A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Downton Abbey Discussion

Notice: This week we are discussing Downton Abbey Season Four, Episode 7. It aired on my local PBS station Sunday, February 9 at 9 pm. The prior week's episode airs just ahead of the new program so one can catch up that way. I am sometimes tempted, but usually resist as I have already watched these programs three times each. So, without further ado, if you're not supposed to be here, scoot! We will not hold it against you. 

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I called this my oh no episode because I kept saying "oh no" throughout. Well see what I mean...

Bates learns that Robert will be going to America to help Cora's brother Harold and Bates will, of course, be expected to go along as Robert's valet. He doesn't think that Anna will be able to handle it...obviously, she won't, if those tears in the hall are any indication.

Mrs. Hughes takes it up with Mary who is quite snooty about it all expecting details. This fries me quite frankly. Do these people never learn to trust those most loyal to them? Bates learns that Mary knows that Anna was attacked and she knows that he knows; what neither of them yet know is that Mr. Green is responsible. On top of it all, Lord Gillingham returns toward the end of the episode with his valet this time. Oh no. 



I do enjoy contrasts. In the first, Mary is demanding to know why Bates shouldn't travel with her father and in the second she rescues pigs with Blake. She can be quite plucky that gal, if she needs to be.



A big oh no with this storyline as I didn't want anything to happen to Violet. Lots of delicious chatter between Isobel and Violet as Violet was in and out of delirium during her bout with bronchitis and saying whatever was on her mind. ("Take this nurse away and give me a new one. This one talks too much. She's like a drunken vicar.") Not that she's ever needed to be delirious before as an excuse. 

Isobel was, as always, a heart to serve. (That and she has come to love this in-law family of hers — "They took me in. They're my family.")

 It was wonderful to see Violet's softening as she realized how much Isobel had sacrificed to take care of her. Lovely.



I really wish that Jack would marry Rose and take her to the United States or wherever he'd like to take her. Just move her along. 

In this episode, we meet the woman who may become Tom's love interest. Umphhh...she's no Lady Sybil.



Mrs. Hughes was, once again, magnificent as she confronted Mr. Green telling him that she knew exactly who and what he was and that he had better "stop playing the joker and keep to the shadows." He tells her that he and Anna were drunk and both to blame. Mrs. Hughes did not buy it for a moment, "You and only you are to blame." Mr. Green learned from her that Bates did not know that he was the attacker and had the audacity to thank Mrs. Hughes for the information. She was completely indignant "Don't thank me!" I thought that she was both brave and foolish for who knows what he might have done? He could have hit her over the head and run off. 

And then in that wonderful final scene, Green tells on himself and we see the light dawn and the dark descend on Bates' face in seconds. It was so good. So well played.

The episode was relentless from start to finish. I'll be brief this week of necessity (real life beckons). I know that I can count on you to keep the chatter going. I've only scratched the surface and there is so much more to say...Robert's goodbyes to his women and his amusing admonishment to Tom. Edith's story is extraordinary and she had so many good lines: I would have loved his baby; I can't see over the top of this; I don't want to be an outcast. Then there's the whole Alfred, Daisy, Ivy thing (providing some comic relief if it weren't so poignant) plus the Moseley and Baxter thing and this thing and that thing. Well, you just fill us in on your favorite or your least favorite or whatever you'd like to say about this week's program or any prior program. Shhhh about any future ones, though. 

Catch you later... I need to learn how you're all faring in this latest mess of winter weather.

75 comments:

  1. I totally agree with you Vee. Oh No! I am so in love with the fashion at Downton Abbey! do you suppose there will be another attack on one of the maids while Mr. Green is at Downton? I thin Violet will forever be my favorite! Why is it we all fell in love with this story and the characters? Bravo!!!

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    1. Interesting...I don't think I have a very favorite overall character yet. I do love Violet, though, and Mrs. Hughes and dear Mrs. Patmore and good Isobel.

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  2. I am totally with you...soo many "oh no's" going on this episode. I found Mary's attitude about wanting to know why Bates should stay soo annoying too as she laid there in her bed, lol. And yet, at least she did get the job done. I love that Bates knows now, but don't know if I can bear him doing something about that could further change their lives. And also continue to find Rose and that story line annoying;...move on. And as for Edith, soo glad she didn't go through with it, but her life is a BIG Oh No...wonder what will happen there. Violet continues as always to amuse me to pieces. Some of her lines are so hysterical, but the way she delivers them makes them so much more so. I found Mary with the pigs so much more approachable and good. She is so severe sometimes. How I LOVE LOVE LOVE their costuming. OK, guess that's it for now. Enjoy your day Vee, though the weather looks brutal.

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    1. Have we ever before seen Mary laugh that way or have such a big smile on her face? I don't recall.

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  3. I can't stand the Rose story..ugh..but, seeing the previews for Sunday (and I didn't give anything away, as PBS showed it)..I am with you..the oh no's hit me too, lol. I just love Violet & Isobel. Blessings

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    1. ☺ Good girl! You and I are not fans of Rose, but I see others are and I'm going to have to ponder that.

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  4. I just love the Rose character! She is such a typical giddy airhead teen. Not that all teenage girls are like that, but there are plenty who are. She wants to 'live in the moment,' which is a hugely dangerous thing to do. I wouldn't wish her to marry the jazz singer, though, because you can tell this is simply a flirtation on her part even if true love on his. I love the way Mary comes through for Anna. How can we expect her to act differently before she knows all the information. But in the end, she reacts like we want her to. Very sensible woman, my favorite character. And of course I love the scenes with Isobel and the Dowager Countess. They're always hilarious. I am glad Edith made the choice for life for her child. Her life isn't the only one that matters. And I'm suspicious that Aunt Rosamund has had a similar experience in her past. So much going on in this episode, and I was so pleased that Season Four didn't disappoint me at all. But need I say it again? I want Mary and Branson to get together at the end of this whole thing. Just sayin'.

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    1. Oh no. Now you're going to make me stretch in my thinking toward Rose. And I love that little idea that perhaps Aunt Rosamund has some experience in the past. I do not, however, wish for Mary and Branson to get together. They are brother and sister now. Anything else would be weird.

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    2. I confess that I love the idea of Mary and Tom ending up together. Not weird at all. While they have been casually getting to know each other since Sybil's death, I think that they might find that nobody else quite measures up and that they have fallen in love with each other. And if this actually DOES happen, I think that no one will be as surprised as Mary and Tom themselves!

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    3. Oh I hope not! But I'll allow you gals to have your fantasy. Ha!

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    4. Just look how Rose shook things up at Downton Abbey. How else could they have brought in the black jazz singer? And Sally and I will be rooting for Tom and Mary. True love grows, and doesn't always have to start with fireworks. :-)

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    5. I agree that love interests don't need fireworks, which is why I am cheering for the childhood friend...Evelyn Napier. I am not kidding!

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    6. Evelyn is so boring, Vee! Not that I like Lord Gillingham or the other chap. She needs someone who will help her with the Abbey as well as love her and encourage her. Tom would be a good match for her, but I doubt it would happen. She likes him and respects him but can she ever forget that he was their chauffeur?

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    7. Oh yes, Vee, I totally agree with you. Evelyn Napier!! I had momentarily forgotten about him. Glad you brought him up again. I like him! And sorry, Mrs. Rabe, but boring IS Lord Gillingham. He's way too, too NEEDY. Evelyn Napier. Food for thought!

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    8. Thom & Mary? Oh Heavens..no. LOL (sorry, I was being nosy, lol)

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  5. I have so looked forward to you telling the story again. Vee, you do a wonderful job of recapping. I said "OH no".. a few times myself. I am worried that Bates will get himself in hot water over what he has just figured out. Oh if only we could ring up the constable in that village and give him the vital information to put that Mr. Green in the clink.
    I'll look forward to coming back to read more of the discussion later.
    We have rain.. rain.. and more rain here. Stay warm.

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    1. Thanks, Lovella. I appreciate your saying that the recaps are passing muster. It is very challenging to do. I get to the end and realize how much has been left off.

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  6. I agree with pretty much everything already said. I really thought Mary getting down and dirty with the pigs was the highlight of the show! No matter what's been said about Edith, I do feel for her....I imagine she has always felt she was the ugly duckling, so to speak....not as elegant as Mary and not a beautiful and bubbly as Sybil was....I'm sure she has a complex and lacks confidence, therefore it has come out in her "whiny baby" moments. I am so glad she changed her mind at the last minute at that no-good clinic! Rose needs to just go away...she doesn't really add much interest in my opinion. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Bates...this is getting me stressed out!

    I am finally going to get my snow...I know most of you think I'm nuts :)

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    1. Yes, I agree with you on Edith. It can be easy to fall into self-pity when one feels less than. The pig scene was fantastic. Did you think it odd that Hughes and Carson left the house open for them? I did. Except for the fact that Hughes knows that Anna was not attacked by a stranger and Carson knows nothing.

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    2. Hmmm...you know, I guess I do now that I think about it. Man...you are sharp to pick up on that one! :)

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  7. I do not like that supposed love interest for Tom. She makes him feel ashamed of his life, I think. He's grown to love the Crawley's and respect them, and it's okay for him to have matured in his views of things. She is definitely no Lady Sybil.

    Mary has always been snobbish, but I think Matthew helped her to let go of some of that. She really does want to make a difference in their estate and for the future of George. She used to loath that the girls in her station of life had nothing to do until they married. Now she's got stuff to do that is real and useful and not just tea and visiting and planning dinner parties. She'll do well at it I think.

    Rose is annoying. Edith is dealing with so much, but why go to Aunt Rosamund and not to Isobel Crawley? She could have helped her, too.

    It will be interesting to see what happens with Edith. Strange that they build this whole relationship up between her and her editor then suddenly he disappears with no sign of what happened! Really?!

    Sigh…

    Love this show!

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    1. Thank you for saying so! That's exactly what she does. She looks down her nose at Tom. She's really playing the part of the superior. And I had never thought that Edith would be better served to go see Isobel. Interesting...

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    2. I think Edith chose Rosamund because she was already in London where Edith can feel more anonymous, London is a long way from Yorkshire, and because Isobel isn't as close a family tie as Rosamund.

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  8. I agree with you about that last scene being so well played. Bates' expression was chilling. Definitely more to come. (Did we ever doubt?)

    I breathed a sigh of relief when Edith walked out of the clinic. That was one of the most sensible things she has done.

    It was warming to see a turn in the relationship between Isobel and Violet. Not that I think that, Granny being Granny, there will be no more barbs, but I think a level of respect and a tad of humility will play into their interchanges.

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    1. We never did doubt and we don't doubt now either. Something is brewing...

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  9. The weather? Ugh. We have had over 70 inches of snow since Jan 1, the snow in the back yard is halfway up my thighs and I am 5' 10" tall. Nuff said. I refuse to acknowledge it any more.
    I was so glad Edith got out of that abortion clinic! Whew, sigh of relief. I think Bates is going to make short work of Mr. Green. I just hope he does it in a way that is smart rather than doing something that will get him sent to prison!

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    1. Kathleen! Are you implying what I think you're implying? LOL!

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  10. We recorded this latest episode (since the Olympics are currently on) and haven't watched it yet. I'm looking forward to it!

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  11. I do love Downton Abbey and this is a fun post! I came over from Diane's blog to join in the fun. I agree that the look on Bate's face in the last scene said it all!! The scene with the pigs was priceless and fun to see Mary let down her hair a bit. I know she feels the weight of her family's livelihood on her shoulders. So many great moments in this episode.

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    1. Linda, when you said it that way...that Mary feels the weight of her family's livelihood...wow. That does give me more perspective.

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    2. Hi Linda! It's fun to see you here, too. This was a turning point for Mary I think! It was wonderful to see her laugh and even cook in the kitchen...who knew?!

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  12. I'm going to write my comment first and then go back and read the others. I'm so easily influenced! lol The ending? I said....If LOOKS could KILL! Oh my, Bates has hatred in his eyes! And a quote I'm already using? Goody goody! When Violet and Isobel are playing rummy and Isobel says the game can go on and on for a long time, Violet says, Goody goody. I'm going to start saying that all the time, aren't you? heehee! I thought the scene was funny with the pigs, but being a southern girl...I KNOW how disgusting that black muck is and it made me gag! I still want Rose to run off with someone....and stay runned off and I wish I could give Anna a hug. Maybe we could give her a group hug. Now I'm off to read what others have said! This is such fun! Thanks Vee!

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    1. Oh John was horrified when they had that little mud sling...ewwwww! Ha!

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    2. We'll just have to pretend it wasn't real mud....just movie mud. I hope John doesn't write a poem about this! hahahahaha!!!

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  13. Louis Dean has become as addicted to DA as I! We watched the PBS program that featured the estate they use for DA and that has made watching the programs even more interesting. I LOVE your recapping!! I still don't know all the names but that shady guy trying to get inside info from the ladies maid makes me nervous. I totally love Mr. Bates!! His face looks so kind. I hope the evil Mr. Green gets his just desserts and not at the expense of Mr. Bates.

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    1. Ahhhh, yes, that Thomas Barrow is a bit of a snake. I was happy that Moseley is asking questions of Baxter. Bates seems to creep some folks out, but I'm with you, I love him!

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  14. I am a big fan of Downton Abbey. :)

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  15. Well to my delight you have a weekly chat about "Downton Abbey"!!!! I'm joining this chat and looking forward to reading all the comments. My addiction is my sister's fault btw (Cindy), she turned on the Amazon Prime over Christmas and we watched three FULL seasons in three days!!! LOL Of course I was up all hours of the night getting through these seasons before season four would start. I'm loving this British drama, I set my dvr for every Sunday night just in case I miss.
    I loved the scene with Mary and the pigs...who knew she could let her hair down and get down and dirty!!!

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    1. I heard that you gals had a marathon! That's just the way I like to watch. All at once!

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  16. Hi Vee, stopping by via Diane's place (Lavender Dreams).
    I was asking her if there's a quick way to catch up with Downton Abbey. I have practically missed the whole thing, but would love to start watching to join the fun with bloggy friends. I'm going to try to catch it this Sunday and stop by next week.
    Much love!

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    1. Google and you can find places to watch online, if you have time for a marathon. Happy to have you along.

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  17. A great recap, Vee. I watched these episodes in the fall and am not watching them now (on too late) so your summaries remind me of the individual episodes. I thought the scene with Mary and Blake with the pigs was the best of this one. I loved that Mary lets her hair down and that she's coming to realize that it's not only her future at stake, but that of her son's as well.
    Poor Edith. Silly Edith. Brave Edith. But where, oh where is her man?
    Isobel is so patient with Violet. I get a little frustrated with her seeming lack of a sense of humor or wit. But then she's the foil for Violet's ripostes.
    Bates makes me shiver. Dark waters run deep there.

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    1. Are you saying that you don't like Bates?

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    2. I don't mean to be taking over this discussion, Vee, but you know we ADORE this show! And Bates is a dark character, for sure.

      And YES, you have been doing a splendid job of the recap. How would we survive this long winter without Downton Abbey and your discussion of it!

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    3. It's not that I don't like Bates. He's so tender with Anna and loves her deeply. But I feel like prison hardened him immensely, as it would, and that shows in his dealings with some people. I liked him better before prison. And I'm afraid for him.
      Also, his sense of "honor," if you can call it that, results in a lot of misunderstandings that would be resolved by simply speaking out. That irritates me and has done from the beginning. He's a stoic sufferer, that's for sure. Very deep and quiet.

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  18. Oh, I forgot. Rose. Please go away.

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  19. Yes the final scene with Bates' look made me shiver. We've had two of those endings now. I was thinking with the pig scene I've never really seen Mary laugh like that or "have fun." Yes, letting her hair down. I really could not believe Anna could stay in the same room and eat a meal across the table from the man who attacked her. All because she loves Bates and wants to keep it from him. A strong woman. I thought the Isobel/ Violet scene was once again quite rich. Don't like the new girl Tom is getting to know, but then that is judging before I know her and shame on me. Rose's story line is kind of a filler? but probably will come to a crisis soon. I was amazed at how fast it seemed that Robert packed up as if he was catching a plane. And good for Edith ---will be interesting to see how her story turns out, at least for this season.

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    1. Now that is true...he took off very quickly. Apparently, Martha has some pull on him.

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  20. I was so relieved, too, when Edith had a change of heart and left that clinic.
    This episode again kept you wanting for more.
    The pig scenes helped Mary seem more human and that was good to see.
    Hope you aren't snowed in out there!!

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    1. Yes, Edith really did have to overcome her fears to walk out that door.

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  21. Mary in the mud-great. Mary being nosey is understandable , I guess. Tom -any scene with him is fine by me..he was perfect talking to Isabel about how he loved his new family. Bates- my husband and I yelled 'Oh no' in together when he gave that dark look to Mr Green/gillingham. Someone needs to clue Mr. Carson in , big time. I'm glad Mr Mosely has a place in the house. Where's the Daisy as the widow/ daughter in law story line. Mrs Hudson my role model. Ms Patmore-she gets things mucked up a bit. Isabel-heart of gold. Violet -hilariousness and sweet. Rose- she needs to get in trouble..big time. Mary should tell on her.

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  22. I feel like a child standing outside a candy store and not going in,so I will wait until this series ends and then I am going to get the whole series on DVD, it really sounds like a great one.
    If it is okay I will comment on your last post,Like John, I am a hoarder, and have quite a collection of Valentine boxes from many past years, as a matter of fact I think I have one that holds old love letters that Dh wrote to me in high school! Hows that for hoarding? ~smile~ You did a wonderful job with yours, I think the next time I will keep the candy holders! I love the fact that you play ball with those precious grandsons of yours, Vee, they will remember these days forever!
    Sorry I haven't been around lately so much has been happening, with the deaths and surgery! And now we are dealing with 8 inches of snow on the ground, with sleet and freezing rain layering it tonight, even as i write.They are predicting massive power outages here in the south, so i have baked and cooked all day whike dh was busy trying to keep the sheep and animals dry and warm One mother decided to give birth this morning with twins.
    So sorry this comment has turned into a letter and is getting way to long.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  23. My Daughter(inlaw) bought me the first 2 seasons on DVD and I intend to watch them while we are snowed under (12 inches today) It is the type of programming I love...I have something I am sending off to you (once I can move the car off the drive) that you will love!
    hugs
    Sandi

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  24. It was all almost too much for me. I had to watch it twice. :) Mary...I thought that was a bit "stuffy" of her to be that chilly to Mrs. Hughes, but then again- that's just Mary. (and how refreshing to see her act like she has a sense of humor! I'm rooting for Alfred and Daisy, although I feel sorry for Ivy...just a bit. I'm plotting ways Mr Bates can take care of Mr Green without returning to prison, and I am all for Rose taking the next ship to somewhere...anywhere else besides Downton.

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  25. I was in tears over Edith - such another hard story line.

    Love the idea of re-purposing the heart box into more of a keepsake.

    Stay warm and safe my sweet friend!

    xo
    Leann

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  26. Hi! I came over from Lavender Dreamer and am so glad to see such a nice discussion. I just started watching the series this year and bought the first 3 seasons on DVDs. Still need to watch 2&3. The reason I started watching it was because I signed up to go to an art retreat in May based on Downton Abbey. So excited but I needed to figure out what it was all about before I go! The only thing I'll add is I wonder if Bates got the expression right on the first take or if it took awhile to get that perfect look across the table.

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    1. Oh that sounds like fun! Well, it's good that you have time to get caught up before the art retreat.

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  27. Did anyone mention this - that there's no way Jack could marry Rose and take her to the U.S. The U.S. was way behind Britain in race relations even. And in the 20s? He probably would have been lynched, sad to say. And she would have been ostracized. Definitely not the U.S.

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  28. What an episode, Vee! I got home late Sunday from Mexico and still had to watch Downton Abbey. There are so many plots going on, but Bates' look at the end has me fearful of what he's capable of doing as retribution. I can't wait until Sunday. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  29. Edith's storyline was the most compelling to me.I'm glad she made the decision she did and I'm curious as to how it will turn out for her. I do think Bates out 2 and 2 together --hope he can hold it together for Anna's sake. I'm glad Violet survived -- I'd miss her if she was off the show!

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  30. I think Tom will become involved with that woman.
    Glad Mosley asked why the maid had to report back to Baxter. What does he have over her?
    Happy Edith didn't kill her baby, and what happened to her beau.
    Only a few more weeks, what will be the cliff hanger? So many loose ends to be tied!
    Love the discussion.

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  31. Does anyone think we might see Shirley MacLaine this season as Robert journeys to the US? I still am not sure why in the world they need Robert in the US when he married into THEIR family to help the debt at Downton...... so confused! Afraid for what is ahead for Bates when he takes off on Green. Wonder if that will be a cliffhanger going into Season 5. I hope we don't have to go to jail with him again. That was so dark and depressing and I could never hear or understand anything they said in there. Isobel is such a kind lady, and I am glad the Dowager might just appreciate her a bit more now. Not sure about the woman who gave Tom her saved seat at the rally and where his political convictions might take him. Mary and the pigs was priceless. Poor Edith. That is all I can even say about her. It was such a good episode. Can't wait until Sunday. And as the Dowager says..... "Goody, Goody!!"

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  32. I just have one comment and it is on the confrontation between Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Green. Men like Mr. Green prey on "helpless" women; not to say Anna is helpless, but moreover naive. Mrs. Hughes, I believe would not go down lightly and probably go for the "balls" and put him in his place quickly. The slime backed down because he was intimidated with her assertiveness...and rightly should be. You Go Girl! XOXO

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  33. I really was hoping that Tom and Mary would get together as they are both "single parents" it would be great for the kids too. LOL! I can't believe I'm talking like this about people that aren't even real. That's good drama though...it sucks you right in! LOL!

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  34. Okay ... I'm going out on a limb here, but does anyone remember Edith's 'romance' with the farmer in the second(?) season of Downton? I think Edith and Tom Branson are made for each other and I wonder if he will step up and be the consummate gentleman to her lady in distress ... just a theory. I still feel he would be perfectly happy taking on the full estate lands management and Edith proved her salt in the previous season. Also, I feel so bad for our jazz singer, as he is being lead down the garden path by our airhead of a flapper, Rose. She will cause him to be hurt badly and soon if she's kissing him in public ... the times were NOT liberal in staid Britain. What can I say? As for Mary, she plays the upper crust with Mrs. Hughes perfectly. She's trying hard to establish herself as the future inheritor of Downton and her behavior 'bleeds' into all her doings ... except when she is completely taken by surprise by the pig situation. As for the scumbag valet ... he deserves whatever he gets and I can only hope he gets caught before he goes after one of the lesser maids ... Bates beware, though, the past record can very well be a damning thing regardless of his honorable motives. OH NO!!!!!

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    1. Ohhhh...now THAT is an interesting thought! Perhaps a bit too tidy for Fellowes, though. Right, between Jack and Rose, he would be the one to be hurt. She's not the most empathetic gal just now. She's in charge of fun.

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  35. I thought Mrs. Hughes was amazing! What chutzpah she showed! I love Baxter too, I see good things in store for her!

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  36. So glad I found this post! What a fabulous recap! When I first saw Violet sick in bed, I was worried they were getting ready to kill her off, and she's one of my favorite characters! I've always been a fan of Maggie Smith though, anyway. So back to the scene with Violet in bed while Isabel and the Dr. stand nearby, I couldn't make out everything Violet said. That is hilarious that she called Isabel a "drunken vicar!" I love the sparring between those two!
    This was a big episode, and I can't wait to re-watch it Sunday night! Thanks for letting me barge in to share in the conversation and Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

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  37. Love that you are hosting this discussion, Vee.
    I'm not sure I blame Anna for not going to the police. I'm not sure, but I believe in that era, it was very hard to get justice when a rape has occurred. There were no rape kits for collecting evidence, it was just he said/she said. He'd claim consensual relations, she'd claim force, and she'd be humiliating herself publicly, with little guarantee to get a ruling in her favor, and through it all she'd have to find some way to contain the (understandably) murderous Bates.
    I too, hope that Tom and Mary eventually love one another. But not right away. I think this pig-mud character is a passing fancy, serving to awaken some life in Mary, and help her to find purpose in pig-raising, but more importantly, teaching her that good honest work and humor and life experiences don't diminish one's dignity. I wish we'd see Edith stand up to her and shake her out of her childish barbs (which I think are little more than an old habit), which are quite unbecoming. I think we will. Having a child helps one find one's voice, and Edith is going to do so quite courageously, and faces quite a bit of having to stand up for herself.
    I thought it was a bit of bittersweet irony when Mary and Tom and Isobel sat in the nursery, each having been widowed, recalling the tender beauty of their lost loves. "Aren't we the lucky ones?", posited Isobel. Yes, dear, and ...well, also no.
    I wish Mr. Carson could be a little "kiinndar" (kinder, in Mrs. Hughes' brogue) to Mr. Moseley. How much groveling will be enough for him? Apparently none. At first, I was willing to overlook it, thinking that perhaps he viewed Moseley as a competitor, but over time it seems that he is really being a snobby bully, and I'm glad Mrs. Hughes takes him to task for it.
    I wish I knew what power Thomas has over Baxter. She is way more likeable than O'Brien, but then still seems to have a sneaky side.
    Seemed strange that Robert had to jump on the next ocean liner to help Cora's brother. What could he do? He certainly had influence in England, but in America? I hope we see some Robert-in-America scenes, perhaps yachting in Newport, dinner parties in NYC? Or encountering bootleggers like The Great Gatsby? (Is it Prohibition Era in US?) Is this his first trip across the pond? Will he be bitten by infectious American bug? (Not!) Or hopelessly culture-shocked?
    I find Rose a bit irritating too, but I am determined to put up with her, as I am convinced she serves merely a plot device, bringing in the winds of social change from tony London. I don't worry about Jack -- he knows the score, and won't lose his heart, although he clearly finds her attractive. I love the music, and have been singing "When April showers......may come your way...." around the house. I hope we get to hear him perform more numbers from the period.
    Well, enough from me already.
    Looking forward to Sunday night. (What Olympics?)
    WendyBee

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  38. i have been away too long. Your Downton Abbey summaries are connecting your wide circle of friends Vee. I am always so impressed by your blog. You are one of a kind!

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