Downton Abbey: Christmas Special Recap
Today we’re taking a quick break from the North and South Celebration because it’s my turn to host the recap of Sunday’s Downton Abbey. Here’s what Sarah and I have to say (Sarah in italics):
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The finale of Season 2 brings the arrival of Christmas to Downton. Gifts are exchanged; the family even gives the servants gifts. Carson receives a book on the history of England’s finest families and obviously thinks it’s the best. I think Carson is a bit of an adorable dork.
Me too! I also loved seeing them give gifts to the downstairs group. Everything was so thoughtful and it was nice to see.
Oh-and Sybil is off in Ireland with her new husband Tom aka Branson and even though we don’t get to see her this episode, we get news from her that she is pregnant. Lord Grantham still isn’t keen on the idea of Sybil being married to Tom and didn’t attend the wedding, but Cora is thrilled with the news and tries to get Lord Grantham excited about being a grandfather.
Richard gets more and more annoying with each episode. When he asked “Will I never be rid of him” you could see that there was still something there between Matthew and Mary! I also feel bad for Mary-she’s trying to do the right thing, but you can see it’s wearing on her as Richard is hard to be with.
New Year’s comes and goes, but everyone remains tense over Bates’ situation.
Lady Rosamund visits Downton, along with her meddling maid, Shore. A friend of the family, Lord Hepworth, also briefly stays at Downton and begins courting her. He’s a fortune hunter, but Rosumand hasn’t yet decided if she minds. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she confesses to feeling lonely. It looks as if her lonely situation will continue, though, after she catches him with her maid.
I felt so bad for Rosamund. She wants someone to be with and she thought she had someone and he was only interested in her maid. I thought something fishy was up when the maid kept visiting the room claiming that she was talk to Rosamund about Lord Hepworth. Good thing Anna saw through it all!
Thomas has been trying to get back into the good graces of Lord Grantham. O’Brien suggests he “looses” something Grantham loves only to return it to him. Thomas hides Lord Grantham’s beloved dog, Isis, only to discover that the dog got out of the shed he put her in. Thomas runs all over trying to find the dog, since it’s his fault she’s missing, only to discover children in town found the dog and claimed the reward. Lord Grantham, not knowing it was Thomas’ fault, is impressed when he discovers he had been out looking for his dog all day and decides Thomas can have a job at Downton again.
I have to admit, it was fun to see Thomas squirm when his plans when awry! I hated that he kidnapped Isis in the first place, but I’m so glad she made it back safe and sound!
Between this and Thomas’ muddle of the black market affair, he can’t seem to do anything right lately!
Lord Grantham notices the arguments between Mary and Richard and asks Cora why Mary stays with him. She finally tells him of Mary’s indiscretion with Pamuk. He handles it rather well, considering.
When he gets Mary alone, he gently confronts her. After she does a bit of explaining, he does the unthinkable. He tells her not to marry Richard. Her happiness is more important to him than the scandal that will occur. In his words, she should visit her grandmama in New York and bring back an American cowboy.
Mary and a cowboy? That has possibilities…
Go Lord Grantham!! He was so sweet with Mary and I loved that he said he would rather see her happy. I thought it was hilarious when they mentioned Mary meeting an American cowboy-ha! I’m so happy they’re not pressuring Mary into marrying Richard-I think it helps no one really liked him to begin with! I also liked that they maid mention of her grandmother, since we’ll be seeing her in season 3.
When Richard makes his way back to Downton, the showdown happens. Mary tries to keep it civil, but their voices escalate and Matthew comes rushing in. This had to be incredibly painful for the proud Richard, being dumped publicly. He retaliates by telling Matthew that Lavinia thought he didn’t love her. This sends Matthew over the edge and soon, the he and Ricard are rolling around, breaking vases and pummeling the heck out of each other.
Richard leaves the next morning. He tells Mary, “I loved you more than you ever loved me.”
I was so excited that Matthew came rushing in and I think Richard got what he deserved. He was being such a jerk to everyone. I know he said he loved Mary, but I don’t know if he ever really did. He’s going to release Mary’s story, but I wonder if this is the last we’ll see of him-I think he may have more up his sleeves.
Downstairs, Bates’ trial looms over everyone. He has been tried and convicted of murder. This sends everyone into a tailspin, since they all thought he would not be considered guilty. However, there is soon news that his verdict has been changed from hanging to life in prison. While not much, it’ll ensure Bates stays alive causing everyone, especially Anna, much relief.
The set it up so much to make Bates guilty and I still don’t think he is!! O’Brien seemed very interested in everything that happened-I still think she had something to do with everything. And the way Richard protected the scandel from getting out-maybe he was involved as well! I don’t think it was all about protecting the family and Mary-I think he had his own interests there.
Daisy, on the other hand, is starting to feel unappreciated. She finally goes to visit William’s father, and in the sweetest moment, he asks her to be his daughter. Immediately, he starts acting as her father figure, telling her to talk to Mrs. Patmore. She does, and Mrs. Patmore, is agreeable to the idea of her becoming an assistant cook!
Daisy has been bugging me this season with her “but I didn’t love William!” She never saw that she really did care for him until she went and visited his father and saw that she really did love him-maybe not the same way he loved her, but what she did was a good thing. I also liked that she listened to William’s father instead of Rosamund’s meddling maid who kept telling her she should leave and be a cook somewhere else.
The servants ball soon commences, and everyone has a lovely time. Mrs. Patmore dancing with Matthew and Thomas with Violet was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in quite awhile.
That was too funny! I loved seeing them dance and I loved watching Violet out on the dance floor!
And then it happens. What we’ve all been waiting for since Downton Abbey began.
Mary is standing outside and Matthew soon follows her. She has told him about Pamuk and now she asks him if he will forgive her. He says, “I don’t think there’s anything to forgive.” then goes on to make one of the most romantic speeches, getting down on one knee and everything.
This was the most romantic scene ever! I adored Matthew’s speech and how he said that both he and Mary had pasts and that he didn’t have anything to forgive her for. I’m also so happy she told him! And I was squeeing majorly when Matthew proposed! I hope we get a happy ending with these two, but we’ll see what Season 3 has in store for us!!
Mary says yes.
Downton Abbey: Season 2, Episode 4
Welcome! Sarah from Green Bean Teen Queen and I are once again recapping Downton Abbey. Sarah’s words are italicized while mine are normal, except one part that’s bolded, simply because I couldn’t help myself.
If you’ve yet to start on this gem, here are five good reasons why you should. If you missed this episode, or any of Season 2, it is available until March on the Masterpiece website.
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We start on the battlefield. Matthew prepares to lead a surge, with William by his side. It will be dangerous. Yet when Matthew sounds the call, they all race forward valiantly. A bomb goes off near Matthew and William jumps forward to protect. They are both blown backwards.
Were you able to tell if the rest of the troop completed the mission, Sarah?
No, I didn’t. This scene went so fast and I was so worried about Matthew and William! I had to rewind to see again because I didn’t want it to be true that they were hurt! They also didn’t really discuss it much after-at least that I caught.
The next morning, Mary springs into action. She has decided she’ll watch over Matthew while he’s at the hospital. Cora has called Lavinia from London.
Watching Mary’s reaction to the news is so heartbreaking. I want Mary and Matthew to be together so much this season! You can see they still care for each other very much and it’s so hard to watch them dance around each other and try to be proper and ignore their feelings. I don’t think Mary’s doing a great job at hiding it though-her whole family knows how she feels!
I can tell Lord Grantham is just itching to say something, but he stops himself.
When Sybil hears Mary plans to stay by Matthew at the hospital, she decides to go there as well, to lend moral support. When she asks Branson for a ride, he goes off about the latest political news, the Russian royal family has been killed.
Although he doesn’t approve, he says that sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. This is the first time I’ve really not liked Branson. Killing children? Not okay under any circumstances.
Yeah, I’m not loving the Branson/Sybil relationship as much I thought I would. I don’t really see the attraction on Sybil’s side-I think he appeals to her a bit, but I think he’s too pushy. They may win me over yet, but we’ll see. As of this episode I’m still feeling a bit meh about them.
After he arrives and settles in, the doctor discovers that Matthew’s injurys are really bad. It’s worse than anyone’s imagined. Not only does the doctor think he’ll never walk, it’s also supposed that he’ll never be able to have sex/children.
When Lavinia arrives from London, Matthew’s obviously pleased to see her, calling her, “My darling.” This is the first alone moment we’ve seen between these two! Although I’m still rooting for Mary, it’s nice to see that Matthew actually does love her and isn’t just engaged to her to spite Mary. It reaffirms my faith in his character.
Agreed. I liked seeing that Matthew isn’t just trying to get back at Mary but he really does care for Lavinia. This moment between them is very sweet and it’s again, so sad to watch everyone around Matthew try to be strong while they are breaking down inside.
Back at Downton, Mrs. Bates has reappeared, after O’Brien told her Bates is working there again. She once again threatens to sell Lady Mary’s story to the papers, even though Bates has given her all the money he has to keep her quiet.
That evening, Anna tells Mary of the visit. Mary knows what she must do and goes to London the next morning to see Carlisle.
Oooh-that Mrs. Bates! She just won’t stop! I’m glad Mary has some connections to stop her, but I’m worried about the price she’ll have to pay if she tells Carlisle her secret.
She tells him everything that happened with Pamuck. He’s shocked, but agrees to do what he can to keep Mrs. Bates quiet.
He actually seems rather pleased, saying this puts them on more equal footing. The more I see of Carlisle, the less I like him.
Yeah, I think he’s a bit swarmy. I liked that he didn’t brush Mary off after her confession, but I’m worried what he might do with the information. I don’t trust him.
I don’t think Mary really trusts him either. At the very least, I think she knows what he’s capable of.
Carlistle gets Mrs. Bates to “sell” her story to him, making her sign agreements that she’ll sell it to no one else.
The next day, Carlisle and Mary’s engagement is announced in the papers. Mrs. Bates comes back enraged, saying that he’s tricked her, but Carlisle reminds her of the papers she’s signed. He threatens her that if she doesn’t keep her promise, he’ll see her in court.
I like that Mrs. Bates has been quieted-for now. I’m sure she’ll have some new evil plan though-she’s just that horrible!
Mary arrives back at Downton that evening and tells Bates of the news.
I loved this moment between Mary and Bates. I like that this season the staff and the household really love Bates, whereas last season, they weren’t sure about him. He’s proven invaluable to the household and I like that Mary has taken care of him and Anna. Sure, she was saving herself as well, but I think she cares about Anna as well and doesn’t want to see her get hurt.
While Mary was in London, Lavinia was visiting Matthew. He breaks off their engagement, telling her about his disability and how their’s could never be a real marriage. Lavinia protests, but he tells her to return to London, think of him as dead, and remember him as he was.
Exactly! I can’t believe Lavinia would just give up! Mary would fight for him and I think she will. To me, this shows Lavinia is too weak and she’s nice and all, but I think Matthew could do better.
Soon after, Isobel finally arrives back and goes to see Matthew at the hospital.
While Matthew has been at the hospital, William has been staying at Downton, after some string-pulling from Violet. His lungs were severely injured and he’s going to die.
His final wish? To marry Daisy. She doesn’t want to, but she’s basically forced into it by the others. She doesn’t want to lie to him anymore.
He says he wants to be able to take care of her, and the pension she’ll get as his widow will be all he can do.
She does marry him and hours afterwards, he dies.
I’m afraid this scene didn’t quite move me to tears. I spent most of my time worrying about what this’ll do to Daisy’s conscience. Will she be able to reconcile her actions to herself? Now, one last thing:
Mrs. Hughes has been taking food to Ethel, who is now trying to find work while caring for her child. Poor Ethel has been trying to write letters to soldier who fathered her child (I forgot his name) but he won’t respond. Mrs. Hughes tries to deliver a letter to him when he’s visiting Downton, but he refuses to even look at it and says it’s none of Mrs. Hughes business.
I agree, Ethel is a frustration. I’m worried about this new maid, though. The way Lord Grantham was looking at her… I think she could cause trouble. Especially since he and Cora seem to be having a few arguments lately.
The preview for next week definitely has me anxious! The man with the scarred face and Carlisle’s threats against Mary both caught my attention. Is it Sunday yet?
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Downton Abbey Highlights, Season 2, Episode 3
Sunday’s episode of Downton Abbey was the best of the season so far. There was movement in romantic relationships (finally!), tension from the war, and household changes, all leading to much excitement.
Here are my Highlights:
The Household
The tension between Cora and Isobel comes to a head, ending with Isobel moving to work with the Red Cross in France. Where is Matthew to play diplomat when you need him?
After Isobel leaves, her servants feel as if there’s nothing to do. When an injured soldier comes to the kitchen to ask for food, they initially rebuff him but then give him something to eat. Before they know it, they become a soup kitchen for injured and down on their luck soldiers, once a week. Mrs. Patmore and Daisy come across this when they take a trip into town and soon Mrs. Patmore begins to bring food from Downton. Mrs. O’Brien sees this and goes to Cora, attempting to accuse Mrs. Patmore of stealing food. Cora decides to investigate, and she ends up approving and even helps serve the food! O’Brien is made to help as well. Oh, the irony.
Grantham soon hears of Bates return to the area and goes to apologize to him. Grantham is such a good man. He offers Bates his old job back as valet, which Bates gladly agrees too. Most of the people are glad for Bates return, except for O’Brien and Thomas. They still hold a grudge. And Mosley, who was hoping to become Grantham’s valet. Anna’s glad to see him to of course. They’re still waiting. Still. These two poor people.
The War
Grantham was successful in getting William to be Matthew’s servant. They end up going missing for days and everyone worries the worst has happened. Through this, everyone really realizes how much Matthew has become part of the family. It’s touching and sweet, yet also heart wrenching, wondering if he and William have died.
The Romance
Sybil and Branson are talking (again!). Branson bravely declares he’ll stay at Downton until Sybil is ready to run away with him. Then Mary walks up and arranges to use the car. She’s immediately suspicious and later asks Sybil what’s going on. As the episode progresses, Sybil confesses to Mary that she and Branson have been talking. Mary, acting very much like a strict older sister, orders Sybil to put a stop to it. She threatens to tell Grantham. Sybil acqieses. Later that night, she tells Branson what she’s done, yet instead of being mad, he’s glad! He says it’s the first time he’s ever heard Sybil speak of “us.” Yet Sybil finally gets around to saying what she’s afraid of, leaving the only home and family she’s ever known. I’ve been waiting all season for her to admit to her fears.
Shock Value
I was so, so pleased with this week’s episode. It moved so quickly, I was surprised a full hour had gone by.
Sarah’s off at ALA this week. I can’t wait to chat with her about next week’s episode, which will be right here on Melanie’s Musings.