Fatal Attractions

          I was torn as to the theme for this post. Episode 4 left viewers with much to think about. Was it a reap what you sew kind of episode? A little, but I think fatal attraction is closer to the mark. Neither is very cheerful, but the episode wasn’t very cheerful. Save for the surprisingly sweet and romantic proposal from Lord Merton to Isobel the show was pretty depressing.

 

          Robert continues to ignore Cora and her eagerness to learn more about the estate. He has elevated his indifference to her from saying “You needn’t concern yourself” to flat out turning his back on her during business conversations. She is clearly bruised by his rebuffs.

Bricker’s flattering attention may be what she needs psychologically, but, unlike Robert, I think she is strong enough to discourage him. Bricker made an awkward recovery when he was “busting” to tell Cora how much he adored her as Robert walked in. Robert may be aware that Bricker is flirting with Cora, but he is not doing a very good job discouraging him, rather he is taking it out on Cora. Is this a parallel story line to what Violet and Prince Kuragan went through? Will Robert give Cora a gift which will subtly remind her how much he loves her as his father did? Is it significant that the painting Bricker is at Downton to see an angel?

          We are seeing an entirely new side of Violet. Memories of years gone by, a glimpse into the past which betrays a person very different from the person she is now. She had a romantic relationship with Kuragan, he asked her to run away with him, and she “owes” it to Princess Kuragan to find her even though she doesn’t like her.  She was unkind to Edith at lunch after Edith encouraged her to see Kuragan again.  “You know nothing about it.” was her terse comment to Edith who winced under the verbal blow. I think she feels the need to set things right.

          I don’t know how Edith gets out of bed every morning, events in her life keep going from bad to worse to suicidal.  Margie Drew is now shutting the door on Edith’s face like she’s selling vacuums door to door.

Michael Gregson’s office called with news of a trial in Germany regarding the Brown Shirts who likely beat up Gregson. Edith naturally fears his death. Hopefully this tidal wave of grief will subside and miraculously Michael will have survived. If not, I’d keep all the sharp objects, matches, and poisons away from Edith.

          Sarah Bunting’s and Robert’s worlds exploded again over dinner. I may agree with little that Robert does, but Bunting’s behavior at dinner was inexcusable. She promised Tom not to push Robert’s buttons, but clearly she had a plan to goad him into a full-fledged fit.

I’m happy for Daisy but I think Sarah was more interested in undermining Robert and everything he stands for than helping Daisy. Daisy was just the means to her end. Watching Tom survey the Abbey from the balcony, I think he was weighing his options. I think Sarah pushed him too far and as a result, rather than leaving Downton, I think Tom is going to throw his lot in with the family and stay on.

          Thomas returned from his mysterious leave of absence. His dad was never in danger. Thomas has complained about being lonely. I think he realizes it is unlikely he will ever find a male companion given the times and the laws of the day. I think, therefore, the “Choose Your Path” ad he referred to in the magazine has to do with the promise of changing a person’s homosexuality by taking drugs. If that is the case, I actually feel sorry for Thomas. The times do not permit him to live his life as he would wish, so to fit in he is forced to extreme measures. Miss Baxter is showing extraordinary compassion for him. She will end up being his best friend.

          Poor Molesley, Carson showed a rather cruel sense of humor to Molesely taking advantage of his desire to advance his position. I guess Molesley should have been mindful of the proverb “Be careful of what you ask for, you may get it.”

          Mary’s fatal attraction is turning creepy. She actually thought all she had to do was tell Tony it was over and he would take the news and walk away. Not so much. Tony called her on her cavalier attitude toward relationships (he wasn’t completely off base, she did mistreat him). He didn’t just walk away, instead, he’s not going to let her go. “This is something we’re going to get through.” This is awfully reminiscent of Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, “I won’t be ignored Dan.”

Last season Gillingham said he wouldn’t let Mary go even if she walked down the aisle with someone else. Mrs. Patmore should be on the lookout for pet rabbits in her soup pots! Mary may think the issue is behind her but Tony won’t be cast off that easily. Violet’s knowing look at Mary at dinner betrayed concern that Mary doesn’t fully appreciate the situation. Yet another example of Mary’s arrogance. Mable Lane Fox was certainly no Lavinia Swire, she’s rather a feisty creature. I think she’d love to cause Mary some grief. The real question is what part will Charles Blake play in all of this? Will he come to Mary’s rescue? Will he let Mary swing in the wind a little before he helps her? Will his help come in the form of a marriage proposal? Right now, I think he’s too good for Mary.

          The final fatal attraction is, of course, the Bates/Green situation. The police are now focusing their attention on Anna. My question is how the plain clothes police officer knew who Anna was. If he is a London police officer, how would he know who Anna was and what connection she had with Green. In any event, the result is the investigation is not going away. The police are focusing on both Bates and Anna, this can’t be good.

 

Cheers!