Sparks

               Sparks are needed to start a flame, and sparks are often generated with friction. Based on last night’s episode, there was ample friction to ignite all of Yorkshire County. Nearly every character was set at odds with another.

            Lord Grantham/Carson. It was odd to watch Carson at odds with Robert. He has such unfailing devotion to the family, it is strange to see Carson disagree with his Lordship. I think both of their egos got in the way. Robert is still bruised by not being asked to serve on the memorial committee. And Carson probably feels that Robert’s role on the committee should be that of a child during Puritanical times “seen and not heard.” Since Robert is not officially on the committee he should really but out.  Ironically, in the end, Robert had a better feel for the pulse of the town on the issue than Carson who was asked to lead the committee because he knows the people of the town so well. Carson proved to be the bigger man and agreed to a memorial in the center of town. I don’t think Robert was completely altruistic, again acting like a child, Robert’s deeper concern was protecting his cricket pitch, than giving it up for a memorial garden.

 

            Carson/Mrs. Hughes. Carson’s stiff upper lip waivered ever so slightly when he and Mrs. Hughes disagreed on a couple of issues. First, Mrs. Hughes disagreed that a garden of remembrance was the appropriate tribute. Next, he disagrees that Ms. Bunting should be teaching Daisy. Finally, Mrs. Hughes liked the wireless coming into the Abbey. Mrs. Hughes knows her mind well enough not to wither under Carson’s disappointment and moved on with her life. He confessed he’s uncomfortable when they are not on the same side. His respect for her is obvious, perhaps enough for a more significant relationship?

            Robert/Tom. Tom’s acquaintance with Miss Bunting is stirring the political activism which has lain dormant within him for the past few years. Robert’s fear that Tom might take Sibbie away is more than he can bear. If Robert continues to shoot barbs at Tom about his political views, he might as well pack Sibbie’s bag himself. Tolerance is not Robert’s strength.

            Thomas/Household staff. As predicted, since Thomas wasn’t able to convince Baxter to give him any dirt on the family, and since she confessed her past to Cora, he’s going to try to discredit her with the rest of the staff. Thomas has to reap what he’s sewn, he’s been so nasty with everyone no one cares or believes what he has to say.

            Molesley/Mrs. Baxter. Thomas was only too eager to tell Molesley Baxter’s back story. Clearly Molesley is crushed but he’s so in love with her it is beyond his ken that she could have done anything so nefarious without provocation. Baxter’s refusal to tell him the whole story only makes her more endearing. If Baxter stays (I think she will) she will eventually confide in him with the whole story. They are my odds on favorite for getting married by the end of the season.

 

 

 

            Violet/Isobel. Their relationship is always like flint even on the best of days. Isobel may be warming to the idea of Lord Merton’s attention. Violet is chaffing at the changes the future could be bringing. Isobel as a Lady, and the technological changes making the aristocracy more human are clearly worrying her she is sailing into treacherous waters.

            Edith and Tim Drew/Margie Drew. Tim Drew’s plan to have Edith become Marigold’s godmother is not going down easily with Margie Drew. Drew (who is one of those men who looks better when he’s not smiling, he looks a bit creepy when he smiles) is trying to force Edith on Margie who already thinks Edith has a crush on him. Hello? What part of this plan does Drew thinks is going to work? Margie is clearly an intelligent person, she’s bound to figure out the relationship between Edith and Marigold sooner or later. Will she keep Edith’s secret? Will Tim have to tell Margie the truth?

 

            Mary/Charles Blake Mary is so annoying when it comes to men. I hated her coy demeanor with Charles, who is so clearly smarter than that. She can play coy with Tony because he’s not as smart as Charles, but Charles can see for himself what is going on. He thinks Mary is selling herself short by settling for Tony, but he’s man enough not to grovel for her affection. He tells her she’s too smart for Gillingham, and it seems that there is something else he knows about Tony he’s not telling Mary being that sort of loyal fellow. I think it’s fantastic that he gives her his opinion about an issue then walks away, rather than engage in a debate with her which she clearly wants to do. Charles has given Mary something to think about and his words will come back to Mary. Her plan to spend time with Gillingham has disaster written all over it. There are so many ways this thing could go south. I have a feeling when it hits the fan, Tony will go back to Mable Lane Fox and Charles will be there for Mary to pick up the pieces.

            Cora/Robert/Bricker It’s strange how Robert can have a better understanding of the villagers than the people in his own home. Bricker is obviously flirting with Cora, and the thing Robert complains about is Bricker flirting with the dog. Again childish Robert, avoids the obvious and demands Cora ask him not to flirt with the dog. Cora knows she’s being flirted with and is stung that Robert is more concerned about the dog than he is about her. Bricker won’t stop his flirtations with Cora.

 

            The biggest spark of the episode was saved for the last 30 seconds. Sgt. Willis’s questions about Mr. Green froze the unflappable Mrs. Hughes in her tracks. Mr. Green’s death was apparently witnessed. What did the witness see? Do they think it was murder? Cue the piano and violin…

 

Cheers!