Downton Abbey, Season 6, Episode Two

What did you think of last week’s final premiere episode?  I was happy to see the major plotlines outlined; Carson and Hughes’s wedding, Edith’s future but a little annoyed at redundant plots such as Violet and Isobel at odds and Ms. Denker up to her usual nonsense. We must take the bitter and the sweet and hope for happy endings.

The episode opens with a morning montage including the servants ironing the newspaper and readying breakfast. (The newspaper ironing recalls the first season’s opening, which brought news of the Titanic disaster.)  Upstairs, Mary and Robert share news from America.  Tom is opening a business and Rose hints at a return to England in the summer.  Mary deduces Rose may be pregnant. Edith scoffs at this, “You’ve added one and one to equal fifty three!”  There is to be a meeting of the hospital board.  Carson alerts Lord Grantham a man is downstairs wishing to speak to the agent.  Mary is the acting agent and agrees to meet the man. Robert asks how the wedding planning is evolving.  Carson replies they have yet to work out the details. Robert suggests they use the “Servants Hall” for the reception.  After Carson leaves, Mary asks to speak about the matter latter with her father.  She likely wants more for her favorite male staff.

Ms. Patmore contemplates buying jarred horseradish instead of making it from scratch. (The end of the world, surely!)  Mosley asks Daisy if there has been any news regarding Mr. Mason and his eviction.  Daisy blames her outburst for harming Mason’s chances of retaining his farm.  Ms. Hughes and Carson need to leave Downton for the day and plan to go together.

Mr. Finch meets with Mary in the library.  She informs him she is the new agent and he mumbles something about the changing world.  He asks for her support to host a “Fat Stock Show” to be given by the Downton Estate.  The man expresses its important for the “surviving” estates to compete with the larger county competitions.

Ms. Hughes and Carson walk away from the main house as he tells her of Lord Grantham’s offer to host their reception in the “Servants Hall.”  Ms. Hughes doesn’t want the reception to be at Downton stating she’d like to “get away” on her wedding day.  Mr. Carson feels conflicted, he’s fiercely loyal to the family and wants to be sure the Crawley’s especially Mary are present.  Ms. Hughes is firm, “I don’t want to be a servant on my wedding day, tell Lord Grantham no thank you.”  The art of martial compromise has begun between these two strong personalities.

At the Dowager’s home, Robert, Dr. Clarkson and Isobel conduct a meeting of the local hospital board.  The main issue is whether they can afford to remain independent and private.  The Dowager wants to keep the hospital in her and Downton’s control.  Isobel feels a relationship with the County could bring more advanced care to their hospital.  Robert doesn’t dare voice his opinion but the Dowager seems to count on her son’s endorsement of her ideas.

Downstairs, the servants finish their meal and discuss their plans for the day.  Andy wants to explore the woods, but declines Thomas’s offer of companionship. (Again, Thomas is made to appear the aggressive homosexual when it is unclear if Andy prefers males or females.)  Thomas asks when the decisions will be made regarding staff reductions.  He’s told to “not wait” to look for a new employer.  Thomas is convinced the family plans to terminate him.

In the village, Molesley pops in on the local school.  Is he still hoping to become a teacher?

Edith receives an irate call from Mr. Skinner at the publishing house.  She will have to go to London the next day to handle ongoing issues with him.  In the library, Dr. Clarkson lobbies Cora for support to retain control over the hospital.  Robert makes it clear he can see both sides of the argument but it’s unclear whether he supports his mother or Cousin Isobel.

Little George and Marigold are shown into the library to the delight of their mothers. Robert asks Mary what Mr. Finch wanted and she tells him of the “Fat Stock Show.” In order to research the topic, a plan is made to visit the pigs on Mr. Drewe’s farm. Edith is concerned to let Marigold go without her.  Mary thinks her sister is simply being snobbish.  Cora offers to accompany the Marigold in Edith’s absence.

Mosley finds Daisy alone in the kitchen.  He reveals his errand at the school. He informs Daisy he spoke to the headmaster about her writing her exams.  He even procured some old exams for a reference.  Daisy touched by Molesley’s gesture but wishes there was more she could do to help Mr. Mason.  Mosley cautions her, even with some educations they are “just servants.”  Secretly, both these characters aspire for more in life.

Anna assists Mary in getting ready for bed. (Can I just add how much I love Mary’s hair this season?) Anna mentions she heard the children would be visiting the Drew’s farm the next day. Mary prods Anna for the reason for her discontent. Anna reveals she has had several miscarriages and fears she will never have children. Mary excuses Anna for the night to wallow in her sadness.

Isobel runs into Lord Merton in the village.  He reveals he post his own letters, how independent of him!  Lord Merton reveals he is to be on the new board at York County hospital.  He explains how the partnership will bring better services to the village.  Currently, “If someone in the house pricks their finger, they go to London. But what of the people for whom that is not an option?”  Lord Merton questions Dr. Clarkson’s expertise on new technology such as the x-ray machine.  Isobel says, “So the battle lines have been drawn and now we fight it out!”  Lord Merton, obviously still very much in love with Isobel states he’s glad they are to be on the same side. Isobel makes haste to the hospital.  Lord Merton calls to her in parting, “It will be ‘Wigs on the green’ before we’re done!” (“Wigs on the green.” Is an Irish expression dating back to the eighteenth century meaning a bitter fight is expected and wigs may end up on the lawn.  In other words, the poop will soon hit the oscillating device.)

Mosley and Ms. Baxter confer about the Mr. Mason situation.  Ms. Baxter can only offer to speak to Cora regarding the matter.  She doubts Cora would want to help Daisy since her outburst reflected poorly on her household.  As Mosley leaves, Thomas adds to Ms. Baxter that it’s unwise to concern herself in the family’s affairs. He closes the newspaper he had been reading and states there is a listing for an assistant butler at a nearby estate.  Andy enters looking for some oil to help wind the clocks.  Thomas offers his assistance only to be rebuffed by young Andy. Thomas sighs and says aloud, “There is nothing to keep me here!”

The Drew pigs delight the children.  Mary takes her time speaking with Mr. Drewe and inquiring about the pigs while Cora looks tense and wants to leave before Mrs. Drew returns.  But Mrs. Drewe arrives at the pigsty and fusses over her adopted daughter a little to long for Cora’s comfort.  Mr. Drew tries to curb in his wife’s outpouring of emotion for the little girl.  Everyone, except Mary and young George look uncomfortable about the encounter.

Thomas asks for the afternoon off to go to a job interview at the other estate.  Carson remarks, “You don’t let the grass grow!”  Ms. Baxter expresses she would be sadden if Thomas were to leave the house.

Robert waits for the “pig party” to return in the library.  Lady Mary informs him the children enjoyed the visit.  Off-handedly, Mary offers Carson the use of the family’s hall for their wedding reception.  Carson notes he’ll have to discuss the matter with Ms. Hughes.  Mary asks, “Why would Ms. Hughes feel differently?” (Because she doesn’t want to feel like a servant on her wedding day!)  Robert advises Carson, “There is no point in arguing with Lady Mary.”  This is true.

Downstairs, Anna cries alone.  Mr. Bates comes in and offers his support, “Being married means never having to cry alone.” (Mr. Bates needs to start a romantic greeting card company. He’s a poet.)  He asks if she would consider adoption but Anna knows Mr. Bates wants his own child.  She fears she won’t be enough if they can’t have a family.  Mr. Bates says gently, “We are one person who can’t have a child.”  He’s trying the best he can to shift the burden off his beautiful wife.

In London, Edith gets an earful from Mr. Skinner as Aunt Rosemund looks on from outside the office.  Edith leaves, telling her aunt the man is impossible and she wasted her time coming to London.  Edith tells her aunt about the visit to the Drewe farm.  Rosemund opines that Edith needs to tell Mary the truth about Marigold at some point.  Edith changes the subject to the upcoming family feud regarding the hospital.  Aunt Rosemund knows her mother will want Robert to be on her side, even if it means opposing his own wife.

Thomas meets with the head butler at the Ripon estate.  Thomas describes his service at Downton, starting as a footman, serving in the war and finally rising to his current position as under-butler.  The man asks him pointedly why he wants to move now. Thomas states vaguely it’s the right time to move.  The man states in this house he’ll be a footman, valet and occasional chauffeur.  The man observes Thomas looks “soft” and asks if he’s married. (Does he sense Thomas is a homosexual?) Thomas offers his service profession as a reason for his bachelorhood.  The man seems to view this reasoning a little outdated for 1925.  This conversation is further foreshadowing of the demise of the estate system and lifestyle affecting both the gentry and the service employees.

Anna helps Lady Mary ready for dinner. Mary states that she has been thinking of their recent conversation and she wants to help Anna. Mary confides she was having difficulty becoming pregnant and she saw a doctor in London, had a small “blockage” removed and “George was the result.” (Sounds like endometriosis.) Anna resists the suggestion, fearing her condition is hopeless.  Mary recounts the many things Anna has done in Mary’s service over the years, from dragging bodies across the house to hiding forbidden birth control.  Anna reluctantly agrees but doesn’t want to tell her husband yet for fear it would give him false hope.  Mary is hopeful, declaring to her lady’s maid, “This will be our next moment.”

In Cora’s room, Baxter works on her Ladyship’s hair.  The maid brings up the subject of speaking to the new owners of Mr. Mason’s land.  Cora doesn’t believe she can do anything to help undo Daisy’s outburst.  Baxter requests Cora allow Daisy to speak to her on the subject.  Robert enters the bedroom and is brought into the conversation. Baxter exits quickly. Robert asks his wife what really happened at the Drewe’s farm.  Cora sighs, “Mrs. Drewe wanted to swallow (Marigold) whole!”  Robert wonders whose idea it was to go to the farm and Cora admits it was Mary’s.  Robert wishes Edith would tell Mary the truth but Cora understands her middle daughter’s reluctance.  Cora offers another idea, what if the Drewe’s were to move. Robert protest their family had been residents for a century, but agrees to speak to Mr. Drew.

In the kitchen, Thomas tells Baxter about his disastrous job interview, complaining about the expectation of being valet, chauffeur and butler.  Thomas wonders if they might expect him to cook and garden as well.  Baxter seems relieved that Thomas didn’t get the job.  Mosley questions Baxter’s concern about Thomas. (One can’t tell if he hates Thomas or has designs on Baxter.)  Baxter lets Daisy know she can speak with Lady Grantham about the Mason matter.  Daisy becomes worked up again, stating she’s mad at the whole system and her Ladyship is part of it!

In London at Aunt Rosemund’s flat, she and Edith share a port and discuss Edith’s poor meeting with her editor. The butler brings in a notice that Mary is coming to London tomorrow for “appointments and shopping.”  Aunt Rosemund suggests the sisters go shopping together, Edith doubts Mary would like to spend time with her. Rosemund remarks how she’s enjoying the new cook, but doubts she’ll stay on long. (More hinting at the decline of servants.)  Edith has decided to maintain Gregson’s flat in London, but admits she’s not sure she could live there alone, since she’s never lived independently.  Aunt Rosemund offers her some advice, “Be aware of being too good at it. (Living alone) You might find it hard to give up.”

Carson approaches Ms. Hughes about Mary’s plan to have their wedding reception in the main hall. Ms. Hughes answers as predicted.  She states, “It’s grandeur is not who WE are, it’s not OUR way.”  She wants her wedding day to be about them as a couple, not their employer.  Carson is resigned to her refusal and says he’ll deliver the news to his Lordship.

Anna tells Mr. Bates she’s going to London, but doesn’t mention the real purpose of the trip. He offers the rest and change of scenery might do her some good.  He suggests she “put her feet up” which brought to mind an old-fashioned idea about the best position to assume after relations when one is trying to conceive.

Cora comes down to breakfast instead of eating in bed.  She mentions she’s off to church and then to the hospital to meet with Dr. Clarkson and the Dowager Countess. She adds, she’s happy Isobel will be present as well so that she will have an ally she can rely on.  Robert protests but is still unable to take a stand against his mother’s wishes.  Robert asks Carson if he’s told Ms. Hughes about the wedding reception.  Mary chimes in, “I hope she’s pleased!”  Carson admits Ms. Hughes is unsure whether the venue is “appropriate.”  Mary protests that Mr. Carson has served the family for fifty years and he has every right to use the house for the occasion.  Cora offers, “Ms. Hughes sees it differently.”  Mary, used to always getting her way responds, “You will have the reception here if it’s the last thing I do!” Insisting others do your bidding doesn’t seem very lady-like to me.

Dr. Clarkson and the Dowager show Cora around the wards of the hospital.  Isobel follows them, telling Cora the two tried to sell her the same pitch to keep things as they are.  The Dowager insists, “Ours are the true facts!”  Cora is quite capable of making her own decisions. “It’s not the right way forward to go backward!”  The Dowager takes offense, asking if she thinks Dr. Clarkson isn’t qualified to lead their hospital.  Cora argues about the progress made in medicine since the war and she’d like to see that at their hospital.  Isobel is content with Cora’s support and both ladies leave the room to let their opponents, “Nash their teeth alone.”  Privately, Dr. Clarkson wishes he had Robert’s support for keeping the hospital under local control.

Lord Grantham arrives at Mr. Drew’s farm to discuss the ongoing tension over little Marigold. His Lordship suggests the Drewe’s consider moving, but Mr. Drewe shifts the blame to the Grantham house, wondering why Marigold came to the farm.  Robert admits Edith was away.  Robert suggests this idea is his wife’s concern over Mrs. Drew.  Ever the peacemaker, Robert adds he just wants everybody to be happy.  Mr. Drew promises he can manage his wife. (Sounds a little ominous.)

Ms. Hughes asks Carson how did his Lordship respond to the decline in the offer to use the main hall at Downton for their reception.  She can tell Carson didn’t advocate for her wishes.  Ms. Hughes says, “Can’t contradict the blessed Lady Mary! I want my wedding day my way. I know it will be your way for the next thirty years but the wedding is mine!”  She storms out of the room in full Scottish fury.

Lady Cora is sewing when Baxter asks if she can speak with Daisy, who’s waiting outside the room.  Cora begins by stating she feels there is nothing she can do for Mr. Mason, decisions were probably made at the time of sale of the estate. Daisy touts Mr. Mason as being an experienced farmer and that any estate would be happy to have him as a tenant.  Cora asks if Mr. Mason would be willing to move, thinking about a possibly vacancy of the Drewe farm.  Daisy responds Mr. Mason would be willing to relocate.  Keeping her thoughts to herself, Cora tells the assistant cook she’ll see what she can do to help.

Mary and Anna meet with the London gynecologist who informs Anna her problem is “cervical incompetence.” This means she can become pregnant but has miscarriage because her cervix can’t support the weight of the developing fetus.  He informs them he can help by stitching her cervix when she becomes pregnant once again.  Anna is buoyed by this revelation.

Robert and Cora speak in their opulent bed.  He informs her them Mr. Drewe will not consider leaving.  Cora informs him Edith and Mary will be returning to Downton together, a rare occurrence.  Mary has two days to finish preparing the “Fat Stock Show.”  Robert speculates it will be a good way for the farming community and the house to “See we are on the same side.”  Cora muses, “I wish your mother could see we are on the same side.”  Robert confesses, “Mama is a law unto herself!”

Downstairs, Carson gives directions to the staff for the day of the Fat Stock Show.  Thomas wants to skip the affair if he doesn’t have to work.  Mr. Bates notices a change in Anna’s demeanor since she’s returned from London.  Carson asks Andy to assist with tea following the show, to Thomas’s annoyance.  Ms. Hughes says bitingly to her fiancé, “You’ll be there of course for Lady Mary and her pigs, that’s what matters!” Someone should inform Carson of the first rule of marriage, “Happy wife, happy life!”

The Fat Stock Show commences.  The Drewes arrive in a truck; most of the household is there to enjoy some free time.  Thomas watches Andy play a game and goes to join him. Andy quickly leaves Thomas alone.  Ms. Patmore tells Thomas to “Get a clue.”  Thomas is undaunted by Andy’s constant rejections.

Mr. Mason, Daisy and Molesley observe the livestock.  Despite his troubles, Mr. Mason says he’s not worried over his future.  Mrs. Drewe looks longingly at Marigold. Lord Merton chats with Lady Mary a moment regarding the hospital.  Mary seems to think Lord Merton may be able to change the Dowager’s mind about the idea.  She adds, “It’s what we’re (women) are known for.” (Lord knows Mary’s changed her mind a time or two.)

Robert says hello to Mrs. Drewe.  Carson decides to put his foot down on the plan for the reception.  He states, “The idea is sorted.  Mary and the house mean a great deal to me.”  Meanwhile, Mary has won first place for “her” pig.  Edith says, “Well done us!”  As she looks down however she notices Marigold is no longer with her.  The word spreads quickly and the crowd begins to search for the little girl.

Robert finds Mr. Drewe who confirms his wife is also missing and their truck is gone.  Robert calls off the search offering that Marigold was taken to the Drewe farm for her own safety.  Mary is upset, “Who will drive ME back home!”

The nervous Grantham’s arrive at the Drewe farm.  Mr. Drewe insists on dealing with his wife alone.  He finds her holding Marigold in the living area.  Mrs. Drewe tells him, “She was bored, and no one was paying any attention to her so I took her home.”  Mr. Drewe carefully approaches her and picks up Marigold with hardly a whimper from the child.

Mr. Drewe delivers Marigold into the grateful arms of her mother.  He tells Robert they will start looking for another tenancy.  Robert thanks the Drewe for all he has done for their family.  Mr. Drewe notes, “We made a plan but we forgot about emotion, it trips you up every time.”  The Drewes stare out the window as the family leaves with the girl they used to love and care for as their own daughter.  While appreciating the love Mrs. Drewe has for Marigold, we were lead to believe earlier they had five other children and were struggling to maintain their farm.  Her actions seem bizarre in the larger context, but this is Downton and there must be drama.

 Looking ahead to next week it appears the wedding is on, despite Ms. Hughes objections over the reception.  It seems that Anna may be in a family way again. Edith may have a new man in her life and Thomas seems more certain he’ll be sent packing soon.  This final season may provide some satisfying if somewhat predictable conclusions to many of our favorite characters lives, but some deaths and tragedies can be expected as well because drama never sleeps at Downton. Cheerio ‘til next week.