Austenprose – A Jane Austen Blog

A bar of soap and solidarity tied up episode six of Downton Abbey of Masterpiece Classic very neatly last week. It was an uplifting conclusion, until this week’s devastating final episode. I wish episode six had been the last of the season. Instead, the Crawley’s went to Scotland to visit Cousin Shrimpie, stalked deer, fished for salmon and danced a reel while the downstairs mice left at Downton Abbey played at the local fair while the cat was away.

My Recap (Major, Major Spoilers!)

Joy arrived with the birth of the long awaited heir to Downton Abbey—but into each life some rain must fall—and in this case, a monsoon hit Yorkshire and swamped our hearts. I will not pad the deep blow with my usual detailed recap but cut to the chase. After spending a very brief time with his wife and newly-born son, Matthew Crawley died in a car crash on his way back home from visiting her and the baby at the hospital. The happily-ever-after will never be possible for him or many at Downton again.

No cliff-hangers here by writer Julian Fellowes—at all—quite the opposite. More on this tragic, startling, ending in my review below, after I point out some of the happier moments during the episode that was called the Downton Christmas Special in the UK when it aired there.

Favorite moments:

“Have a bit of the tart if you like.” – Mrs. Patmore

“I don’t mind if I do.” – Joss Tufton

There is romance in the air at Downton upstairs and down. Many attempted hook-up’s for young and old added levity and humor for most of the episode. There are a lot of sexual innuendos planted throughout. Have fun catching them as they wiz by.

“I love reeling. If I weren’t pregnant I dance until dawn.” – Lady Mary

So, in the opening scenes we discover Lady Mary is pregnant. But, we are immediately distressed to learn that she is due in a month yet traveling with her husband and family to Scotland by train. This seems rather risky after all the couple went through to get in the family way, and how important an heir is to the future safety of the estate.

Duneagle Castle in Scotland

The destination vacation for the Crawley’s is Cousin Hugh ‘Shrimpie’ MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire’s estate Duneagel in Scotland. We first heard tell of him in season two when Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham placed a phone call to him at the War Office when Matthew had gone missing during combat. He is a diplomat and her cousin by marriage through her niece Susan, daughter of her sister. The MacClare’s are the parents of young Rose, the flapper we met in episode six.

“Edith. My basic fact is that I am in love with you…you know that already.” Michael Gregson

“Do I? Yes, I supposed I do.” – Lady Edith

OMG! I am getting peeved that poor Edith is being made into a naïve idiot again. No, please no.

“No man’s wanted to squire me since the Golden Jubilee. Even then he expected me to buy the drinks.” – Mrs. Patmore

The Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was celebrated on 20 June 1887. Since this is 1922, Mrs. P. has been without a date for 35 years. No wonder she’s all giddy and girlish.

“Ten hours crawling through heather and nothing to show for it. Perhaps it’s a parable of life.” Matthew Crawley

There are a lot a parables, euphemisms and philosophy in this episode. Just watch Mrs. Hughes and Matthew Crawley very closely.

“Unless you want Rose married to a third rate colonial official with no money and bad teeth Susan better think again.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

The MacClare’s are being sent to some unknown colonial outpost. This remark is Violet’s way of letting us know what she thinks of the marriage prospects away from England. Considering that she was ready to pack up her granddaughter Mary in season one and send her to Italy or America to find a husband is a telling clue of Rose’s prospects unless she intercedes.

“You don’t want to go to the fair?” – Alfred

“I’d sooner chew broken glass.” – Mr. Carson

After all of the romantic hook-up’s, gambling, drinking and fighting, we are very happy that Mr. Carson did not go to the fair.

“A man of mystery. Edith could use some of that.” – Lady Mary

“You are horrid when you want to be.” – Matthew Crawley

Lady Mary was back to her old snarky remarks about Edith in this episode. We will cut her some slack since she is preggers and well, just Lady Mary.

“What’s going on in here?…you were just taking advantage of the cat’s absence. We’ll see what Mr. Carson has to say.” Mrs. Hughes

Mrs. Hughes catches the two footmen Alfred and James sitting on the settee in the parlor.  She has a keen eye in this episode and catches inappropriate behavior all around. This usually falls to Mr. Carson’s watchful radar, so it was fun to see the Great Philosopher of Downton in action.

“Love to be in love, any time any place. I’ll not deny it Mrs. Hughes. I love to be in love.” – Joss Tufton

Telescoping I’d say.

“Does the law expect me to have no life at all until I die? Would Lord Grantham?” – Michael Gregson

“You can’t expect that he would want you to involve his own daughter, what when all you have to offer her is a job as your own mistress.” – Matthew Crawley

“No, I love her.  I’m offering my love.” – Michael Gregson

“You’ve been misled by our surroundings. We’re not in a novel by Walter Scott.” – Matthew Crawley

Mr. Rochester/Michael Gregson is corrected by Matthew with a literary euphemism. What irony. This new plot with Edith’s faux beaux really stinks. I know that is not very professional, but there you have it. Edith deserves much better than a married man with a mad wife in the attic. Lady Mary, Lord Grantham and Matthew are all very suspicious and for good reason. We are all yelling at the screen!

“Either way it was the cooking he was after and not me.” – Mrs. Patmore

What a relief that Mrs. Patmore’s romantic incident with the gross grocer ended in laughter and not heartbreak.

“Are you proud of your handy work?” – Miss O’Brien

“Well, I don’t know what you …” – Miss Wilkins

“Never mind Miss Wilkins, it might do him good to let it all go for once.” – Miss O’Brien

We knew “every savage could dance” but Mr. Mosley? Hysterical!!! I felt that we had met O’Brien’s evil twin in Scotland with fellow lady’s maid Miss Wilkins, but she had obviously not earned her evil bangs yet and was no match for her. Touché!

“…be your own master and call your own tune.” – Mrs. Hughes

Great advice to Tom Branson from the Great Philosopher of Downton, Mrs. Hughes.

“There are rules to this way of life Edna, and if you’re not prepared to live by them, then it’s not the right life for you.” – Mrs. Hughes

Again, brava to more Mrs. Hughesisms. New maid Edna gets the boot for having the hots for Mr. Branson and not being able to contain it.

“Love is like riding or learning French. If you don’t learn it young, it’s hard to get the trick of it later.” – Lord Flintshire (Cousin Shrimpie)

Young, wild Cousin Rose is going to live with the Crawley’s at Downton while her dueling parents are away on diplomatic duty. I thought this was very touching of her father to say this to Lady Grantham. He wants the best for his daughter who is always fighting with her horrid mother Susan, who will hopefully be eaten by tigers in India.

“Just think. We’ve done our duty. Downton is safe. Papa must be dancing a jig.” – Lady Mary

Ahhh…another baby for Downton. This one gets to be the Little Prince for about ten seconds and then, tick tock, tick tock, he is Prince Regent.

“Yet, here we are with two healthy heirs, an estate in good order and I wonder what I’ve done to deserve it.” – Lord Grantham

“I agree. But then, we don’t always get our just deserts.” Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Just deserts? Oh Granny, please do not mention levelers of life right now as Matthew is so happy and we are riding along with him on the road to Downton and doom.

My Review:

I saw this episode when it aired in the UK on Christmas Day. It has been almost three months and I am still angry and sad. The writer/creator Julian Fellow offers this explanation. It didn’t help.

I have been an advocate for Downton Abbey from day one. I have blogged about it and reviewed every episode. I have co-moderated three years of live twitter parties hosted by Masterpiece Classic. I have cheered and laughed and reveled in it glorious success for PBS and period drama. I am about as big of a fan girl as they come—but I still do not agree with how this season ended so tragically for Matthew and the fans of the series.

Unfortunately, Dan Stevens who portrayed Matthew Crawley wanted to move on and do other work. He may be remembered as the bloke who ditched the mega-hit series Downton Abbey, or he could win some fantastic role that might save him and move him to the next level. It is all a crap shoot. I try to be philosophical like housekeeper Mrs. Hughes whose advice to Tom Branson was spot on “…be your own master and call your own tune.” Obviously the writer Mr. Fellowes planted that for us to just chew on.

Season four of Downton Abbey starts production in England this month. Fellowes has dug himself a big whole to fill. We shall see if the series can crawl out of it.

• Watch Downton Abbey Season 3: Episode 7 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Further reading:

• Read my review of Downton Abbey S3E6
• Upstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Downstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
• Visit our Downton Abbey archives

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

Read Full Post »

Faith and food filled last week’s episode 5 of Downton Abbey after the devastation of the loss of Lady Sybil. As the family continues to mourn, the future of her baby and husband Tom at Downton are uncertain. Branded the scarlet woman of Downton, former housemaid Ethel’s return as Mrs. Crawley’s housekeeper has shocked the community. When Lord Grantham crashes a luncheon attended by the ladies of Downton at Crawley house, the ladies are united in their support of her rehabilitation and refuse to leave. On an upbeat note, Mr. Bates’ conviction has been overturned and he has been set free! Anna and Bates are now once again together and happy!

Recap of episode 6 (spoilers ahead)

Downstairs: All but one welcome Downton’s prodigal servant Mr. Bates back home with open arms! His return places interim valet Mr. Thomas Barrow in an untenable position and he must give way and let Mr. Bates return as Lord Grantham’s valet. This situation is quickly overshadowed by a sexual scandal that could taint the reputation of the estate as Miss O’Brien’s plotting to ruin Thomas comes to fruition when her nephew Alfred catches him making sexual advances at footman James late at night in his bedroom. After James’ continued complains to Mr. Carson, Thomas is forced to resign without references, ruining his chances for future work. Mr. Bates feels sorry for Thomas and offers his assistance with pressuring Miss O’Brien to convince James to recant. Thomas reveals a certain fact about her ladyship’s soap that immediately does the rick and her scheme is thwarted. This further angers her nephew Alfred who reports the incident to the police.

Upstairs: Matthew and Tom work together to develop a new plan to save Downton and make it self-sufficient. Robert’s resistance to change and his concern for his tenants is supported by his long-time estate manager Mr. Jarvis whose indignation results in his resignation. To stop the scandal that is Ethel, the Dowager Countess is determined to see her move elsewhere and secretly places an advertisement in the London paper for a housekeeper seeking a position. One of the replies is from a woman who lives nearby the home of the Bryant’s, the grandparents who now care for her son little Charlie. Violet orchestrates a reunion of Mrs. Byrant and Ethel so they can come to terms with her working nearby and seeing her son. Lady Edith has a new job as a journalist for a paper in London whose editor Michael Gregson is keen on her. She is cautiously interested until she discovers he is married. He reveals that his wife is a lunatic and there is no hope of him obtaining a divorce. Young cousin Lady Rose MacClare visits Cousin Lady Rosamund Painswick in London with Lady Edith and Matthew. Escaping to meet her married lover in a jazz club, she is caught in the act. Matthew controls her by bargaining with their silence if she will behave. The annual cricket match is in full swing when the local police arrive looking for a statement from Alfred who reported Thomas for criminal behavior against James. Lord Grantham intercedes and Alfred recants claiming to be drunk at the time. Now that Lord Grantham is on board with the new plans for Downton, Matthew and Mary are pleased to be building a new kingdom and making a little prince.

Favorite Moments:

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather cut and run like me?” – Tom Branson

I love the frankness of Tom Branson’s humor. The bromance between he and Matthew is one of the highlights on the series.

“I do think the women’s place is in the home, eventually. But I don’t see any harm in her having some fun before she gets there.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Another great zinger from the Downton whisperer.

“You berate me for not taking responsibility and then you tell me off for doing just that. You can’t have it both ways.” – Matthew Crawley

“I can if I want to.” – Lady Mary

I am relieved to see some genuine romance and less bickering from the love birds of Downton!

“Cousin Violet has never let an inconvenience stand in the way of a principle.” – Mrs. Crawley

“As the kettle said to the pot.” – Violet, Dowager Countess

Young Lady Rose’s introduction to the world of Isobel vs. Violet begins in a throw down. She laughs it off, but she won’t be laughing later!

“Married men who wish to seduce young women always have horrid wives.” – Matthew Crawley

Best line of the night!

“There must be something you know about Miss O’Brien that you can use against her.” – Mr. Bates

“You’ve heard of the phrase “you know when your beaten”? Well, I’m beaten Mr. Bates. I’m well and truly beaten.” – Mr. Barrow

“Well, then give me the weapon and I’ll do the work.” Mr. Bates

Who would have thought that two fierce adversaries would be on the same side? Mr. Bates’ need to fall on his own sword might just kill him some day.

“Shall I tell you how I look at it? Every man or woman who marries into this house, every child born into it has to put their gifts at the families disposal. I’m a hard worker with some knowledge of the land. Matthew knows the law and the nature of business.” – Tom Branson

“Which I do not.” – Lord Grantham

“You understand the responsibilities we owe to the people round here, those who work for the estate and those who don’t. It seems to me if we could pool all of that, if we each what we can do, then Downton has a real chance.” – Tom Branson

Interesting moment where the former chauffeur/family outsider Tom Branson reveals to the Lord of the Manor what he should be seeing himself. A turning point for Lord Grantham and the estate.

“I’m afraid that I find the idea of a married man flirting with me wholly repugnant. So you see…I must hand in my resignation at once.” – Lady Edith

Oh dear a big blow to #TeamEdith. Another mad wife in the attic? Why must the rug be constantly pulled out from her happiness?

“So we will be building our new kingdom while we make our little prince.” – Lady Mary

My Review

Malfeasance, shenanigans, whippersnappers and harlots ran a muck at Downton last night as we experienced one of the sharpest written episodes, whose dialogue had our ears are burning with delight. Our only complaint was that it was too long. We much prefer the one hour length that we have been feed for the past four weeks. There is just too much to absorb in two hours. There. We never thought there could be too much Downton Abbey, but there it is.

Intervene was the key word of last night’s episode as help from unexpected sources arrived to save some, and condemn others. Mary and Matthew have (thankfully) ended their bickering over money and joined sides in Matthew’s plan to modernize Downton. He is very definite about her being on his team now and she did not object as she has in the past. Lady Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham, was in fine form and as Machiavellian as ever manipulating the family and staff into convincing Isobel Crawley that Ethel would be much happier living a new town where no one knew of her past. How she orchestrated obtaining a new position for Ethel by using so many different people to remove the source of scandal was disturbingly brilliant. I never thought I would see Mr. Bates teaming up with Thomas to thwart Miss O’Brien, but he did—and was able to accomplish his goal with one fact from Thomas against her, “her ladyship’s soap.” There were many other instances of characters helping those in need or upsetting plans, but I was most moved by family outsider Tom Branson. As the widow of Lady Sybil, and the new estate manager, he has the unique position of not being deeply entrenched in family dynamics so he can say the obvious to Lord Grantham—that it is everyone’s responsibility to bring their talents forward so they can pool their resources for the benefit of the estate. That is a very socialist ideology that even traditionalist Lord Grantham can agree to.

The Oddest Plot Twist Award of the season goes again to poor Lady Edith and her working girl adventures in London. I am encouraged that they are allowing her to “do” something besides her grandmother’s suggestion of watercolors and charity work, but really Mr. Fellowes—you have taken her character around the bend and through the woods several times in the love department—but fixing her up with her editor (a younger looking version of the infamous altar jilter Sir Anthony Strallen) whose wife is insane is just too close to turning her into Jane Eyre in love with her employer whose wife is madwoman living in the attic. Really? Seriously? This is all you could think up for her?

I will end on that note and ask readers what they thought of all the resolutions and one last dangling conflict?

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun, and totally free.

• Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 5 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Join us for the conclusion of Downton Abbey Season 3 when episode 7 takes us to Scotland to meet Cousin Shrimpie and his family, next Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

• Read my review of Downton Abbey S3E5
• Upstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Downstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
• Visit our Downton Abbey archives

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

Read Full Post »

Life and death weighed in deeply in last week’s episode 4 of Downton Abbey. The birth of Lady Sybil’s daughter and her shocking death overshadowed any of the other plot developments. As the two doctors in attendance stood at her bedside with her family and watched helpless (as did we) as she was overcome with toxemia from eclampsia, I felt that writer Julian Fellowes was using every emotion to rip out our hearts. Sybil was such a kind, sweet soul—a rare commodity at Downton and the world—that her death is doubly hard for all to bear. Here is a link to a lovely tribute video of Lady Sybil created by Masterpiece PBS. Downstairs, the new staff is posturing for position and romance while Miss O’Brien plants the seeds of destruction for her former partner in crime valet Mr. Barrow. Lady’s maid Anna and her husband, former valet Mr. Bates, discover a previously overlooked fact that may overturn his murder conviction of his wife and set him free from jail.

Recap of episode 5 (spoilers ahead)

Lady Sybil has been laid to rest and Downton Abbey will never be the same. The family’s grief and mourning is very acute, especially by her husband Tom Branson whose future there seems uncertain. The baby must be christened and Tom is determined to have her baptized in his own faith. This appalls Lord Grantham who feels her life will be doomed as a “left footer.” Catholicism vs. Anglicism is discussed at dinner upstairs and down and there is a definite division of beliefs. The growing rift between Lord and Lady Grantham over local Dr. Clarkson’s advice to save Sybil vs. the London specialist Dr. Tapsell moves the Dowager Countess to step in and convince Dr. Clarkson to tell her son and daughter-in-law that Lady Sybil was destined to die even with the surgery he recommended. This realization mends the fence and they are reconciled in their grief.

Mrs. Crawley wants to throw a luncheon for the ladies of Downton to ease their suffering and asks her housekeeper Ethel to prepare a simple meal. Ethel is determined that she can cook finer fare than cold ham and a salad and convinces the cook at Downton Mrs. Patmore to coach her. The more elaborate meal surprises Mrs. Crawley and delights her guests until Lord Grantham crashes the party furious that the ladies are endangering the reputation of Downton by associating with a woman who bore a bastard and was previously a prostitute. He insists that they leave immediately, but they refuse. Assistant cook Daisy is still keen on Alfred who is keen on Ivy who is keen on James. Everyone is in love with the wrong person as Mrs. Patmore’s keen eyes so clearly perceive. Mr. Bates’ lawyer interviews his dead wife’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett and it is not surprise that she has changed her story, most likely tipped off and bribed by that irksome prison guard hounding Bates. Well two can play at this game so Bates threatens his cellmate which turns the tide so the witness can recant and Bates is sprung. It is the only good news at Downton in months.

Favorite Moments:

“Did you hear about Tom’s announcement at breakfast? He wants the child to be a left footer.” – Lord Grantham

It was interesting to see all of the household’s reaction to the Catholic vs. Anglican issue. It helped us remember what era this drama is placed in and how important your choice of faith was.

“My dearest boy. There is no test on earth greater than the one you have been put to. I do not speak much of the heart since it is seldom helpful to do so, but I know well enough the pain when it is broken.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

A nice mother and son moment from the whisperer of Downton herself.

“You know the trouble with you lot, you’re all in love with the wrong people.” – Mrs. Patmore

Too true – as I mentioned before, Daisy is keen on Alfred who is keen on Ivy who is keen on James. There is another who is also in love with the wrong person too. When will the shoe drop?

“The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk is a dear friend and she is more Catholic than the Pope.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Lady Violet is referring to Gwendolen Fitzalan-Howard, 12th Lady Herries of Terregles, The Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. She was a Roman Catholic aristocrat whose family was the model for the Marchmain family in Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited.

“You are always flabbergasted by the unconventional…not everyone chooses their religion to satisfy Debrett’s.” – Lady Grantham

Lady Grantham is referring to Debrett’s Perrage & Baronetage, a book that is a genealogical reference to the British aristocracy. Austen fans will remember that in Persuasion, Sir Walter Elliot “for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage.” He was a puffed up snob. Lady Grantham’s mention of this is a rub to her husband’s snobbish beliefs reminding him of her American roots and values. Well said Lady Grantham.

“So there’s a country boy inside the revolutionary?” – Matthew Crawley

“Not much of one.” – Tom Branson

“You must hate it here.” – Matthew Crawley

“No. I don’t hate it, but I don’t belong here either.” – Tom Branson

Both Matthew and Tom are outsiders at Downton who have married into the family. This bromance between the two son-in-law’s is developing nicely though it is a bit harder for them to accept the revolutionary Fenian former chauffeur than a middle class former attorney as family.

“I expected her to deny everything once she realized that her testimony would release me.” – Mr. Bates

Mr. Bates’ last chance at freedom does not look promising. Depending on the honesty of his dead wife’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett who hates him is a long shot.

“Of course, if Mrs. Patmore wants to spend her time frolicking with prostitutes.” – Mr. Carson

“Do I look like a frolicker? – Mrs. Patmore

Caught in the act of visiting Ethel at Crawley House by the disapproving Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore back peddles quickly and offers the perfect comeback! Ha!

“It seems such a pity to miss a good pudding.” – Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham

Huzzah! Prostitutes and pudding prevail at Downton! A very tense scene with Lord Grantham crashing the party at Crawley House is softened again by a bon mot by the Dowager Countess. So perfect.

“A fool and his money are soon parted, and I have been parted from my money so I suppose I am a fool.” – Lord Grantham

Again, Lady Mary is discussing money matters with her father. This time she is running defense for her husband Matthew and brother-in-law Tom. She mentions she is always on her father’s team, but this time he is wrong about disapproving of the Catholic christening of baby Sybil, and Matthew’s concerns about the mismanagement of the Downton estate. Both Lord Grantham and Mr. Carson are traditionalists hanging on the past. Is there a message here that Fellowes is foreshadowing?

My Review

Nourishing our bodies and souls are key themes in episode 5 tonight. Food and religion. Two popular topics often debated but never agreed upon.

We see food preparation and its importance in stature through housekeeper Ethel’s desire to improve herself and impress her employer and the ladies at Downton when she makes a fine meal for luncheon and surprises them all. She takes a risk and is rewarded until Lord Grantham imposes his unyielding traditional values while attempting to banish his family from the house because of Ethel’s tainted past. I love the reaction by the Dowager Countess when he uses the “B” word to shame Ethel and Mrs. Crawley for inviting the ladies to lunch. Priceless!

Food is also an important plot axis in Mr. Bates’ fate too. The newly discovered fact of poisoned pie that his wife baked for herself that her neighbor Mrs. Bartlett mentions might set him free. And, Daisy the assistant cook who thinks she will spend her whole life in the preparation of food may have another option when her father-in-law offers her his tenancy at the farm including equipment and money. She would be an heiress of sorts – not on the scale of the Downton ladies – but still quite a step up from kitchen duties and a life in service. Now, let’s Segway to another dinner at Downton where the topic of religion is so prominent. The local vicar’s opinions of Catholicism vs. Anglicism is not only startling to today’s ears but to some family members in 1920 too. It was a great way for screenwriter Fellowes to show us how religion, values, character, and food are so important to all and how things have not changed as much as they should have in one hundred years.

I was a bit taken aback by Lord Grantham tonight. He has never been one of those cool, calm, stiff upper lip Englishmen types that the nation is so famous for, but geesh, his temper really blew in all directions: mad at Tom, mad at Lady Mary, mad at Matthew, mad at Isobel etc. The only family member who didn’t get their ears boxed was Lady Edith who is usually the whipping boy in the family! I presume it was amplified by the grief of the loss of his daughter Lady Sybil. It was interesting to see Lady Grantham deal with her own grief in the totally opposite way by being controlled and quiet – dolling out her anger in small bursts focused on one person, her husband.

The death of Lady Sybil was a deep blow to the series and I was concerned about how they could move past it. She was such a sweet character and so admired. Only the good die young.

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun, and totally free.

• Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 5 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Episode 6 of season 3 of Downton Abbey airs next Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

• Read my review of Downton Abbey S3E4
• Upstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Downstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
• Visit our Downton Abbey archives

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

Read Full Post »

As rebellion reached Downton Abbey last week in episode 3, we were thrown into the drama of Tom and Lady Sybil’s flight from Ireland, Lady Edith’s venture into women’s suffrage and Cousin Matthew’s resistance of how the Downton estate has been managed over the years. Downstairs, new staff added the needed hands to bring the service back up to the pre-war standards that butler Mr. Carson and housekeeper Mrs. Hughes demand. While two new footman James and kitchen maid Ivy flutter a few hearts, the recently promoted lady’s maid Anna and her incarcerated husband Mr. Bates had a rocky separation before months of their correspondence was released by the prison and delivered to each of them.

Recap of episode 4 (major spoilers ahead)

Downstairs, Miss O’Brien is planting her seeds of destruction against valet Thomas, now rightfully called Mr. Barrow in honor due his position and not his personality. She advises footman James to seek his assistance when he can, hoping to throw them into each others path to fuel her plot to destroy Thomas’ pride and position. Daisy is in a tizzy over the attentions that the two footmen James and Alfred are lavishing on the comely new kitchen maid Ivy. She is doubly hard on her, barking commands and being all-around surly until Alfred sees an opportunity to save Ivy from embarrassment and steps in to fix the Hollandaise sauce at the last minute for her. Mrs. Patmore’s sharp eyes see all and humbles Daisy into acknowledging Ivy’s skill by making her thank her for her good work. Lady’s maid Ann finally visits her husband John Bates in jail and they discuss a new fact previously overlooked that might set him free. It all hinges on the word of a woman who hates him, so extra precautions must be taken with Vera’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett so that she does not know that her word might overturn his conviction.

Upstairs, Lady Mary and her husband Matthew discuss Downton’s management (or mismanagement) as they tour the estate. His understanding of how Downton has been run in the past is from a business perspective which shows his middle-class upbringing, while Mary’s father sees things from an aristocratic view of caring for his tenants as individuals no matter what the financial outcome. Mrs. Crawley offers Ethel a job in her household which causes quite a stir. Her housekeeper Mrs. Bird refuses to work with a women with a past and gives Mrs. Crawley a her or me ultimatum, the outcome of which is not what she expected. Later, the staff at Downton are shocked to learn that Mrs. Bird has resigned because of Ethel. Outraged that a fallen women is working in service for a lady, Mr. Carson will not allow any of the maids or the footmen to go to Mrs. Crawley’s house lest everyone’s reputation be tainted by association. Lady Sybil’s baby is due and Lady Grantham seeks the advice of the local physician Dr. Clarkson while Lord Grantham sends for a famous doctor from London. The two doctors do not see eye to eye and the family is divided during a crisis while she is in labor. A baby girl arrives and everyone is relieved until Sybil’s health takes a turn with the worst possible outcome. Her death is a deep blow to everyone at Downton and the blame game begins between Lady Grantham and her husband.

Favorite Moments:

“There really is nothing wrong?” – Tom Branson

“Nothing at all.” – Dr. Clarkson

Tom Branson asks the family doctor about his wife’s health so close to her delivery. Of course he says nothing is wrong. This from the man who prescribed cinnamon and milk for the Spanish Flu!

“You better ask Mr. Barrow. He’s the clock expert. He used to wind them but it is of course quite wrong for a valet to do it.” – Miss O’Brien

“Mr. Barrow won’t mind?” – James Kent

“Oh no. I can see he likes you and that’s good since he’s got the ear of his Lordship.” – Miss O’Brien

Miss O’Brien the Dear Abbey of Downton Abbey – offering advice to the needy – yeah right! She knows  whose clock Thomas wants to wind.

“I think he harks back to a time when money was abundant and there wasn’t much need to keep on top of it. I think he equates being businesslike with being mean or worse, middle class like me.” – Matthew Crawley

Ah. Another light bulb revelation. As Matthew and Mary discuss money matters of the Downton estate we are shown the difference between the classes. An interesting point, but why are Mary and Matthew always discussing money? Since he will inherit the estate and she wears the pants in the family, it is her point of view that must evolve here. This could be fun.

“Don’t bother Matthew. I’m always a failure in this family.” – Lady Edith Crawley

Edith is astounded to receive an offer of employment from the editor of The Sketch who wants her to write a weekly column. Someone values her opinion! How sad that her father Lord Grantham thinks that they only want her for her name and the title. Buck up Edith. If you storm out of rooms every time you get dinged by a member of your dysfunctional family you will be in constant motion. #TeamEdith

“Just one of the tricks of the trade.” – Ivy

“Well done Ivy you played a good one there. Thank her Daisy.” – Mrs. Patmore

Daisy is riding the new kitchen maid Ivy pretty hard while the two footmen James and Alfred vie for her attention. In this scene we get to see Alfred help save the Hollandaise sauce that has separated and make Ivy look like a star. *raised eyebrow*

“Oh don’t look at me. Cora is right. The decision lies with the chauffeur.” – Violet, Dowager Counter of Grantham

In a scene reminiscent of a tennis volley, the two doctors present differing opinions on Lady’s Sybil’s condition while in labor dividing the family: Lady Cora on the side of Dr. Clarkson and Lord Grantham on the side of Dr. Tapsell. Lady Violet, always the voice of reason in the family almost never agrees with her daughter-in-law’s decisions, but finally does, and we are left to applaud.

“She was the only person living who always thought you and I were such nice people.” – Lady Mary

“Oh, Mary. Do you think you and I might get along a little better in the future?”– Lady Edith

“I doubt it. But since this is the last time we all three shall be together in this life, let’s love each other as sisters should.” – Lady Mary

Black. Everything is black. Goodbye Lady Sybil.

My Review:

I am really quite numb after this episode. Sybil’s death was not expected and I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under us. It has overshadowed any of the other plot developments such as Edith’s good news about an invitation to write for a newspaper, or Ethel getting a job with Mrs. Crawley. Sybil was such a bright and energetic soul. Seeing all of her family in black morning and the servants with armbands was so devastating. When people die, one never knows what to say beyond offering condolences – and so, I am also speechless.

The staff story is heating up. #CrankyDaisy is back and miffed over the attention that the pretty new kitchen maid is receiving from the two footmen. It was interesting to see the footman Alfred to the rescue with the Hollandaise sauce. He obviously knows a thing or two about cooking. Miss O’Brien is weaving her evil web over Thomas and innocent James is being used for her selfish purpose. I don’t like where this is going, nor how Thomas is  being portrayed like a lecherous stalker. Finally a ray of hope for Anna and Bates, but whenever that corrupt prison guard and Bate’s cellmate put their heads together I am left wondering why. What is their motive?

How did you like episode four? Are you all as stunned as I am with the outcome and new developments?

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun, and totally free.

• Watch Downton Abbey Season 3; Episode 4 online at PBS video until March 3, 2013

Join us for episode 5 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).

Further reading:

• Read my review of Downton Abbey S3E3
• Upstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Downstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
• Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
• Visit our Downton Abbey archives

Watch Downton Abbey: Sybil and Tom on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

Read Full Post »

The premiere of Season 3 of Downton Abbey airs on PBS tonight at 9:00pm (check your local listings).

Like so many of its ardent fans, I have enjoyed every (almost) moment of the last two seasons of Downton Abbey. They say that the third season of a hit television series is the most challenging to write and produce. After being hooked in the first season by the very British characters, the glamor, ambiance and prestige of an English grand manor house during the Edwardian-era; enthralled with some of the resolutions, new characters and harrowing plot developments during WWI in the second; can they really keep the momentum rolling during season 3? That was the big question in my mind when I viewed the first episode of the phenomenally popular series. Will it be as fresh and engrossing as the last two seasons? We shall see…

If you want a sneak peek of the entire season check out my preview, then sit back with your cup or tea (or port) and get ready for your bonnet to be blown off.

Many of the original all-star British cast is returning including: Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham, Maggie Smith as the redoubtable Dowager Countess of Grantham, and Dan Stevens as the handsome, but reluctant heir apparent Matthew Crawley. There are also a few new faces to liven up the party, namely, the esteemed American actress Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson, Countess Grantham’s freewheeling American mother. Just the thought of the two formidable grandmothers, Violet, the Dowager Countess, and Martha Levinson, in the same room together engaging in fiery repartee (and you know with those two strong personalities that it’s going to  be a fireworks show) that the first episode has a very promising premise. Having seen the entire season in advance, I can tell you that they are not the only eyebrow rising, laugh-out-loud scenes in the new season—there are plenty—and some real shockers too. Here is a brief description of episode 1 (includes some spoilers).

Recap of Episode 1 (spoilers)

In the spring of 1920 the wake of WWI is deeply felt at Downton Abbey as change is in the air for England and the Crawley family and their servants. Long standing traditions die hard, and many members, upstairs and downstairs, are determined to resume their pre-war style of life. As guests arrive for the wedding of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and Lady Mary Crawley (Michele Dockery), they bring with them a touch of the outside world to this isolationist enclave of English society. Lady Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham’s (Elizabeth McGovern) American mother Martha Levinson (Shirley MacLaine) descends on her English in-laws with all the delicacy of a bull in a china shop; her brash American manners and customs are in direct opposition to the other grandmother of the household, Lady Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith). Other family members traveling from afar are a pregnant Lady Sybil nee Crawley (Jessica Brown-Findlay) and her new husband, Tom Branson (Allen Leech), the former family chauffeur whose marriage to the daughter of an Earl has caused quite a stir in the county.

Love is in the air and Lady Edith Crawley ardently (and doggedly) pursues neighbor Sir Anthony Strallan (Robert Bathurst), causing grave concern by her father Lord Grantham and his mother Lady Violet. Money becomes a critic issue for the family when a surprise reversal of fortunes requires creative solutions causing conflict between Mary and her mother Cora and her fiancé Matthew. The fate of Downton’s future lies entirely in his hands when he learns that Reggie Swire, the father of his deceased fiancé, has made him his heir to a large fortune. His reluctance to accept money from the woman who died because he broke her heart, causes a riff between him and Lady Mary shortly before the wedding. When Mary sees Mathew’s implacable honor will not save Downton from ruin, she and her grandmother Violet scheme to put pressure on the other rich grandmother,  Martha Levinson, to supply the funds to save the estate from bankruptcy.

Downtstairs, Carson the butler (Jim Carter) and housekeeper Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) try to keep the grand manor house running to pre-war standards with a reduced staff. A new kitchen maid, housemaid and footman are needed and Lady Cora’s lady’s maid O’Brien’s (Siobhan Finneran) suggest her nephew Alfred Nugent (Matt Milneis) who is hired against the opposition of her former partner-in-crime Thomas (Rob James-Collier). This causes a riff between the two evil-ones of the downstairs staff. Kitchen maid Daisy, whose promised promotion to assistant cook has not materialized, goes on strike while her boss Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol), deals with a more serious medical issue with housekeeper Mrs. Hughes. Lady’s maid Anna visits her husband John Bates in prison determined to find the evidence to free him from an unjust murder conviction.

Favorite Moments:

“An aristocrat without servants is as much use to the county as a glass hammer.” – Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

I look forward to Violet’s bon mot’s more than anything — more witty wisdom from Downton Abbey whisperer…

“Mary, dearest Mary. You tell me all of your wedding plans and I’ll see what I can do to improve them.” – Martha Levinson

Grand-mama arrives from the colonies with all her lovely comments and tacky clothes. Will Downton ever be the same?

“How can I possibly allow myself to profit from her death? Dine in splendor because I took away a woman’s will to live?” – Matthew Crawley

“Don’t you see what this means? Don’t you see what a difference this make? It mean that you’re not on our side Matthew!” – Lady Mary

Oh my. This is serious. Not even married yet and they are at odds with each other!

“I see what you’re doing you know.” – Daisy

“What is that then?” – Mrs. Patmore

“Not responding to my protests.” – Daisy

LOL, go Daisy! Demand what they promised. #CrankyDaisy

“This is Thomas’ doing. Don’t you fret. I’ll make him sorry.” – O’Brien

The evil-one is out for revenge Thomas. Watch your back. #EvilOBrien

“How can you not like him because of his age when almost every young man we grew up with is dead? Do you want me to spend my life alone?” – Lady Edith

My heart goes out to Edith. Of course she is correct. So many eligible men died in the war that there are few left as possible beaux. Personally, I wanted grand-mama Levinson to swoop her up and take her back to Newport. She would have been a big hit in America, and the irony of the Crawley’s now needing the social assistance of the Levinson’s would have been a brilliant touch. Oh well.

“Both of our husband’s tied the money up tight before they were taken.” – Martha Levinson

Didn’t they, and how it has changed so many lives.

“Have you done something jolly with your hair?” – Sir Anthony Strallen

We all need to do something jolly with our hair in Edith’s honor, don’t we? :-)

So Edith and Anthony are an item again. This has me worried.

“One day I will die and so will he and you and every one of us under this roof. You must put these things in proportion Mrs. Patmore, and I think I can do that now.” – Mrs. Hughes

Is this an omen of what is to come this season? It ends on such a dark note that one can only wonder what trouble is ahead.

My Review:

Writer Julian Fellowes has set up the new season superbly—lots of conflict, drama and romance/heartbreak in the queue. On first impression, there seems to be a less melodramatic air this season which I rather like. But it is early days, and I will only allude to the fact that there are plenty of twists and surprises in store.

It was a stoke of brilliance to bring on Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson, who added the perfect counterpoint of the uncouth American brassiness to Maggie Smith’s elegantly staid and traditional English Lady Violet. MacLaine’s stark make-up and flashy clothes were just so over-the-top, almost theatrical. When she took over during the failed dinner party and turned it into a cold buffet/picnic, and then broke out in song after, I howled with laughter at the reaction by her English relatives and the guests. When the stalwart Butler Mr. Carson agreed (amazingly) that in the nontraditional party was a success with the locals and family, I knew that change was indeed in store for us this season.

In stark contras to this charmed life of privilege is the miserable existence that the incarcerated Bates must endure while locked up in York prison.  Anna is working hard to discover evidence of his innocence. And, what of the financial crisis?  Will life as the Crawley family has known it for hundreds of years end soon?

Downton Abbey Twitter Party

Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties throughout the seven week series every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm Eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag # DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun and totally free.

Join us for episode 2 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 9:00pm ET on Masterpiece Classic PBS (check your local listings).

Further reading:

• Read my preview of Downton Abbey Season 3
• Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
• Visit our Downton Abbey archives

Images courtesy © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE

Read Full Post »

It’s been a week since the final episode of Downton Abbey aired on Masterpiece Classic leaving us delighted over Matthew and Mary’s alliance, and anxious for Mr. Bates’ fate. *sigh*

Are you feeling those Downton Abbey withdrawals as keenly as I am? If so, you can watch all seven episodes of season 2 again online in streaming video until March 7th, 2012 at the PBS Video web site. Up next on Masterpiece Classic, Sunday April 1st, 2012 is the new adaptation of Charles Dickens Great Expectations, staring Gillian Anderson and newcomer Douglas Booth. I have had a peek at it already and the art direction and costumes are stunning.

If you are ready to explore and or revisit some late Victorian, Edwardian and WWI era drama, here are a few of my favorite movies and mini-series to tide you over until season three of Downton Abbey next January:

Upstairs Downtstairs (1971-1975)

Well…this series is a given, but I just had to sing its praises once again; it is 57 hours of pure bliss for any period drama lover. For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure: follow the wealthy, aristocratic Bellamy’s, who make up the upstairs family, and their loyal and lively servants downstairs. From 1903 to 1930 they share a fashionable London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place, surviving social change, scandals, and the horrors of the First World War. The most popular British drama series in TV history, Upstairs Downstairs won 7 Emmys®, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody. Seen on Masterpiece Theatre from 1971 to 1975 this is must see Edwardian and World War I drama at its finest. Downton Abbey tie-in? It is great view of the social classes in Britain as the lives of both upstairs and downstairs inhabitants of the household are closely observed.

The Buccaneers (1995)

Based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel of the same name, set in the 1890’s this adaptation was written and completed by Maggie Wadey (Mansfield Park 2007) and stars Carla Gugino, Mira Sorvino and Greg Wise. Four young, beautiful, and totally American heiress’ travel to London for the Season in hopes of marrying titled husbands. The great men they meet and fall in love with are not always what they appear to be. Downton Abbey tie-in? Cora, the current Countess of Grantham, was herself a buccaneer. In 1888, at the age of twenty, she and her mother arrived in London. By the end of her first Season she was betrothed to Robert, Viscount Downton, an heir to a great estate.

Waterloo Bridge (1940)

Winston Churchill’s favorite film, we are rather fond of it too. Staring Vivian Leigh at her most vibrant and beautiful, it is indeed a tear jerker. Get your lace hankies at the ready. On the eve of World War II, a British officer Roy Cronin revisits Waterloo Bridge in London and recalls the young man he was at the beginning of World War I and the young ballerina Myra who he met just before he left for the front. They fell in love. He proposed before he departed and they were blissfully happy for about an instant. Later, she thinks he is killed and turns to street walking in hard times, only to have him return oblivious to what she has been doing to earn her bread. He introduces her to his family at their country estate. It all goes terribly wrong, but makes for great melodrama. Downton Abbey tie-in? Myra gives Roy a good luck charm before he departs for the war, just like Lady Mary gives her lucky stuffed plush toy to Matthew.

Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill (1974)

Here we go with another spirited, rich, and beautiful American crossing the pond and marrying an English peer. This time she hooks a big fish; Lord Randolph Churchill, third son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough and gets to live at Blenheim Palace. This award winning mini-series stars Lee Remick as the luminous and captivating Jennie Churchill, the mother of statesman Sir Winston Churchill, all-around socialite and political advisor extraordinaire. Filmed on location in family homes including Blenheim Palace, the series also stars Warren Clarke as Winston, and Jeremy Brett as Count Kinsky, Lady Jennie’s great love. Even though Jennie is considered a generation before the American buccaneers hit British soil, she certainly opened the path for Cora and other Americans. Downton Abbey tie-in? Men behaving badly; women being witty and strong in beautiful country manor houses and London.

Gosford Park (2001)

We might say that screenwriter Julian Fellowes got his feet wet with this Oscar winning screenplay of Gosford Park before he created Downton Abbey, but it is really a whole other kettle of fish. Set a little later in the 1930’s, it still an observant look at the British class system involving the upstairs and downstairs inhabitants and their guests during a weekend of pheasant shooting at a county manor house. This time it involves a murder, so you could say that it is Agatha Christy meets the Grantham’s if one was really stretching the comparison. Downton Abbey tie-in? Apart from the direct Fellowes connection, Dame Maggie Smith excels as the toffee-nosed Constance, Dowager Countess of Trentham. This role is only a warm up to Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, we suspect, whose biting wit is even more razor sharp and hilarious than her predecessor.

The Grand (1997-1998)

This mini-series never aired on Masterpiece Theatre, but it should have. Set in an opulent Manchester, England hotel at the end of WWI through the Roaring 1920′s, it is full of upstairs/downstairs dissipation and vice. This 15 hour drama has enough scandal, romance, and intrigue to keep even Downton’s evil lady’s maid O’Brien’s bangs curled for years. The story sags a bit in the middle, lacking the heart of characters in Downton, but three-time Emmy®-winner Susan Hampshire (The Pallisers & The Three Lives of Thomasina) is superb as the retired professional woman Esme Harkness, who really keeps this rocky ship from sinking. Downton Abbey tie-in? Of course the class comparisons to  the upstairs and downstairs are plainly evident, but money and romance is the heart of both dramas.

What are your favorite films from this era? I would love to discover a few new chestnuts.

Cheers,

Laurel Ann

Downton Abbey image courtesy of © Carnival Film & Television Limited 2011 for MASTERPIECE

Read Full Post »