Downton Recap, Episode #1: Carson and Mrs. Hughes Contemplate Knowing Each Other From a Biblical Standpoint

I don’t know about you, but I’m fairly giddy with excitement to have my delicious Yorkshire Pudding of a show back on Sunday nights, even if it’s only for 9 weeks.

Beginning this week, I’m going to be blogging my recaps (previously seen on my Facebook author page), a way to hopefully keep all comments etc in one sturdy locale.

I loved Episode One, but then again, I would probably love a reading of tax laws read by my old favorites, who seem to be by now gorgeous, distant pretend cousins of noble blood.

Before launching into this week’s listicle, I must tell you how hilarious and awkward it was to have my 11-year-old keep asking what on earth Mrs. Hughes was so worried about. I looked to my husband for help, he grinned evilly and said, “Batter up!” This is his way of saying I’m in charge of sex ed for the girl; he completed his assignments 5 and 8 years ago now.

So, without further ado, here’s my list of remarks, recaps, quotes, and observations from Episode 1: “Carson and Mrs. Hughes Contemplate Knowing Each Other From a Biblical Standpoint”:

1. Mrs. Hughes confides in Mrs. Patmore that she hadn’t “fully considered ALL aspects” of leaving the kitchen and cleaving to Carson. Honey, none  of us DO consider all the aspects!

2. Line of the night, of course, from the always entertaining and ingratiating Mrs. Patmore:

“No one’s clapped eyes on (Carson) without his togs for years!” I think we can all agree this must be the case.

(Phoebe: “What does she mean by THAT?”)

Mom: Come quickly, Lord.

 

3. Wardrobe item of the night: Mary’s blue bathrobe!

4. Mary’s nasty blackmailer: Where do they find these sourer-than-Warheads characters? I am pleased, though, with how she was dispatched.

5. Madge the maid got a job in a shoppe, we are told, because her fellow had the audacity to want her free in the evenings (ie: not serving pheasant to beautifully dressed aristocrats).  Madge, we never knew ye, but ye are a harbinger of things to come.

6. Bates and Anna: Oh dear. So terribly sad. Yet, it’s an opportunity for Bates to show his undying devotion once again. Still, I’m putting a baby, bio or adopted, on my Downton Wish List.

7. Someone give Mrs. Patmore an Emmy–or at least more port–for her strangulated attempt at telling Carson his bride is nervous about connubial canoodling. Also on the Wish List: A lovely boyfriend for Mrs. Patmore.

8. Denker. Blurgh. But at least she was sorted out swiftly by the Countess Dowager. #Handled

9. And who was the agent of this delicious sorting out via Lady Violet? Septimus  Spratt, at your service, mum. You nailed it, Septy (May I call you that?). “Maladroit” she is. SO MALADROIT!

10. The moment it dawns on Carson that these “wifely duties” of which Mrs. Patmore speaks involve less in the way of clean tea towels and Christmas pudding for two and more in the way of her clapping eyes on him without his togs? Such a choice morsel of writing and acting! His eyes widen. He flaps his hands. Those impressive eyebrows raise in shock and awe.

Do we have to draw you a picture, Mr. Carson? Mrs. Hughes is warm for your form, ya old booby!

So what was your favorite line? What delighted or bored you?

I am not feeling the hospital squabble so far–not even close. But I’m adoring Carson and Mrs. Hughes.