This week the action returns with showdowns over the
hospital, Baxter’s legal obligation and Robert’s health. Although these plot points couldn’t be less
subtle, their delivery is still entertaining.
There are many hints as to how the characters lives will change by the
end of the season. Edith and Mary may
end up in relationships, and death is still a possibility among the older
generations of the family.
The episode opens with Mr. Mason riding his carriage by the
main house. Daisy assists Mr. Mason in
moving into his new home at Yew Tree Farm. Branson and Lady Mary speak more about
Branson’s plans. He wishes to open a car
repair shop near the village to fulfill his dream of having his own business
apart from running the estate.
Once Daisy is downstairs at work, she relates Mr. Mason’s
progress of moving in. Ms. Patmore
offers to bring him a picnic lunch to welcome him; Andrew offers to lend his
assistance to the old farmer.
Edith speaks to her father in the library; she’s received an
invitation from Bertie the next time she is in London. The Dowager pops in, and is relieved that Cora
is out. She tells her son she “needs a favor.”
She would like to invite the Minster of Health to Downton as part of his
tour of the area. The Dowager’s husband
was the godfather to the wife of the Minster, Neville Chamberlain. (The infamous conservative Prime Minister who
signed an appeasement treaty with Adolf Hitler in 1938 declaring “We will have
peace in our time!”) The Dowager is scheming to get the Minister to support her
view on the hospital matter. Robert is
skeptical his mother can get the Minister to accept her invitation or approve
her plan.
Down in the kitchen, Mrs. Hughes has more mundane worries. She asks Mrs. Patmore to prepare a dinner for
her and Mr. Carson. It seems Mrs. Hughes
never had to do much cooking and is nervous about feeding her new husband. Ms. Patmore, although jealous of her friend’s
new status, offers to help.
Upstairs at the family breakfast, Mary relates that Henry
Talbot has invited her to look at a car and watch him race. Branson offers to go as he has a love of
automobiles. (And Mary too, I suspect.) Edith
brings up her meeting with Bertie in London but insists it’s not a date. Mary quips, “Of course not!” Dr. Clarkson and Lord Merton will be arriving
later for a drink. Robert reveals his
mother’s plan to invite the Minister of Health to Downton. Cora doubts the Dowager can persuade the man
to come.
In the kitchen, Baxter reads a note informing her Sgt.
Willis will be arriving in the morning to take her to Coyle’s trial to testify
against him. Molesley offers to
accompany her. Mr. Bates is curious
about the trial and councils her to consider her testimony carefully especially
if it has the power of incrimination. (He knows a thing or two about false
accusations.) Molesley assures her Ms.
Baxter has considered her testimony carefully.
Thomas steps in to order Molesley upstairs. Andy declines Thomas’s offer to accompany him
to the village. (This dance has grown tiresome.)
Robert greets Cousin Isobel, Lord Merton and Dr. Clarkson. Dr. Clarkson has changed his mind on the
hospital and now supports Isobel and Cora. Robert informs the gathering his mother has
managed to pressure Neville Chamberlain accept her invitation to dinner at
Downton. Robert suspects the Dowager had
some way to blackmail the man. Cora
requests all the hospital supports be in attendance.
Anna and Mr. Bates work on their chores downstairs. Andrew is asked about his behavior towards
Thomas. Andrew states he doesn’t dislike
Thomas, but fears “leading him on” because he is definitely not homosexual. The Bates, knowing of Thomas’s many crimes
support Andrew’s wariness towards the under-butler. Andrew adds, “We are what we are” the
implication being Thomas can’t help being gay but Andy prefers not to socialize
with him because of it.
Mrs. Hughes serves the dishes Ms. Patmore has prepared. Mr. Carson tries to talk about Ms. Baxter’s
legal troubles but is distracted by the meal. He complains the plates are cold, and the
knives are dull and questions Mrs. Hughes’s combination of foods. Carson has been spoiled by years of eating at
the Downton standard, and this new domestic situation is clearly not what he’s
used to. Mrs. Hughes seems flustered and
embarrassed by her lack of prowess in the kitchen.
Cue the “Up to Something” music and Mrs. Denker appears. She complains to Spratt the Dowager has gone
to bed, but is too annoyed to sleep. The
annoyance stems from Dr. Clarkson’s change of heart regarding the hospital. Mrs. Denker vents her frustration at the
doctor while Spratt advises her not to get involved with matters above her pay
grade.
At breakfast, Mary and Edith squabble about her “not a date”
with Bertie. Branson announces he’s
found a site for the repair shop and wants to show Mary. Mary is concerned about Mr. Mason’s pigs. She fears he’s too old to be a pig farmer and
wants to check on his animals. (One “Fat Stock Show” and Mary thinks she knows
more then a farmer with fifty years experience, great!)
In the kitchen, Mrs. Hughes asks Ms. Patmore to make up a
picnic lunch for Mr. Mason to welcome him to Downton. Mrs. Hughes also relates how Mr. Carson is a
downright picky eater and the women laugh at that. Sgt. Willis has arrived to escort Ms. Baxter
and Mr. Molesly to the courthouse. Mr.
Molesley warns Ms. Baxter that the proceedings could become contentious.
Mary and Branson stroll out on the road as Branson describes
his plan for the auto repair shop. Mary
discusses her new suitor Henry Talbot.
She states coldly, “I’m not snobbish, but I won’t marry down in money or
position.” (That is the definition of snob, Mary!) Branson recounts his marriage to Sybil. He states although others just saw him as the
chauffeur, he always felt like he was equal in passion and spirit with his
wife. Mary concedes she sees that now,
but didn’t when Branson married her younger sister. Does Branson see himself equal to Mary in
spirit, and would she ever accept him now that he’s not the “chauffeur”?
Ms. Denker sees Dr. Clarkson on the street, and can’t help
but train her poisoned tongue at him. She
calls him a traitor for changing his position on the hospital. Dr. Clarkson calls her impertinent and swiftly
walks away.
Ms. Hughes inquires about the repairs being made to Ms.
Patmore’s cottage. Ms. Patmore admits
the time has almost come for her to make a major change in her life, leaving
Downton and running the cottage as a boarding house.
Down at the courthouse, Mr. Molesley and Ms. Baxter receive
good news. Mr. Coyle has opted to plead
guilty and avoid a trial. Ms. Baxter
reveals she feels strangely “let down” after making the emotional decision to
confront her enemy. Molesley tries to
joke about getting Mr. Coyle to change his plea so she can testify. Clearly, this outcome was easier for everyone
involved.
Mr. Mason is happy to have company at his new place. Daisy, Andy and Ms. Patmore have come down to
help him move in. Mary and Branson stop
by to see how he’s settling in. Mary
wastes no time sharing her concern that Mr. Mason is too old to care for his
pigs. Andy offers to help Mr. Mason and
the farmer is overjoyed. He offers
Andrew some books to read up on pig breeding! Mary is satisfied with the proposed
arrangement; after she leaves the others question whether Andrew can truly
become a pig farmer.
Bertie and Edith take a romantic stroll in London. He tells her of his work for Lord Hexam, an
eccentric relation who spends time “painting the young men of Tangiers” and is
an eternal bachelor. (Gay?) Edith extends Bertie an invitation to her flat for
a drink later.
Mary and Branson look on as Talbot and another man race
their cars in the countryside. Mary
admits the activity makes her nervous and doesn’t understand the risky
behavior. Branson replies, “Nothing is
safe, especially love. Love means
allowing someone the power to hurt you.”
Mary dismisses this idea, “It’s something I won’t concede easily!” Again, Branson seems to be brings up love and
marriage all the time and he seems to be constantly by Mary’s side. It seems the colder she is the more men fight
to win her affection. It’s the biggest
mystery of the series, who will thaw Mary’s heart? Frankly, I don’t understand her appeal at
all. With the race finished, Branson
suggests the trio go to celebrate the purchase of the car. Branson mentions to Mary, “Help him enjoy it,
you don’t have to marry him.”
Edith is back at her office where she has been interviewing candidates
for the co-editor position. The last
woman enters, and they seem to bond instantly because they share the same birth
year. (1892, making both women roughly 33.) Edith muses at all the changes in the world,
which have occurred since the Victorian Era to the “Modern Era.” For the first time, Edith may have a female
friend.
Mr. Mason asks Daisy if she would consider moving into the
farmhouse with him. Ms. Patmore thinks that would be a splendid plan and she
and Andrew seem jealous about the offer. Daisy, clueless as ever to other people’s
feelings, doesn’t accept his offer right away.
In the library, Cora and “Donk” play their role as their
grandchildren’s babysitter. Sybie asks
Cora, “Is great-granny a Red Indian?” This
question perplexes the adults. George adds, “Because my mommy said she was on
the war-path!” (How adorably racist
these tykes are!) The grandparents
attempt to entertain the children with “old school Internet” also know as
books. While the children are
distracted, Cora expresses concern regarding the Chamberlain visit. She is determined not to let the Dowager win. Robert complains of his stomach pain and Cora
offers to cancel the dinner with the excuse of his health. Robert declines her offer and shows the
children a picture of the Sphinx, whom he compares to his dear old mum as a
master secret keeper.
Despite their dispute, Isobel visits the Dowager’s home and
discusses the dinner with the Minister of Health. A letter arrives for the Dowager from Dr. Clarkson;
it relates Ms. Denker’s rude behavior in the village. The Dowager summons her ladies maid
immediately. The Dowager chides her
maid, “You are not allowed to have an opinion, let alone express it! You’ve read too many novels and seen too many
moving pictures!” Denker is fired, with
the promise of only a “tepid” reference from her time of service with the
Dowager.
Talbot, Branson and Mary make a strange trio at a public
house. Mary admits this is only her
second time in such a place. Its obvious
Talbot lives in a far different world than Mary. Branson admires the automobile Talbot bought. Talbot offers him a chance to drive it at some
point. Talbot mentions another one of
Mary’s spurned suitors, Evelyn Napier. Talbot
suggests he still pines for her. Mary
scoffs at this, all men yearn in vein for her. Branson tries to push the couple to be more
honest about their affections for each other and quit making “excuses” to meet.
(Is this some reverse-psychology game by Branson?)
In the kitchen, Andrew studies the book Mr. Mason gave him,
when Thomas startles him from behind. Thomas
inquires about the book’s title and author and Andy shows him the book. It appears Andy is illiterate.
Edith shows Bertie the flat; he admires the artwork, which
Michael Gregson had chosen. Edith looks
stunning in a gold “flapper” style dress complete with a gold headband. Edith discusses her futures, which she sees
more in London then Downton. She
realizes her sister is the family heir and she needs to make her own life in
London. Edith explains she will have to
return for the Neville Chamberlain’s visit. Bertie is impressed and states he had a good
time with her at Café de Paris. Suddenly, they kiss and Bertie exclaims, “What
a relief!” Bertie explains how he has
longed for Edith and was desperate to know if she felt the same. Edith says, “I’m not sure I’m worthy!” (How
different she is from her older sister Mary, for whom God Himself is wanting!)
Back in the servants’ area at Downton, Baxter recounts her
day at court. The discussion soon shifts
to Mr. Mason and Daisy again is clueless to the old man’s feelings of
loneliness. Mrs. Hughes advises Daisy
that she will now have to “share” Mr. Mason with others. It seems Ms. Patmore maybe especially keen to
“share” Mr. Mason. (Double wedding: Andrew and Daisy and Ms. Patmore and
Mason!) Mr. Carson indicates he’s ready
to go home with his bride. He suggests
Ms. Patmore provide Mrs. Hughes with lessons in cooking. This humiliates Mrs. Hughes but Carson is
oblivious.
Spratt works away at the Dowager’s house, giddy with the
news of Denker’s departure. He gloats,
“You’ve made your bed.” Mrs. Denker
explains she was merely defending the Dowager and her only mistake was being
too passionate. Spratt hums on without a
care but no doubt Ms. Denker has an evil plan in the works.
Ms. Baxter helps Cora get ready for bed. Branson delivers the news that Mr. Mason is
settled in his new place but doubts Daisy is ready to “share” her
father-in-law. Robert enters complaining
he is “dreading” dinner with the Minister.
He figures this may be the last fight of his mother’s life. Robert again complains about his stomach pain
but is determined not to cancel the dinner. (Famous last words.)
Thomas hears some commotion in Andy’s room and goes to
investigate. Andy admits he threw the
book at the lamp. Thomas asks gently,
“Why?” He realizes the other man can’t read but commends him for hiding it so
well. Andy recounts how he failed to
learn at school after many attempts and can only sign his name. Thomas offers to teach him and keep his
secret. Andy is grateful and apologizes
for how he’s treated Thomas. Thomas
offers, “I’ve known worse.”
Spratt hums at the news of Ms. Denker’s firing. Denker points out if she goes down; she’s
taking him with her. Ms. Denker knows
that Mr. Spratt hid his fugitive nephew in the Dowager’s garden shed. Spratt, fearing for his own job, agrees to
help Ms. Denker keep her job. It’s a
pity he doesn’t understand that Ms. Denker will always control him with this
information. Ms. Denker adds Mr. Spratt
had better hope she keeps her job with the Dowager.
Anna and Mr. Bates discuss Mary’s new suitor Mr. Talbot. Anna feels Talbot is not sincere in his
affections for Mary. Mr. Bates just
wants Mary to be happy as he is with Anna. Anna is still nervous about her pregnancy and
utters the phrase “Bad Harvest!” to ward off bad luck. Mr. Bates says the phrase very loudly, to
ensure their continued happiness.
Mr. Spratt is gloomy, he has defended Ms. Denker and the
Dowager has agreed to give the maid one last chance. Mr. Spratt thinks his secret is now safe
because of his actions. Ms. Denker has
no intention of ever letting the matter rest if she can use it again in the
future to manipulate Mr. Spratt.
The family has gathered in the library awaiting the arrival
of Mr. Chamberlain. Cora has her tiara
on. They all wonder how the Dowager
managed to persuade the Minister to visit. Robert complains of stomach pain
again. Dr. Clarkson was surprised to
discover his letter regarding Ms. Denker almost resulted in her termination. The Dowager sneaks some changes in the seating
arrangement with Carson. Edith relates
to Mary and Branson that she found a female editor and went dancing at Café de
Paris in London.
Finally, the guest of honor arrives. The Dowager recalls the man as a youth and
makes a comment about the “past staying the past.” (Obviously, she blackmailed
the Minister in some way.) Isobel walks
up to Chamberlain and rushes into the disagreement over the hospital. Tactfully, Branson manages to “rescue” the
Minister the women and their agenda for the evening. Cora urges them to begin dinner. As the family makes their way to the dining
room the Dowager remarks, “I was trained in a hard school and I fight
accordingly!)
Down in the kitchen, Ms. Patmore speculates about their
famous guest, who began life as a commoner and may rise to the position of
Prime Minister. (He will be not remembered kindly as the man who made a deal
with Hitler.) Carson likes Chamberlain
because he is a fellow conservative. Anna
asks Baxter how she’s really feeling about the trial. She hopes Baxter can “leave it behind.” The ladies joke about who would will win the
“fight” the Dowager or the Minister. Since
Chamberlain is famous for negotiating bad deals, my bet is on the Dowager.
The Dowager pontificates to Chamberlain, “The old way has
worked for a hundred years.” The Dowager
can’t see changing things. Dr. Clarkson
adds his opinion and Chamberlain quickly declares the scene a “Battle Royale.”
(He’s obviously not spent much time at Downton!) Robert begins to voice his protest over the proceedings
and starts to projectile vomit blood over Cora and other guests. Panic ensues as Dr. Clarkson rushes to Lord
Grantham’s aid and directs them to summon and ambulance at once. Dr. Clarkson fears His Lordship’s ulcer has
burst. Cora goes to comfort him and he
says to her weakly, “If this is the end, know that I loved you very much.” Mary and Edith appear thoroughly shocked.
The news travels downstairs as the servants scramble to help
the family leave for the hospital. Mrs.
Hughes mutters she can’t believe it. Carson says, “Life is short and death is
sure is all we know!” Ms. Patmore
realizes Carson has been shaken to his core. Mrs. Hughes, being a practical woman orders
coffee is brewed immediately for the family.
Neville Chamberlain bids Cora goodbye so the family can
handle Robert’s health crisis. Cora
leaves him with the thought that change will do their hospital good. The Dowager approaches Cora. Cora states she thinks it’s time to stop
keeping secrets and mentions Marigold. Mary
overhears this comment but doesn’t know what it means. Lord Merton offers a ride to Isobel and the
Dowager Countess.
Branson manages to have a final word with Minister
Chamberlain. He asks what the Dowager
“had on him” to make him come to the dinner. The man admits he was a bit of a rebellious
youth and didn’t want word to get out about an adolescent prank he and his
brother did years ago. Branson assures
the future Prime Minister the Dowager was probably bluffing but Chamberlain
didn’t want to take any chances given his political ambitions.
Carson goes to the front door to see the last cars leave the
house. He is visibly pale and closes the
door solemnly. The servants await news
in the kitchen. Carson receives a phone
call from Lady Mary. He tells the
anxious staff His Lordship has had a gastrectomy even though he’s not clear on
the procedure. (Gastrectomy is the total
removal of the stomach; it would have been a risky and potentially fatal
surgery at that time.) Thomas is
surprised that he cares about Lord Grantham given their checkered history
together. When Mr. Molesley brings up
Mr. Mason in regards to the tragic news about Lord Grantham, Daisy remains
defensive regarding her father-in-law.
Daisy has always seemed oddly self-centered and it’s a bit of a tired trope.
Mary and Edith walk down the hallway together towards their
respective rooms. Edith muses, “Life can change in an instant.” She tells Mary she’s going to check on the
children and Mary mutters, “Of course you are!” (Has Mary guessed Marigold is
her niece or is she just patronizing her sister for caring about the children?)
Branson appears in his bathrobe. (He does seem to spend every waking minute
with Mary.) Mary relates the event has
“Knocked the stuffing out of him.” She
confides that they need to manage the estate without stressing her father
further. Branson agrees, “Long live
Queen Mary!”
Anna attends to Mary before bed. Mary asks if the servants ever discuss
Marigold. Anna responds they just consider the little girl lucky for having
been taken in by Edith. Alone, Mary
looks in the mirror at her reflection.
What will the future hold for Mary and Branson? Robert may have survived this episode but his
future is far from clear. Edith seems to
have a chance of happiness with Bertie, but what if Michael Gregson is still
out there somewhere? The hospital issue
has been eclipsed by a real health crisis. Will it be enough to make the Dowager change
her mind about the hospital plan? It may
take the death of her only son to change the Dowager. Next weeks preview looks like a return to parties
and flirting as the series drives forward to its conclusion.
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