Sunday, February 2, 2014

And All That Jazz - Downton Abbey, Season 4, Episode 5 (US)

Things we learned on this jazzy episode of Downton Abbey:

Uncle Harold, Cora's brother in America, is in financial distress.  His name is mentioned at least three times, which means he is certain to appear soon on the show.


Mrs. Hughes proclaims, "You know me, Mr. Barrow, a woman of mystery, if ever there was one," when Thomas asks her about the secret Rose has entrusted her with. This is one of my favorite lines of the night, in an episode with one great line after another.


The Dowager Countess continues to clash with Isobel about the young gardener Pegg, and the mystery of the missing knife.  Isobel says, "How you hate to be wrong!"  The Dowager Countess replies:  "I wouldn't know.  I'm not familiar with the sensation."

Mrs. Pattmore has a crush on silent film actor Rudolph Valentino.  "Oh, that Rudolph Valentino.  He makes me shiver all over."  To this Carson retorts:  "What a disturbing thought."


James gets fresh with Ivy after going to see the Valentino movie, The Shiek.   Clearly, Valentino + Downton = Trouble.

Edith worries that she hasn't heard from Michael Gregson, and then she gets the news by letter that she is in the first trimester of pregnancy. 


Anna and Bates work on their relationship with dinner out at the Netherby Hotel.  There is a surprisingly warm scene between them and Cora, who is also dining at the Netherby.

There is a lovely scene of Mary, Isobel Crawley, and Tom Branson in the nursery, reminiscing about their lost loves.  Mary states:  "I'm not unhappy.  I'm just not quite ready to be happy." 

When Mary meets Charles Blake, who accompanies Evelyn Napier to Downton, sparks fly ... and they are not friendly sparks either.


Cousin Rose brings Jack Ross and his band from the Lotus club to Downton Abbey for Lord Grantham's birthday.  Surprisingly, Lord Grantham is pleased with this jazz age surprise.  Mary discovers that Rose has crossed the dating color line (in 1920's England).


Last, but not least, Alfred gets into cooking school at the Ritz in London.  This means we are now saddled with Molesley as a regular character, and we discover he has a first name:  Joseph.


What did you think of tonight's show?   I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section, below.