We finished Season 2 of Downton Abbey.
Wow!
I love this show.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
This show had me at it’s pilot.
I remember the exact moment. A servant was running an iron across the morning newspaper! Apparently “His Lordship” doesn’t care for wrinkly print. I thought this was so funny. It also set the tone, by showing the daily duties of Downton’s servants.
Mr. Carson is awesome!
I love how all the servants scramble to their feet & stand. Immediately. Upon his entrance into their dining hall. He is so precise & takes his job very seriously. The only time we see him break from his “managerial” role is when he is in the presence of Lady Mary. In many ways, he’s more of a father to her than Lord Grantham. Which I think is sweet!
Thomas & Mrs. O’Brien.
Why are they so evil?
The entire first season, I didn’t understand what they had against Mr. Bates…& pretty much everyone else at Downton. But, especially Mr. Bates.
Bad apples. Or, crabs in a barrel. Which ever.
I suppose they represent the notion that every workplace has at least one, no? Plus, they keep things interesting.
It was nice to finally see some sort of comeuppance with Thomas (losing all he had in the black market). The only time I’ve seen a hint of humanity in him, was when he formed a (short-lived) relationship with one of the wounded soldiers. Other than that, evil.
I would of liked to see O’Brien get hers too. But, we saw her begin to change. As she looked at herself in mirror & declared, “This isn’t who you are.” After the soap incident, she felt guilt & regret for causing Cora’s miscarriage. And maybe the war softened her a bit too. How she took notice & sympathy towards the new valet, Mr. Lang (PTSD sufferer)…it was almost shocking. This wasn’t the same woman who tripped up poor old Mr. Bates, in Season 1.
Mr. Bates!
I love him. He just can’t catch a break in life though. All the trouble with his estranged wife, who wouldn’t grant him a divorce. She ends up dead. And, now he’s pinned for her murder! sigh
I nearly screamed out a dramatic “NOooo!” at the TV, when the judge sentenced him to death. By hanging. Whaat?! But, he’s suppose to live happily ever after, with Anna!
Poor Mr. Molesley!
My favorite scene of Season 2 has to be when he became super excited about beginning work at Downton, as the new valet. Only to have Mr. Bates return that day to resume the position. I felt sorry for Molesley. And yet, I couldn’t help but laugh. You could feel the slow crushing of his heart, when he showed up late & frenzied to the dining hall to find Bates there. And then, Mr. Bates took his brand new shoehorn, like…”you won’t be needing that, thanks”!
Priceless.
Still laughing at that one.
Lord Grantham…what can I say?
He’s slick. Very “ungentlemanlike” indeed. Smooching that maid, on the side. Tsk. Tsk.
Lady Mary & Mr. Crawley.
FINALLY!
And EWW!
At the same time.
Granny.
She cracks me up with her eye-ball-rolling & supreme snobbery.
Love, love, loved Sybil’s slow romance with the cute chauffeur. Sweet!
Lady Grantham.
How is she so blind to O’Brien’s manipulative ways?!
It was nice to finally see an O’Brien scheme fail, when she attempted to rat out Mrs. Patmore’s involvement at the “Crawley House, secret, soup kitchen for poor, wandering soldiers”.
She took Lady Grantham to the scene. But, what was Cora’s response!? Surprisingly, to use food from her kitchen as well.“And while we’re here, let’s help feed the soldiers Mrs. O’Brien. Grab some bowls & get to work! Chop, chop!”
Ha! That was so unexpected.
Mrs. Patmore.
I would love to have tea with her & trade recipes.
I wouldn’t mind a cup with Mr. Bates either.
Which Downton character would you rather have a cup of tea with?
If you’ve watched Season 1 &/or 2, what are your thoughts?
Any favorite characters, story lines, scenes, episodes?
Photo Credit.
