Photo credit: Nick Briggs for The New York Times
Steady the buffs!
The Hospital drama reaches a climax this week, thanks be to God. Although, Cora is in for her MIL’s wrath forever, probably, or at least until Violet shuffles off this mortal coil.
The house is open for touring, and the neighbors turn up in droves to see how the other 1% live. Unfortunately, the tour guides–Cora, Edith and Mary–aren’t very knowledgeable about their palatial home. Golly, I could do a better job taking folks on tours! It just goes to show, you never appreciate what’s right in front of you.
Last week, I thought for sure we were headed for a Tom and Mary romance, but they were as brotherly and sisterly as ever in this episode. GAAAH.
But still, a fun and laugh-out-loud funny episode, full of thoughts of the past and future of our favorite castle and its inhabitants!
Episode 6 highs and lows:
1. Violet, sniffing at the idea of people taking a tour of Downton: “But it’s a perfectly ordinary house!”
2. Isabel has her number though (what else is new): “Even Elizabeth Bennett wanted to know what Pemberley was like inside.” If only Mr. Darcy would emerge from the woodwork one of these weeks…
3. I liked the nod to the past (these nods are becoming a weekly staple this season) with Daisy and Mr. Mason placing a framed photo of sweet William in his WWI uniform on the mantle. Poignant. I’m still sad they offed William so early on!
4. I felt bad for Lord Grantham, shut up in bed with only the staff to entertain him (and that one adorable boy who wandered in on tour day). However, it gave me a chance to reaffirm my choice of painting our bedroom “Oceanfront,” which I shall now call “Downton Blue.”
5. The Carsons’ cottage is a DREAM. I daresay I’d rather live there than Downton! In fact, I am quite excited because our 1924 English home is in need of a paint job. Might white trim and a green door be just the ticket?
6. Carson, Carson, Carson!! We understand you just want to bring things “up to standard,” but you’re very lucky you escaped being clobbered with a patty pan last week. Your zingers about “sharp corners” on the beds and home cooked meals that are “not too complicated” are major love busters.
7. Thomas has a major sweet side, and it’s sad he doesn’t let it show more often. I really felt for the guy this week.
8. “I miss you when you’re out of sight, never mind London.” Awww, shades of my old Bates, before all the tedious prison scandals. I also like the way he firmly and gracefully stood up to Lady Mary, so imperious sometimes!
9. “An under-butler is a post fragrant with memories of a lost world,” said Carson. Kind of like being an entertainment writer for a newspaper.
10. “Nothing too complicated,” Mister C says, about his supper. “Oh, well that’s a relief, ” Mrs. H says. Whereupon I almost spit out my coffee.
11. This bon mot was followed up quickly by another. “As president (of the hospital) I am their representative on earth,” says Violet, as if she were some kind of ministering cherubim sent from the throne of Heaven itself.
12. Outfit of the night goes to Mary this week. Her aqua/gold beaded number was stunning, even though she behaved like a dumb-butt with her “We’re all single here-well done” comment to a table full of war widows.
13. If I were Mrs. Patmore, I would get out the kitchen broom and begin beating Daisy with it.
So, what say all of you?
Will Mrs. Hughes sort out her cranky husband? How would YOU sort him out, if you were a DA writer?
Will Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason work around Daisy and her bizarre over-protectiveness? Well, we know they will, but how?
And did anyone see any hint of Tom and Mary being more than deadly platonic?
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I felt bad for Thomas, too, even though he is so rough around the edges!
My husband thinks Mary’s new beau is going to have a car disaster. I hope he’s wrong!
Thomas broke my heart this week! I just want to TV Travel and become his friend!
Ugh. Every time I watch Henry Talbot in a race I cringe, waiting for something bad to happen. That would be so awful! I feel so sorry for Mrs. Patmore. She’s been so good to Daisy, and Daisy is just being horrid! Mr. And Mrs. Carson. *sigh* I just want to see him being a loving, adoring husband. I know he has it in him! Mary’s dress was gorgeous! Makes me long for the fashions of the twenties! Also, it’s so nice to see some happiness for Edith. I think Bertie may have a suspicion about Marigold when he saw Edith look at her. The clincher this week was Thomas. He’s such a sympathetic character this season. I ended the show sobbing for him.
Theresa, yes to everything! And especially poor Thomas. He was just wrecked, and that was hard to see.
I think the whole situation with Thomas is sad but a cautionary tale of reaping what you sow. Now that he wants to be in everyones good books, no one wants to drop their guard down for him in case they get bit. But I do hope the reading lessons do come to light to show his new compassionate side and he finds himself in a good place in the end. I worry that Mr. Fellowes will think someone needs to end in a bad way because not all of life works out so neat and tidy. I’m interested to see how Mr. Mosely ends the series. Will he somehow find a job with the school? Or was that moment in one of the tours where it looked like he might have insight to share be found out and he becomes the regular tour guide? Kind of funny how it will probably end where art imitates life (that these homes really did end up earning money with tours) I have to give it to Mrs. H. She held more restraint than I would have. Who would have thought the butler would be more snooty than the master of the house. I still wonder about Tom and Mary. There’s still enough flirting going on to make me think what she really needs is someone on equal level in terms of interests but won’t let her sit on her high horse. Yet does it in a very kind way showing her she’s more than her title or position. And equally she shows him he’s got more to him than an attitude of class wars. And I think she’s only keen on Talbot because Tom is pushing her to see him romantically. I wasn’t before but am starting to really warm up to the idea of a Mary/Tom match, now.
Interesting thought that Molesely might end up a tour guide or docent or something. Changing times!
Mr. Carson is as snooty as they come, and I do hope that Mrs. Carson gives him a come-to-Jesus moment about how married couples that aren’t titled actually live.
So glad that a decent man appreciates Edith. Hope that he is understanding about Marigold.
Daisy needs to grow up.
I just want to give Thomas a hug. His crying broke my heart.
Yes, Thomas broke my heart too! Poor, broken soul. Surely, they can’t leave him where he is.
Tom and Mary?! Oh my heavens– no, no, no! #5? I completely concur. #6? Husband & I thought it sweet how they are working out that tricky stumbling of newlyweddedness, whatever their age. And Daisy drives me bonkers, she’s so young & impetuous. I’ve also remarked how the same writers who made us hope for Thomas’ death in battle have successfully turned our hearts to sympathy for him.
Mia! “The same writers who made us hope for Thomas’ death in battle have successfully turned our hearts to sympathy for him.” Yup.
When reviewing last season in preparation for this season I came across an article that listed the characters full names. Mary and Edith had new last names but I won’t say what they were. Every episode I try to forget what I accidentally learned. This hasn’t ruined the season for me but it is definitely not the same.
Very tactfully put, Holly! Well done! But you have my wheels spinning. New last names for both of them!!!
Good episode! I’m so glad Robert is on the mend. Edith has found happiness & success, I just wish Mary was kinder to her. She is her only sister left. Carson needs to get off his high horse! It’s just a matter of time until Mrs. Hughes blows & she should! If she doesn’t say anything, he’ll just keep making his comments….
Yes, Mrs. Hughes needs to put her foot down, FAST! 🙂
Such fun watching Maggie Smith. And the dresses are gorgeous
“I miss you when you’re out of sight, never mind London.” How touching this line is. And what’s with mary’s outfit??? Sometimes I don’t get it.