Downton Abbey, Season 6, Episode 4

After last week’s exhilaration with the Carson marriage and Branson’s return, this week’s installment seems more like a “place holder” episode as the series prepares for its finish line.  This episode was happily Denker free, the hospital and Yew Tree Farm are central issues this hour.

Branson walks the grounds of Downton before breakfast.   He joins the family who ply him with questions.  Branson explains to Robert he left America realizing he’d “Moved away a time too many.”  He regrets if he stole the spotlight on the Carson’s wedding day.  Robert insists he added to the special day.  Edith wastes no time in asking the awkward question, will he take over as the estate’s agent in place of Mary?  Branson is elusive; he states he’d be willing to share his role with her.  The Carsons are away on their honeymoon.  Aunt Rosemund is coming to Downton, hopefully to add her voice to Cora’s side of the hospital issue.

Downstairs, Ms. Patmore informs Sgt. Willis is coming around, this time to question Baxter.  Baxter leaves quickly.  Thomas expresses frustration at the staff for not being show the same respect as Carson. (He’s acting butler while the old man is away.)

Cora, breakfasting in bed receives a note from the Dowager Countess.  The Countess has invited Lady Shakelton for a visit.  Cora suspects this person is to serve as an ally to the Dowager’s position on the hospital matter.

Branson and Mary have an opportunity to speak privately about his plans for the future.  He confesses he wants more out of his life then simply acting as an agent for the estate.  He was impressed by the concept of the "American Dream."  Branson saw how in America one could rise from poverty to wealth in a single lifetime. (Something not possible in Britain at the time due to the class structure.)  Mary offers her support stating, “You’re my brother.”  Branson wonders what Mary wants out of her life and if she regrets dismissing all her suitors.  Is it possible Branson will end up with Mary?  

Sgt. Willis questions Baxter and Molesly invites himself into the meeting as her advocate.  The matter is regarding Peter Coyle, the con man who used Baxter to do his bidding and steal jewels from a previous estate.  The man is set to go to trial and they’d like Baxter to be a witness for the prosecution.  Willis advises her, she could help Coyle from ruining the lives of other young women.  Baxter says she’ll think about it.  Sgt. Willis leaves.  Molesly thinks she should help, adding, “Evil can only prevail when the good stay silent.”  Baxter seems frightened and leaves Molesly abruptly.

Robert and Cora discuss the guests the Dowager has invited.  Lady Shakleton wants to bring her nephew with her to Downton.  Cora fears it’s a plot by the Dowager to garner more support for her position on the hospital.  Branson enters and reports the Carsons have been given a cottage to live as a married couple on the estate.  Cora asks what is happening regarding the Yew Tree Farm property.  Robert doesn’t know about her idea to give tenancy to Mr. Mason.  Branson agrees to go out with Robert later.  Cora notices Robert is overjoyed Branson has returned.  Downton is certainly lacking in men!

Mary is packing for a trip to London and asks Anna about the new maids.  Things are different now the housemaids no longer live at Downton and Anna and Baxter have to preform some of their evening duties.  She asks how Anna is feeling and if Bates is still unaware of her pregnancy.  Anna is self-conscious about her weight gain.  Mary asks Mr. Bates to bring down her luggage as Thomas and Andy are out.  This makes Mr. Bates suspicious.

The Dowager has Lady Shakleton over at her home for tea.  Lady Shakleton apologizes for inviting her nephew, but states she doesn’t get to visit with him often. The Dowager wants to be sure Lady Shakleton supports the Dowager’s plan not to change the hospital.  Lady Shakleton is non-committal, reporting that she needs more information in order to make a decision.  The Dowager quips, “Are you here to help or irritate?”

Thomas looks for volunteers to ready the cottage for the Carsons return.  Andy offers to go with a few maids to help.  Daisy brings up the issue of Yew Tree Farm and Mr. Mason’s presumed tenancy there.  Thomas doesn’t think this is the case, he states he heard His Lordship speaking about leasing the house, but farming the land themselves.  Daisy becomes enraged and leaves in a huff.  Andy follows her out.  Mr. Molesly asks Baxter what she plans to do regarding testifying in court.  Baxter makes an excuse and leaves.  Thomas smiles at Molesly and says; “Now we’ve both been snubbed!”

Aunt Rosemund and Edith drive up to Downton.  Aunt Rosemund agrees with Cora on the hospital matter, even though she knows this will infuriate her mother.  Aunt Rosemund wants to know if Edith would be interested in being on the board of a college that offers education to “poor, yet deserving women.”  Edith expresses interest and Aunt Rosemund states she’ll set up the meeting with the college president John Harding.

Molesly approaches Cora upstairs; he wants a moment to tell her Ladyship about Baxter testifying at Peter Coyle’s trial. 

In the kitchen, Daisy is livid about the Yew Tree Farm situation.  Ms. Patmore reminds Daisy SHE was the one who presumed the matter was settled and got poor Mr. Mason’s hopes up.

The dinner party arrives, including Lady Shakleton and her nephew Henry Talbot the racecar driver.  Mary recognizes Talbot and the two begin flirting.  Edith brings up the college idea and receives support from Lady Isobel.  Talbot speaks about his racing career.  The Dowager and Lady Shakleton speak privately about her nephew, noting, “Forty men would have to die for him to get the Earldom.”  But, Talbot seems to have some money.  Robert overhears their discussion and scoffs at the older ladies scheming.

Baxter is frustrated that Molesly spoke of her situation to her Ladyship.  Anna has a sharp pain while folding towels, but ignores it!

At the dinner table, Isobel makes the argument for the change in the hospital’s structure.  Lady Shakleton states she needs more information to make up her mind. The Dowager is upset.  Away from the party, Branson notes to Edith that the Dowager hasn’t changed a bit in his absence.  Edith retorts, “If she was twenty years younger, you’d just call her a tyrant!”  Branson then goes to have a conversation with Talbot about cars.  Talbot informs him he’s mostly from London as his father is a Member of Parliament.  Mary, looking flawless in gold, thinks the whole idea of racing cars as “odd.”  She adds, “But people do odd things now!”  Cora advocates the changes to the hospital structure would bring modern treatments to the village.  The Dowager is losing patience with the conversation.  She exclaims, “Lady Isobel is not entitled to win it!”  (The argument)

As the party breaks up, Lady Shakleton apologizes to Robert for not supporting his mother regarding the hospital.  Talbot gives Mary his card and asks her on a date the next time she is in London.  She admits she’s not interested in cars but Talbot is undaunted and states she just needs to be educated about them properly. (By him, naked preferably!)  As Robert and Cora go upstairs, Robert grabs his chest in pain but dismisses it as heartburn from the port.

Outside the servant area Thomas and Baxter take a moment to wax philosophically about life.  Thomas notes that Baxter may feel like an outsider but is able to make friends, especially Mr. Molesly.  Baxter replies she admires Thomas for not caring what other people think about him being “different.”  Sadly, Thomas replies he does care what others think.  He adds she a stronger person then she thinks.  I’m happy for this scene, which humanizes Thomas and his struggle to be accepted.

In the kitchen Ms. Patmore marvels at how Mrs. Hughes now, “Knows the mysteries of life, more then I’ll ever know.” (Referring to Mrs. Hughes losing her virginity.) Daisy has other things on her mind.  She tells Ms. Patmore she’s determined to speak to Cora about Mr. Mason and Yew Tree Farm.  Ms. Patmore warns this will get her terminated, but Daisy doesn’t care.

Sgt. Willis has come again to see Baxter.  Molesly is present and tries to persuade her to testify.  Surprising both men, Baxter agrees to testify against Mr. Coyle.  Sgt. Willis leaves.  Molesly asks what changed her mind on the matter.  Baxter replies she thought about the young woman’s lives the man had ruined.  Molesly adds he didn’t “ruin” Baxter.  Baxter says quietly, “He changed me.”

The Hardings arrive in their own car.  Anna immediately recognizes Mrs. Harding as Gwen, a former Downton housemaid.  Thomas is upset she doesn’t greet him, Anna states Gwen and Thomas weren’t friends.  The couple is shown into the library to speak about their college.  The family doesn’t recognize Mrs. Harding. She explains how the telephone changed everything in her life.  She met her future husband when she worked as a secretary at the phone company.  Isobel relates to the cause of women’s education, wondering if she might have become a doctor given the opportunity.  (As a former nurse, this common theme that all nurses are “failed” doctors infuriates me, but that seems to be a common misunderstanding about nursing.)

Once away from the gathering, Branson recognizes Gwen as their former housemaid.  Downstairs, the staff is intrigued about the return of Gwen/Mrs. Harding.  Thomas states she is “too snobby” to come down and greet them or even acknowledge she used to work there.

Back upstairs, Thomas takes it upon himself to reveal Mrs. Harding’s past.  Mary says she thought the she looked familiar.  All the family is embarrassed by this revelation.  Having heard about Barrow’s announcement, Mr. Bates confronts Thomas.  Bates says Thomas has spoiled the family’s luncheon and it wasn’t his place to speak for her.  Bates guesses Thomas is jealous of Gwen’s rise from housemaid to houseguest.  Thomas orders Bates to go do something.  Bates obviously has hit a nerve.

Upstairs, the luncheon continues.  Rosemund wonders why Gwen left service.  Gwen explains Lady Sybil was her champion.  Sybil helped her apply for jobs and even took her to interviews.  Remembering Sybil makes everyone sad.  Mary thanks Thomas for revealing Gwen’s secret, so they could learn what Sybil did to change the woman’s life.

Gwen goes downstairs to greet the staff that is happy to see her and learn of her success.  Daisy corners Branson to let him know about her ideas of who should get Yew Tree Farm.  Branson agrees to bring up the matter with the family.  Lord Grantham chastises Thomas for “outing” Mrs. Harding.  He says he should take his time as acting butler to learn.  After His Lordship leaves Baxter says to Thomas, “You’re your own worst enemy.”

Upstairs, Mary reflects on her day stating she feels inferior to her late sister. (She is!) Anna has sharp pain again, and Mary is alarmed.  Mary insists they leave for London at once, even if they have to drive to make the late train out of York.  As Mary leaves the room, she runs into Branson and tells him what’s happening.  He agrees to drive them to York.  Mary tells her family she has a medical issue and is leaving for London at once with Anna.  The family seems suspicious, but let her go.

Outside, Anna tells her husband Mary has to go to London for a medical issue.  He accepts her story but probably suspects there is more she isn’t saying.  Downstairs, the staff is surprised at Mary’s sudden departure.  Daisy decides she must speak to Lady Grantham now.  Molesly warns her she’ll be fired and Ms. Patmore says it will be hard to find work without a proper reference.  Daisy doesn’t care, she sees Gwen as an example of “life after service.” (Daisy isn’t nearly as smart as Gwen.)

Cora tells Robert she’d like to settle the Yew Tree Farm tenancy by offering it to Mr. Mason.  Robert protests the man is too old to run a farm and it would be more profitable if the family farmed the land.  Downstairs, Ms. Patmore and Thomas warn Daisy not to go upstairs with her protest.  Baxter bravely agrees to accompany Daisy upstairs.

Branson enter the Grantham conversation and agrees with Cora that Mr. Mason should have the farm.  The matter is settled and Cora leaves for bed to be intercepted by Baxter and Daisy.  Cora seems annoyed by Daisy’s presence.  Robert gives them the news; Mr. Mason shall have the farm.  Daisy can only say, “Wonderful!” Cora tells Daisy to leave and asks Baxter to meet her upstairs.  Cora tells Robert, “I think I just dodged something!”  Robert again complains of chest pain and dismisses its seriousness.

Mary is staying at her Aunt’s flat in London.  The doctor exits the bedroom and reports he inserted a cervical stitch and Anna is still pregnant!

Daisy muses about the turn of events in her and Mr. Mason’s favor.  She grabbles with her emotions toward her Ladyship, from hate to love in an instant.  Andy likes the idea of a farm and states his goal is to have a “country life.”  Lord Grantham tells Thomas the Carsons will arrive at six that evening.  He hopes Thomas has taught something as acting butler that will serve him in his next position. “Carson is kind, remember that when you go.”  Thomas seems dismayed that the family despises him and wants him to leave.

Mary meets Henry at the London Automobile Club.  She apologizes for her dress, something she borrowed from her aunt.  Henry plies her with compliments as a jazz band plays.  Mary tells Henry she works and enjoys her position as agent of the estate.  This makes Henry like her more.  Mary states her plan is to pass a functioning estate to her son George (remember him?) and he will inherit his grandfather’s title.  Mary adds coyly she’ll reject his advances, but will enjoy his attention. (Wow, what a tease, but so many men love being eaten and spit out by Mary.)

Mr. Mason surveys his new farm with Daisy.  The old man is ecstatic and praises her. In the servant’s hall, the staff prepare for the Carsons return.  Mr. Bates pulls Anna aside and says, “I know what you’re hiding.”  Anna tells him it’s nothing sad, and the couples share a blissful moment realizing they’ll soon be parents.  The Carsons arrive to cheers.

Upstairs, the Dowager explains her reasoning on the hospital.  All her life she’s fought against government control of people’s lives.  Rosemund adds, “Especially when it interferes with you wielding your unelected power!”  The Dowager proceeds to give a speech on individual’s rights, beginning with the Magna Carta.  Rosemund scoffs, “We’re not living in 1215!”  The discussion is interrupted with the news of the Carsons arrival.  The Dowager hasn’t seen the kitchen in twenty years. Isobel asks, “Did you bring your passport?”

Downstairs, Edith states she’s trying to find a woman to act as “co-editor” with her for her magazine.  The Dowager thinks this is madness, what would be next, a woman pope?  Mary agrees with Edith for once, stating it makes sense a woman’s magazine would have a woman editor.  Mary immediately makes a sarcastic comment to counter her support of Edith.  Robert mentions to his sister that there will be no changing their mother’s mind, even in the event of her death.  Rosemund adds, “She may be the one at your funeral!”

The Carsons announce that they will keep with being known as Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, to avoid confusion in the house.  This relieves all the family of having to learn something new!  Thomas eyes Mr. Carson; envious of his position and the respect he has with the family.  Carson excuses himself to go check his room for belongings.  He enters his bachelor room one last time, and then removes his name card from the door.  He makes his way down the hall to his new life.

Thankfully, the Yew Tree Farm situation has been resolved and hopefully Daisy can calm down and stay employed.  The episode had several moments of foreshadowing Robert’s demise as he ignores his pain.  The funeral remark by Aunt Rosemund seemed especially cryptic.  The preview of the next episode shows Mary’s new suitor possibly in peril at the racetrack.  And it looks as though Denker will be back in the next episode, annoying everyone!

Downton Abbey, Season 6, Episode 3

This episode promises the happy nuptials of Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes while continuing the drama over the hospital among other intrigues.

The action begins in the kitchen with Ms. Patmore asking Mrs. Hughes about the final arrangements for her big day.  Mrs. Hughes seems sadly resigned to doing it Carson’s way and the family’s way.  She isn’t very excited about her dress either, stating she’s planning on wearing a “grand day dress” to which Anna will add some embellishments.  Ms. Patmore suggests they send away for a ready-made dress, but Mrs. Hughes refuses.

The Dowager sits in the library hoping for a word with Robert about the hospital. She asks if he has been “thinking sensibly” about the matter unlike his wife.  Robert knows his mother’s game and asks if sensible means merely agreeing with her.  The Dowager advises Robert not to talk to Cora about the matter.  She adds, “I know many happy couples who haven’t spoken in years!”

Edith enters the library and states she’s off again to London to deal with her hateful editor.  Her grandmother asks if its proper for a “young lady” to stay in a flat by herself.  Edith informs her Granny she’s hardly a young lady anymore.  The Dowager decides to leave before Cora comes down.  Robert asks for his mom to stay to at least say hello.  The Dowager retorts, “I suspect it’s less saying hello and more saying ‘en guard!’”

Cora is down in the kitchen reviewing the wedding menu with Ms. Patmore.  She asks the cook if Mrs. Hughes is excited to have the wedding at Downton.  Ms. Patmore confides Mrs. Hughes regrets its been decided for her by Mr. Carson.

Down at the Dowager’s house, the “up to something” music lets us know Ms. Denker is about.  She spies on Mr. Spratt who is adding a stamp to his collection album.  She declares his interests “Silly.”  The backdoor bell rings and Denker suggest Spratt answer it.  Mr. Spratt speaks a minute or two but tells Ms. Denker it was someone at the wrong address.  Denker is suspicious he’s lying.

Anna helps Mary dress for dinner.  Mary opines about her sister’s business, thinking Edith should simply fire the ornery editor but thinks her sister enjoys the drama. (What Mary knows about business beats me!)  Mary reports she received a sad letter from Branson, he appears to be homesick.  Anna tells Mary the dress Mrs. Hughes plans to wear for her wedding “can’t be fixed.”  Mary wonders how Anna’s health has been since they saw the doctor. Anna thinks she might be pregnant again. Mary exclaims, “Well the problem certainly isn’t Mr. Bates.”  This comment makes Anna blush, she’s cautious not to get to excited until she’s further along and can see the doctor.  Mary promises they’ll “Whip up to London for another appointment when the time is right.”

Downstairs, Thomas remains morose as he looks in the paper for a new job.  He wants to stay in the area, which causes Mr. Bates to quip, “If we didn’t know better we’d think you had feelings for York.”  Carson comes in to shoo Thomas upstairs. Carson asks what Thomas’s plans are, Thomas asks for more time off to go for another interview. (He’s not helping his cause by being so overt about his job search.)

Dinner is served upstairs, and Cousin Isobel is suspicious she has been asked to din without the Dowager present in order to cement her alliance with Cora regarding the hospital. Cora asks Mr. Carson if he and Mrs. Hughes can join them in the drawing room after dinner.  Isobel doesn’t want the Dowager to think her and Cora are plotting against her. Robert asks if that’s what they’re doing. Isobel admits they are scheming against his mother but they do not want her to know!

In the kitchen, Mr. Molesley asks Daisy if she’d like help prepping for her exams. Daisy reports she has heard Cora has a plan to help the soon to be displaced Mr. Mason.  Carson enters and scolds Mr. Molesley for not doing his duty upstairs.

Cora speaks to Mrs. Hughes and Carson in front of the entire family in the drawing room.  She begins by saying she thinks Mrs. Hughes has been “railroaded” into accepting the family’s wedding plans.  Robert and Mary immediately protest at what a great honor they are doing for Mr. Carson.  Mrs. Hughes finally gets to speak about what kind of ceremony she would like, a sit down breakfast, music and guests of her own choosing. (How radical!)  She’d like the day to be about her and Mr. Carson, not about the family they work for.  Cora smiles, she understands.  After Mrs. Hughes leaves, Mary rails against her mother, “Why do we have to listen to the servants?" She then goes on to call her mother a “snob.” (Which makes little sense, wanting the servants to be heard and respected is snobby?)

At the Dowager’s house, Ms. Denker asks her employer what she would like to drink before bedtime. Denker begins to gossip about Mr. Spratt, saying she worries about his friends.  The Dowager can’t recall if he has any friends but does confide he has many relations who are always getting married or dying at the most inconvenient times for her!

At Downton, Carson does some gossiping of his own to Robert regarding Thomas. He tells his employer that their “problem child” is looking for work elsewhere. Carson mentions the place where Thomas is to have his next interview and Robert recalls the house vaguely from his youth. (Let me guess another great estate in decline!) Robert excuses himself after complaining of “heartburn.”  It’s probably something more serious.

Mary speaks to Carson regarding the previous discussion about his wedding.  Carson tells Mary as long as she attends, it will “be enough for me.”  It’s hard to know if Carson’s affection for Mary is sweet or a little bit improper.

Thomas makes his way to the estate for his interview.  A disheveled old man who is missing some teeth greets him.

On the streets of London, Edith bumps into a man she met at the Sinderby’s named Bertie.  They reminence about the time they met and Rose.  Edith says she misses Marigold whom she describes as “her ward.”  Bertie invites Edith for a drink with him that evening.

Thomas is lead through a darken house.  The man is Sir Michael Risbey, the owner of the estate.  He confesses he’s let things slide and now the house is empty.  He relates his two sons died in the war.  Thomas tells the man about his military service and it seems they have a rapport.  Sir Risbey states, “Bonds form over war.”  Thomas sees an empty foyer and staircase.  Sir Risbey waxes nostalgic about the parties they hosted, including royalty.  He leads Thomas to a dirty room where clothes hang by the fireplace and newspapers and dust make for a depressing scene.  Sir Risbey reports he has a woman who comes three times a week but no live-in staff since the war.

Thomas is shocked, he asks, “I thought this was a position in a prominent household?”  Sir Risbey is offended and counters, “This is a prominent household!” He again recounts the royalty they used to entertain.  Thomas says gently, “That was a long time ago.”  The old man asks, “Are you a Republican?”  Thomas declines to say but clearly sees this is not the job for him, catering to an old mans delusions.  As he leaves, Sir Risbey adds, “Don’t let standards slip, the good times will return!”  Clearly, the man has lost his grasp on reality.

Edith reviews the copy for the upcoming issue of her magazine.  Mr. Skinner yells and argues with her; offended she’s trying to work.  Edith fires the man and he storms out.  The secretary applauds Edith’s decision, but now they have to complete the magazine by four in the morning.  Realizing she’s late for her date with Bertie, Edith rushes off to meet him.  At the bar, Edith explains her crisis and regrets that she has to go and get to work.  Bertie offers to help and admits he wanted to take her to dinner anyway.  The two leave together.

Cora is getting ready for bed as Robert comes in.  He asks if she thinks Mary suspects Marigold’s true identity.  Cora doubts Mary could believe Edith to be capable of such a deception.  Robert asks Cora to “steer clear” of the hospital issue with his mother.  Cora doesn’t think that will be possible.

At the magazine office in London, Bertie is making himself useful.  He even is completing some articles at the last minute.

Downstairs at Downton, Molesley helps Daisy study for her exams.  She is finding it hard to focus with her distress regarding her former father-in-law’s situation. Molesley informs her he has heard the Drewes will be leaving Yew Tree Farm.  Daisy jumps to the conclusion that Mr. Mason will be the new tenant there.  She wants to tell Mr. Mason, Molesley cautions the matter isn’t settled yet. (That’s never stopped Daisy before.)

There is another knock at the backdoor of the Dowager’s, this time Ms. Denker answers.  It’s Sargent Willis looking for Mr. Spratt.  He asks Spratt about his nephew who had been incarcerated in York.  Spratt wishes Denker would leave, but the cop urges her to stay.  The young man has escaped and has possibly been seen in the neighborhood.  Obviously, this was Mr. Spratt’s mystery caller from the other day.  Mr. Spratt and Ms. Denker deny having seen the fugitive.  Willis leaves.  Ms. Denker smiles at Mr. Spratt.  She asks, “After he was put up in the potting shed, did he get away safely?”  Ms. Denker is the last person one can trust with your secrets.

It’s now the wee hours of the morning and Bertie and Edith have completed the magazine and rushed it off to the printers.  Bertie remarks they make a great team.  Edith is happy she proved herself up to the task, but plans to hire another editor. She confides she needs a purpose in her life, she’s not content with simply be a “Lady.” Bertie confesses, “You inspire me!”  Edith tells him she needs to go home for the wedding of her butler, who started at their house during her grandfather’s time. Bertie says he loves stories like that, and they are becoming more rare. (Yes, Mr. Fellows, we understand, the service class and estates are ending!)

Ms. Patmore receives the ready-made dress she ordered for Mrs. Hughes.  It’s quite plain and Anna and Daisy look at it miserably.  Mrs. Hughes enters, and the women hid the box.  Daisy is asked to go upstairs to light the family’s fires.

Once upstairs, Daisy encounters Lady Cora on her way out.  They exchange a few words before Daisy bursts out with her appreciation of “fixing” Mr. Mason’s problem.  Cora denies that the matter is settled telling the impertinent Daisy “They’ll see what happens.”

Anna tells Mary about the dull dress which arrived for Mrs. Hughes.  Mary has an idea to add a coat over the dress.  Since she isn’t Mrs. Hughes’s size, she suggests borrowing a coat from her mother.  Mary insists Cora won’t mind.

Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes review the details prior to the wedding the next day. Mrs. Hughes admits she’s nervous.  They make plans to not see each other until the wedding.

Cora and Isobel again square off with the Dowager and Dr. Clarkson regarding the hospital.  The “against” side criticize Cora for having toured and lunched at the Royal York Hospital.  Cora defends her actions as gathering more information about the changes.  Dr. Clarkson confesses he’s disappointed to learn Cora doesn’t support the status quo.  Isobel launches an attack at the doctor, “Here you’re king. You don’t want to loss your power and become just another country doctor.”  Lord Merton tells the doctor “She doesn’t mean that.”  The Dowager accuses Isobel of drinking.  Cora leaves this unpleasant gathering.

Ms. Patmore explains supper will be simple due to tomorrow’s wedding.  Thomas complains, which leads Carson to ask how his interview went.  Thomas confesses, “Not well.”  Then he turns to Andy and adds, “I bet you’ll be glad to see the back of me!” Andy gives a neutral answer.  As Andy leave, Baxter tells Thomas, “Don’t fish!” Thomas tells her they have got him all wrong, he just wants to be friends with Andy and complains the other staff poisoned him against Thomas.  It’s unclear what Thomas’s motives are; he’s frequently been portrayed as “predatory gay.”  Has he given up on love out of frustration?

Anna tells Mrs. Hughes Mary has a surprise for her and to go up to Cora’s room at a certain time.

Robert greets Edith in the library; he congratulates her on finishing her magazine. Mary predictably rolls her eyes.  Cora comes in, stating her morning was good but her afternoon was horrible.

Cora goes up to her room to see Mrs. Hughes, Anna and Ms. Patmore trying on her clothes!  Cora is understandably confused and vents her anger at the three servants and orders them out of her room at once.  Anna tries to explain Mary gave them permission but obviously Cora wasn’t informed.  The servants flee their mistress’s wrath.

Anna goes to Mary to explain what transpired in her mother’s bedroom.  Mary promises to set her mother straight about the whole business.  Robert defends Cora when he hears Mary’s explanation.  Cora is mainly frustrated that she was not informed of Mary’s promise to Mrs. Hughes. (However, Cora wasn’t home all day and the wedding is tomorrow!)

Downstairs, Thomas is not surprised by Lady Grantham’s attitude.  “Thirty years of service, and you make one mistake and you’re out on your ear!”  No one has been fired for this offense.  Daisy brags that Lady Grantham has resolved Mr. Mason’s tenancy situation.  Thomas tells Mr. Carson he just can’t see the future at Downton.

Mrs. Hughes tells Ms. Patmore how Cora made her feel like “a naughty child.”  Just then, Cora comes down to speak to her.  She apologizes and confesses she had an awful day and took it out on the wrong person.  She offers Mrs. Hughes the coat, to keep. She tells her Baxter will help with the last minute fitting.

Mr. Carson packs a suitcase.  Mrs. Hughes settles in her bed for one last night alone.  In another room, Carson lies down on his bed, solo for one more night.

In the morning, flowers are cut for the wedding party.  Ms. Patmore brings Mrs. Hughes tea in bed.  Anna and Baxter are on hand to dress the bride.  Carson practices his vows, adorably nervous.  He becomes even more nervous when Molesley shows him the flowers for the wedding party.  He appoints the men his ushers, stating, “Hanged for a sheep as a lamb!”  (This expression means that if one is going to get in trouble, one might as well go all out. In England, killing a lamb was a hanging offense so if one is going to die anyway, might as well get the most meat out of it.)  He grudgingly allows Thomas to be a member of the wedding party.

Vows are spoken at the church where the servants sit on one side and the family the other.  As the ceremony finishes, bagpipes play in honor of Mrs. Hughes’s Scottish heritage.

Isobel apologizes to Dr. Clarkson for her outburst, Dr. Clarkson admits what she said was true.  He is willing to re-examine his position on the hospital change. The Dowager hears this comment and adds, “Second thoughts are vastly over-rated!”  The doctor notes even fuddy-duddy Lord Merton is for the change.  The Dowager responds, “Like a turkey in favor of Christmas!”  The Dowager has a clear opinion of anyone who opposes her.

The happy couple kisses outside the church and proceed to the schoolhouse where a beautiful breakfast has been laid out.  Mary offers an apology to Mrs. Carson.  She responds, “He’d forgive you if you attacked him with a brick!”  Mr. Bates notices his wife’s healthy glow and tries to guess what her secret.  Molesley speaks to the schoolmaster regarding Daisy’s exams.  The man sees Molesley’s potential.  Molesley states he feels like he’s missed everything in his life.  Daisy has told Mr. Mason about the vacant farm and the old man thanks Lady Grantham. (Awkward!)

Mr. Carson makes a speech, declaring himself the luckiest and happiest man in the world.  Suddenly, Mr. Branson appears with little Sybie!  He tells them back to stay as long as they want him.  Edith asks what happened in America.  Branson explains he had to leave to realize Downton was home and he considers them his family. George runs to greet his cousin.  

A sweet end to another episode, so surely, drama awaits!

There are a few things to ponder before the next installment.  Last week, it seemed clear that Mr. Mason had a place at Downton with the Drewes leaving their farm.  In this episode, it all seems up in the air again.  It’s frustrating that Daisy is portrayed as such clueless ditz.  What will Denker get Spratt to do in order to keep his secret? Will Edith find happiness with Bertie only to have Michael Gregson appear alive and well at his flat? What will Mary do now that Branson has returned and presumably will take back his position as agent?  Is there any chance Mary and Branson might get together?  It’s a safe guess there will be many more twists as the drama unfolds in the final season.

AHS Hotel, Finale, Be Our Guest

Time to pop that final bucket of popcorn to enjoy the sloppy, campy and bloody slog to the finish line.  Lady Gaga graciously accepted her Golden Globe last Sunday for her atrocious overacting in this series.  But I suppose Madonna won for Evita so they are even in that regard.  (Kirsten Dunst was robbed for her excellent acting in Fargo.) Lady Gaga does deserve an award for her fashion in the series, which made her character infinitely more interesting then her breathy diction.  Now for the conclusion of Hotel, ghosts have replaced the most of the vampires and Liz and Iris are set to reign over a new era.

Liz lies on the bed in a turquoise gown, her voiceover describing the changes to the hotel.  Sadly, she says, the changes weren’t meant to be and suddenly, her throat is slashed and she dies on the bed.

The timeline is rewound to show Liz and Iris warmly greeting two guests at reception.  Liz whispers the pair are from an Internet review site.  The couple is greeted with champagne, and shown to their room.  The Cortez has been redecorated with a modern décor; four hundred thread count sheets and an elaborate Japanese toilet.  Unfortunately, the ghosts remain.  Sally surprises the couple and describes how much blood; piss and pain remain within the walls.  To illustrate her point, she shoots up the man with a fatal dose of heroin.  As he writhes on the floor, the woman screams for help.  She is meet by the ghost of Will Drake; he fatally stabs her with glee.

Iris and Liz vent their frustration at the ghosts, “You can’t keep killing the guests! We’re going to end up with zero stars!”  Liz suggests they have a goddamn meeting! The final opening theme plays.

At the hotel bar, all the ghosts have gathered.  The Swedes from episode one mingle with the realtor, the gay hipster and other of this season’s many victims.  Liz has a simple demand, “Stop killing the guests!”  Iris adds, “It’s bad for business.” The ghosts don’t like taking orders from the vampire but Iris states she only feeds on “donated” blood.  Will states murdering guests is the only thing that gives him pleasure and Sally defends him.  Mr. March appears and says, “Surprisingly, I agree with Cleopatra.”  Sally scoffs, “That’s like Col. Saunders saying he doesn’t eat chicken!”  Mr. March continues, “I don’t know this military man of whom you speak or his affinity for poultry but my killing days are over.”  March explains he has passed the “torch” on to John.  He further explains if they lose the hotel, where will they go, to hell?

Drake is confident his unlimited funds will keep the hotel in business despite the losses.  Iris explains his money is going quickly.  Mr. March explains if the hotel can remain in business for one hundred years it can be designated as an historical landmark and be saved from the wrecking ball.  When Sally protests, Mr. March threatens to torture her with “Creature.”  Sally doesn’t care, she won’t follow the rules, and hell couldn’t be worse then how she exists now.

After the meeting, Iris brings Sally some champagne in her room.  Sally is dressed in red velvet and lace and is crying.  Iris says, “I know you’re miserable.”  Sally reminds her she is the one who pushed her out the window all those years ago.  Iris apologizes for killing Sally, and notes she’s changed since John left.  Sally moans, “No one knows my pain, unless I take others with me.”

 Iris notes many things have changed since Sally died, and offers Sally “the future.”  Iris explains the hotel now has Wi-Fi and offers Sally a cell phone pre-loaded with Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  “No one has to be alone anymore, not for a second!” she explains to the emo ghost.

Liz narrates Sally’s triumphant engagement in social media.  She explains “being numb” lost its appeal for Sally.  Sally throws her heroin kit out the hotel window.

Liz speaks to Will in the bar overlooking the lobby.  Will asks, “How long have I been dead, it feels like I don’t exist.”  Liz tells him he’s been dead a little over a year.  She tells him his business is dying, he never used other designers and so there is no one able to carry his label on.  Will is happy to live on through his son; he’s sent him to a boarding school to avoid him being poisoned by the death.  Liz offers Will needs a new purpose.  She tells him his “missing” status has helped keep interest in his brand.  She gives him a sketchbook and tells him to get to work.  Will notes the line needs a face and Liz offers to be his living muse.  She explains he could state Will had become a recluse, “Like Howard Hughes without the crazy!”

Liz steps into the boardroom of Drake’s company.  A man rejects the idea of her running the company or speaking for him.  A lawyer presents a letter regarding Liz’s legitimacy and Liz promptly fires the man!

Will’s business thrives and Liz utilizes the hotel and the ghosts to hosts a fashion show. (A haunting version of  “Knights in White Satin” provides the soundtrack.) The secrecy surrounding these shows adds to the appeal.  Liz should be happy, but she misses Tristan, remembering how they met under similar circumstances.

Iris tries to help Liz by bringing in a psychic named Billy Dean Howard.  (A cleaned up Sarah Paulsen and a revisit to her character from Season 1.)  Billy explores Liz’s room, touching the walls and the bed.  She states she senses a masculine energy and calls to Tristan.  Unfortunately, Tristan communicates he doesn’t want to talk to Liz. Another spirit comes thorough, Donavon tells Iris he remembers her making him blueberry pancakes on Saturday morning and he’s somewhere where every day is Saturday morning.  Donavon gives Iris a message, “I love you mom.”  Iris cries, but she is sorry she wasn’t able to help her friend.

Liz becomes a grandmother.  She is present at the birth of her son’s baby and even cuts the cord.  She says, “Maybe the world she is born into will be a little better and kinder.”  She adds, “I never knew life could be this good, or end.”

Liz speaks with Ramona under the dappled light of the large art deco window. Ramona asks, “Shit, are you sure?”  Liz explains she is past the point of all treatment and for that she is almost relieved.  She adds ironically, “I’d hate to lose my hair!” Ramona offers to “turn” Liz but she declines.  “I don’t want to kill in order to live.”  She hopes she can maintain her relationship with her son and his family if he visits her at the hotel where she plans to remain as a ghost.

Liz gathers the ghosts to her room and breaks the news; “I’m the first woman in history to die of prostate cancer!”  She has reassembled the weapons her and Iris had planned to use for their double suicide, she instructs the ghosts to grab the weapons and kill her.  The ghosts protest, they need her as their contact with the outside world.  Liz explains she considers them all her family and wants to remain with them forever.

The Countess is the final ghost to join the gathering.  Liz hasn’t seen her since she killed her.  The Countess states she feels a special bond with Liz; she was her “finest transformation.”  She offers to assist with Liz’s next “transformation.”  With a flick of her sharp silver gloves, the Countess slits Liz’s throat. (As was seen in the episode’s opening minutes.)

Liz looks down at her corpse and smokes.  Tristan appears, “Those things will kill you!”  Liz is overjoyed to see her lover.  Tristan explains he didn’t want to get in the way of her living so had stayed hidden until now.  Liz exclaims, “You are to die for!” In this case, she means literally.

The clock races forward again to “Devil’s Night 2022.”  A woman rings reception requesting the room “Billy Dean Howard died in.”

Iris brought in Billy Dean Howard as a way of garnering free advertising for the Hotel.  Billy is shown taping a reading, “Mr. Woo doesn’t pay for what!” (A flashback to the moment the Swedish girls killed the player!)  John returns to the hotel.  He doesn’t like Billy Dean because she is always trying to contact him.  She checks into room sixty-four in order to interview the notorious serial killer.

John taunts the psychic, “Do you want to talk?”  Billy asks him if his family knew about his crimes.  John recalls when he was on the run with his family.  He told them he only killed people who “deserved it.”  Billy asks, “Your wife, kids all disappeared, did you kill them.”  John says, “I failed them.”  John remembers Scarlett urging him to return to “home” to the Hotel Cortez.  John notes the hotel is where they all had been “reborn” except for Scarlett.  Like Will, John decided to send his daughter to boarding school where she will be safe from the deadly pull of the Cortez.  John explains moving back to Los Angeles provided him with more “opportunities.”  John stalks victims on the street to kill and feed his wife and son.  One day, John is caught by police and dies in a shoot-out in front of the hotel. He is unable to crawl inside the walls of the Cortez, limiting his after life within its walls.

Billy asks John what is the significance of October 30^th and remarks that is the only day she can feel his presence.  John tells her he will show her, if she leaves the cameras behind and joins him.  Billy takes John’s hand.

Billy mentions doing a reading on a “house west of here.” (Season 1’s Murder House.)  She notes that house whispered but the hotel is like a “rock concert of the dead.”  John smiles and asks if she’d like to meet the “rock stars.”  He takes her to Mr. March’s dining room where John Wayne Gacy and Jeffery Dahmer are waiting.  Billy realizes who they are but feels confident “surrounding herself with white light” will protect her from harm.  (This is a common method for psychics.)  She becomes more alarmed after Aileen and Richard Ramirez arrive.  Ramirez kisses her hand and Aileen compliments Billy’s hair in an awful attempt at flirting.  John offers her Absinthe and finally Mr. March appears.  Billy tells the ghost hotelier, “I feel the violence in you and the moments of death of your victims.”  March is intrigued by this and asks Billy, “Is it like a film or more a kaleidoscope?”  Billy tries to explain it’s more like a mist, which leads Aileen to laugh crudely.

Billy sits down at the dinner table, clearly overwhelmed by the company of ghouls. Gacy promptly handcuffs her to the chair and Dahmer asks when the “appetizer” will arrive.  John demands Billy cease to write or explore the hotel ever again.  Billy asks what happens if she refuses?  Aileen smiles, “Being murdered hurts!”  Ramona enters the party.  Billy can’t figure out what she is.  Ramona gleefully explains, “I’m a creature who kills to live!”  Ramona threatens to eat the psychic and Billy runs from the room and the hotel screaming.

John returns to his old room.  Holden and Alex are asleep on the bed and he greets Scarlett who is now a young adult.  When John notes how she’s changed, she responds, “You only say that because I’m the only one in this family who ages.”  The family reunion is an annual tradition.  Because John didn’t die in the Hotel, he’s only there on “Devil’s Night.”  It’s unclear whether Alex and Holden are still “living” independent of him as vampires but it appears so.  The clock in the room displays 2:23am.  Scarlett falls asleep in the chair, holding her father’s hand.

The Countess looks around the bar and smokes in a blue gown and diamond necklace.  She finds a dark haired man to flirt with.  He states he’s at the hotel because he’s heard it’s haunted.  The Countess smiles and touches his face; “You have a jawline for days!”

So ends the season of American Horror Story Hotel.  There remain some unanswered questions and plot holes as always.  How did Billy get free of her handcuffs? And if she escaped, why did the woman ask to sleep in the room she died in? Is having an all ghost and vampire staff a good business model?  How does the Hotel Cortez stay in business?  Perhaps the series would be better if it was an episode or two less.  My favorite performances of the season were from Denis O’Hare and Kathy Bates. (Extra points to Denis for showing up in five-inch Louis Vuitton stilettos at the Golden Globes to honor his performance as Liz.) Perhaps I’ve been a little harsh on Lady Gaga, it may be she didn’t know when to stop “vamping up” her character. (Sorry, not sorry for the pun.)

Overall, American Horror Story continues to provide campy horror much better then Murphy’s failed series “Scream Queens.” Its strength is in its core staff of actors who manage to make the ridiculous and bizarre entertaining.  It provides a dark escapism for those who reveal in the weird so it seems fitting AHS will return just before the 2016 election. In the meantime, I will start reviewing "American Crime Story" also starring Sarah Paulsen starting in Feb. 2.