ups and downtons
Every Sunday, I count the moments until the next episode of Downton Abbey is broadcast. I always hope for more O’Brian-and-Thomas delicious plotting, and a nice bouquet of Cora’s priceless reactions to Isabelle’s meddling.
Oh, boohoo, last week I was downhearted over some aspects of the show. I am still a big fan, but was taken aback by Lord Grantham’s shameless smooching of a maid with whom he has had little more than a few casual conversations. It just didn’t fit with the noble character established. I felt like covering my eyes in embarrassment. (Instead, I used the time honoured and very handy Channel Switch.)
And then, dear dim Daisy, carrying on about truth and honesty and not giving a hoot about the late William’s generous love for her. I still haven’t forgiven Daisy for blabbing about night time cargo carrying in the halls of Downton. Really, Daisy, do you have to be honest about Absolutely Everything? Think of the estate! Think of all the kitchen help that will be thrown out of work if Downton Abbey collapses in a scandal! Think of the hapless viewers who will blame you forever!
At least, we got to see Thomas in fine form as anguished mark, and cipher O’Brian begging forgiveness from Cora (even though Cora was in the throes of extremely unappealing flu symptoms nicely administered by the excellent makeup department and was totally oblivious to O’Brian’s momentous moment of attempted confession, which is just as well)
I am eager to find out just how Lady Mary is going to extract herself from the clutches of Sir Richard. My best bet is that Cora will sic O’Brian on him, and then he will be in real trouble. Or maybe Cousin Violet will arrange for him to be exported to the colonies.
I also hope there will be no more lines like “She died of a broken heart” which must have been hell for the actor to deliver, and to his credit, he did it very well.
Only a few more hours until Downton Abbey, when more will be revealed!
Linda
I agree completely with your assessment of the ever-honest Daisy, although she acted well as long as William survived with his wheezy lungs. And I think that the O’Brien/Thomas cabal is very well drawn too. It is important to have some characters who are so unvirtuous, both above and below stairs,if the saintly types are to be noticed. Until Lord Grantham stole that kiss, I thought he was pretty saintly, and I approve of the writers’ keeping us on our toes.
Our local PBS runs Upstairs/Downstairs after Downton Abbey & I was struck by how lethargic the pace was in comparison to DA,and also by how less interesting the characters. They’ve got a winning formula going hereand I do hope for many more seasons!
Oh, I love it when totally dreadful characters show brief moments of humanity. When O’Brian and Thomas falter for a moment in their nastiness, I am so delighted. That is what makes the series so wonderful. No totally pure and wonderful. And, now as we are discovering, no totally evil. (Although perhaps Vera Bates and Sir Richard are up for debate. Hey, could they be mother and son? I have loved the theory that O’Brian and Thomas might be mother and son, so why not have the dreadful Sir Richard, elegant as he is, contribute a strange heritage?