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!

Revelations (Not the Biblical Kind)

               Episode 3 was filled with revelations which will have a bearing on important future decisions and outcomes. We’ll start with Lady Mary. Ah, Mary, Mary quite contrary. She has an annoying habit of wanting it all and using others for her own purposes. She has an intimate affair with a man (I’m trying to keep things G rated) and yet she doesn’t want to be tarnished AGAIN; and she asked devoted Anna to sacrifice her personal beliefs and pristine reputation so she won’t be discovered with an illicit book and a birth control device. In the 1920’s, sleeping with a man, not your husband, and using birth control makes you a tarnished person. She is so arrogant, she deludes herself into thinking as long as she doesn’t get caught everything is alright. Incredibly immature.

In any event, Mary’s “research” in Liverpool left her feeling that Charles Blake was correct. She confesses to Tom that Tony “is a nice man but he’s not…” Let me fill in the blank…SMART!!

Of course they have nothing in common. Tony is a well-bred, landed, handsome shell. He’s as deep as a puddle. It only took Mary one week to discover she’s already tired of him. In the sneak peek to the next episode it looks like she’s preparing to give him the push. But as we’ve come to know by now, nothing is that simple. The Dowager gave Mary both the least helpful and the most helpful advice. Violet said, “In my day a lady was incapable of feeling physical attraction until she was instructed to do so by her mama.” Sorry Granny, that ship sailed a long time ago. Then she told Mary, "You have to take control of your feelings before they take control of you." That is advice worth taking, which means Mary, quite contrary won't.

 

         Cora was the next one to have a revelation. For Cora, this was a revelation a long time in the making. Robert has had the long time practice of “not concerning” Cora with matters which affect the estate.

Since the war, Cora discovered she likes being involved and being useful. Robert treats her like one of Downton’s ornaments: beautiful and valuable but mute. Cora was first rankled by Robert’s refusal to tell her more about the development of houses on the estate, as if it was beneath her understanding. Then came Mr. Bricker who paid Cora the kind of attention Robert hasn’t. He was not only captivated by her beauty but also by her intellect. Robert’s belittling comment had a biting effect when he said he found it difficult to believe that an art critic could find her observations about art impossible to resist. A comment which no doubt Robert will regret.

         Poor Edith, all her revelations bring sadness. She could not have been too surprised, however, by the revelation that Margie Drew has had enough of Edith’s visits to see Marigold. She has more than worn out her welcome. Tim Drew was harsh with Margie when he told her she was soft in the head, but in Margie’s defense she doesn’t know the whole story. Now Edith’s child will be so close and yet so far away. Heartbreaking. How many ways can this girl be tortured emotionally?!?!

         Daisy and Rose turned out to have the only happy revelations of the episode. Daisy learns she is brighter than she ever gave herself credit and Rose has a caring heart and is capable of thinking of someone other than herself. Well done ladies. 

         I have to admit that Baxter’s revelation was a bit of a letdown for me. Baxter revealed to Cora that she was under the influence of a nasty man who persuaded her to steal the jewels and left her to face the consequences.

  I thought Baxter’s story would be more compelling but at least she gets to stay and continue her relationship with Mr. Molesley. Since Baxter won’t go to the police about Mr. Coyle, I wonder if Mr. Coyle will make another appearance in Baxter’s life and try to repeat the scheme at Downton.

         Violet’s revelation was subtle yet powerful. The appearance of Prince Kuragin at Downton nearly knocked her off her firmly planted aristocratic feet. It certainly left her breathless. 

 Is there more to the fan than just a fan? It would appear so based on her reaction and based on Kuragin’s statement that she hid the fan because she was afraid Lord Grantham would get upset if he saw her with it. Did she take her own advice all those years ago and take control of her emotions…we’ll see…

         Finally the reveal of reveals, there was a witness to Mr. Green’s death, a young woman who heard Green say, “Why have you come?” just as he fell (or was pushed) into the street. Then the police sergeant told Carson that apparently he and Bates had an argument at Downton. Mr. Green was a clever one, he was setting Mr. Bates up in the event Bates came after him for what he did to Anna. Perhaps he wasn’t as clever as he should have been. Bates, not to be outdone in the sly department, had an account for his day in York, his prison education at work. He made sure he was seen in a few places in York that day, making it unlikely that he’d have traveled to London.  Will Mr. Green have the last word? I hope not.

         Carson and Mrs. Hughes are again on opposite sides of an issue: whether or not to include young Archie, Mrs. Patmore’s nephew, in the village’s memorial to the WWI soldiers. It seems that it is these controversial issues which are bringing Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes closer together. Perhaps as they negotiate these trials they are coming to a better understanding of each other and closer together. Or will it be that their differences are too many for them to overcome personally?

         Tom and Thomas will have their big revelations in episodes to come.

On to the next episode…

Cheers!!

 

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!

Sex, Lies and Fire Hoses



If anyone thought we’d be easing into Season 5 of Downton Abbey, they were grossly disabused of that notion after watching the first episode. We hit the ground running picking right up where we left off last season. It was an evening of sex, lies and fire hoses—what a start and where to begin?!?

The obvious choice is Edith, but I think I’ll wait to write about her. I’ll start with Robert. After 34 years of marriage, you would think he would take Cora into his confidence, but he doesn’t and continues to pay the price. By “protecting” Cora from the details of life, he puts the family in awkward situations. Had he told Cora about his feelings regarding Sarah Bunting, they could have avoided a painfully

uncomfortable dinner. Alas, he didn’t, and we squirmed through an intense political debate between Robert and Sarah more edgy than anything we’ve witnessed even between Violet and Isobel. He is also thinly veiling his disappointment of not being asked to serve on the WWI memorial committee. He continually says he’s not disappointed but it is obvious he’s crushed.

As for Sarah Bunting, I do not think she will become Tom’s new love. He does not seem to regard her in that way. He recognized her behavior at dinner as being rude (which it was) and apologized for it. I think her role is to prick Tom’s memory of the political activist he used to be. She is reinvigorating his personal views which may lead him away from Downton. He’s talked a lot about moving from Downton and being true to himself, I think Tom will solidify his position this season and either reconcile his views with life at Downton or he’ll move on. He has made frequent statements of how much he loves the family but those statements have always been qualified by another statement of how important it is for him not to lose himself. I’m truly not sure what he’ll do, I can make the case for both scenarios, we’ll see. In any event, I don’t see Miss Bunting coming back to Downton as a dinner guest any time soon. I think she’ll be back but downstairs as Daisy’s math tutor and perhaps she’ll try to rally the downstairs to her political way of thinking. Look out Mr. Carson!!

Ah, Daisy, how can you not feel for Daisy? Here is a young woman who knows there is more to life than peeling potatoes and making the béchamel for the savory. She does not have the formal education others have and has no self-esteem at all she calls herself a “pig ignorant idiot” with “the brain of a kipper” but she is smart enough

to know she needs to acquire certain math skills if she is to become a success as a head cook or the owner of a farm (Yay to Mrs. Hughes for encouraging her). Sarah Bunting will likely become Daisy’s math tutor, she’ll also probably plant some political revolutionary ideas in Daisy’s head as well.

Staying downstairs, I knew Miss Baxter’s secret would be a whopper but I never expected her to be a thief and a convicted felon!! Like Bates, there has to be more to the story. My guess is that she stole the jewelry to help a struggling family member or

friend. I don’t believe she stole the items for herself. The fact that the jewelry was gone by the time the police picked her up tells me she either sold them or gave them to someone else. Baxter must be protecting someone. I love Molesley’s steadfast support of her, and he’s spot on about Thomas.  Any secret she tells him will be used against that person. I don’t think Cora will sack her, which will only increase the tension between Thomas and Baxter. Thomas will try to scratch away at Baxter’s reputation until she’s forced to leave on her own. I think the staff will rally behind her.

Molesley’s hair dying effort was the comedy relief for the evening. Clearly he’s trying to look younger, perhaps to attract Miss Baxter? Robert’s line of inquiry was hysterical. “Molesley are you part Latin?” “No, my Lord.” “Italian?” “No” “Spanish or Irish?” “No”. Not that Italy is a Latin country, but Irish?? Not what I would associate as a dark complected country.

For more sexual innuendo, Violet’s and Isobel’s conversation about Lord Merton was priceless. Violet: “Lord Merton wants what all men want.” Isobel: “Don’t be ridiculous.” Violet: “I was referring to companionship…as I hope you were.” Too funny. In the end though, Violet is determined to scuttle Isobel and Merton’s relationship, she can’t stand the idea that Isobel could become a wife and titled woman and an important figure in the county. Her plans usually succeed, Isobel, however, is the sort of person that tugs in the opposite direction Violet is leaning so it should be interesting. They both live to meddle in other’s lives, we’ll see which meddler wins.

The final bit of sexual innuendo was a brief conversation between Anna and Bates. Bates ponders about parenting a child who was not his when talking about Mary and Gillingham, which led to a quick exchange about having a family of their own. Will there be the pitter patter of little feet for Anna and Bates? How much does Baxter know about Mr. Bates and Mr. Green? Will it interfere with their family planning?

For more sexual activity which was far from innuendo, there was lots going on

both upstairs and downstairs. First, Jimmy and Lady Anstruther made the Abbey fire even hotter!! Yikes! Clearly, Jimmy had to be sacked, but I wonder if we’ll be hearing more from him. Will he maintain his friendship with Thomas?

Then there is Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham. He’s not subtle, I’ll give him that. “Mary, I want to be lovers.” Even though Mary thinks she wants to know more about “that side of things” before deciding on a husband, I’m not sure she is ready. Mary doesn’t like to be pushed, if Gillingham continues to push too hard Mary may bolt. I can’t help but think he’s trying to trap her into the relationship. Gillingham is over-confident now, he thinks he’s won, but I know we haven’t heard the last of Charles Blake.

Now we come to Lady Edith. Sex, lies and fire hoses all apply to her she’s hit the trifecta. The lie is obvious, hiding her child at the Drew farm as the daughter of Mr. Drew’s friend who died. She dotes on Marigold at the Drew farm and ignores the other children completely, subtle. As for the sex, Margie Drew thinks Edith has a crush on Drew tangling the web further. Drew, of course, knows Edith’s secret. He is a funny sort he’s rather like an oracle whose pronouncements have to be deciphered. He tells Edith “We must find a way for you to live the truth without telling the truth.” What does that mean?? Then after giving the problem some thought he comes out with this suggestion, “You’re going to take a greater interest in little Marigold.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t that what got Edith into trouble to begin with?? Perhaps he means she should adopt her or become her godmother or take up some other role which will give her exposure to Marigold without raising suspicion and get Drew off the hook.

As for the fire hoses, unlucky Edith tosses the only reminder she has of Gregson into the fire and nearly burns the Abbey down in the process. Her bad luck has risen

to epic levels, she’s now endangering other people’s lives although the only room damaged in the fire was, of course, her room. Now Mrs. Hughes knows something is up with Edith as she overheard Edith and Drew’s conversation. If I trusted anyone with a secret it would be Mrs. Hughes. Perhaps Edith’s luck is about to change.

 

 

Cheers!