Downton Abbey (1/25) (spoilers)

[simpsongal]

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WTF?  Something better happen to someone soon.  This wheel-spinning BS and broad character "development" is getting old.  I'm losing my H's interest....c'mon Downton!

Can we get a reprise of Spanish flu to wipe out that teacher b*tch?

[perkyderky]

Seriously.  A former co-worker of mine nicknamed it "Downer Abbey" last season.  Thus far, that's pretty apt. 

[simpsongal]

Jan 26, 2015 12:05:54 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

What episode was it?

recap:

Thomas was away to visit his dad, but it actually looks like he was getting treatment (he was caught shooting up downstairs).  Maybe to pray away the gay?  IDK.
Ms. Bunting made extremely rude remarks about Daisy getting an education and Lord G blew up at dinner
Rose's folks are finally getting a divorce
Lady Mary told Tony she wants to break it off.  Tony refuses to 'turn his key'  Mary also ran into the labor party guy - he's still into her.
Lord what-his-face proposed to Matthew's mom (name?)
They're still investigating the murder and wondering why Anna went to picadilly square (when she delivered a note to Tony G)
Mrs. Paddmore wants her son's name on the WWI memorial - Daisy is going to write a letter on her behalf....
Edith is still Edith...always sad.  There's news that her beau may have had a run-in with pre-Nazi thugs.  Or something....

[raangoli]

Isobel needs to marry Lord Merton just so I can see the look on Violet's face!

Ms. Bunting really likes pushing peoples buttons, and I am afraid it's going to push Tom away.

I think Mary will have a stalker now since Tony refuses to give up. I am still firmly Team Charles.

OMG Edith, get a clue. I can't have your back if you keep making stupid decisions.

I like how Lord Grantham literally put himself between the art guy and his lady cakes. LOL.

[compassrose]

I am so, so over the investigation in Mr. Greene's death. Just be done and give Anna & Bates a new story line.

I'm actually glad we get to find out what happened to Edith's beau. Then maybe she can move on and she can have a new storyline.

They are clearly setting up Rose to have an unconventional choice in husband. I'm looking forward to that.

[msamyfarrahfowler]

I think it's a stretch that a plain clothes cop would be stationed outside the Gillangham flat.

Can't wait to see Tony shame Mary into marriage.

The teacher is just obnoxious. What Tom sees in her is beyond me.

I would hate to see Thomas be humanized again only to revert back to being a dick. Fellowes does this to his character all the damn time.

[ECB]

Just watched it. Yeah. A plainsclothman just sits outside the flat all the time?? Come on. They need to move this storyline along and get past it.

I'm also over mrs bunting. Shes just flat out rude

[niemand88f]

Jan 26, 2015 13:52:56 GMT -5 ECB said:

Just watched it. Yeah. A plainsclothman just sits outside the flat all the time?? Come on. They need to move this storyline along and get past it.

I'm also over mrs bunting. Shes just flat out rude

Yea lets just stop with various Bateses being suspects of various investigations. Over it.

And Ms Bunting, seriously. Isn't this the 3rd episode in a row where exactly the same thing happens with her? 1. Someone suggests they invite her. 2. Someone says Lord Grantham won't like it. 3. Tom is pressured into inviting her anyway. 4. She comes and is a completely rude ungrateful dick for no good reason (especially last night, that was just completely unbelievable) 5. Lord Grantham gets upset while others talk about how Tom used to be like that.

[ECB]

Jan 26, 2015 14:23:22 GMT -5 niemand88f said:

Jan 26, 2015 13:52:56 GMT -5 ECB said:

Just watched it. Yeah. A plainsclothman just sits outside the flat all the time?? Come on. They need to move this storyline along and get past it.

I'm also over mrs bunting. Shes just flat out rude

Yea lets just stop with various Bateses being suspects of various investigations. Over it.

And Ms Bunting, seriously. Isn't this the 3rd episode in a row where exactly the same thing happens with her? 1. Someone suggests they invite her. 2. Someone says Lord Grantham won't like it. 3. Tom is pressured into inviting her anyway. 4. She comes and is a completely rude ungrateful dick for no good reason (especially last night, that was just completely unbelievable) 5. Lord Grantham gets upset while others talk about how Tom used to be like that.

JFC. Yes. Exactly the same each time. Are the writers really that uncreative??

[LoveTrains]

Jan 26, 2015 14:23:22 GMT -5 niemand88f said:

Jan 26, 2015 13:52:56 GMT -5 ECB said:

Just watched it. Yeah. A plainsclothman just sits outside the flat all the time?? Come on. They need to move this storyline along and get past it.

I'm also over mrs bunting. Shes just flat out rude

Yea lets just stop with various Bateses being suspects of various investigations. Over it.

And Ms Bunting, seriously. Isn't this the 3rd episode in a row where exactly the same thing happens with her? 1. Someone suggests they invite her. 2. Someone says Lord Grantham won't like it. 3. Tom is pressured into inviting her anyway. 4. She comes and is a completely rude ungrateful dick for no good reason (especially last night, that was just completely unbelievable) 5. Lord Grantham gets upset while others talk about how Tom used to be like that.

Yes someone needs to vote her off the island. The best part was after Lord Grantham blew up at Ms. bunting, the Dowager just asks Edith a question while everyone is looking shocked. Then they drink wine!

Tony was being a little stalkerish after Mary tried to break it off. Like he tried to slut shame her. 

[insominac]

Eh... I haven't been into the DA storylines for a while now. I primarily watch the show to look at the pretty fashion and accessories, and home decor and kitchen items - particularly those in the servants area.

[MrsDarcy]

Am I remembering things wrong, or didn't the doctor express his interest in Isobel last season? She didn't like him though?

And am I completely making up the fact that they hinted in the season finale/Christmas special (not sure) last season that Mrs Hughes and Carson might be getting together?! Where is that action!?

[Deleted]

Jan 26, 2015 20:12:36 GMT -5 toriwc said:

I was disgusted by Tony's reaction. I am interested in how this plays out.

For sure! Talk about slut shaming. Um, Tones, you definitely enjoyed hopping in the sack with Mary too. 

[gustafngrete]

Jan 26, 2015 20:12:36 GMT -5 toriwc said:

I was disgusted by Tony's reaction. I am interested in how this plays out.

I think they are setting it up to interweave the Anna/Bates story with it.  Like Mary had better marry Tony, or he will implicate them with Green's murder.

[LoveTrains]

I know, I feel bad for Thomas, too. Do we think it was some get rid of being gay thing he was trying?

[LoveTrains]

Awww. I hate it when they make us feel bad for Thomas.

[Deleted]

Ms. Bunting annoys the crap out of me! She is so terribly rude, Tom was never that brash. Even when he didn't agree, he wouldn't be a downright ass. I am worried in the preview that he is going to get together with her, UGH.

OK....yes, LOVED the Dowager changing the subject post Bunting Blowout number 3(?)...and Edith's dreary reply, oh my.

Also, what is the deal with the Russian prince and his missing wife? There's a big story there I want more attention on.

And...how awful is dreary Edith moping around that little girl? Yes, its your daughter, but why doesn't pig farmer man arrange a twice weekly play date where HE brings the kid to her....Edith creeping around their house with her sad demeanor is super annoying. Or, Edith, grow a pair and take the kid back NOW. Oy.

I also enjoyed the Carson / Molsley battle about First Footman...when he opened the door to all that silver to polish, I cracked up. Poor old boy.

Finally....let's get Thomas a man, he is way too sad.

[ECB]

I'm waiting for there to be a big blow up between Cora and Lord Grantham. She's gone off on him a little already, but I feel like this is building towards something more.

And @foodielicious - OMG, they couldn't have drawn the Baxter/ confessing to Cora storyline out more even if they wanted to.  GOT IT.  SHE DID SOMETHING BAD.  CORA WANTS TO KNOW THE FULL STORY.  GOT IT.  JUST HAVE BAXTER TELL HER ALREADY!!!!!  SO SHE CAN MAKE HER DAMN DECISION!!!!!!

I'm getting like this about the Bates/Green story too.  I will be yelling in all caps very soon.  And watch- Anna will now be under suspicion, she'll be arrested, but Bates won't be able to confess because he didn't actually do it. 

[aurora]

Jan 27, 2015 10:54:17 GMT -5 ECB said:

...
I'm getting like this about the Bates/Green story too.  I will be yelling in all caps very soon.  And watch- Anna will now be under suspicion, she'll be arrested, but Bates won't be able to confess because he didn't actually do it. 

Wait, I thought Bates did do it.  What did I miss?

[shamrockshake]

Jan 27, 2015 11:08:38 GMT -5 aurora said:

Jan 27, 2015 10:54:17 GMT -5 ECB said:

...
I'm getting like this about the Bates/Green story too.  I will be yelling in all caps very soon.  And watch- Anna will now be under suspicion, she'll be arrested, but Bates won't be able to confess because he didn't actually do it. 

Wait, I thought Bates did do it.  What did I miss?

I don't think that was ever confirmed though, we just all assume it. unless I missed something!

[aurora]

Jan 26, 2015 20:12:36 GMT -5 toriwc said:

I was disgusted by Tony's reaction. I am interested in how this plays out.

Obviously he was an ass, but for all the Mary-haters it's a perfect set-up to put her in a place where she can't get what she wants.  (I'm not saying I want her to be blackmailed, just that I can see why you'd write the storyline that way for drama.)

It's an interesting reminder to us that no matter how bad "slut shaming" is these days it was way worse then.  I mean, Mary runs the risk of being blackmailed into a life she doesn't want because she had sex outside of marriage.  Edith doesn't get to see her own child on the regular because she had sex outside of marriage. 

I would love for Edith to finally grow a background and claim Marigold (for her own sake), but it just doesn't seem to fit with her character.  Plus, the older the child gets the harder it would be for her to be removed from the family she knows.

[shamrockshake]

Jan 27, 2015 11:15:13 GMT -5 @songforyou said:

Jan 27, 2015 11:07:40 GMT -5 @foodielicious said:

Yeah you're right, I know they grew up together and she was a friend of his sister, but I can't internalize it for some reason....plus you're right, she never really was rude to him, I guess all the avoiding she was doing before made it come off that way sometimes, but now that everything's out in the open and she hasn't got the sword of damocles hanging over her, she's not feeling threatened or jumpy anymore.

Re Edith, now that Rosamund knows Edith's making an ass of herself I hope she does a little "I told you so" speech about leaving the child in Switzerland.  When Edith brought the kid to Downton, I'd hoped she'd be satisfied just watching the kid grow up, but Edith's so needy I should have known better.

eta:  I think Edith's bringing the kid closer was actualy an uncharacteristically optimistic thing...I think she thought Clarkson would be back any time and she could tell him and everyone it was their child and take her back and ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after.

I was thinking about this last night. Even if Michael were alive, would she tell him the truth? I decided no. Would they retrieve the child if she did? I decided definitely not. Her parents would have a heart attack.

I disagree, she's desperate for her child. I think they would get her and move somewhere with her

[aurora]

Jan 27, 2015 11:15:13 GMT -5 @songforyou said:

Jan 27, 2015 11:07:40 GMT -5 @foodielicious said:

Yeah you're right, I know they grew up together and she was a friend of his sister, but I can't internalize it for some reason....plus you're right, she never really was rude to him, I guess all the avoiding she was doing before made it come off that way sometimes, but now that everything's out in the open and she hasn't got the sword of damocles hanging over her, she's not feeling threatened or jumpy anymore.

Re Edith, now that Rosamund knows Edith's making an ass of herself I hope she does a little "I told you so" speech about leaving the child in Switzerland.  When Edith brought the kid to Downton, I'd hoped she'd be satisfied just watching the kid grow up, but Edith's so needy I should have known better.

eta:  I think Edith's bringing the kid closer was actualy an uncharacteristically optimistic thing...I think she thought Clarkson would be back any time and she could tell him and everyone it was their child and take her back and ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after.

I was thinking about this last night. Even if Michael were alive, would she tell him the truth? I decided no. Would they retrieve the child if she did? I decided definitely not. Her parents would have a heart attack.

This is tough.  I feel like she probably would have claimed the child if Michael had been found at a reasonable time (even after Marigold was born).  If he still would have married her, she wouldn't need to have worried about being an old spinster due to her indiscretions.  But at this point, even if he were alive, it's hard to imagine a situation where he was truly being held captive for this long, so instead it's more like he didn't come back to her because he didn't want her, and she'd still have spinster status.  In other words, the primary reason for her not to claim Marigold is to enable herself to marry (at least from her perspective, if not from Violet's).

[ECB]

Jan 27, 2015 11:08:38 GMT -5 aurora said:

Jan 27, 2015 10:54:17 GMT -5 ECB said:

...
I'm getting like this about the Bates/Green story too.  I will be yelling in all caps very soon.  And watch- Anna will now be under suspicion, she'll be arrested, but Bates won't be able to confess because he didn't actually do it. 

Wait, I thought Bates did do it.  What did I miss?

Yeah, as others said, it's never been confirmed.  And really- because it's been made to seem like he did do it, I even more so don't believe he did. 

And as Anna thinks he might have, it's leading her to freak out and do things that she would otherwise not do (like why walk to the site of where it happened?).  I just feel like they are going down wrong paths based on misinformation.  Which MAYBE will make the point of this whole tedious story line make sense.  Or so I hope.

[compassrose]

Jan 27, 2015 10:54:17 GMT -5 ECB said:

I'm waiting for there to be a big blow up between Cora and Lord Grantham. She's gone off on him a little already, but I feel like this is building towards something more.


I'm getting like this about the Bates/Green story too.  I will be yelling in all caps very soon.  And watch- Anna will now be under suspicion, she'll be arrested, but Bates won't be able to confess because he didn't actually do it. 

I can't wait for Cora to go off on Lord Grantham for real. He's been insufferable.  I really need a Come to Jesus moment with them. 

I agree that I don't think Bates actually did it, but I can't see quite how this will play out.  I'm not sure if Anna will actually be under suspicion because surely the witness saw/heard a man (if they suspected Bates at all)?
But I do think the rape will come out, and then Bates will blame Anna for not telling him and things will be even worse with them.

[ECB]

Jan 27, 2015 11:44:26 GMT -5 compassrose said:

But I do think the rape will come out, and then Bates will blame Anna for not telling him and things will be even worse with them.

And maybe that's where this is going?  But yes, I expect that Anna will be under suspicion and he'll be confused. "But you liked him!" and then she'll break down and FINALLY tell him.

I actually wonder if the police already know about her.  I suspect he's done this to others before and perhaps he was in a braggy mood and bragged to someone about it, and that person told the police. 

[mccallister84]

Doesn't Bates know about the rape? I thought mrs. Hughes told him last season... But Anna doesn't know he knows (a la Friends).

[simpsongal]

I thought Bates knew, and I thought it was almost a given that Bates killed the guy? Why would he have gone to London that day (re: the ticket in his coat pocket).

Edith should go to America w/Tom & Sybbie and snatch Marigold. (muhahahahaha)

[simpsongal]

Jan 27, 2015 12:43:27 GMT -5 @foodielicious said:

So it's killing me....does anyone have any thoughts on what Charles Blake meant when he told Mary she could let Tony down easy?

I just thought he meant that Charles is back in the picture.  I thought Mary was being uncharacteristically dense in that moment.  I gather Charles read quite a bit into Mary's dinner invitation.

Maybe I'm cold, but I didn't think Tony's reaction was that bad considering the times.  I mean, a guy is gonna take it pretty hard when a woman basically says you're boring and lousy in the sack.  And sleeping together like that was a HUGE breach of protocol.  I can't even think of an analogy in today's terms. 

[raangoli]

Jan 27, 2015 12:43:27 GMT -5 @foodielicious said:

So it's killing me....does anyone have any thoughts on what Charles Blake meant when he told Mary she could let Tony down easy?

I don't know! I thought it was just me that missed something obvious. I don't think there is an easy way to let him down?