Farewell to Downton Abbey

For six seasons I've enjoyed spending Sunday nights at Downton Abbey.  It's been a long time since I've felt so invested in a show ... but from the first episode Downton Abbey was pure perfection.

Here are a few things I loved most about the series (spoilers ahead - read after viewing the finale!):

At its heart, Downton Abbey is a family saga.  I love a big, sprawling, old fashioned family saga, whether it is on TV (Upstairs-Downstairs) or in book form (the Jalna series by Mazo de la Roche).  It is fascinating seeing a family change over the years, as life and history unfolds around them.

I loved Mary and Matthew's romance, from the very slow reluctant beginnings to the so perfect proposal in the snow.  Matthew made Mary warmer and more human.  When Matthew died, I wondered how Mary would go on ... and enjoyed seeing her eventually come back to life as an independent woman pursuing love, and finally finding it again with Henry Talbot.

I also loved Sybil and Tom's surprising romance.  They met when he was a chauffeur to the family, and she was the crusading, free thinking Crawley daughter.  There was a sweetness and a mutual respect about their relationship that I loved.

And Tom Branson?  My favorite character.  He was somewhere between the servants and the aristocratic Crawley family.  Seeing him experience life at the estate was a unique way to experience it as a viewer.  Plus, he was warm, kind, and handsome.  Definitely my favorite.  (And I liked the sparks that flew in the finale with Edith's editor, Laura Edmunds -- she seems like a wonderful potential match for Tom.)

I loved the very slow and tentative romance between Mrs. Hughes and Carson, from the moment they held hands at the beach through his proposal, their lovely wedding, and the way they settled in as a married couple.  Even when Carson was curmudgeonly, I pulled for them!

Molesley!  I never thought I would say it, but I absolutely loved Molesley.  He was a bumbling character at first, but he was kind and smart, and slowly found a way to pursue his dreams of being a teacher.

I oohed and aahed the Christmas episodes with the beauty and splendor of the big tree, and the glimpses of holiday life.

I enjoyed Edith's search for love, with all her stumbles, with interest in the wrong man (more than once - oh, how I related to that!).  Edith was a prickly character, and (much like Mary) not always likable ... but I wanted her to find happiness. I was so glad when this finally happened in the finale!

I liked the feisty Daisy, who went into service as a very young girl but found a family with her father-in-law Mr. Mason, and surrogate mother figure, Mrs. Patmore.  When Daisy studied and her pursued her education, I cheered. She was such a human character, who would take a few steps forward, and then back ... but things finally seemed to be falling into place for Daisy in the finale.

I admired the warm, loving relationship between Robert and Cora, even when scenes broke my heart a bit (like their last night with beloved dog Isis, or Robert's reaching out to Cora when his ulcer burst).

And of course I loved the Dowager Countess, with her sharp, insightful wit, and her weekly memorable lines.  My favorite:  "Vulgarity is no substitute for wit." 

The finale was just perfect.  I love the way the series ended with "Auld Lang Syne" and the sense that life would go on for these characters long after the show ended. 

So Downton Abbey, Crawley family, downstairs staff, I raise my cup of tea to you.  Thank you!  

If you have enjoyed Downton Abbey too, what were your favorites from the show?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Downton Abbey, Season 5: Christmas Special Finale

What Happened (A Very Short Summary)
This was a two hour special episode, so lots happened!  High points included:

• Lord and Lady Sinderby hosted a shooting party at their estate.  I am not a great fan of hunting or guns, but I found much to focus on with the family drama, including Sinderby's mistress and small child showing up at a big gathering.  Rose saved the day by pretending to be friends with the mistress and then seeing her off.
• Mary met a handsome new man, Henry Talbot, at the gathering and flirted with him.  Edith also met a man at the gathering, Mr. Pelham;  he seems like a nice chap.
• After a health scare, Lord Grantham made peace with Edith and welcomed Marigold into the family.
• Lord Kuragin reunited with his princess, a gloomy and unpleasant woman, and went off to Paris with her.
• Isobel received a nastygram from Lord Merton's son, Larry, and broke things off with Merton.
• Tom and Sybbie prepared to move to Boston.  (Insert several 1920's theme sad emojis here.)
• Carson proposed to Mrs. Hughes and she accepted.  I am restraining myself from typing this in all caps, but it is very big news!
• Bates "confessed" to Green's murder to get Anna out of jail.  Molesley and Baxter played detective to get him off the hook ... and reunited with Anna.

Character of the Week
Tom had a lovely farewell to Downton Abbey, both in the children's nursery, remembering Sybil with Mary and Edith, and at the Christmas gathering downstairs.  He is by far my favorite DA character, and as Mrs. Hughes said, a bridge between upstairs and downstairs.  I think he also has served as a bridge between viewers and the the very privileged Crawley family.

Line of the Week
“Why do you always talk of me as if I were a salmon who laid my eggs in the gravel, then swam back to the sea?” (the Dowager Countess - perhaps my favorite Countess-ism of the season)

Most Striking Visual
Christmas at Downton Abbey was so beautiful!  I especially loved seeing the tree, and the children's wonder looking at it.

"Oh My" Moment
Carson's proposal to Mrs. Hughes and her acceptance was sheer perfection.  Finally!  I think this was my favorite scene of the entire 5th season.

What I Hope Will Happen Next Season (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)

• A Carson/Hughes wedding!
• A Baxter/Molesley romance.
• Drama-free Anna/Bates.
• Romance for Mary, perhaps with the new suitor introduced in this episode?
• Happiness for Edith.
• A new puppy at the Abbey (although Isis will still be fondly remembered).
• More great Dowager Countess quotes!

How about you?  What did you think of this episode?  What would you like to see happen next season?

Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 8 (Season Finale)

What Happened (A Very  Short Summary)
This was an episode packed with plot developments.  Rose married Atticus, after much unwanted drama from her mother, Susan.  Mary had a moment of sadness about the household breaking up, as Rose moved on, Edith busied herself with baby Marigold, and Tom advanced his plans to move to Boston.  Robert realized that Marigold is his granddaughter.  Prince Kuragin suggested to Violet that they move forward as friends - and lovers.  Daisy considered moving to London, but decided to stay on until she finishes her studies.  Robert honored Mrs. Patmore's nephew with a war monument.  Anna was arrested for Mr. Green's murder.
 
Character of the Week
Rose is my choice, since she just got married, and the Rose-Atticus pairing is a true love match. 

Line of the Week
"Love may not conquer all, but it can conquer quite a lot." (the Dowager Countess)

"Oh My" Moment
Anna was in a Scotland Yard line up.   That is a sentence I never expected to type about this show!
 
What I Hope Will Happen Next
I am very curious to see what will happen next with Anna's arrest.  I wonder if Mr. Bates will "take the rap" and confess so she can walk free?   It seemed like he was hinting at that this episode.  I also am looking forward to seeing how the Dowager Countess responds to Prince Kuragin.  From the trailers, it looks like Mary may have a new man on the horizon - so of course that will be interesting as well.

What were your thoughts on this episode?  What do you hope to see in the Christmas episode, which airs next week?

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 7

Things I DIDN'T Like About This Week's Episode:

1. Isis was diagnosed with cancer, and Cora and Robert put her in bed between them for the night as she was about to pass.  This scene just did me in.

2. Tom (my favorite character) is planning to move to America with Sybil.

3.  Isobel (my second favorite character) was treated with unbearable rudeness by Lord Merton's sons at a dinner party celebrating her engagement.

Things I DID Like About This Week's Episode:

1. Rose and Atticus are engaged.  I think they are the most adorable Downton couple ever, and I hope their romance continues to be a happy one.

2. Cora found out about Edith and Marigold, and they worked out a plan for Edith to adopt Marigold openly and live at Downton.  Finally a hopeful resolution for this long, sad storyline!

3. Daisy, Baxter, and Molesley visited Mr. Mason at his farm.  Mr. Mason is as lovable as ever, and he encouraged Daisy to continue her studies. 

4. Mary found resolution with Tony Gillingham, as Charles helped her stage a flirtation to signal that she was truly done with the Gillingham romance and wanted him to move on.

Line of the Night:
"I'd say she takes after the dachshund, M'Lady." (Sprat to the Dowager Countess, about new maid Danke) 
"In what way?" 
"She's QUITE untrainable."
As a lifelong dachshund person, that had to make me laugh.

What did you think of tonight's episode?  I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.
 

Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 6

What Happened (A Very Short Summary) 
The Dowager Countess visits the Prince with news that she hopes to find his wife;  he asks Violet to run away with him.  Back at home, Violet has problems with her new lady's maid.  Edith receives word that Michael Gregson is presumed dead in Munich.  She also learns that she has inherited Gregson's publishing company.  Bates discovers Mary's contraceptive device and book that Anna is keeping for Mary.  He assumes they belong to Anna and they quarrel.  Later he confesses to Anna that he chose not to harm Green.  Cora and Robert have it out about Simon Bricker, and she stands up to him;  he returns to their room.  Barrow is ill, and Baxter convinces him to see a doctor.  Dr. Clarkson assures him that he will be fine (he was taking saline) and is kind and reassuring.  Lady Mary bobs her hair.  When she unveils her new look at a family gathering (which includes Rose's new friend, Atticus), Mary and Edith have a fuss.  Tony Gillingham, Charles Blake, and Mabel Lane Fox arrive for the steeplechase.  Romantic sparks fly between Tony and Mabel.  Edith tells the truth to Mrs. Drew and leaves with baby Marigold.  Isobel tells Violet that she accepted Lord Merton's proposal.  Carson suggests to Mrs. Hughes that perhaps they should invest in a property together, for when they retire. 

Line of the Week
"All this endless thinking!  It's all very overrated."  -- the Dowager Countess
 
Character Of the Week 
Edith received the tragic confirmation of Michael Gregson's death, and mustered her wits to plan a life for herself -- and their child, Marigold.  I like Edith and have hoped she would find happiness.  I hope this is the beginning for her.

 Most Striking Visual 
 Mary's bobbed hair is a small sign of the way things are changing, moving toward modernity.

 "Oh My" Moment 
Bates' confession to Anna that he had the opportunity to pursue and harm Green, but chose not to, was quite a surprise.  I truly thought he had been involved in his death.

What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!) 
I hope that things progress for Mary and Charles Blake and for Rose and Atticus.  I hope Edith and Marigold have a happy life together.   I hope Isis (who was not feeling well) is okay!

What did you think of tonight's episode?  What do you want to happen next week?

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 5

What Happened (A Very Short Summary)
This was another action packed episode!  Rose met cute with a handsome banker named Atticus Aldridge, as she carried baked goods in the rain.  He is from a Russian family of Jewish heritage, and faced an unkind reception from some of the Russian refugees.  Simon Bricker slinked into Cora's bedroom only to be confronted with Robert, where they had a full-fledged fight rolling on the floor and making quite a racket.  Edith brought Rosamund to meet Marigold, and later Rosamund and the Dowager Countess told Edith that they decided to send Marigold to school in France.  It sounds like Edith has other plans, though.  Charles and Mary planned to foist Gillingham back off to Mabel Lane Fox.  Thomas is not well.  Anna was questioned by Scotland Yard about Green's death.  Most important of all - Sarah Bunting finally left the village!
 
Character Of the Week
Cora finally got a central storyline when she was pursued by art historian/would-be lothario Simon Bricker.  Robert was jealous and mad.  Cora tried to make nice with Robert, but he was having none of it.  I like Cora, and she generally is treated as a secondary character at Downton, so I will give her character of the week.
 
Most Striking Visual
Rose's charming meeting with Atticus, walking in the rain with umbrellas, was my favorite visual this week.
 
"Oh My" Moment
Robert rolled around on the floor fighting with Simon Bricker.
 
What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)
I don't want to be too greedy with wishes, since I finally got my great wish -- Sarah Bunting has departed.  That said, I hope that Robert will be nicer to Cora.  I hope that we will see some resolution with Mary and Tony.  I hope that the endless Anna/Bates in trouble storyline will end.  I hope that Edith will finally find a way to parent her daughter.

What did you think of this week's show?  What would you like to see happen next?   I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 3

What Happened (A Very Short Summary)

Lots happened!  Mary and Tony chatted at the hotel as she prepared to leave for Downton.  He said he wanted to observe all her routines since they would govern his life.  After Tony left, she had a forlorn expression.  Mary was found out by the Dowager Countess, who was not at all pleased.  A London bobby investigated the death of Mr. Green, and Bates came under suspicion.  Drew's wife decided not to share Marigold with Edith.  Cora's admirer, Simon Bricker, caused conflict in her marriage.  The Dowager Countess met with an old admirer - a Russian prince.

Line of the Night

"You have to take control of your feelings before they take control of you." (the Dowager Countess to Lady Mary)

Character Of the Week

The Dowager Countess has a past!   This was particularly interesting after her umbrage at Mary's behavior.

Most Striking Visual

The moment where Violet saw Prince Kuragin was perfect, classic Downton.

"Oh My" Moment

A tie between Mary being found out by the Dowager, and the Dowager reuniting with her Russian admirer. 

What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)

I hope that Mary painlessly breaks things off with Tony.  I hope Tom drops the awful Sarah Bunting.  I hope that Edith is reunited with her baby.  I also hope that Isobel finds happiness, since there was a hint of a big scene with Lord Merton in the trailer for next week.

What did you think of tonight's show?  What would you like to see happen next?  I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 2

What Happened (A Very Short Summary)

Mary, assisted by Anna, plans an assignation with Tony Gillingham.  Charles Blake realizes Mary has chosen Gillingham and comes to Downton so they can talk.  (Picture of Mary and Charles, above.)   Edith steps in as a sort of godmother to Baby Marigold, so she can stay in her life.  Isobel and the Dowager Countess visit with Lord Merton.  A policeman comes to the Abbey with news that there was a witness in Mr. Green's mysterious death. 

Character Of the Week

Lady Mary boldly moves forward in her plans to have a tryst with Lord Gillingham, checking into a Liverpool hotel on her own and meeting him in an adjoining room.  She plans birth control (with Anna's help) and moves forward in secret, trying to plan her own future and happiness.  This is the most determined we have seen her to move forward since Matthew's death. 

Most Striking Visual

The wireless comes to Downton Abbey.  Not surprisingly, Rose advocates the wireless radio, while Robert and Carson oppose the idea.  The family and staff are amazed by the wireless - progress before their eyes.  Daisy comments:  "Why is it called a wireless when there are so many wires?"

"Oh My" Moment

It was truly surprising to hear that there was a witness in Mr. Green's murder.  Mrs. Hughes looks shocked - and troubled - by the news, since she suspects that Mr. Bates had something to do with the murder.

3 Day After Downton Thoughts

1. Maybe if Thomas found love, he would be a nicer person.  I actually felt for him in this episode, as he seemed very lonely.

2. I do not think Mary should have asked Anna to pick up the birth control, when Anna was clearly uncomfortable doing so.

3. Although I have liked Tony so far, I did not like his thoughts to Mary on how to lie successfully.   Now I am wondering if he should be trusted.

What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)

The trailer for next week's show teases the appearance of a man from the Dowager Countess's past (!!).  Mary is moving forward - hopefully toward happiness.  I hope that things move smoothly for Edith with baby Marigold, but Drew's wife does not seem as amenable to the plans as her husband.   And what of the new arrival, Simon Bricker?  He seems interested in flirting with Cora.

What did you think of tonight's episode?  What did you consider the "oh my" moment?  And what would you like to see happen next?

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 1: A Shaking Of the Ground

Hooray!  Downton Abbey is back.  It's been a long wait between seasons in the U.S.   I'm going to try something different this season.  Instead of full recaps, I'm just going to chat about the show here.  I really enjoy chatting Downton, and hope you will also post your thoughts in the comments section. 

What Happened (The Very Short Version)  

Life at Downton Abbey is changing.  Carson says:  "I feel a shaking of the ground I stand on. That everything I believe in will be tested and held up for ridicule over the next few years."

Edith's baby, Marigold, is staying with farmer Drew and his family.  Isobel is being courted by Lord Merton, although the Dowager Countess is trying to thwart the process.  Carson has been asked to coordinate a war memorial in the village (instead of Lord Grantham).  School teacher Sarah Bunting is continuing her friendship with Tom, and raising the ire of Lord Grantham with her outspoken political views at a party.  Miss Baxter confessed her secret past (as a jewel thief!) to Cora, rather than having Barrow tell on her.  Tony Gillingham asked Mary to go away with him on a trip so they can get to know each other before they move forward to get engaged.  (The scandal!)   Edith inadvertently set a fire in her room.  During the evacuation, Jimmy's former employer visited and they got caught sleeping together.  And Molesley colored his hair (very unattractively). 

Character Of the Week 

Edith is my choice as character of the week.  She longed to be with her baby, Marigold, and the pain she felt leaving her with the Drews was palpable.  Later in her room, she also missed Michael Gregson ... which resulted in her tossing a book toward the fireplace and setting fire at the Abbey.    

Most Striking Visual

Molesley's newly blue/black dyed hair.  Lord Grantham remarked:  “Molesley – you look very Latin all of a sudden. Do you have Italian blood?” 

"Oh My" Moment 

The fire!  This was the most dramatic moment of the night.  I'm glad everyone got out of the house safely - and (always the dog lover) I will admit I felt a real relief when I saw Isis safely out.  

What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)

I hope that:
... Edith finds a way to be with her baby.
... Mary resolves her feelings toward Tony (to marry or not).
... Miss Baxter is allowed to stay at the Abbey.
... Sarah Bunting either learns some manners, or Tom finds a more appealing love interest.

How about you?  What did you think of the Season 5 premiere?  What would you like to see happen next?

London Calling: Downton Abbey, Season 4, Christmas Episode - Season Finale

Downton Abbey's season finale (known as the Christmas episode in the U.K.) packed a lot of story into two hours.

The show centered around a trip to London, for both the Grantham family and staff, for Rose's debut.  We see a flurry of preparation and travel.  The costumes and sets in this episode are lovely!

Cora's mother, Martha Levinson, and her brother Harold arrive from America.  Martha is once again brash and outspoken, while Harold, an unlikely playboy, is actually rather wistful and likable.

Daisy meets Harold's valet, Ethan Slade.  Ethan takes a liking to her.  He asks Daisy if she is excited to be in London and she replies:  "I'm never excited."

Mary is still seeing Blake and Gillingham.  (At one point this episode Violet refers to Blake, Gillingham, and Napier as "Mary's men.")  There is a nice scene of Mary and Blake at an exhibition together.

Tom Branson, alone for a time at Downton, runs into Sarah Bunting in the village.  They have dinner at a local pub and she wants to see Downton Abbey.  He takes her on a tour downstairs.  She wants to go upstairs to look down from the gallery.  As luck would have it, Thomas is lurking in the shadows upstairs and spies them.  This leads to tension between Tom and Thomas, with Thomas later implying to Lord Grantham that Tom was upstairs at Downton with a young woman.  Thomas has been a one-note villain this season, and I have not enjoyed his character as much.  His great anger toward Tom seems out of the blue.

Edith is back from Switzerland, and despondent about giving up her baby girl.  There is a scene where she argues with Aunt Rosamond about the baby, and she says that Rosamond is not a mother.  I wondered at that moment if perhaps Rosamond, who has been so sympathetic to Edith, actually may have been in the same position in the past at some point?

There is an elaborate dinner at the house.  Levinson makes a comment about being in England:  "cold baths, warm drinks, and most of all the food."   Edith and Mary have a brief conversation where Edith says, "I think we should make more scenes about things that really matter to us."

Isobel is becoming closer with Lord Merton, and decides to travel to London along with Violet.  Their scene on the way is one of my favorites from this episode, with one great line after another:

Violet:  "Can't you even offer help without sounding like a trumpeter on the peak of the moral high ground?"

Isobel:   "And must you always sound like the sister of Marie Antoinette?"

Violet:  "The queen of Naples was a stalwart figure.  I take it as a compliment."

Isobel:  "You take everything as a compliment."

Violet:  "I advise you to do the same.  It saves many an awkward moment."

Rose is presented by Cora at her debut.  The Prince of Wales, whom she has met previously, engages her in conversation, so she speaks briefly with King George as well.

When Anna donates one of Bates' old jackets to a charity, Mrs. Hughes discovers a rail ticket to London in the pocket.  She thinks immediately of Green's sudden death, and discusses this discovery with Mary.  Mary debates what to do.

Rose gets involved in a complicated plot involving a missing letter belonging to the Prince's mistress.  It seems the letter has been purloined by Mr. Sampson (the card shark from earlier this season).  During a card game, Mr. Sampson mentions Michael Gregson.  We also learn this episode that Gregson was beaten up by a group of German Brownshirts before he disappeared.   I wonder if Mr. Sampson had some indirect link to what happened to Gregson.

The case of the purloined letter allows the Grantham family to come together in a plot to steal the letter back, with Mary, Rose, and Blake rummaging through Sampson's room.  Mr. Bates displays his gift for forgery and pick-pocketing, and saves the day (and the Prince's reputation - at least for now, until Wallis Simpson comes along).  Out of loyalty to Bates, Mary burns the ticket to London.  Hopefully the Green storyline is now over.  I would like to see Bates and Anna happy together next season.

There is a small picnic where Lord Aysgarth (a fortune hunter) pursues Martha Levinson, but is rebuffed.   Martha says, "Why don't you come and visit Newport and I will rustle up rich widows who want titles much more than I do."  Aysgarth's daughter, Madeline, flirts with Harold Levinson as well.  Harold says, "I would find it hard to respect any woman who wished to marry me."  At one point during this social whirl, Violet says:  "The combination of open air picnics and after dinner poker make me feel as though I've fallen through a looking glass into the Dejeuner sur l'Herbe."

There is a wonderful scene featuring a ball in honor of Rose's debut.  I want to go to a ball!  It looks like fun.  The Prince of Wales arrives, and dances with Rose.  Gillingham and Blake are at the ball, and Gillingham tells Mary that Blake is from a similar background to theirs, and due to inherit.  This seems to change Mary's opinion of Blake.  I think she saw the perceived difference in their backgrounds as an obstacle;  this is no longer an issue.

Upstairs, Martha and Violet exchange words.  Martha is snippish and says that she is the new world and Violet is the old. 

Edith wants to be part of the baby's life in some way, so she approaches Mr. Drew (the handsome pig farmer at Downton) about adopting (or fostering) the baby.  He agrees, so she plans to move forward with bringing her baby to England.

The servants go to the seaside on vacation.  Molesley and Baxter are getting closer, as she tries to remove herself from Barrow's machinations.  

Anna and Bates look happy again.  (Note the tiny beach huts in the background!)

Ethan wants Daisy to travel to America as Harold Levinson's cook.  She rebuffs his offer and Daisy offers to go instead.  This quickly becomes a plan, and so we finally have an end to the Daisy/Ivy rivalry.

In a lovely final scene, Carson is hesitant about wading out into the surf until Mrs. Hughes takes his hand, and they walk on together.

Thinking about next season, here are things I wish for:

• More of the Mary/Blake/Gillingham storyline, with a satisfying choice and resolution.  (Mary, pick Blake!)
• Edith's reunion with her baby (hopefully somehow openly parenting the child).
• Resolution of the Michael Gregson storyline.
• No more Sarah Bunting!   I find her personality brash and grating.  I would love to see Tom with a nice, intelligent woman who is also warm and sensitive.
• Happiness for Daisy.
• Happy Anna and Bates, maybe with a baby Bates.
• Romance for Isobel with Lord Merton or Dr. Clarkson.

How about you?  What did you think about last night's episode?  What is on your wish list for next season?

Bazaar Love Triangle: Downton Abbey, Season 4, Episode 7

What a perfect night of Downton!  This was easily my favorite episode of the season, chock-full of plot developments, romance, and great lines. 

The show begins with Mary, Tom, and Edith meeting with the tenant farmer about the pigs.  He is handsome and kind, and Edith thinks about getting him to adopt her baby.  Poor Edith is grasping at straws.

There is a lovely tea scene, with (to Carson's consternation) babies in the parlor.  Mary learns that Blake likes babies when Blake reaches for baby George and holds him.

While Tom is in town, he spies Rose flirting with Jack Ross at a cafe.
  

On the way back to Downton, Tom sees the young woman from last week's political rally on the side of the road.  She has had car trouble and he stops to help.  Her name is Sarah Bunting, and she is a school teacher in the village.  She talks to him about his life with the Grantham family.  It seems she distrusts the aristocracy, just as he did before he met Sybil.  Tom tells Sarah:  "I don't believe in types.  I believe in people."

Rosamund comes to town to talk to Edith about the baby.  She immediately shoots down the idea of passing the baby along to the tenant farmer.  She suggests they vacation in Switzerland, so the baby can be adopted and raised there.  The Dowager Countess gets involved in the plan.  When Edith raises objections to her child being raised (horrors!) Swiss, the Dowager replies: "Switzerland has everything to offer, except perhaps conversation. And one can learn to live without that."

There is yet more screen time spent on the (seemingly endless) Daisy - Alfred - Ivy love triangle.  Alfred proposes to Ivy and she turns him down.  Daisy goes to see William's father, Mr. Mason, who advises her.  When she sees Alfred and tries to part on good terms, Alfred declares his romantic interest.  She turns him down.  I think that after talking to Mr. Mason, she remembers how William loved her, and she wants to be loved like that again (as first choice, instead of being loved by default). 

Tom tells Mary about Rose and Jack.  When Mary confronts Rose, she is defiant.  She says they are engaged, but it appears the engagement is primarily to gall her mother.  Mary goes to London with Anna, in order to talk to Jack Ross.  He has already decided to break off the engagement.  Mary and Jack have a nice scene together backstage at the theater. 

Mary also meets with Gillingham in London.  She finds out he has broken off his engagement, and she does not discourage his interest.  She asks him to fire his valet Green (who raped Anna), although she does not tell him why. 

While Mary and Anna are away, we see Bates taking the day off and quietly walking away from Downton.  He says he is going to York. 

The Dowager Countess introduces Isobel to an old family friend, Lord Merton.  There seems to be a mutual interest as they walk through the village.  Later, Lord Merton sends flowers to both ladies.  The Dowager seems miffed that her bouquet is smaller. 

Downton Abbey hosts the village's annual church bazaar, all organized by Cora this year. 

Rose is still irked with Mary about Jack. 

Robert returns, weary of Prohibition, and delighted to see Cora.

Gillingham arrives to see Mary.  He tells her that his valet, Green, died suddenly when he fell into traffic and was run over. 

Mary relays this information to Anna. 

Romance seems to be in the air, as Baxter and Molesley have a flirtation.  He shows off his strength with a carnival game.  He defends Baxter against Barrow. 

Mary is surprised, and pleased, to see Blake.  He throws his hat into the suitor ring. 

Blake and Gillingham leave together to drive back to London.  Robert says:  "What sort of ménage has that turned into while I've been away?" In a wonderful image, Rose, Edith, and Isobel lean forward to watch Blake, Mary, and Gillingham walk away together. 

What did you think of this week's show?  Did Bates kill Green?  Should Mary choose Blake or Gillingham?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments, below.

This Little Piggie: Downton Abbey, Season 4, Episode 6

Last night was another very good episode of Downton Abbey.   The show started with Lord Grantham leaving for the United States to help Cora's brother out of his financial and legal woes.  Thomas travelled with him as valet after Mary learned (from Mrs. Hughes) about Anna's rape and her need to keep Bates at home for support.

In the absence of Lord Grantham, a lot happened.   Evelyn Napier confessed to a sort of crush on Mary, which she seemed to brush off.   

When pigs for the farm appeared, Charles Blake and Mary went to see them.  It turns out that Blake is from a farm family and realized the pigs desperately needed water.  Blake and Mary worked late into the night with the pigs, getting very muddy, and finally sat down for a rest in the barn.  They had a laugh or two and even threw mud at each other.  Blake was charming and had a Colin Firth quality (very high praise indeed!).  Mary was likable.  They went back to Downton Abbey and she scrambled eggs, which they sat eating in the kitchen, still in their muddy clothes.  I loved the Mary and Blake storyline!

Meanwhile, Edith went to London and Rose tagged along.  Rose's motive was to see Jack Ross.  Their romance blossomed as they kissed in a row boat.

Did you know that Jack Ross's character is said to be inspired by real life jazz singer Leslie ("Hutch") Hutchinson?    He performed in New York and London, and was rumored to have had affairs with Edwina Mountbatten, Tallulah Bankhead, Merle Oberon, and Cole Porter.

Edith confessed her secret pregnancy to her Aunt Rosamond, and went to an abortion clinic.  At the very last minute she changed her mind, and went back to Rosamond's house to pack to go home.  I think from the trailers for next week that we will see that Edith has a plan.   Does it involve marrying a local farmer?

Tom went to a political rally and met cute with a pretty woman in the audience.   They talked for a bit after the rally and he said:  "I don't know what I am, except a man in search of a better world."   Will she reappear again, or is this just a sign that Tom is moving on with his life?

The Dowager Countess fell ill, and Isobel nursed her back to health, with help from Dr. Clarkson.  When she felt better, the Dowager seemed surprised that she developed more of a bond with Isobel.  There is a great exchange:

Dr. Clarkson: You’ll be rewarded in heaven.  
Violet: The sooner the better.

Lord Gillingham returned to the Abbey with his evil valet, Green.  Mrs. Hughes cornered Green and said, "If you value your life I should stop playing the joker and keep to the shadows."   Green is such a scary character that I was afraid for Mrs. Hughes.  He seemed to think everything was all a great joke.  I believe that Bates has figured out the truth. Look at the stink eye he is giving to Green in this screen shot:

Overall, I found this a very interesting and satisfying episode.  What did you think?  Should Mary choose Blake, Napier, or Gillingham?   What do you think Edith will do about her baby?   Do you think that Bates will extract revenge?   I hope you'll leave a comment below.