Masterpiece Monday: Downton Abbey Season 3, Episode 6 (Update!)

Wow, it's hard to believe this is our second to last "Masterpiece Monday!" (Until Call the Midwife returns next month, that is.) So what did you think of last night's show?

As I forewarned, I only made it through half the episode last night before falling asleep on the couch. Riveting though the drama was, being six months pregnant will do that to you! So I plan to finish up tonight, but I welcome you all to start the conversation today ... I'll jump in as soon as I can.

*❤*

Talk soon, and have a great Monday, my friends!

Update ~ I've watched the show and below are my thoughts ...

Wow, that was quite the two hours!

 The neat thing about this show is that its characters are never black and white. Thomas has been such a snake throughout the series, but he's had his human moments too. And to be honest, I felt so bad for him throughout the whole Jimmy fiasco. The way he was lured into thinking Jimmy felt something for him, the shame and embarassment of making such a colossal and dangerous mistake, the way he reacted to Carson's fury - "I'm not foul." That broke my heart. What a lonely life he must lead, outside of Downton. Though he's not close to anyone there (having burned so many bridges) they are like his family. I was very glad Mrs. Hughes turned the tide on his behalf and I think it showed real character and kindness that she, Bates and Robert all came to his defense. Jimmy was led on by O'Brien and easily puffed up - easily, because he is a vain, ambitious and shallow man. And Alfred too was so smoothly manipulated by O'Brien because of his ego. These are not very strong men! And again, though Thomas makes me cringe on a reguar basis, I would not have wanted to see his character go ... he's a terrific actor and I'm curious to see where he goes from here. He will undoubtedly be thrilled to be made under-butler - but I wonder if this ordeal will have taught him anything? That people he's wronged before would help him when he was down? Bates, in particular?

O'Brien was sickening in her manipulations - ugh, I just wanted to smack her face. (Lol, this show moves me to such imagined violence sometimes!) She was hoping to push Alfred up and take Thomas down and had no care for Jimmy's regard. I thought the twist about "her ladyship's soap" was brilliant. I had completely forgotten about that! (But I don't recall her telling Thomas about it? How did he know?)

Briefly on this new character Rose - an interesting diversion if only because we got to see more venues and "fashion" of the time! I'm curious to see what happens next episode when they all join her at O'Deagle castle. I wonder if she will be a recurring character?

As for Edith - I find it amusing that she was so affronted by the idea of a married man flirting with her when wasn't it she who kissed a married farmer back in season two? (When she was "helping out" with the tractor?) Still, I found it curious that they chose a gentleman so similar to Sir Anthony for Edith - not only in looks, but in that he's much older and emotionally (if not physically) tied to a wife who can no longer be with him. Can't Edith meet a man who is truly available? Or better yet, let's get back to that notion where she was working to discover herself as a woman - with her own interests and value - without need of a man. At least for a time. I'd love to see her happily settled eventually (as I'm sure she would too), but I can't see how this relationship with her editor would be any good to her at all. And of course, though he's in a heartbreaking situation, it would still be immoral for him to cheat on his wife ... 

Mary and Matthew are breaking my heart ... I wonder what kind of surgery she had? Repair of cystic ovaries, perhaps? I can't imagine having surgery - let alone seeing a doctor! - without my husband's knowledge and support. Of course, things were so different back then and in the upper class, too. I wonder if his results will show anything "off?" My thinking is no since in the previews she says she's pregnant ...

Very happy about how things are turning out for Branson - I hope he continues to do well at the estate and in his new position. He's really kept his head (and temper) and the family has come to love him (tolerate him) as their own. I was afraid with Sybil's passing his character would be written out but it looks like he'll have an interesting future ahead ...

(And how cute is that Sybbie? Oh my goodness, I swoon everytime that precious baby's face is shown on screen! And also, the dresses worn by the Grantham women at the christening were particularly gorgeous.)

I'm happy with the way things turned out for Ethel - I'd love to see them bring her back at some point down the road if only so we can see how she and little Charlie are doing. And I thought Isobel had the best line last night - "Have you changed your pills?" LOL! 

(And oh, how I love observing Isobel's sitting room - the colors, light and decor are so lovely!)

Well, there's more to say I'm sure but my time has run short this morning ... I'll add more thoughts in the comment box below when and if I have time later today!

Thanks so much for stopping by, everyone - see you here again very soon!