As always with these Downton Abbey posts, if you’re waiting to watch the show when it airs on PBS please don’t read ahead – I’d really hate to spoil anything for you.
However, if you’ve managed to get your hands on the show post-BBC airing (I don’t know how you would – magical elves bring mine, and then make me a cup of tea and leave) please read on!
I watched the second episode of Downton Abbey‘s third season on Monday, and it was just as delightful as the premiere. We really didn’t see a lot of Mary and Matthew’s wedding – it was all dramatic lead-up in episode one, and the drama following their honeymoon in this episode. (They went to the South of France, which everyone other than The American agreed was far too hot.)
The large arc for this season is Lord Grantham’s financial status and the future of Downton Abbey, and that was developed quite a bit in this episode. I mean, who couldn’t love Lady Mary and the Dowager Countess scheming together to convince Cora’s mother Martha to use her fortune to save the estate?
The house hosted a large, fancy party that was thisclose to being an utter disaster when the stove broke at the eleventh hour. Martha saved the day by suggested an unconventional indoor-picnic style party, which everyone loved. Everyone except poor Carson.
That’s the face of a man who can’t believe people are about to take food into any room they please!
The party gave us a lot of beautiful clothes to drool over, so let’s indulge and look at those for a moment.
Such a fancy table!
The Dowager Countess in her crown and Lady Mary in a wine-colored gown and a simply gorgeous hair ornament.
Cora also in a beautiful tiara, and delightful flapper attire on her mother.
I only wish that Sybil had still been around in this episode. I’m sure she’ll return this season (the baby and all) but I would’ve loved to see her and Tom at the party.
Then we have poor Edith. I actually wish this storyline had been allowed to develop more slowly. She’s been in pursuit of Sir Anthony, but Lord Grantham put a stop to it and asked him to leave Edith alone. It’s interesting that they didn’t consider him an appropriate suitor. As Martha pointed out, by English aristocratic standards he certainly wasn’t the least suitable husband of the three men the Crawley daughters had chosen. I mean, even in 1920, was old with a band hand really worse than the chauffeur? I just thought Lord Grantham caved a little too easily – Edith cried, and that was it. He decided to allow them to be together. It made his original decision to force them apart seem halfhearted.
The other major storyline this episode involved Mrs. Hughes. She could have breast cancer, and while the storyline is very sad I liked seeing Mrs. Patmore try to be as supportive as possible. Revealing my dreadful knowledge of scientific history, I had actually no idea that cancer had already been discovered in 1920. You know, discovered beyond the point of “lumps that kill people”, but some very brief Internet research has revealed that discoveries in cancer treatment and surgery began happening in the 1920s.
The teasers at the end of the episode were especially good – the family looks into moving into a smaller house called “Downton Place” (ugh, it might as well be a condo), and Mrs. Hughes’ cancer becomes public knowledge.
Wow, your fairies bring tea and tv, mine only give me access to a UK proxy server so that I can watch the episode from the ITV webpage.
I really didn’t get why the Dowager Empress and Robert were so against Lady Edith marrying Sir Antony, indeed it’s way better than the chauffeur. During last season Robert flippantly said that they didn’t hold much hope of Edith getting married so you think they’d be pleased as punch that someone wants to, particularly someone with money and position.
I liked Shirley MacClaine much more this episode, probably because all her one liners hadn’t been hawked in previews. I especially loved the scene with her and Robert having a drink after the party.
I thought it was interesting that Mrs Hughes chose Mrs Patmore as her confidante. They’ve presumably worked together for a long time but I thought other than their similarity in age it was a strange choice, Mrs Patmore is hardly an emotional rock in a time of crisis type but she did provide some comic relief to an otherwise depressing storyline.
And how big a problem do you see Matthew inheriting Lavinia’s dad’s fortune andnot willing to save Downton with it is going to cause between Matthew and Mary. I am not sure I am up for more Matt/Mary drama. Plus I like their married playfulness. Mary is still fiery but somehow much softer now and I like her a lot more this way.
Exactly, it seems like it would be much more worrisome that Edith would become an old maid, especially given the financial situation.
I don’t think it’s going to be a big problem for Mary and Matthew. I think they are together and that won’t change, and I feel like the show is doing a good job of showing that despite this disagreement they are still very in love. I like Mary better this way too.
Magical elves indeed.
I’m over the Matthew/Mary inheritance drama. Is it weird I just want to see more, um, adult-themed scenes between them?
Poor Lady Edith. If the family doesn’t want her to marry Sir Antony, surely someone can scare up a closeted bachelor or younger, but possibly more disfigured, war veteran?
I find it fascinating how Cousin Isabel consistently finds noble causes to occupy her time, then, moves on to some other cause more worthy. Presently, she is saving street-based sex workers formerly employed downstairs, but how long will could that possibly hold her interest?
Finally, the show is Downton Abbey, not Downton Place. I am confident in the Crowleys’ financial resilience.
Not weird at all, they are two very good lookin’ people. Also, I loved how awkward and weird it was that Anna was just like, in their room. It was normal back then but now it’s so strange.
I love Cousin Isobel! Soon she’ll move on to drug addicts or lepers or something, I’m sure.
Thanks very much, Jill, for posting what’s going on at Downton Abbey, and hoorah for magical elves. Knowing the plot line will in no way diminish my enjoyment in January of seeing the actual episodes, and it sure beats having no idea of what to expect.
You’re welcome, glad you are enjoying the blog!
Thanks for the post! I am not enjoying Season 3 thus far. I think some of the Thomas/O’brien machinations seemed forced. Like someone said “this worked in season 1, we need more!” and most of the downstairs plots seem a little stilted to me. I DO like the Edith and her suitor plot, and Shirley MacClane is getting some good scenes, so that is pretty good. I am also not fond of them turning Mr. Bates into a rough and tumble prison guy. I hope it smooths out next episode. Some scenes seem to me… well… drama drama drama swelling music CUT before you even get an emotional connection.. I hope I explained that well.
You did! Great comments, thanks!