Downton Abbey, 2/2/14 episode, SPOILERS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Ok yes, glad you brought this up. At the risk of being slaughtered here, I just don't understand the appeal of Mary. She is monotone. Her face is expressionless. I feel like I'm watching Mr. Spock, and we are all supposed to infuse assumptions about what's really going on in that head of hers. Like we're all supposed to assume, she's hiding her feelings and such a good actress, she can act like Mary is overjoyed but hiding it? Or full of sorrow but hiding it? It's all the same to me. I'd be interested in what others think--because I don't understand her appeal, I'd like someone to explain it to me.

I wouldn't expect you to get slaughtered here about Mary. She is one cool cucumber. Seems to be perpetually bored and amused only when it is at another's expense. She has never wanted for anything so doesn't understand desire or passion. Nothing is expected of her other than to make charming, non-confrontational conversation, look pretty, and marry someone that is good for the family.

[Anonymous]

So Mary ends up with the new dogmatic guy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe Edith can move to america with Branson...and make up some back story about losing her husband and raise the baby in the US. Work with Branson and expand the family fortunes.

This is what I'm thinking too.

[Anonymous]

Maybe Edith will die in childbirth too. Then her bastard can become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.

[Anonymous]

I still think that Lyanna Stark wasn't raped. I think Prince Rhae-whatever and she were in love and Ned Stark was just a kill joy and.....

Oh wait. Wrong thread. My bad.

[Anonymous]

Please do not highjack the Downton Abbey thread or you will be forced to referee smack downs between Alfred and James over Ivy. May God have mercy on your soul!

[Anonymous]

That black guy was good looking though

[Anonymous]

Oooo...Downton is fun and all...but I can't wait for Winter!! Come quickly, Winter!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please do not highjack the Downton Abbey thread or you will be forced to referee smack downs between Alfred and James over Ivy. May God have mercy on your soul!

Ivy's a moron and Alfred is better off without her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Poor Edith.

What are these sinister rumblings coming from America? Does it mean Shirley McLain is going to come live with them or something?

Why does Cora always discuss secret matters in front of her maid? Especially a new maid? I liked how she helped Anna and Bates at the restaurant.

Jimmy the Gigolo makes a move on Ivy and she's taken by surprise? Hoo boy.

Rose, Rose, Rose. Among many other things, you are just being tacky.

The new guy sparring with Mary isn't so charismatic. Dogmatism isn't sexy but I suppose it means she will be attracted by his independence, despite his bad hair.

Thomas needs more to do. His sneaky, manipulative talents are being wasted!

Love this!

Re Mary's boring, uh, restrained manner -- Maybe this all goes back to Mr. Pahmuk (sp?). After her night of passion led to his untimely demise and nearly ruined her, she resolved that she will always keep her feelings in check. Only Matthew could unlock her heart (I know this sounds like romance novel drivel, but, we are talking about a soap opera here.) Now, with Matthew gone, she's gone back to ice princess mode.

Oh -- did anyone else love the farewell scene between Alfred and Daisy? Surprisingly, Downton does male-female friendships pretty well. The most interesting relationships on the show are often platonic ones -- e.g., Isobel and Dr. What's-His-Name, Tom and Mary, Mrs. Hughes and Carson. Even if any of these evolve into romantic relationships, they'll have friendship at their core -- actually, a very contemporary view.

[Anonymous]

remember, there wasn't match.com in 1920s Downton.

You married a girl from the village, or maybe from the next village over.

Alternately, you married a guy that showed interest in you, wasn't 100% boring, and had no negative intel on him (wasn't a known drunk, couldn't hold a job, etc.)

So "friends first" wasn't *that* out of left field.

[Anonymous]

Mary even said that Matthew had made her kind and with his death that had gone away. I think it is going to take a rogue, such as one of Branson's hot socialists buds, to unlock Mary's heart or another part of her body.

This weekend the NYT had an article about travel to Turkey, and the author had the last name "Pamuk." I sadly wondered if he was related to "Mr Pamuk."

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure now that my initial guess that Edith's boyfriend had her sign some type of debt paper so she would be responsible for his debt is correct. I'm wondering now if the guy who conned everyone at the party while gambling is in on a con with Edith's boyfriend. Poor Edith, I can't see them having ANOTHER baby on the show, so I think it's likely she will miscarry or abort.

I love the banter between her Ladyship (the oldest) and the one that is not a ladyship (Lady Crawley?). Love it. So funny.

I thought it was funny that Alfred's kind words were seen as being so over the top emotional! That was a like a normal good-bye speech for nowadays.

For those that thought Edith's boyfriend woudl become a Nazi, it's not likely, it's 1922, and WWII deosn't start until 1938.

I'm sick of Rose. So obvious. She is not a very good actress. I knew she would bring in the jazz band.

I was telling Mosely to "beg for the job!" Mosely never seems to know the right thing to say. It was cute how Hughes and the cook helped him.

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking that Edith is totally screwed...she's pregnant, the paper she signed turns over the mentally challenged wife to Edith's care AND turns over his debt, and Michael is off to his next con....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mary even said that Matthew had made her kind and with his death that had gone away. I think it is going to take a rogue, such as one of Branson's hot socialists buds, to unlock Mary's heart or another part of her body.

This weekend the NYT had an article about travel to Turkey, and the author had the last name "Pamuk." I sadly wondered if he was related to "Mr Pamuk."

I love the idea of Mary getting swept off her feet by a socialist (as opposed to the wonky guy with bad hair).

And, yes, I saw the article about Turkey and also had a moment of sadness thinking of Mr. Pamuk. Remember when our romance with Downton was new and exciting? Sigh . . .