Downton Abbey

Is anyone expecting a whizz bang episode tonight to play against the Super Bowl? Surely the writers knew the schedule for it when they wrote it and Season 6 started (yes?) on the same weekend as last year. Just postulating. Only know the teaser on my DirecTV listing which is not much.

Exbrnxgrl, beautiful collection. Especially like the different colored ones. Do you do anything special for care? I have my GM's (born 1902) purse. I think it is a Whiting and Davis. Locked in display cabinet or I would get up and look.

Point of information: Va-lay' is French, Val'-et is British.

I agree that Mary's suitors are all lookalikes. Cannot tell one from the other. I have no idea what she is doing with an automobile racing man. I'd think she'd run like heck. Of course, I'd never have imagined her plopped down in the pigpen either.

Mary is so absolutely self-contained, it seems she has no need for a husband. Perhaps a series of lovers?

On the west coast, the game was over well before DA started, not that it would have prevented me from changing the channel since I only watched the last quarter anyway....I will wait for others to chime in before getting into specifics, but I will say that my impression was quite the opposite of a blow-out extravaganza to compete: to the contrary, it seemed to me that not that much happened. Most of the 'action' was highly predictable. So much so that I may have even dozed off for a minute or two (horrors). Was that just me?

Octogirl

Gee I thought it was pretty good. Mary as snotty as ever. Lady Grantham in a Tizzy and darned mad at her DIL Cora. No one knowing the history of the house. Horseradish on salmon. Robert doing the whole show in his pajamas. What was up with Barrows??

I think I'll start having my tea at 5 o'clock. That seems to be when my biorhythm is the lowest. Maybe the English know that

Although I don't find Thomas particularly likeable, my heart breaks for him when when I see how he tries to hide his pain. He tries to be so controlled and self contained, but he is in pain and broken inside.

I was quite annoyed at Mrs Patmore for going to Carson to report on what she overheard from Thomas (that of course was misinterpreted). Hoping the story line doesn't turn out badly for Thomas but maybe I am overly optimistic....

Octo: yes, I'm guessing that Tom (Branson) will meet someone soon who's in-between, like he is. The car race would be a perfect venue for this to happen. Predicting also that he and Henry will team up in some car-related business and make a killing.

The tragedy with Thomas (Barrow) is that he's boxed in and can't seem look for alternatives. He's only looking for butler positions, as the world is changing and there are fewer openings for servants. I keep thinking, why doesn't he go up to the hospital in York and apply for something there? Or ask Clarkson for help, since Clarkson knows his medical experience during the war, which should make him employable? But then Clarkson knows Barrow's secret, of course, so Thomas would never ask him for help. So he's trapped, and meanwhile Carson is enjoying twisting the knife.

Tom is cracking me up, playing Cupid for Mary and Henry. Yes, I think he may meet someone at the car race.

I think Thomas is being set up for something really big, either good or bad, I'm not sure yet, although that's probably for dramatic tension. His last scene of sobbing in front of the fireplace was heartbreaking.

I don't think it's fair that he's worked his way up from footman to under-butler, only to be shoved out the door. He has seniority over almost all of the staff, and he's a war veteran (however no one knows his injury was sort of self-inflicted). He has improved much along the way, although he still felt compelled to out Gwen the former housemaid.

All said, I am truly hoping for Thomas to find his place in the world. With his skills as butler, medic, and his love of children, maybe something can turn up. Thomas should speak with Isobel and/or Dr. Clarkson. I bet they could find a use for his talents!

Dismay, I think we're meant to be put off by the relationship between Mary and Edith. They're so mean! Though I've read the actresses are great friends in real life.

You know what struck me as odd? That moment when Lord Merton introduces his odious son's rather nice fianceé to Isabel. The woman implied that Larry Gray would no longer be making trouble for his father's marital prospects. Hmmm.

Dismay, I am more than put off by the relationship between Mary and Edith, which is getting ridiculous. They're still sniping at each other after all they've both been through. Realizing that each has lost the love of their lives, plus the recent reminder of how good Sybil was, I don't see why they can't support one another? They are both powerful in their own way, Mary as the agent for the estate, Edith as the managing editor of the magazine. Both modern women in a changing world. Maybe Tom, in addition to his role as Cupid, can help them get along. He seems to want the best for everyone.

I think Isobel couldn't give Violet a heads up because it was not her decision to make. Isobel is well aware how rather low she is in the hierarchy. Cora and Doctor Clarkson together should have said something to Violet. Even Robert was in on the secret. No, I don't think Isobel should take the blame for this one.

Yes, rain, kay, and dismay, the lovely fiancée was just too contrived. I suspect we know how that's going to turn out. Well, I've been rooting for Isobel and Lord Merlton for a long time.

I'm looking forward to Mrs. Hughes' eventually telling Mr. Clarkson how things will be in THEIR house, as opposed to the big house. Also, Mrs. Patmore and Daisy seem to be poised for a stand-off over Mr. Mason. Mrs. Patmore will come out on top.

Lots of little stuff going on for the downstairs staff. I can see Mr. Moseley doing well in his exam and being hired as an assistant at the school. Andrew learning how to read, and working more on Mr. Mason's farm. Baxter getting closure with Coyle, with lots of support from Mosely. Maybe Daisy and Andrew will both work on the farm, though not with any romantic spark. I can see Mr. Mason helping them both improve their stations in life, again, not necessarily with them becoming a couple. I think Mason-Patmore have more of a chance of romance.

I'm still worried for Thomas. Maybe something will happen with the new merger in York. Isobel and Dr. Clarkson need to help him.

Is anyone else worried about Robert? He still keeps having pains. Is it just that he's recovering from rather primitive surgery (from our point of view) or is there another gastric event in his future?

I don't think Julian Fellowes is sexist as much as he is trying to reflect those times very accurately.

Hello ladies,

Every time I watch the episode, I notice a few more things. Although I wrote plenty above, I was touched by a scene with Mr. Mason and Daisy as they place William's photo up on the bookcase. Mr. Mason lost his wife and his son (only child). I hope good things continue to happen for him with his DIL Daisy. I'm also glad he's has the companionship, and maybe some romance, with Mrs. Patmore.

Any more comments about Episode 6 and/or predictions for Episode 7?

Without talking specifics, I didn't find Sunday's episode to be all that exciting. I'm not sure where they are leading us with Thomas Barrow but hope it is not tragic for him.