Prozac for Edith!!

            Since there was zero drama in the Super Bowl, I eagerly awaited the next installment of Downton Abbey.  You’re never sure if the Abbey can withstand more drama, but every week Julian Fellowes manages to pull us closer and closer to the edge of our seats. By the end, I suspect I’ll give in and watch the last episode for this season on the floor!!

            The plot really thickened for Edith last night.  I was annoyed when we barely got a glimpse of what Edith’s letter contained.  With the help of DVR I was able to re-watch the episode and pause it long enough to read the letter.  Edith did go to see an OB doctor and he confirmed his initial findings that Edith shows all the signs and symptoms of being in her first trimester of pregnancy.  Meanwhile, Michael is missing in Germany; perhaps not the safest place for a Brit to be in post-WW I Germany.  To me, the saddest part of all is that Edith has no one in whom she can confide.  When Robert calls her “his most darling girl” she retorts by saying “but I’m not really.”  Her self-esteem is virtually non-existent. Poor Edith, if she didn’t have bad luck, she’d have no luck at all.  She was jilted at the altar, now she’s pregnant, her fiancé (who is still married to a “lunatic”) is missing, and she has no one with whom she can talk.  Keep the sharp objects away from her and don’t let her sit too close to the fire!!

            Isobel and Violet had one of their best sparring matches yet.  It’s funny but in so many ways they share the same beliefs and shortcomings and yet each refuses to let the other get the upper hand. Usually, though, they both want what they think is just.  Both were absolutely right and both were absolutely wrong last night.  Violet definitely had the better of the verbal joust.  How ironic it was when Violet, the true aristocrat, threw back at Isobel some of Isobel’s own trademark indignation by saying, “Understanding only comes when you put aside your prejudice and start listening.” Touché.  Even when she was wrong about young Pegg, Isobel fumed at Violet, “How you hate to be wrong.” To which Violet countered, “I wouldn’t know, I’m unfamiliar with the sensation.” End of argument.

            While on the subject of pride and prejudice we come to Mary and Mr. Blake (no relation!).  I so hope this doesn’t become a love/hate relationship.  It seems Mary is doomed to those types of antagonistic relationships. He’s definitely got her goat and you know she’ll do whatever she can to prove him wrong (the pride part). He thinks she’s a snob not willing to work for her position, a la Matthew when they first met (the prejudice). Perhaps Lord Gillingham is out of her life (boo!) and Mr. Blake is entering it.  We’ll see…

            Here comes the history geek in me.  Violet made a few references to English history in her quips.  When she resigns to calling Branson “Tom”, in the last episode, she refers to knowing how King Canut felt.  He was a king of England in the early 1000’s who was betrayed by two of his stepsons.  Next, last night when she told Isobel that she was surprised Isobel didn’t try to burn down the Abbey, painted in woad and howling at the moon.  Woad is a plant from which comes a blue dye, if you’ve seen Braveheart the Scots (Picts) painted themselves with blue paint (from woad) before attacking.  There’s a mental picture for you, Isobel painted in woad!!

            Rose kissing Jack Ross was no surprise; in fact, it was the most obvious thing that happened last night.  The only question is where does it go from here?

            I think I’m going to like Baxter.  I’m hoping she helps to put Thomas in his place.  I thought we got rid of him two seasons ago but no luck.  Baxter hates ratting on the family and with any luck she’ll turn her popularity upstairs and downstairs against Thomas.  If he brought in the person responsible for his undoing, it would be a perfect end to his scheming!!

            I loved how Cora came to Bates’ and Anna’s rescue at the restaurant.  The maitre de was such a little snob.  I think Cora helped not only because it was Anna and Bates but also because ruffling the maitre de’s feathers provided some entertainment for her during a deadly dull evening.  What of Cora’s brother?  Should we expect another visit from America?  Perhaps next season.

            Congrats to Alfred and Mr. Mosely, sympathy for heartbroken Daisy, and a lesson hard learned for Ivy.  Jimmy is the rogue we always knew he was.  Mr. Carson got a great shot in on Jimmy.  Alfred said he was nervous about his new opportunity, Jimmy derisively asked why to which Mr. Carson assured Alfred, “Intelligent people are cautious, stupid people are fool-hardy.” Boo-ya Jimmy!

Ta for now.