING that after driving Thomas to suicide his "reward" is to be able to stay working among people who couldn't care less about him. I don't expect people of that era to come out and support homosexuals BUT they've more or less tortured him this entire season so now that his slitting his wrists shows he "has a heart" we go from "who has an under butler anymore" to "ok, let him stay"? I must say that story line worked my last nerve.
39
I think about Mrs Hughes' kindness to Thomas in the last episode after a brutal exchange with Mr Carson, in which Mrs H tells Thomas that a change of scenery might be good for him, that he might find a "friend" elsewhere. A future at D.A. seems like a very lonely prospect for him.
29
Bertie, poor Edith's erstwhile, is in his thirties, single, in the devoted employ of his cousin, the late marquess, a single, "artistic" man living in Tangiers whose greatest pleasure was watching the fisherman pull their nets and boats in at the end of the day. His domineering mother plays a large role in his thoughts. He cries at the drop of a sappy line from Lady Grantham. And once again, he's Edith's beau.
I fully expect him to return to Downton and tell Barrow to pack his bags and come away with him to Hexham or Tangiers or Paris or wherever gay Englishmen with money and handsome personal servants escaped to in the 1920's. Sicily? Morocco? New York!
Edith has the magazine and Marigold and a loving family to belittle her until the grave apparently. Let Thomas, Downton Abbey's second most-used doormat, walk away with the marquess. It would be delicious.
I fully expect him to return to Downton and tell Barrow to pack his bags and come away with him to Hexham or Tangiers or Paris or wherever gay Englishmen with money and handsome personal servants escaped to in the 1920's. Sicily? Morocco? New York!
Edith has the magazine and Marigold and a loving family to belittle her until the grave apparently. Let Thomas, Downton Abbey's second most-used doormat, walk away with the marquess. It would be delicious.
36
@ManhattanWilliam
Wait a minute. Not everyone was on that hate-train, even though Thomas didn't make himself especially well liked for a long time ((Yes, we know why...but still...) If anything, his suicide attempt was a cri de coeur, and some people came running -- As for his "reward", he got what he wanted. Remember, he was the one to admit he had put down some "roots" at Downton...Really not too bad if you look at it that way. So, keep your last nerve. You'll probably need it for the last episode.
Wait a minute. Not everyone was on that hate-train, even though Thomas didn't make himself especially well liked for a long time ((Yes, we know why...but still...) If anything, his suicide attempt was a cri de coeur, and some people came running -- As for his "reward", he got what he wanted. Remember, he was the one to admit he had put down some "roots" at Downton...Really not too bad if you look at it that way. So, keep your last nerve. You'll probably need it for the last episode.
5
One of the better episodes because everyone's emotions and fears were on display. I was angry with Mary, but Edith really should've told Bertie about Marigold; she had a number of opportunities. I do hope Bertie comes to his senses. Mr. Molesley's success brought tears to my eyes and I'm so glad Mrs. Hughes loves Carson warts (and I do mean warts) and all.
53
So basically you're as heartless as Mary Crowley.
4
Mary's character change after the visit from her grandmother was faster than Scrooge's pivot after his ghostly guests. Too fast for me. I still wanted to lock her away in the tower.
And Carson has become insufferable. Lock him in the tower along with his beloved Lady Mary.
And Carson has become insufferable. Lock him in the tower along with his beloved Lady Mary.
227
Off with their heads I say! And since when did Tom (as opposed to Thomas) become the biggest queen on the show?
23
The story moved so quickly in the last half hour that I was getting dizzy. Perhaps there are so many loose ends to tie up they had to begin with this second last episode.
By the way, Carson was one of my favorites but I'm changing my mind. I now think he's a big -----. (Something one does to one's finger with a needle.)
By the way, Carson was one of my favorites but I'm changing my mind. I now think he's a big -----. (Something one does to one's finger with a needle.)
9
Put them on a slow boat to Tangiers together.
4
I wanted so much for Lady Edith find some happiness in the final episodes. Bertie confuses me though.....he seems very, very fond of his dead cousin.
189
I would like to see Lady Edith get her own spin off. All about her and her newspaper in London. Some old cast from DA could come and visit time to time!I would love that!!
168
I got the same eerie vibe from Bertie about the dead cousin. Maybe Edith is better off without him.
64
Bertie commented that he "got" his delicate cousin, who showed such kindness to him. Without any other relatives but a stern mama, it's not unreasonable to think that he loved his cousin as he would a brother. I also think Mr F may be toying with us.
9
I'd say the second best line was Bates telling Moseley "I'm glad, though. You're a kind man, Mr Molesley. It's about time you were rewarded for your kindness," at the table headed by the unkind Mr. Carson.
But the best line, in place and delivery, had to be at the end of Edith's reverie: "You look nice, by the way." Just such an off-hand declaration that the war is over, even if Mary doesn't want it to be.
But the best line, in place and delivery, had to be at the end of Edith's reverie: "You look nice, by the way." Just such an off-hand declaration that the war is over, even if Mary doesn't want it to be.
168
Agree. I saw Edith express her openness to Mary and the start of Mary's to her. And yours may be the only mention of the kind remark, one that could easily get lost amid the controversial elements. You've emphasized strengths here. Thank you.
3
The harsh reality is that we have ONLY ONE Louis Bayard recap of DA left - so terribly sad.
Mr. Bayard, I hope you are pulling out all the stops for the final episode! We Abbots have great expectations of you!
Mr. Bayard, I hope you are pulling out all the stops for the final episode! We Abbots have great expectations of you!
251
There are 2 recaps left as there's still the holiday episode.
There are no more episodes between this and the holiday special.
1
Only if you & Abbots consider next Sunday's "Manners of Downton Abbey" to be an episode worthy of a recap. This will air during the Oscars, to be followed by a return to the story (& its end) on March 6.
Well, well. I am surprised. This turned out to be the best episode I remember for a long, long time in this saga. I really thought it would end in totally in sixes and sevens, but there is a lot to settle up. With the two hours ahead in the completion, I think, what is that going to be like. But this was a topper! So gratifying on the Mary score – oh, the confrontations – Edith, Tom and then Edith again. I clapped shamelessly. Dearest Grandmama was so exquisitely wonderful. And the girl herself came about. She just needed to be told off good and proper! that’s all. lol There was a lot more, but contrary Mary’s reckoning overshadows all else for the moment. I think I have to have this episode, if you can get them singly, and maybe next week’s too, if it is anything like this one. There’s Edith and Isobel to settle up and others, but What An Episode!!
75
I told my husband two episodes ago that Barrow was going to commit suicide. I must say it's the first time that I'm glad I could predict a suicide (even an unsuccessful one at that).
And may I throttle Mr. Carson? Curmudgeon, my *ss, he's just being jerk!
And may I throttle Mr. Carson? Curmudgeon, my *ss, he's just being jerk!
95
To call him a "jerk" is being kind. Very, very kind.
10
I also saw that coming.
2
OMG where to start......well after torturing the character heretofore known as "hissing Thomas", we find it takes a razor blade to the wrists as the method that will best assure one of job security. Let's be clear in stating that Carson might as well have sharpened the blade and handed it to Thomas for the way he's treated him this season (along with everyone else in his slash and burn path). But now, suddenly, he can "stay". How nice of them after driving the man to suicide. But wait - WHO has an UNDER BUTLER anymore? Then we have Edith, on the gallery, with her LAST CHANCE to fess up but no, she continues to hide the truth and therefore gets dumped AGAIN and this time it really is HER fault. If that gay Marquess comes back to Edith (on Christmas Eve, perchance?). We saw what trying to be a teacher without one iota of experience actually as a teacher brings? One moment they're running out and the next, as Daisy listens in (does she still cook at all?) he's Mr. Chips. Does Bates do ANYTHING btw? When's the last time they showed him actually WITH Robert? Skulking with that damned cane is all he seems good for. Oh, and it took Granny to bring senses to (as Cora would say) Mare-Ree? What about Tom as Edith and Mary's new BFF? I mean what a girlfriend he turned into trying non-stop to arrange their love life's for them? I half expect him to be officially venerated by the end of the series since he's everyone's new "conscience". Downton - drama with a SLEDGEHAMMER.
60
The "trust" issue, on which Edith failed so miserably will again be raised when Bertie returns from an eye-opening trip to Tangiers and confesses to Edith that he was on the verge of marrying her under less-than-honest terms. Edith is absolved of thwarting her own happiness through deceit and Thomas finds new employment with... er... benefits.
10
As I pointed out earlier, I suspect Mr. Bates' inaction is due to the actor's problems with alcohol. Guess Fellowes couldn't write him out without incurring the wrath of the Bateshippers.
How was it less-than-honest terms? He told her last season that he was related to the just-passed marquess. He never lied to Edith.
3
So the Marquess with a liking for watching the boys fishing against the setting sun, died in Tangiers, Morocco just like the flamboyantly gay Lord Sebastien Flyte in Brideshead Revisited.
Way to steal from your betters Lord Fellowes.
Way to steal from your betters Lord Fellowes.
157
That wasn't the only case of Lord Fellowes borrowing from other writers in this episode. Carson's line of “there are plenty of little boys who want to be famous cricketers. It’s not enough to make them champions” sounds suspiciously close to Megan's mother. Marie saying "not every little girl gets to do what they want. The world could not support that many ballerinas" in Mad Men. Then again, for all I know, they both could have been stealing from something Shakespeare wrote.
13
Anyone stealing from Waugh is nothing compared to what Waugh stole from the Lygons.
5
Actually, I was thinking of "Suddenly, Last Summer," and surmised that the real reason the Marquess wasn't getting a proper burial was that he'd been eaten.
15
I'm not certain which I'll miss more--Mr. Bayard's columns or the PBS series.
54
I never would've thought it in the early seasons when he was so often ill-willed and manipulative (Rob James-Collier does refer to "himself" as "the evil butler," after all), but I have come to feel so much for Barrow, especially as he has evolved over these past couple of seasons. I cried and cried for him tonight, particularly in the few minutes in which it seemed he might've actually completed his attempt. I have very mixed emotions about how Fellowes has created this storyline - and after the lack of a meaningful connection between the ulcer and the hospital dispute plots, I think I'd let myself think that Thomas's warning signs might be red herrings too, until he went into his room and Baxter went for a walk and I found myself shouting at her to go back, hurry, run, run, run! I am so glad that Thomas survived. Baxter showed good sense and a remarkable mixture of sang-froid and tenderness; seeing her caressing Thomas's face as she waited for help was so moving.
I'll have to return to the episode tomorrow. I had a lot of other thoughts about the episode's events as they were progressing, but then the bath scene came about and everything else seemed rather inconsequential, and I didn't attend to too much of what followed (other than to find it quite tasteless to fit a wedding into the same episode). So I'll look forward to reading others' thoughts, to rewatching whatever scenes make sense to rewatch, and most especially, to enjoying this recap more properly in the week!
I'll have to return to the episode tomorrow. I had a lot of other thoughts about the episode's events as they were progressing, but then the bath scene came about and everything else seemed rather inconsequential, and I didn't attend to too much of what followed (other than to find it quite tasteless to fit a wedding into the same episode). So I'll look forward to reading others' thoughts, to rewatching whatever scenes make sense to rewatch, and most especially, to enjoying this recap more properly in the week!
20
Edith should have slapped Mary. I feel ZERO ounce of affection or happiness towards Mary. NONE.
196
I've always liked Mary and disliked Edith. The latter was always sniveling, whining, making snide remarks. I especially held against her the treatment of Drewes. It didn't seem right that she took her baby back and the Drewes got kicked out. Incredible. And didn't she write a letter exposing Mary in the death of the Turk?
I did come to admire her work at the magazine, however.
She probably didn't slap Mary because she didn't have the courage in the same way she didn't have the courage to tell Bertie about Marigold.
I'm glad that in the end Edith gave that very mature speech about being sisters.
I did come to admire her work at the magazine, however.
She probably didn't slap Mary because she didn't have the courage in the same way she didn't have the courage to tell Bertie about Marigold.
I'm glad that in the end Edith gave that very mature speech about being sisters.
6
Doesn't anyone else get tired of Edith's perpetual pained expression on her face and her whiny tone--in every scene even when uncalled for? I think Mary probably did her a favor by giving her an opportunity to either wallow in victimhood (which she seems to enjoy) or suck it up and come clean as she should have done with Bertie and Marigold and the previous two (poor) mothers she gave her daughter to and then unfeelingly wrenched her away again.
Anyway, as amusing as it is to watch, DA is becoming more and more a parody of itself and surely represents a parallel universe compared to what the times were really like and how the rich interacted with their servants. I'm sure the ending will be full of nonsense. Can't wait.
Anyway, as amusing as it is to watch, DA is becoming more and more a parody of itself and surely represents a parallel universe compared to what the times were really like and how the rich interacted with their servants. I'm sure the ending will be full of nonsense. Can't wait.
8
I'm with you. ZERO! NONE.
Mary Mary so contrary
Beds them, kills them
It's quite scary
First Pamuk who popped her cherry
Now he's in the cemetery
Matthew next, naïf, unwary,
Ended in the mortuary
Enter Tony, oh so very
Lucky, because he got away thank god for that
Henry honey, please don’t tarry,
Arise and go to Inverrary!
At this point I have run out of rhymes because there have been too many of them (suitors I mean).
Prediction of the century (uttered by Mary, about halfway through this strange and yet fascinating episode): "We'd be miserable." Well yes, certainly he will be, because now he's married to you, you nasty scheming jealous cow; and so will you, because you always are anyway, and you can use that as an excuse to ruin your sister's life yet again...
Oh and Mary trying to explain her utter nastiness to her family: "I don't know - she was so --"
Happy, you mean? About to marry someone with more intelligence and higher rank than any of your own past and current beaux? Oh dear, can't have that - time to ruin her life.
Boy, do I hate Mary. This may have been a good episode but I am so incensed at what she did to Edith that I can't even see straight.
There was one point where I did laugh out loud --when was that? Oh I know. Violet: "I believe in love."
Am I the ONLY viewer to have found that line ridiculous? I half expected Violet to whip out a cane and a funny hat and do a tap dance across the parquet floor while all the house maids cooed a chorus in the background.
Mary Mary so contrary
Beds them, kills them
It's quite scary
First Pamuk who popped her cherry
Now he's in the cemetery
Matthew next, naïf, unwary,
Ended in the mortuary
Enter Tony, oh so very
Lucky, because he got away thank god for that
Henry honey, please don’t tarry,
Arise and go to Inverrary!
At this point I have run out of rhymes because there have been too many of them (suitors I mean).
Prediction of the century (uttered by Mary, about halfway through this strange and yet fascinating episode): "We'd be miserable." Well yes, certainly he will be, because now he's married to you, you nasty scheming jealous cow; and so will you, because you always are anyway, and you can use that as an excuse to ruin your sister's life yet again...
Oh and Mary trying to explain her utter nastiness to her family: "I don't know - she was so --"
Happy, you mean? About to marry someone with more intelligence and higher rank than any of your own past and current beaux? Oh dear, can't have that - time to ruin her life.
Boy, do I hate Mary. This may have been a good episode but I am so incensed at what she did to Edith that I can't even see straight.
There was one point where I did laugh out loud --when was that? Oh I know. Violet: "I believe in love."
Am I the ONLY viewer to have found that line ridiculous? I half expected Violet to whip out a cane and a funny hat and do a tap dance across the parquet floor while all the house maids cooed a chorus in the background.
22
Maybe Edith has been saved from an agonizing fate reproducing the aristocracy with Bertie, and can go on to hang out with the Bloomsbury crowd or something (in an alternative universe - post-Downton.) Bertie really was kind of a bore.
89
I have the DVD, couldn't help myself. I watched final episode. Now you couldn't possibly think I'd divulge anything here, could you. Will miss them all!! Enjoy your last episode next week.
10
@Frank: PBS is dragging it out: the last episode will be in TWO weeks. Next week is a "filler" program about manners at Downton.
1
Really, that last scene of her could have been the end of her story. She has work, friends, her family life finally in order, and the daughter of the man she loved.
8