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!