Good Monday morning, my friends!
So, what did you think of last night's DA?
My thoughts are in the comment box below. They're not as in-depth (i.e. wordy, lol) as usual because we're getting a late start here this morning, and CJ needs my help finishing up an art project. Lots of things tumbling around in my mind though ... interesting developments last night!
Can't wait to hear what you all thought ...
~❤~
p.s. If you notice at the top of the comments section there is a "feed" you can subscribe to (in email) that will send new comments made to this post right to your inbox. (As I understand it, that is.) I just wanted to point that out in case it would make it easier for you to follow the conversation. Also, the Mr. Linky thing is still a bit of a puzzle to me so for now, if you have a post (or know of a post) about Downton, please leave me a link below and I'll tack it to the bottom of mine.
~*❤*~
Bobbi at Revolution of Love has a wonderful post on her Downton thoughts - check it out here. She also has an interesting post on the "Catholic connection" to Downton. (Thanks for the link, Bobbi!)
Hi Dawn! I'm staying out of these conversations because I haven't seen Season 1 yet so definitely not ready for Season 2! But I had to drop in to share this Bon Appetit article. I loved it!
http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/badaily/2012/01/introducing-a-new-column-dinin.html
Posted by: S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen | January 24, 2012 at 12:34 PM
I'm loving reading these comments! It's so fun to discuss such a good show! I wanted to add that I do think that the whole house as a hospital thing is really very far fetched. That house is huge and yet they have to share all the rooms on the first floor? Even if they had to use the first floor for the men to avoid the stairs, the dinning room, sitting room, and library could all easily be moved to the second floor or third floor I'm sure! Just thought that was interesting. Oh, and did anyone catch it? The man in the hospital who got the procedure done that was so "out there", was that Edith's married farmer? Thought that was interesting.
Ever after is a great show too! And this weeks was good. Next week looks awesome too. I was going to throw it over for "Life in a Manner House" but they didn't show it here. =(
Oh, and the English are a normally reserved culture, so I don't really think that Mary and Matthew would have run to each other at first glance, even if they were in love openly, but that moment between them was so business like, I think we will continue to be disappointed in them.
Posted by: Kristie | January 24, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Thank you Dawn for having these posts! I love reading everyone's thoughts.
I feel quite sorry for Mrs. crawley. Yes, she comes across as being a bit abrasive -- just as Cora comes across as being entitled and spoilt. It's really too bad they couldn't establish a friendship and learn to work together.
It has seemed from the beginning that Edith's family doesn't have much use for her. And that saddens me. It's been obvious from the beginning in the slighting comments and gestures her sisters and parents make towards her and about her. I like her very much and don't feel that we were ever given a reason why she holds that position in the family: the unfavored daughter. Families are like this of course, but it is sad.
Mary I don't like any better than I did in the first season. She seems bitter and cold to me. I don't see why Matthew should have to settle for her when he has someone else he loves??
I still like Anna as much as ever but honestly, Bates is actually beginning to irritate me. He is seeming rather two dimensional this season. I can't imagine that all will go well with the divorce: this show doesn't seem to be about happy endings!
I find it disturbing that we're time jumping so much -- this episode said it was 1918 already!! But the characters don't always behave as if that much time has elapsed, so it feels disjointed at times. As if certain conversations and character developements really ought to have already taken place if we've jumped another year, two years, but the characters don't behave as if they have. It's a weird production/script error.
Posted by: Ellie | January 24, 2012 at 11:11 AM
I'll try posting this again... Mrs. Crawley - I hated to see the way that Mrs. Crawley was getting snippy about Cora and complaining about the changes. She would have gotten a lot farther had she been more willing to compromise and be a team player rather than insisting that everything be done her way. However, my heart did ache for her when she finally left town feeling unloved and unappreciated. I do hope a more humble Mrs. Crawly returns.
Lady Grantham - It was nice to finally see Cora step up and stop being so passive. She stood her ground with Mrs. Crawley and called her bluff all the while keeping her grace and decorum. (I couldn't help but laugh at their discourse.) Even when O'Brien filled Cora's head with tales of secret enterprises between Mrs. Patmore and Mrs. Bird, she didn't just blindly believe her. She sought the truth herself. In the end she gave us one of the best scenes of the night - when she joined then in the soup kitchen and made O'Brien do the same. Loved it.
Molesley - My other favorite scene was very trivial but I loved when Mrs Bird and Molesley were in the kitchen talking and Mrs Bird was teasing him about being so grand as the valet to Lord Grantham. The way he laughed and playfully nudged her was so sweet. It was like a brother and sister joking around. I hated to see him shot down again with the return of Mr. Bates.
Branson - I really liked Branson last season but the more I see of him the more I dislike him. He is not evil like Thomas but he seems selfish and only concerned about getting what he wants. There seems to be a stark contrast between the relationship of Bates and Anna and Branson and Sybil. Bates is consumed with protesting Anna's welfare and not wanting her to do anything that would bring her pain or that she'd later regret. Whereas Branson seems to want Sybil to make all the sacrifices and is pushing her to leave all that she loves, even to the point of belittling the nursing work she is doing. It is true when Sybil and Mary said that he seems to be "full of himself."
Ethel - Stupid girl. Although, I can't help but feel sorry for her. The one I really want to bodily harm is that Major Bryant. I can't stand the smug look on his face (even while he is doing his magic tricks) and I hate the fact that Ethel is the only one being punished for a sin that two committed. (But isn't that so often the case?) Edith put it nicely when the Major said at the beginning, "I was keeping her talking. You mustn't blame her." Edith replied. "I don't."
And although his behavior may be winked at wouldn't Lord Grantham want to know that one of his "house guests" was taking advantage of his servant and now that servant had to be fired. I suppose those were not details he needed to be bothered with, especially when his own daughter was in a worse situation and he still has no clue about that. (How is that possible?)
Matthew & Mary - I was pleased that the two boys returned home safely but frankly, I was hoping Matthew would get hurt and on his deathbed Mary would be forced to spill her heart to him and tell him that she loved him before he died. Of course, that knowledge would give him the strength to live and declare his love for her. Instead I had to watch them look at each other longingly at the concert. I ached for Mary to run to Matthew and put her arms around him even though I knew it would never happen - at least not at this point in time. (I did like that Matthew is still taking Mary's toy dog with him on the battlefield. It gives me hope.)
William & Daisy - William, on the other hand, may have benefited from his brush with danger. Daisy seemed to be genuinely worried for him. Maybe the thought of losing him made her realize how much she does care for him?
Other random favorite scene - The look of the Countess' face when Lord Grantham joined in the singing at the concert.
Other random favorite quote - After the Crawley sisters sing for the first time, Edith says, "I wish we had a man." Mary replies, "Amen." (I could hear my single friends giggling.)
The previews for next's episode looks exciting. There looks like a lot more drama coming, especially from Vera Bates. (If this keeps up I'll have to go to confession for the anger I am feeling towards certain people and it is mighty embarrassing admitting that those people are not actually real. LOL ;-)
On a quick side note Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, is Catholic and he said that in Season 3 "Catholicism would be entering the storyline." That should be interesting. :-)
Posted by: bobbi @ revolution of love | January 24, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Funny that you mentioned Once upon a Time. I'm watching last night's episode now while browsing the DA comments. :-)
Posted by: bobbi @ revolution of love | January 24, 2012 at 12:03 AM
Can I be a little honest here...I've never seen this, never even heard of it, and have no clue how to find it!
I um, haven't watched the tele for a little over a year now...but I do love reading these posts! :)
Posted by: Lucy LeVan | January 23, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Oh, and... I really like Once Upon A Time! Watching the newest episode tonight!
Posted by: Charlotte | January 23, 2012 at 10:00 PM
Best Dowager Countess line:
It's like living in a second rate hotel where the guests keep arriving and no one seems to leave.
I liked the side of Cora who joined in the soup kitchen but when is she going to wake up and see O'Brien for who she is? I liked the side of her that stood up for the servants and the house when she first started arguing with Mrs. Crawley, but I didn't like how they ended it. I thought both of them kind of gave into some childish behavior.
I loved how Matthew and William returned. I wanted to cry for Mary! I want it to work out for them, they seem so good for each other, but it does seem more and more unlikely. Sigh.
Posted by: Charlotte | January 23, 2012 at 09:58 PM
I also worry that Thomas will ruin things for Mr. Bates and Anna. I just love them as a couple and I hope that everything works out for them and that eventually everyone sees Thomas for what he is. Right now his position is like a drug to him but how much longer until he sees an officer he just cannot resist? He gets caught in a situation like that and he will be gone for good and I do hope that it happens.
I also loved how Cora jumped right in with the soup kitchen! I wonder how long until she finds out that O'Brien is to blame for her miscarriage. I think that eventually she will come clean to Thomas and he will say something to get her in trouble. They have a very uneasy alliance and would turn one one another without pause.
I think Sybil is enjoying being romanced and feels the flush of emotion from that. But it's nothing more than a schoolgirl crush and wouldn't even be that if he wasn't constantly telling her that he loves her. I think he's not a good guy deep down. You could see it in his attitudes toward her nursing. He has no respect for her at all. To him, she is a trophy.
I do think that Daisy has feelings for William but doesn't really realize it yet. I hope she does anyway, I really like him and I hope that he is not seriously injured.
Mary and Matthew are still in love but their lack of speaking up for fear of breaking some code of propriety is sad. I don't think Lovina truly loves him and judging by the previews this will all come out soon.
Ethel. I really dislike that girl. She should have known better than to go messing around and now she comes back pregnant. I saw that one coming the minute she was discovered, she seems to be a gold digger so I wonder what will come of all of this.
Posted by: Tracy | January 23, 2012 at 09:25 PM
Oh, I just love reading through all these great comments! I see we are all in agreement on so many points ... Kristie said:
"Matthew's response to Mary broke my heart. I would have hoped to see a bit of jealousy or sadness in him."
YES! This is why I feel so sad about the Mary-Matthew situation. I do believe he loves her but I believe he's moved on from that because he believes she doesn't feel the same and/or he's afraid of being rejected again. And now Mary is practically engaged as well and they've each convinced themselves this is for the best. If only *one* of them would be truly honest!
I forgot to mention Moseley - I do feel bad for him. He's such a sad sack. I love that they include all these peripheral characters and make us care for them. Or at least want to know more about them.
And I agree the Sybil-Branson situation is getting dicey. He is rather aggressive and I'm afraid for what she might do (or feel pressured into doing). But what I really want to know is, what are her true feelings about him? DOES she love him? So far it hasn't actually seemed so. He's been a friend ... and she's been kind of neutral. I am eager to see how this relationship is resolved.
I could go on and on, but I'm afraid my brood expects me to pay attention to something beyond this computer screen, lol. THANK YOU again, everyone, for taking the time to stop and read and comment. I appreciate your participation so much!
Blessings, all ...
~ Dawn
p.s. If anyone watches "Once Upon a Time:" last night's show was a doozey!
Posted by: Dawn | January 23, 2012 at 08:21 PM
I agree that somehow Mathew will get injured and Lavinia will drop him. And that scandal HAS to break somehow......my Mom mentioned to me today that if Mary's fiancée breaks it then Bates is off the hook! His wife will have nothing to bribe him with. Fascinating, I love reading everyone's ideas!
Posted by: Helene | January 23, 2012 at 07:28 PM
I agree about Lord Grantham... he is always standing around and needs more to do- like Matthew's poor valet who, after dodging the war, is now twiddling his thumbs. That one can't seem to get a break, other than staying safe.
I loved the whole concert scene, especially the song. And Lord Grantham said something at the very end that struck me. Maybe I caught it wrong- he said something about Matthew being his fairy tale boy. For some reason, that really got to me, along with the part when Matthew tells Mary that being at Downton is like being in a fairy tale world. I can't even imagine how he must have felt going in between the war and his other life.
Mrs. Patmore is becoming one of my favorites. She is so spunky and kind-hearted.
I agree that Bates's wife is super creepy. And I worry that if Mary breaks her engagement at some point the ex-fiancee will seek revenge by printing her whole story.... that is if Mrs. Bates doesn't get there first.
Sybill and Branson- that is the one story line that seems forced to me. I haven't noticed that she at any point shows any attraction to anyone- other than Matthew after he rescued her from the mob in season 1. So, if she goes with Branson, then it will be almost as if he forced her into the relationship and she is going reluctantly. It would be more interesting if she shook him off and found someone of her own, at least to me.
Can't wait for next Sunday!
Posted by: Jennifer N | January 23, 2012 at 06:51 PM
Argh! Just lost a long post! Well, here's the quick and dirty:
Why don't they give Lord Grantham more to do? He stands around all day in his uniform looking more ornamental than anything else. A real Lord of a manor would have plenty to do-books, repairs, maintenance, directing planting, etc., especially with the young men away at war. I like him, but he needs to be more productive.
Sybil should steer clear of Branson. He seems to me to be angry, bitter, and controlling. She's a sweet, generous girl who deserves better.
Anna and Mr. Bates. Oh, how I hope it will work out for them! I love Anna. But, from the previews, it looks as if she and Mr. Bates, as well as Mary and Matthew, have some tough times ahead.
Mary and Matthew. Matthew will probably have to be injured in order for Lavinia to drop him and Mary to rally 'round to his side.
Sure hope this posts!
Posted by: Caroline Haydu | January 23, 2012 at 06:22 PM
Tracy, good point about Matthew getting engaged to Livinia ... It's helping Mary realize that not everything is going to be at her fingertips whenever she wants it ... She does need to grow up in that regard. But not that that was his reason for becoming engaged. I think he felt like he had to move on, why wait around for someone who is so uncertain?!
This is a fun discussion! I like reading everyone's thoughts =)
Posted by: Sarah | January 23, 2012 at 05:50 PM
I for one worry about Sybil getting into any relationship with Branson. Not because of the class difference, but more because he can be such a hothead and he belittled her work as a nurse.
Loved Mrs. O'Brien's comeuppance at the soup kitchen. I'm disappointed that Mrs. Crawley went off in a huff. Now Cora will be in charge of the convalescent hospital AND the soup kitchen. :o)
Posted by: Cristina | January 23, 2012 at 05:12 PM
I tried to comment but it wouldn't post. Maybe it was too long. You can click on my blog to read my thoughts. :-)
Posted by: bobbi @ revolution of love | January 23, 2012 at 04:00 PM
Matthew did the right thing in getting engaged to Livinia. This is just what Mary needs to grow up and quit toying with him.
Finally - finally we see that the Accomplished Woman was not a thing of the past by the turn of the century. The Crawley sisters finally made some music together which made for such a magical scene when Matthew walked in. I think I liked this scene even better that the Cora/Isobel tiff.
Sybil had better steer clear of the chauffeur. He just seems way too demanding! I dread seeing Vera next episode - her voice alone gives me the creeps. Even more than O'Brien.
After watching Manor House I paid more attention to the dinner party - where people were sitting, etc. Loved the B&W video clips - according to what I have read these characters are based on some real stories. Even the Mr. Pamook story is based on a secret diary someone found!
Posted by: tracy | January 23, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Chris, I have to agree with you about the scene when Matthew and William walk into the room during the concert. The look on Mary's face. I think I was holding my breath ~ LOL!!! Matthew's response also broke my heart. He thinks he is telling her what she wants to hear, but oh, it's so not what she wants to hear. Ahhhh!
Posted by: Sarah | January 23, 2012 at 01:47 PM
So, I got the DVD of season one from the library, and even though I have seen all the episodes I wanted to see if there were any special features. There's two and they don't disappoint! One is just a "making of" show that is not earth shattering, but is interesting. They talk about working on the set, creating the set, wordrobe, etc. Fun. The other is about the house they film in and the family (and current Countess) that live there now. Fascinating! So good I have to watch it again before I turn it back to the library! =)
Posted by: Kristie | January 23, 2012 at 01:19 PM
Favorite scene last night: When the girls are performing the concert for the soldiers convalescing at DA and Matthew and William arrive. I wished that he and Mary would just run to one another and embrace (even though I knew it wasn't going to happen). I really, really hope Sybil doesn't act on her feelings for Branson (the feelings he seems to be trying to talk her into having for him).
Posted by: Chris Lowenstein | January 23, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Oh, it's always so good. I knew Cora would join in the soup kitchen. And, I too loved the scene with her and Mrs Crawly. Loved it. I love how she can shut someone down without raising her voice or losing her composure. Brilliant! I don't like the match between Sybil and Branson. I don't like how much he pushes her to love him and go against everything she knows. Plus, he tried to sabitoge the dinner and I would not like my daughter to hook up with a guy like that, let alone run away with him! Matthew's responce to Mary broke my heart. I would have hoped to see a bit of jealousy or saddness in him. Poor Mosely? I wonder if he will join the ranks of Thomas and OBrian now that Bates is back and he didn't get the position. And Edith's storyline puzzles me. Where is she going? No mention of the married farmer, etc...
I think Daisy's feelings are changing, and I can't wait for next week, of course! However, I have to say, I couldn't contain myself any longer and I read the episode guides and man, we are in for a ride! It is driving me crazy wondering what they are filming for season three!!! And, they say the are going to continue after that, so yay!!!
Posted by: Kristie | January 23, 2012 at 10:24 AM
This show is my absolute favorite! I enjoy it every week ... I laugh! I get mad! I hope for these characters ... My husband so kindly watches with me (and enjoys it, too), but I think he gets a kick out of how much I get into it ~ LOL!
Last night, I especially liked the scene when Lady Cora helped in the soup kitchen and O'Brien's plans were ruined! I also thought the conversation between Cora and Mrs. Crawley very amusing, but I did feel sorry for Mrs. Crawley when she left. As much as it would drive me nuts if some other woman came into my home and started acting in charge, I also see that Mrs. Crawley has nothing ... and she needs something. It's too bad she got too insistent about being in charge! It was all handled in the wrong way ...
I am still hopeful for Mary and Matthew, but I am sure their storyline will continue to keep us on the edge of our seats for quite some time! And I am not crazy about Branson and Sybil. He seems to say things that are frustrating and not at all kind and romantic ... He's too rebellious for me. LOL!
Finally, I really like Bates and Anna. They are so good in character. But it drives me mad every time I see Thomas and O'Brien with their heads together, scheming yet again ~ UGH! Those actors are really good at making us loathe their character so much!
I guess all of this up-and-down emotion ... happy, then worried, then sad, then furious ... is the sign of a truly great show! Can't wait for next week =)
Posted by: Sarah | January 23, 2012 at 10:23 AM
If you go to the front page for BBC news online which is www.bbc.co.uk/ on the right of the page is a box with "Most popular in News". Number 4 is a brief visit to "the real Downton Abbey" where you can see into Highclere House and see how it is in it's everyday life. Just for curiosity's sake :) Gill.
Posted by: Gill | January 23, 2012 at 10:18 AM
My interest in this show makes me wonder if I wouldn't have been a daytime soap opera fan if I had the time and that I justify my interest in this because it has a historical twist (blush). I think Cora is a starting to be overly confident in her own goodwill and that we're going to see her fall sometime soon.
Posted by: missy | January 23, 2012 at 10:10 AM
I have to chime in and agree that the best scene by far last night was when Cora jumped in and helped with the Soup Kitchen, especially since it completely foiled O'Brien's plans.
Not sure if Thomas is going to make trouble for Anna and Bates or not, he said he has "bigger fish to fry"?
I really don't like the Sybil/Branson match, but we will just have to see how it plays out.
I do think Matthew still cares deeply for Mary, I just think he is afraid to say anything or act on those feelings, especially in light of her engagement. But, I think all it would take is a little encouragement and he would be hers.
Does appear as if Vera is not going to be bought off so easily. Funny how she is seldom in the series, yet I dislike her SO much!
Every episode just keeps me longing for more! What will we do when the season is over, and I'm also wondering if they will show the "Christmas Special" here in the states, even though the timing will be closer to Easter here? I do hope so.
Looking forward to hearing from others.!
Posted by: Kim | January 23, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Oh my goodness, Louise - yes! I felt so bad for Mrs. Crawley in that scene. Here I was so aggravated by her last week, but then she basically got kicked to the curb, and my heart broke for her. And now she's off in Paris somewhere and no one can get in touch with her. That doesn't bode well, I don't think ...
Posted by: Dawn | January 23, 2012 at 07:45 AM
It was a great episode! My favorite scene was the one between Cora and Isabelle, in which Isabelle threatened to leave thinking that Cora would back down.
Posted by: Louise | January 23, 2012 at 07:38 AM
First of all … thank goodness Matthew and William are all right! (Of course now I'm convinced once again from the previews and foreshadowing that Matthew gets injured next week.)
And do I detect a slight change of attitude in Daisy? She was quick to amend that her concern for William was on everyone's behalf, but I think she thought more about it (him) than anyone else.
And then we have Matthew … so accepting of Mary's engagement and looking forward to spending time with Lavinia. *sigh* BUT he did once again grab Mary's good luck charm - as he dashed into battle - passing over his fiancé's picture. (That's got to mean something, right?)
And Mary … interesting how they keep us on edge with their characters. Nobody's all this or that. She showed a bit of her old haughtiness in this episode, but she also showed her vulnerability and maturation. (Worrying for Matthew, giving Edith the benefit of the doubt, advising Sybil with a side of compassion, etc.)
And what do we think about Sybil? Is she sweet on Branson or just intrigued? She keeps things so close to the vest! He's so open about his love and his desires - and he is asking a lot of Sybil, who, for all her forward thinking is still rooted in family pride and position. I can't see her running off with Branson, but I would love to see her give in to her feelings for him (if she has them) a little more. (Nothing inappropriate of course!)
Favorite scene all night, hands-down: Cora arriving at the Soup Kitchen and not only *not* admonishing them, but joining right in to assist them! LOVED it! And there stands O'Brien looking like she just swallowed a pickle, lol.
Thomas continues to be a grade A jerk and he and O'Brien are going to ruin things for Bates and Anna I just know it. We see Vera next week threatening to ruin Mary … how will that go, I wonder? What will Sir Richard do if that comes out? Retract his proposal?
And then there's Ethel … poor, dumb, Ethel. I KNEW she was going to be pregnant - I said that to Bill even last week! What will she do? Will Mrs. Hughes turn her away? Somehow I don't think she will. Mrs. Hughes has shown herself to be a very caring person.
Well, I think this might be all I have for now … I will chime in again later today if I can …
Looking forward to hearing what you all thought about the show last night, too!
Posted by: Dawn | January 23, 2012 at 07:12 AM