DA s5e2 Torn Between Two Lovers

So there was a moment when Jimmy said goodbye to Mr. Barrow where both my eldest and I felt that their story was not over.  I have the distinct feeling that Jimmy and Barrow had some sparks that were genuine.  Moreover, I was thinking that would be a good thing for Barrow.  Jimmy is just randy he doesn't know what is what, but Barrow knows who he is and he has shown real affection and actual friendship toward Jimmy.  I think I would just caution Barrow because Pretty Boy is not going to commit any time soon to someone with no money.

Anyway, in the meantime, Lord Gillingham is kind of annoying me.  I don't know why.  Perhaps because he is endangering Mary's name in some way.  But, my daughter reminded me that it was the 20's and she was a widow so maybe I am just being a little Carson-esque.  But, you know, I just think if you are going to take that step and jump that chasm than don't send your pure hearted albeit married Ladies Maid to do your dirty work! And Blake talking about sex!  Please, you aren't in America! (But I couldn't help but hear Dan Ackroyd in the back of my mind, "Mary, You ignorant s**t.")

Speaking of Anna, I love her.  And I stand by my lack of trust for Bates.  I wonder who the witness was and why it took a year to come forward.  I bet Barrow has something to do with this.  Somehow, just as he has something to do with the unanswered questions of Baxter's.  ERGH!  I want to like him (Barrow), and I do, but mostly because I like to look at him.  If he were ugly he'd be done in my eyes long ago.  Sad state of affairs!

So this whole Tom and Miss Bunting thing reminds me of Tom and Sybil in that Miss Bunting is now playing the part of Tom.  I like the character but not for Handsome Branson. I am not sure anyone will ever be good enough after our Sybil.  :(  But stop trying to lure him away from the bighouse!

Edith is brutal.  That is all. Oh wait, and the poor wife of that man.

Robert and Carson are hilarious.  It's like they try to see who can out-prude the next. But Rose and her "wireless" was really fun to watch. Standing for the King's speech.

Cora and that man, one of my favorite scenes: "Tell him to stop flirting with my dog!"  Or Carson to Mrs. Hughes, "I don't like it when we don't agree." Mrs. Hughes, "We are different people Mr. Carson and we won't always agree."  At some point Carson needs to grow up a little He gets so petulant.


Did I forget something?

Downton Abbey 2015!! Episode 1

Well, my daughters and I jumped on my bed at 8:58pm so excited about the show!  I just finished re-watching Season 4 which was so very good and was eager to see what direction they would take tonight.  I was not disappointed,

I must start with Mr. Molesly.  I LOVE that they are making him a quiet hero to one person.  I am quite fond of Miss Baxter and anytime that Thomas Barrow can be thwarted it is exciting, doubly so when it is done by the ever enigmatic Mr. Molesly!  Informed by his recent humiliation of being brought down in station from valet to mere footman, I think Mr. Molesly is in just the right position to be a nuisance to Mr. Barrow and a gift to Miss Baxter.  I love this sweet couple...but I don't underestimate Mr. Barrows anger toward his former minion and that will be something to watch, indeed.  However, that was only part of the story for in his "only Molesly" way, he was able to be the best comedic part of the show.  The hair dye gone awry was hilarious and written in with such strategy and humor, one of my favorite lines of the night, "Take steps Mr. Molesly, take steps!"

In keeping with the humor here are the two ladies I love to watch.  How horrified Granny looked when Robert suggested that Isabelle might be a "great lady in the neighborhood!" and off she went to construct her plan to undo any attachment between Isabelle and Lord Merton.  And what was up with Spratt?  How in his mind is he better than the village doctor?  What does a man have to do to get a cup of coffee or piece of cake? How does one remind Spratt that the good doctor is a guest of his employer?  I think she took care of him.  Aside:  Did anyone else catch the Dowager's reference to Pride and Prejudice?

Great ladies don't talk smutty.

Onto the real deal of this show!  Times they are a' changin'!  When Robert is dissed by the community as they desire to erect a statue in honor of fallen soldiers from the war, Carson can barely stand the attention.  So many things at play. It is kind of rude to say, "give us your land and your butler, they are what matters!"  There were several moments of rudeness I thought.  I can't get 100% on board with Miss Bunting. Yes, she is a lively character and probably a lot of depth to her but she could be better behaved.  As someone who is a leader in the community, she should know better than to embarrass her hosts.   I wasn't pleased with that part. 

Especially with Cora and Robert celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary while have a house of guests with them, including Lord Gillingham, it just seemed more "common" than would have been experienced. Granny did not approve.

Marigold

Then Edith, our long-suffering Edith!  OY!  Let's make some more bad decisions while we are there! What is it with her?  Is it because her sister is so mean to her? Mary really needs to lighten up on her. So the train that left the station last season is clearly going to form a wreck this season.  Makes no sense except of course in social commentary but really enough with that. haha

But perhaps one of my favorite moments is when Cora, knowing Baxter's secret as we all do now, calls Barrow out.  Her handling of the whole situation is admirable and very lady-like.  Cora has been proving herself to be far more open minded than she used to be but then she has been through an awful lot.  So when the house catches fire Barrow is one lucky duck that mischief put him in the right place at the right time because losing another child would probably end that smile of Cora's forever. But the point should be made that now both Cora and Robert have ex-cons in their most intimate service. Interesting.

Thanks for saving my bacon Lady Edith!

 But Barrow is showing his viscous side a bit much lately and it will come crashing down like it did for Jimmy this week.  That was something to behold...eek!  Poor Robert!  Must all the world go mad? Thank God Mary kept it together with the Lord G in her private quarters!  I can't imagine! (Can you tell how appalled I am, ha!)  But the best moments of that fire was the kiss bestowed by Tom on Sibby (he is such a tender heart) and the father/son moment between Robert and Tom.  Something good is growing there and Sybil would be proud.


Finally, I am so pleased with Mary's growth.  I really like her so much more than when we started. It is hard to choose which suitor will be best but Lord G is really laying his cards on the table and that makes me wonder about him.  After all, he is a Lord and knows the implications of a torrid affair, why risk it?  What is he up to?  I am also impressed with the way Mary has taken over the estate.  Way to go Mare!

So here are my questions:  How bad will things get for Edith?  Who will Mary chose?  What will become of James?  Will the teacher help Daisy and thereby get closer to Branson?  Why did Baxter steal the jewelry in the first place.  Ok, I have to stop there as dinner must be made. There is no Mrs. Pattmore in my world!

Please share your thoughts!

In the meantime always remember

Raising Cane-- Oopa!

So Bates just happens to be away from the abbey after he realizes that Green is the one who attacked Anna and Green is killed in the middle of the road.  Hmmm....he just tripped in front of a moving vehicle.  Like he may have stumbled over a cane?  Well, I can't say I am sorry to see the smug thug go, even though I thoroughly enjoyed watching him get dressed down by Mother Hughes.  Although, if she had just used the cane to throttle him when they were in the room last week I may have enjoyed his demise all the more.

So, I was a wee under the weather last week which kept me from posting but I will incorporate that into tonight's post.

I was really pleased with the way they handled Edith's dilemma.  I think it was very human and very real.  Although, Aunt Rosalind is a little bit of a....oh I don't know even what I think of her, I applaud how she handled the whole situation. I appreciate that she is looking out for Edith.  I appreciate that she expressed horror but not judgment.  But I don't know...the whole thing seems measured. 

Ok, I wrote this last Monday!  I completely forgot to finish and post it!  Ugh! Time to watch and catch up tomorrow!  Don't leave me!!

Downton Abbey or Superbowl?

It was really no question, ever, but even less so as the Bronco's were being unapologetically spanked by the Seahawks, whether or not I would watch Downton Abbey on Superbowl Sunday. Downton is always my team.

So, where do we stand now?  Hmmm....Edith is pregnant which was a shock only to her.  But what can he mean by knocking her up and running off?  There is so much more to this whole thing...he is a scoundrel but of what stripe, I don't know.  And I would say, "Oh, poor Edith!" but she had no problem at the time of conception so she shouldn't now.  I am just a little disappointed in her foolishness when she was showing promise at being a person of real character.  This behavior has reduced her yet again...simply because she is smarter than that and her gratification is all wrapped up in being flattered (He loves me!!).  It showed itself again, you know, the petty jealousy that really is not becoming,  when she told Robert after he tried to console her by calling her, "his most darling girl"..."but, that's just it, isn't it? I am not your most darling girl..." OY!  Grow up Edith!!  I am not my mother or fathers favorite either but I have come to terms with it!  ;)

Next up!  Anna and Bates:  love the scene where Cora puts the Maître D in his place.  Too funny. (I love when Cora shows her American side and yes, that was very American.)  But I am so glad that they are a little more in sync and a little annoyed that Bates is making this more about him.  "You married a brooder...," hmmm?  Wonder why she didn't want you to know?  I feel like in some ways it is now harder on Anna...and I have a feeling that next week will be a biggie.  Still not  a fan of Bates.

Mary and Tom.  Ok, a friend of mine wants them to get together cause it would solve all the problems in the Abbey, (and I agree on some level).  I just don't see it happening and I just don't want it to happen.  They are more like brother and sister.  But then my daughters agreed and one suggested a "domestic partnership" to which I say, heaven forbid!  They need to know that real love, like the love they talked about in the scene with Isabella, (the one that so many of us can relate to...and thus my favorite scene of the night) can happen again.  No, not the same, but love in a different form can happen again.  They are both so young, I wouldn't want either of them to throw in the towel on that.  But, I do not see it with each other, I just don't see them romantically involved...I think their relationship should stay a unique blend of familial affection, sympathy, duty and friendship.  I think that makes it more interesting. 

Rose.  Oh Rose....she is adorable and that man is a good match for her.  She is full of life and I have no problem with her living it up a little because as we can tell she is the only one who ends up not being judgmental or angry.  However, having said that...I hope he is a good man. 

Downton is changing....I hope Carson can handle it.

Goodbye for now Alfred...as I think he will be back and back for Daisy.  He will see that she is the one who has quality.  Ivy got what is coming in more ways than one and I think Jimmy is going to find he cares more about Ivy than he realized.  The playboy may be growing up.

I am, thank you.

In the meantime, it is hard to know who is a bigger snob; Carson or Robert. 



Another great moment.

The best line of the night:  "I believe that is game, set and match for her Ladyship, Mrs. Crawley." said by the Dr.  Funny!  So, will they get together?  I also am a little disturbed at Granny getting sick but we are assured that she is not dying this season...everyone is officially locked into a two year contract.  Thank God...cause I am not ready for her to go.  I love her character so much.




I wonder what that whole uncle in America thing is about?

And the whole Baxter/Thomas thing.  Oh, and let's not forget Mosley....

Ok, that is it for now.  Let me know what I missed as I feel like I missed something big. 
 

Anger Issues and Other Observations

Oy! How Bates worries me with his anger issues....but I am torn because I understand where he is coming from.  But really, does Anna need to experience  visiting hours again? If only he could hold onto to that side of him that comes up with words like, "If anything you are made higher and holier because of the suffering you have experienced. You are my wife and I love you."

******SOB********

Beautiful writing and thank you also writers for letting her not be pregnant.

Ok Bates....go get him....you have my blessing. But no murder....just maiming.

Mary....she is starting to look at the boys again, how nice! This will be interesting to watch.

Tom? Tom?  You cannot leave! Sibby needs her family and so do you! And I need you....you're so pretty. (Sigh) Tom, let's be honest, you don't want to leave.....Robert loves you....nobody saw that coming, especially Robert! So cut him some slack and stay.  As a side note it was a nice change to see Cora animated.  Speaking of Cora, funny exchange with Mrs. Pattmore.

So....who else thinks its time for Isabella and the good Dr. to get together? And who else thinks that when the Dowager and Mrs. Crawley are in each others company they are like bickering sisters? They are trying to up the ante on sass and it is very funny!

Mosley.....brutal.

Alfred.....Daisy.....get a grip! But what is this that Ivy is taking a notice?

Oh, who wants to speculate on Baxter? I wonder if she is actually going to turn on Thomas instead of help him? Hm mm.....but Cora needs to show some sense when it comes to her ladymaid. Don't tell everything!

Last but not least....Edith. What did she do in London? What did I miss? Is she catching on? Probably not.

I feel like I am overlooking something....let me know.

I said BOOM!

Mrs. Hughes, you wonderful matriarch bearing up under all of your charge's issues and problems!  Tonight you made me forever your follower, as you exposed Braithwaite for the manipulative, conniving, etc. (What Barrow said!) wretch that she is.  I love nothing more than when people who think that they are so brilliant get the final BOOM!  Hey, Braithwaite!  Don't let the door hit you on the way out!!"   SEE YAAA!!!

Ahhhh...............................................................I feel so much better.  But I know we haven't seen the last of her. I feel like now she is wounded and even more dangerous.  Time will tell.

Oh Mary, love the way she let the poor man down, "I am not ready to be rid of him" speaking of how Matthew fills her head. It makes me much more sympathetic when she isn't wallowing but instead is simply being truthful...I mean...everyone needs to stop pushing her to be done with Matthew.  But she really was beautiful and Isabelle was heroic in her own right.



What is wrong with me?

Now, onto Edith...the stupid, stupid girl ("he wants to marry me") not only risking her reputation and future but who knows WHAT she signed!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER!!!! You don't just sign a paper without reading it!  DUMB AS DIRT that one!


I understand that she suffers from the "Middle Child Syndrome" in a big way, but honestly, who would have someone be responsible for their affairs when there is no binding relationship? A swindler, that's who!  There is going to be serious fallout...and all of you who think I am just being cynical and suspicious...mark my words.  There is something Limburger Cheesesque about all of this business.


Rose, you adorable girl. I would dance with that man too.  You know, the bandleader?

"Why don't you love me, Alfred?  You love sauce better than me!"

"Ivy, you are just the right kind of dumb." "Oh Jimmy, you're so clever!"

 It is hard to know what to do with this downstairs motley crew.  I mean, really, these four are too much.  But then, they are kids. 

Anna on the other hand continues to break my heart.  I hope she lets someone help her.  I hope that Bates can get through.  I hope that the beast is exposed.  Poor precious Anna.  Of course it will take all season...I just hope that she isn't with child in the end.  Be merciful writers.

And last but never least, Granny, just love her.  Just do.  Always.

Does that sum up this week?  I don't know. It is what I have right now. I know some of you are reading this....please let me know what you think,  I feel so lonely.


Oh Anna!

I could not be more traumatized.  Our poor Anna....that is all I can say right now.

Edith, Edith, Edith!

So, "tomorrow" from the last post became "next week" as reality slipped in and I just didn't have time to spend thinking or talking about Downton.  Where was this story when I wasn't a crazy-person?

Ok, so we left off with Mary and Branson...and (sigh) Branson....

Madness

But so much went on for Edith too.  All of the sudden, Edith has become a woman of the world!  What happened?!  I will say, her "lover" (I so like the usage of that word when we are dealing in this time period because it sounds so scandalous!) looks like the son of her former fiancé

No, he isn't my father....but thanks for asking.

Well, the brazen hussy she is, wore that fashionable and thoroughly undignified dress and met a man at a public eatery and then KISSED him!!  Has she NO breeding whatever????  (I found that part amusing)  However, I am quite leery of a British man who just comes out of a World War I  and wants to move to Germany to live in sin with Edith who has an ignorance born of naivete. That she thinks a man like that is someone to hitch her wagon to illustrates how she can be blinded by what she wants to see rather than what is.  Clearly, there is more to all of this.  Clearly, she is being used as some kind of pawn or collateral or something that falls into a conspiratorial framework.  Isn't he the head of a major publication?  Something just doesn't sit right with me.  The whole insane wife made me wonder but this new "plan"  is too suspicious.  But then, I am a 21st century American.  I trust everyone and no one.



Edith, you are crazy bad!!

 

 

 

Episode One Season 4: Oh What A Beautiful Mourning!

"Why are you crying, you're the one I like!"

 

It is hard to process how much I wanted to jump through the screen at Nanny West when she abused our little Sibby!  But I should back up a bit because even though I am not a fan of Thomas Barrow, I was pretty put out by the way she was treating him.  When he used his usual underhanded skill of exposing her, I thought, GOOD!  But, I am pretty sure that he had no real idea of just how mean she was?  Or did he?  Was it the egg incident?  I wonder if he put two and two together?  So, there he was in MY good graces when he decides to help one of my least favorite characters; Miss Baithwaite...or as I like to call her, Miss Breathlessly chasing my BRANSON!  (I never called her that, I am just looking for a segway) because CORA in a "rocks for brains" moment allows her back into the household!  What??  Can someone work with me here?  Since when does Cora not listen to Mrs. Hughes advice about the servants?

Okay, I need to take a moment to compose myself.

Hi, it's me, Cora, and I just don't think on some episodes. Bear with me, I smile while my household falls apart, but on occasion, I may surprise you, because after all, I am American. ('Merica!)

 

 Mrs. Hughes remains the heroine in my eyes. She continues to be the wise and kindly matriarch.  How do I break it to Cora? 

 

 

Here is the thing, Mary, we all get it.  We have all been mourning the loss of Matthew for several months, it was a shock to us too!  We get it.  But you have a BABY who has a mean Nanny and a whole lot of land and money and you need to wake up! You are such a drama queen! No wonder your father treats you so ridiculously! 

"Poor baby, he's an orphan."  For the record right before Anna said, "He isn't an orphan, your ladyship, he has a mother." My ten year old, (yes, Mary, ten!) said, "No he isn't, he has a mother!"

When it comes to licking wounds Mary is a real master.  It really challenges my sympathy. But I was proud of her when she moved to purple. (Does anyone else remember the first episode when she was whining about wearing mourning clothes?  Interesting turn of events!)

I realize that Carson may have overstepped but you were just plain wrong to be so uppity with him...good recovery in the second hour though.   I would not have been happy if you dissed our Carson because he spoke the truth.  So think about what you have done as you stare out that window.

 

 

 

Just as an aside, and maybe because he is Irish and he is Branson, but why was he the only man who understood that Mary was gone too far?  Granny, Mrs. Hughes, Anna, even that nasty Nanny West (henceforth we shant speak her name!!) recognized it was time, can Robert get over the whole "women as lilies" thing?  He is so ridiculous and so transparent.




Now this whole Matthew not leaving a will thing did not sit well with me.  It was  inconsistent with his character.  I know it is a drama and that was part of the tension but it was just plain unbelievable.  Especially since he was the Lord of the Manor because of an inheritance!  He was the one who hated the legality of it but he would not have married her and then thrown caution to the wind.  I just don't believe it.

There were several things that just didn't sit right with me but I have to ruminate on them.  There was so much to process and I was so bothered by so many people!  Ugh! Can't you behave???  Edith's beau....COMON!  Germany???? UGH!!! 

Ok,  I will leave that to tomorrow, along with someone messing with my Anna!!  She is going to try to mess with my Branson too, I can tell!

That is all for now.  But check back in cause I need to take a swat at Jimmy too!

More about Granny, Isabella, Daisy and Ivy...and ugh...Alfred.

The Time is Coming....

For us to sit back and bask in the inequality of early 20th century England.  Who else is excited?  Anyone?