Downton Abbey, Season 6, Episode 7

After a tepid episode last week, this week’s preview didn’t look much better.  Mary will continue to flirt with a man beneath her station and go to the automobile races. Ms. Denker will make her odd episode appearance and Thomas is likely to continue feeling depressed about leaving Downton.  The stories do seem a bit recycled and perhaps its for the best the series is retiring soon.

A beautiful field of daisies is polluted by the noise of motorcars.  Henry Talbot is three seconds off his rival.  They decide to call it a day and go to the pub.  At Downton, Robert expresses interest in seeing the races but is concerned Cora won’t let him attend as he is still convalescing.  Edith has managed to invite her beau, and of course Mary will attend.

Down in the servant’s hall, Ms. Patmore chats about how her “rooming house” is ready for lodgers.  There’s even an indoor privy.  Mrs. Hughes continues to complain about her difficulties cooking for Mr. Carson.  Molesley informs Daisy they have a date set for her examinations.  Daisy exclaims, “Oh God.”  And Mrs. Hughes chastises her for “taking the Lord’s name in vain.”  Daisy hopes it’s not in vain and that the Lord will help her succeed.

Isobel shows the Dowager an invitation she received to Larry’s wedding.  The Dowager deduces the invitation is the work of Larry’s fiancé, Ms. Crookshank.  Isobel informs the Dowager Cora is settling in to her new role as hospital president. The Dowager admits she’s been angry and has decided to, “Be away until nostalgia has soothed my fury!”  Isobel sees wisdom in this idea.  The Dowager decides to pay Larry’s fiancé a visit to try to get to the truth behind the wedding invitation.

Downstairs, Andy expresses his wish to visit Mr. Mason’s farm to Daisy.  The Bates discuss whether they will attend the auto races.  Mr. Bates is keen to go.  Carson nags Thomas about finding new employment, stating, “Stringing this process out is not fair to His Lordship.”  What about what’s fair to Thomas?

In the library, Robert makes his case to Cora about attending the races.  Mary seems annoyed that Edith and Bertie are attending.

Outside the servant’s hall, Mrs. Hughes finds Thomas.  She apologizes for her husband’s brusque manner and offers him hope that maybe in a new house he’d find better friendship or even love.  Thomas states he thought he belonged at Downton and adds, “Downton is where I’ve laid down roots.” Thomas has been with the family for fifteen odd years and still seems to have no friends.

The Dowager takes a car to Lord Merton’s estate.  She summons the surprised Ms. Crookshank from the garden.  The Dowager gets right to the point stating that in times past Larry would have been called out at shot for the things he said to Lady Isobel.  The young lady seems certain the Dowager is exaggerating.  The Dowager persists in questioning why would she invite Lady Isobel to her wedding.  The young woman notes Lord Merton needs care and companionship.  The Dowager states she wants Isobel to be a nurse to her father-in-law to spare herself the duty.  In addition, Ms. Crookshank notes Isobel is unlikely to want to live in the Lord’s estate after his death, leaving her the Lady of a great estate.  The Dowager states to the scheming young lady, “I’d feel sorry for Larry if I didn’t despise him so much!”  The visit ends abruptly after the true intentions are laid bare.

With the family leaving Downton for three days, the servants make plans for their free time. Molesley and Daisy will sit for their exams.  Daisy informs Andy Mr. Mason has invited him to the farm and makes it clear she doesn’t approve of Ms. Patmore inviting herself to see Mr. Mason.  Mr. Carson seems surprised that Ms. Patmore is ready to business.  Thomas seems frustrated that he doesn’t have plans for the free time.  Mr. Carson suggests further job searching, furthering Thomas’s feelings of not being wanted at Downton.

At the Dowager’s home, Ms. Denker gloats to Spratt about the D.C.’s plan to leave for the South of France while the family is away at the races.  Mr. Spratt wonders why he wasn’t invited.  Ms. Denker continues to hint she holds power over him related to the information about his fugitive nephew.

Cora gets ready for bed and notes what she wants Baxter to bring on their trip to London and the races.  Cora and Robert discuss Mary’s interest in Henry Talbot, they think he would have been okay for Sybil but not for their “contrary” daughter Mary. (Even her parents know she’s a cold-hearted snake.)

Anna helps Mary ready for bed.  Mary expresses conflicted feelings about going to the races but tells her maid, “It’s part of him and I must get used to it.”  Anna can’t hide her disapproval of Mary’s new boyfriend.  She tactfully states, “I don’t think your life and his life fit.”  Anna adds that opposites are known to attract.  Mary wonders, “But do they live happily ever after?”

Baxter tends to some mending as Molesley frets about his upcoming exam.  Molesley is concerned about not looking like a fool.  Baxter admits she still is vacillating about visiting Mr. Coyle in prison.  She thinks meeting her enemy would help her close that chapter in her life and prove he no longer has power over her.  Mr. Moseley is upset that she is still considering the visit and leaves the room stating, “Tell me when you decide!”

Andrew visits Mr. Mason at his farm.  The old man would like help to update his accounting books, and Andrew must make excuses to hide his illiteracy.

The Dowager informs Isobel of her plans to leave for France while the family is away in London.  The Dowager thinks a month among the French will be just the cure for her wounded pride.  Isobel notes Robert will not be happy with her “sneaking off.” The Dowager has entrusted Branson with her contact information, noting he’s a “sensible one.”  The Dowager informs Isobel about her visit with Ms. Crookshank. She advises Isobel not to abandon Lord Merton to his greedy children.  Isobel is reluctant to enter such a dramatically charged marriage.

Ms. Patmore and Mrs. Hughes visit her new boarding house.  Ms. Patmore plans to serve her lodgers a good breakfast as part of their stay. (Bed-and-Breakfast weren’t common yet.)  Ms. Patmore states she has an idea for Mrs. Hughes to deal with fussy Mr. Carson.

At the magazine in London, Edith visits her new editor Laura.  They discuss the possibility of adding an advice column to the magazine. (Using fabricated problems!) Edith invites her new friend to the races and warns her she’ll have to meet the Grantham family.

The family has dinner with Aunt Rosemund.  Robert wonders if it would have been easier to open the Grantham’s London house instead of imposing on his sister.  The discussion turns to the decline of the aristocracy.  Aunt Rosemund notes that many people are downsizing.  Robert remembers “the good old days” of elegant lunches in London.  Henry Talbot appears.  The dinner party breaks up.  Mary chides Henry for being so obvious in his affection.  Mary tells Henry many people will be at the races the following day.  Mary suggests they have coffee together in private.

Carson wishes Daisy good luck on her exams.  Mr. Molesley is nervous but feels “he’s as ready as he’ll ever be.”  Thomas is glum that his plans for the next day are nothing but his futile job search.

It’s racing day!  Tire and oil companies display sponsorship of the event.  Branson is going to help with Talbot’s “pit crew.”  Edith introduces Laura her editor to the family.  They make small talk about the changing times and women who work. Talbot taunts his friend and rival Charles Rogers.  Mary complains of feeling physically nervous.  Edith goes to fetch her beau Bertie and introduces him to the family.  Talbot takes Mary aside to tell her how much it means to him that she came to see him race.  He asks her to smile and wave when he passes and kisses her on the lips.

Henry gets into his two-seat Bentley.  The drivers have to run to get into their vehicles at the start of the race. (Not done today.) The family watches from the stands.  Mary notes all they do is “go around and around.”  Branson is excited by the speed of the drivers.

Ms. Patmore has brought Daisy, the headmaster and Molesley a picnic lunch. Thomas appears to offer the staff some fresh lemonade.  Molesley is done with his exam but Daisy has three more to finish after lunch.  Ms. Patmore asks Andy to read a question from Daisy’s test.  He tries and stutters.  Thomas offers to read the question.  Andrew admits he can’t read, Thomas has been trying to teach him but he’s too stupid.  “I’m nothing!” exclaims Andrew in despair.

At the races, two cars have dropped out due to mechanical trouble.  Branson and Lord Grantham are reveling in the excitement.

Back at the picnic, the headmaster offers Andrew lessons but tells Thomas to stop helping Andy as different techniques might confuse him.  While this advice was probably well intentioned, it’s another snub against Thomas.

In the library, Mrs. Hughes urges Carson to sit down for a moment.  Carson is reluctant to indulge, even with the family away.  Mrs. Hughes observes that the family does live well.  Mr. Carson adds, “They deserve to.”  Mrs. Hughes is excited to be able to eat at a normal hour.  Mr. Carson remains skeptical about her cooking ability.  Thomas surprises the couple, amused that they are breaking protocol.  They leave the library abruptly.

At the races, Rogers and Talbot are fighting for the lead.  Mary is becoming very anxious when a large crash is heard.  Branson and the others rush to the crash site where they find a car engulfed in flames.  Henry tries to run into the flame to rescue the driver but he’s held back.  The man is dead.  Edith and Mary arrive at the scene and cry, “Who is it?”  They see Talbot emerge from the flames and learn the deceased is Charlie Rogers.  Moments later, an ambulance takes the body away.

Henry sits against the racetrack wall smoking.  Mary comes over to him.  Henry is distraught; he tells her Charlie was his best friend.  Henry wonders if it’s his fault for pushing Rogers.  Mary notes if Rogers had survived he would be asking the same questions.  Mary says Aunt Rosemund is keeping her plan to host dinner, but Henry declines the invitation because he wants to be with his friend’s family.  Henry looks at Mary and begins to speak about their relationship but she cuts him off saying, “Let’s not do any of that stuff now.”  Is Mary sad for him or sad for herself?  One can’t have a relationship where nothing bad ever happens.  But knowing Mary, she’s probably decided Henry’s profession is too stressful for HER.

A man walks up the long drive to Downton.  It’s Mr. Dawes the headmaster who has come to inform Mr. Molesley that he has passed his exam.  The headmaster remarks some Oxford graduates didn’t do as well as Molesley and he offers him a job as a teacher at the school.  The other servants congratulate him and Ms. Patmore goes to find some wine.  Daisy marvels at Molesley’s achievement and asks if he’ll be leaving service.  Molesley sees that the service industry is dwindling and is happy he’s found a way to transition out of his dead end job.  Again, Julian Fellows hits the viewer upside the head with his thesis on the “dying aristocracy and the service class.” It’s a bit tiresome to hear ever episode from both upstairs and downstairs. Thomas stays alone and away from the festivities.  His depression seems to be worsening.

Mrs. Hughes informs Mr. Carson she has injured her wrist and won’t be able to cook that evening, but will talk him through the process.  Carson is horrified as his new wife puts him to task cooking the evening meal.

At Aunt Rosemund, the family shares a somber dinner after the deadly day at the races.  Laura notes, “Danger and risk sound like fun until there is a sudden death.”  Branson seems to appreciate her perspective.  Mary exclaims Charlie’s death was a “stupid waste.”  Robert swears it was a “bloody business” and excuses himself from the table.  Edith has invited Bertie to the dinner and suggests he stay on for a drink.

Branson informs Mary that Henry is on the phone and he urges her to take his call.  Mary begins by telling Henry to get some rest.  Henry is distraught about the future of their relationship and wants to know “where they’re headed.”  Henry notes the death of his friend has reminded him there is never a minute to waste.  Mary decides to break his heart like she always intended.  She tells him, “I realize we’re not right.” She continues that she couldn’t ever ask him to give up racing but thinks it’s best if he gives her up.  Henry pleads for her not to end their relationship.  Branson has overheard their conversation and tells Mary he wishes she wouldn’t have ended her relationship.  Branson again tells his icy sister-in-law that being hurt is part of being alive and that love is worth the risk.  Branson seems to have processed his loss of his Sybil. It makes him value life’s fragility and allows him to take action.  But then again, Branson was always a passionate risk-taker, something Mary is not.  Mary’s decision to marry Matthew took years of thinking and measuring his worth which shorten even further their time together.

Mr. Carson struggles comically to prepare the meal.  Mrs. Hughes is enjoying her revenge.  Carson falls asleep from exhaustion during the meal.

Ms. Patmore and Daisy speak about her exams and Mr. Mason.  Daisy confesses she’s protective of Mr. Mason because she’s never had much attention to herself.  Ms. Patmore promises she won’t take Mr. Mason away.  It appears Ms. Patmore would like to continue her role as Daisy’s surrogate mother with Mr. Mason being her surrogate father. (And maybe Andy will get together with Daisy?)

Ms. Baxter asks Anna if she’s pregnant, Anna confirms her condition.  Baxter wishes her well.  Anna sees her husband relaxing in bed because Robert retired early.  Anna had to stay up with Mary and informs Bates that Mary has broken up with Henry. Anna approves of Mary’s decision, Mr. Bates wonders if she’ll regret it.

Edith and Bertie get cozy in Aunt Rosemund’s library.  She tells him he puts her at ease especially after the tragic day.  Bertie asks Edith to marry him!  Edith is pleasantly surprised.  Edith asks if Marigold could come to live with them in their home together.  Bertie finds this curious.  Now would be the perfect time for Edith to reveal Marigold is her daughter but instead she stalls, telling Bertie she needs time to consider his proposal.

Ms. Patmore serves her first guests breakfast at the boarding house.  Her widowed niece runs the operation when Ms. Patmore is working at Downton.  A man lurks in the bushes taking notes as the cook exits. 

The family arrives home from their trip to learn Mr. Spratt is waiting for them and Cousin Isobel has a letter from the Dowager.  Robert opens the letter and learns of his mother’s holiday to France.  Cora guesses she’s the cause of this spontaneous holiday.  Mr. Spratt insists the family come downstairs to retrieve a present from the Dowager.  Robert grumbles but heads downstairs.  In a wicker basket is a new puppy and Robert is overjoyed.  He suggests naming it Teo, an Egyptian name for dogs is a family tradition.  Mr. Spratt informs him the puppy isn’t housebroken but Robert doesn’t care.  The Dowager certainly knew the dog would cheer up her son.

Mrs. Hughes and Ms. Patmore speak about the “trial of Carson.”  The ladies have a good laugh about it.  Carson interrupts the women and asks, “What’s so funny.”  Ms. Patmore replies, “Just life.”  Indeed.

Next week’s previews hint at Edith telling Bertie the truth about Marigold.  Will it scare away the land agent?  Is Mary really over Henry?  At first it seemed she knew she could never consider him seriously and I have a hard time believing she really cares about him.  Is Branson interested in Mary or did sparks fly when he met Laura from the magazine? Will the Dowager return or will Ms. Denker throw her overboard?  Anything can happen in this “modern world.”