Downton Abbey Episode IV (The Change Edition)

Downton Abbey

Summary: Change is in the air as the politically awakened Sybil rallies for the women's vote, in direct violation of her father's rules. But when Sybil is swept up in the violence surrounding the reading of the election results, Matthew wins a heart by defending the girl and bringing her to safety. Meanwhile, back at Downton Abbey, persistent rumors about a family member cause a rift between Cora and Violet. And, a surprise announcement from Cora complicates the larger issue of Downton's fate.

In London, Mary gains a shocking insight, and her Aunt Rosamund — displaying a more than passing resemblance to her mother, Violet — freely dispenses dubious advice to Mary. Meanwhile, Thomas and O'Brien enlist the reluctant, smitten Daisy to bring about Bates' downfall, but Bates seems determined to do it himself, much to the distress of Anna, who finds an opportunity to delve into Bates' past. Concerned about the security of her position, O'Brien sets her spite on a new target, and a misunderstanding provokes a dangerous act of sabotage.
Again, Downton is to be hobbled by the entail. At a resplendent garden party, actions and betrayals come home to roost, and important news arrives that dwarfs the issue of inheritance. Summary: PBS

Lord Grantham, sigh. He's such a good man. 

Comments (total spoilers): I didn't watch Downton Abbey on Sunday night which means I have had to avoid many blogs for the past couple of days to avoid ruining it. But sometimes I have to be in the mood for a show and I certainly wasn't Sunday night. That said, show watched, and here are my thoughts. I don't want this to end because it will be a long wait until it starts again, but at least it will start again. Too bad we have to wait for next season so long and World War I*, but at least there is a next season and we'll hopefully be rewarded with more of this wonderful story.

I'm going to try and concentrate on themes this time, not specific lines, but specific lines are indicative of character and characters moves themes.

Not sure why this is so exciting.

Sybil is certainly, to Robert's consternation, stretching her limits into politics (at least for 1914). Obviously, Robert is also worried about her being somewhere unsafe and blames Branson, but it's not his fault. Sybil plays the youngest daughter role... a spoiled child and

Mary defends her by saying, " Sybil is entitled to her opinion," to which Violet replies,"No. Not until she's married and her husband will tell her what her opinions are." Infurating and hysterical at the same time.

Carson, being the good person that he is, informs Mary that he received intel from the Turkish Ambassador's servants and her name is being bandied about. Mary's reputation is circling the drain.

Robert's opposition to Sybil's plans gives Cora one of the best comments of the evening.  After remarking in favor of what Sybil was doing, since she knew Sybil had gone to hear the speech, Cora quips, "Of course, it [the disagreement] gave your mother the best evening since Christmas." Sir Anthony is still following around and seems to have settled his mind on Edith. Blech, I don't like her, but even I think this is a bad idea. She will be married, to be sure, but she will not be happy - Rolls Royce or no.

Lady Mary

Matthew & Mary - yes or no? Matthew's comment "If you really like an arguement, we should see more of each other," is interesting because it seems to me they don't really argue like they did when they first met, but still disagree on things. Perhaps Mary does not want to argue with him any more. Could she really like him?

Violet finds out about Mary's situation and Sybil gets caught in a disagreeable situation at yet another political rally, but Matthew is there to protect her - lucky girl. It's interesting the use of common thugs to cause problems at a political rally. They claim they are there to "wipe the smile off their Tory faces." There has been little mention of who belongs to what party and what they stand for until now and even so, there is still more that could be explained. Obviously, women's sufferage is an important part of the story esp. regarding Sybil. Matthew takes a good deal of care of Sybil and this seems to catch the notice of Mary - perhaps that's the game - he might do better if Mary doesn't think she's got the contest all sewed up.

Will Daisy do the right thing?

Branson's funny, "I may be a socialist, but I'm not a lunatic." 
Servant Wars are heating up - this could be a modern day reality show - Will Daisy do the right thing and tell the truth? Will Mr. Bates try to resign for taking the blame for something his former wife did?

Mary and Matthew

Matthew proposed to Mary? Really? WTF? Mary needs to THINK about it. Okay, he's charming, intelligent, funny, seems to be the gentleman - what's not to like? He also will inherit your family home, family title and family money. Considering Mary's reputation, does she have options? Really? Mary confesses she loves him and has "longer than I

knew," but feels the need to tell him about Mr. Pamuk - Why?

Mary helps William when he needs it - she is nice in fits and starts, like she has to think about it. Poor William, who could not help him. 

Violet and Cora seem to settle in together again after the rift caused by the news of Mary's reputation and Cora's role in helping get rid of the evidence. Once again, Violet gets the best lines. Violet and Cora recognize that Mary needs to get married, for her own good and that of her reputation, Violet comments, "In these moments you can find an Italian who's not too picky."

The Archduke has been murdered - so it all begins. It's so interesting, knowing as we do, what will happen in the Great War. It's also so very sad to consider.

We meet Aunt Rosamund who Mary visits in London - I suppose this will help her think or something - jeez.

"Biblical"

Dead Pamuk

Shocker: Cora is pregnant - this really mixes up the story for everyone, esp. Matthew and Mary. I think this has made Isobel peevish - she seems rude for the first time in the series. The doctor says Cora's pregnancy is unusual, Robert counters with "Biblical." Evelyn Napier meets Mary in London and his wedding plans are not going well - hmmm. Oh, and by the by, he's not the one spreading gossip about Mary and Mr. Pamuk - No, the identity of the tattle tale is... wait for it... Edith. She wrote the ambassador and Napier says it was hard for him to believe, "harder for you, than me," stated Mary.

Matthew is kind and generous and his mother seems put out by him not hearing from Mary.

Why want a phone? Oh, the 20th century is rearing its ugly head. Poor Carson - practicing to use the phone - so cute. "Cry of a banshee." 

With war looming, why do I feel like William is already wearing a red shirt?** 

Robert's concern for his staff is just lovely. He takes care of Mrs. Patmore and makes sure William can get home to his family. Mrs. Patmore is replaced by Mrs. Bird of Matthew Crawley's staff - I think I don't like her, but in the end I do -- she's an example of character with, so far, little screen time, that is so well crafted and provides you with insight into her character in a brief situation and other characters as well. Daisy's sad attempt to ruin her reputation as a cook actually endears her as Mrs. Bird recognizes it as what it is - loyalty to Mrs. Patmore.

O'Brien, hateful thing that she is, believes she's being sacked by Cora and exacts her revenge by allowing the Countess to slip and fall getting out of the bath -- and also causes a miscarriage of an heir - a baby boy. For the first time, O'Brien seems human - she feels palpable guilt for what she's done, esp. when she finds out there was no plan to sack her and the Lady's maid that's being mentioned is for Violet.

Anna goes to see Mr. Bates mother after getting her details from the military office. Mrs. Bates explains to Anna that Bates took the wrap for his wife's theft. Thomas spends his time trying to get in the good graces of the physician who is there to attend Cora. He's all for what he can get. He is planning to join the Territorial Force Hospital - lucky them. When Mrs. Patmore returns she and Mrs. Bird get along swimmingly and manage to take care of the garden party needs.

Lady Sybil and Gwen 

Sybil, with the help of Mr. Borage, the phone guy, gets Gwen an interview and ... a job as a secretary! I hope we will be continuing to follow her story even if she's not in service. This is just the sort of grass roots thing that makes Sybil happy - group hug - Sybil, Gwen and ... Branson. What have we here?

Mary finally exacts her revenge on Edith - just as Edith thinks Sir Anthony will propose (oh, and yes, he was going to), Mary ruins it all with just a comment. Can't blame Mary for this one, but I'm not sure I could have waited that long to give Edith a good smack.

Cheers to Mary

Mr. Molesly appears interested in Anna, does Bates have a rival?

"Experiment is over."

Matthew and Mary break it off - for now, I suppose, and as Carson comforts her - he's so avuncular - she simple states, "You know me, Carson, I'm never down for long."

Dramatically, Robert announces, to close season one, "England is at war with Germany."

"England is at war with Germany."

* Obviously that World War I wasn't called that until World War II. Sad, but true. 
**Thinly veiled Star Trek reference. 

Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley (sigh)

This (Dan Stevens) is the image we need to be left with to last until next season (although Hugh is a very close second). 

Downton Abbey Episode III (The Great Matter Episode)

Summary: The fair has come to town, and with it comes romantic hopes for several Downton Abbey inhabitants. In a triumph of the absurd, Violet asks a baffled Matthew to use his legal acumen to dissolve the entail — the very document by which he is to inherit Downton Abbey. Matthew's findings and his hopes for Downton cement his growing closeness with Robert, and a new warmth suffuses his encounters with Mary. But Mary's thaw doesn't extend to her sister Edith, as their competition becomes crueler. Cora simply wants Mary married, but newly circulating rumors may hinder that aspiration. Meanwhile, Violet's power struggle with Isobel Crawley moves from the hospital grounds to the annual flower show as Isobel casts her democratizing gaze upon Violet's prize-winning roses.

A kind gesture by Bates is not lost on Anna; but he cryptically professes to not being capable of more. Sybil discovers the politics of gender and class, with the help of the socialist chauffeur, Branson, and Carson discovers that several valuable bottles of wine have gone missing. The vulnerable kitchen maid Daisy, under increased pressure and ire from a fretful Mrs. Patmore, possesses a dangerous secret that she learned upstairs. Synopsis PBS.

Comments: Has Lady Mary learned a lesson? We'll see.

Matthew & Mary

Mary is trying to get to know Matthew Crawley, but is this the best idea for her. I am sure she is still looking around to see if she can come up with someone else that will suit her better, but expectations still exist on many sides for this match.
Isobel Crawley is still busy "helping" people, but is bested by Violet. I do just adore Violet, she can't stand Isobel, perhaps because they are so much alike. Isobel is bugging Molesly because he has a rash, but it's Violet that recognizes an allergic reaction to a local (rue) grass.
Mrs. Hughes goes out to the fair to meet an old friend. She's just so lovely that you want her to be happy, but she also doesn't put up w/any crap from anyone, esp. that cow O'Brien.
Violet visits Matthew Crawley to try to hire him to break the entail that will allow him to inherit Downton Abbey and all that goes with it. What an odd choice of attorney to go to for assistance. Violet really has the best lines ever ...
Violet: "Good heavens what am I sitting on?"
Matthew: "A swivel chair."
V: "Another modern brain wave?"
M: "Not very modern, they were invented by Thomas Jefferson."

Violet

V: "Why does every day involve a fight with an American."
So. very. funny.
Carson is reviewing the wine ledger - dear lord, did the servants try to make work for themselves? My checkbook doesn't have that much information in it. Thomas (aka the tool) is at it again, but I'm expecting Bates has his number and won't let anything get past him. I so want the tool to get his.... they better not disappoint me.
Mary and Matthew have a little fun at the fair while Matthew tells Mary that his cousin Violet came for a visit. They discuss "The Great Matter" - now is that their potential marriage or the entail - or could it be either. One of the most telling scenes in episode three:
Mary: "Women like me don't have a life. We choose clothes, pay calls, work for a charity and do the season. But really we're stuck in a waiting room until we marry."
Matthew: "I made you angry."
Mary: "My life makes me angry, not you."

Robert, Lord Grantham

Matthew and Lord Granville are growing in respect for each other and even coming to understand their differences. Both actors are so well cast for the roles. I'm very impressed with their characterizations and the nuances of the personalities of the characters.
Robert: "Are you beginning to see a future here?"
Matthew: "In a way this latest business has forced me to see that I do want Downton to be my future."
R: "I'm glad."
M: " You must have thought me an awful prig when I first arrived." 
R: "Not a prig. Just a man thrust into something he never wanted or envisaged." 

Matthew Crawley

I honestly can't decide which one of them I like more, but I think my heart will always be with Lord Grantham (and his puppy).  I even think Mary might be growing on me, but I'm sure that will change - it's just a matter of when.
21st century ignorance alert: Housekeepers are always called Mrs. - even if they are not -- no one told me that. Hell, I thought there were a bunch of widows out there doing these jobs. Shows what I don't know. Mrs. Hughes is such a contrast to that hateful creature O'Brien
- who is giving the new chauffer a hard time on his second day - she's just such a total buzz kill - she and "The Tool" deserve each other. 

Anna's not feeling well and is resting when Bates comes by to bring her a meal -- on a silver tray* -- with! Flowers! Love him, but is this really proper? Would this have happened? Not sure - considering I didn't know about the Mrs. rule for housekeepers, I'm now wondering what else I don't know. Mrs. Hughes remarks to her potential future boyfriend (what did they call boyfriends back then - gentleman callers?) when he asks what will happen if the property changes hands "suppose there is a tidal wave, suppose they die of plague, suppose there is a war."  Foretelling is a ominous thing.
Daisy disses poor William at the fair for the tool (ie. Thomas, if you haven't gotten that yet) and Mrs. Hughes "friend" proposes -- I think. After their time at the fair, I think Matthew might be feeling something for Mary, but she'll probably ruin it. 
Matthew: "It's very difficult Carson, for her (Cousin Violet), for Lady Mary, for everyone."
Carson: "It is Mr. Crawley, but I appreciate your saying so."
Everything, no ... everyone is SO intertwined. 

Lady Sybil and Gwen

Bates takes The Tool to task and I so love it... sigh. Bates is aggressive - rather unexpected, but much appreciated by those of us who love Bates and hate The Tool (Thomas) and his friend (O'Brien). Daisy seems to annoy me more, but perhaps it's because she's questioning herself and her insecurity is making her life, um, pretty much miserable. Sybil continues to help Gwen -- you know the girl Sybil wants to be, but never can be. 


Mary talks to her father about why he won't help set aside the entail.  He states, rather plainly and honestly, "My fortune is the work of others." I think had he earned his money, instead of inheriting, it might have been different.  

Lady Mary

Mary does seem to have a redeeming quality, "I'd never marry any man I was told to." Can't say that I blame her for that one, but she shouldn't refuse Matthew out of hand because of that ... dumb girl. All the while Sybil is getting friendly/political with Mr. Branson and wearing spiffy outfits that he, though no one else, approves of -- pants -- sort of. 
Poor Patmore is trying to explain to Daisy why The Tool isn't for her. "He's (Thomas, aka The Tool) not the boy for you." - Um, wink wink say no more. 
Mary is still hateful to Cora and for that I have a hard time thinking well of her even if her situation is difficult - which it really isn't.
Mrs. Hughes is so nice to William, who deserves it more than most ... it's like the boy she never had. Still am in shock over the the fact that Mrs. is part of a housekeepers name. Damn. No one told me. 

Flower Show

The flower show is an enlightening part of the 1913 life style -- and Violet, god bless her, is finally a generous soul -- I knew she had it in her to do the right thing (because it was someone "beneath" her. She would never do it for someone she considered an equal ie. Mrs. Crawley) because Mr. Wm. Molesley's roses were astonishing. 


Cora and Mary have some conversation that perhaps no parent wants to have. 
Cora: "Some how there is a rumor abroad that you are not virtuous." 
Is the door open, um, really... in this house -- MISTAKE!
Mary: "The world is changing."
Cora: "Not that much and not fast enough for you." (implication - you're too fast)
Geez - imagine that Edith is listening at the door - astonish me. She's really terrible. 
Sir Anthony** is invited to Downton and Edith does her best, but Mary illustrates how easy it is for her to "manage" a man - though this backfires since Matthew doesn't appreciate the illustration.

Mrs. Patmore

In a really important situation -- as opposed to those upstairs - it becomes apparent, despite blaming Daisy for everything that goes wrong that Mrs. Patmore is going blind. Poor creature - Carson is so generous and I know everyone will do the right thing.
Robert: "Mary can be such a child. She thinks when you put a toy down, it will still be sitting there when you want to play with it again."
And in another romance:
Bates: "I'm not a free man."  What the frig does that mean??

Mr. Bates & Anna

Anna: "I love you Mr. Bates**. I know it's not lady like to say it, but I'm not a lady and I don't pretend to be."
*Silver tray w/flowers, swoon. sigh. What a nice guy.
*Does she know his Christian name or not?

Downton Abbey Episode II (The Secrets Edition)

Edith, Mary, Sybil - The Grantham Girls

Summary: As Matthew and Isobel, the newly-arrived Crawleys settle into life in the village, Isobel offers her experience with modern medical techniques at the hospital, to the considerable consternation of Violet. Both Matthew and Mary bristle at the prospect of being matched to one another; still, Matthew indulges Mary's clever barbs even as a suitor in the form of Evelyn Napier is invited for a foxhunt, accompanied by the handsome attaché at the Turkish Embassy, Kemal Pamuk.

Downstairs, secrets reflect the ambitions, shames and desperate hopes of the servants, as housemaid Gwen tries to hide the contents of a heavy box set atop the wardrobe in her room; Carson abandons his customary dignity as he skittishly raids the pantry; and Bates refuses to share the source of his debilitating pain to his co-workers. Their concern and camaraderie markedly contrast the festering discontent of Thomas and O'Brien.

A sinister stranger barges into the house, demanding to speak to Lord Grantham, and an attractive stranger captivates Mary before setting into motion a chain of events that put the fate of Downton Abbey on even less stable ground. PBS: Masterpiece Classics

Comments (including plenty of spoilers):
I have to watch the episodes two times at least, once to enjoy and a second time to make notes and think through the underlying currents in the episode. Considering that this is removed from me in both time and location, it's difficult not to force 21st century sensibilities on the story -- I have the same trouble with Miss Austen's writings - there are things I just want to scream at the characters -- like, Why don't you really talk to each other?

Violet, Dowager Countess Grantham & Mrs. Isobel Crawley

Themes that are becoming notable for me: (1) Mrs. Crawley and Violet are in a state of constant competition that places Violet in the past. Mrs. Crawley isn't the next generation, but her being from a middle class existence seems to have propelled her more into the future of society than say Cora, or even Mary. I expect Mrs. Crawley would relate well to Lady Sybil, the youngest daughter of the Granthams. (2) The servants and the family are more intertwined than I ever imagined, but it's so awkward at times. (3) Servants are like their own family of sorts -- in all the good and bad ways. They have times of fun and struggle. (4) Being on the marriage market must have been terrible. Either you have a history/title and no money or money and no history/title. What is the chance of marrying for love and friendship? Even the Granthams didn't marry for love, but came, luckily, to love each other. I would hate that situation. 


When is being a secretary considered a glamourous thing? Apparently in 1913. Mrs. Crawley takes her place in the series by becoming involved in the hospital and "assisting" Dr. Clarkson. She asks him to "Please, let me be useful." Her treatments are not appreciated, esp by Violet who is President of the hospital. In a sort of ironic twist, Mrs. Crawley helps to save a man dying from dropsy (edema) earning her the respect of Dr. Clarkson and a place as chairwoman of the hospital board. Lord Grantham quips, "She (Violet) may be president, but I am the patron." I do like him so.
O'Brien makes the mistake of making snide remarks about Mr. Crawley within earshot of Lady Grantham - I'm glad to see Lady Grantham (Cora) has a backbone and doesn't put up with O'Brien, but she also seems fair and friendly to the staff. 

Gwen - future secretary

Gwen's revelation that she wants to be a secretary leaves the other staff, excepting Mr. Bates (lovely) and Anna, offended. Again my 21st century brain takes a while for me to make sense of this, but it is reasonable - she's insulting them and their way of life in a way - though she does not mean it. She's our-up-and-coming 20th century girl. Not afraid to study, work hard, and try to make something better of herself -- and doing it FOR herself -- that motivation is important to the character. 
Mary spars with Matthew Crawley and just when she starts to ignore him for others, he seems interested, much to Edith's dismay. Edith is just conniving, while Mary is a stuck up prig. Matthew begins to show more interest in Downton Abbey. Lord Grantham notes, "You don't love it - you see a million bricks that may crumble... I see my life's work." Just as Matthew doesn't yet understand Downton Abbey, he also doesn't understand the importance of the servants and thinks he should let his valet (Mr. Molesley) go because he can dress himself. Lord Grantham questions him - when he inherits Downton how many servants is he going to put out of work for no reason. "We all have parts to play Matthew, and we all must be allowed to play them." Matthew, I think, is beginning to see the light about what his future may be. 

Cheerful Charlies

Carson's position is precarious as his past comes back to haunt him. He was in the theatre - really, that's it? -- I thought he had killed someone the way he reacted. Once again, Lord Grantham is such a real character as illustrated by his comments here:
To Mr. Grieg the blackmailer who is making Mr. Carson miserable, "My dear Mr. Grieg, I will give you 20 pounds and you will leave Downton immediately." Mr. Grieg replies, "Just because you are a lord you think you can do what you like with me." "I think it because it is true." So. There.
To Mr. Carson, "We all have chapters we'd rather keep unpublished. To be honest, Carson, I'm rather impressed, did you really sing and dance and everything in front of an audience?"
"I did," replied Carson. "Do you ever miss it?" "Not in the least my lord." 

Evelyn Napier

The Granthams (Robert, Cora and Violet) are all interested in Mary's marriage plans since one by one they seem to fall through. Up next on the dance card is Lord Braxton's charming son, Evelyn Napier, and his friend Mr. Pamuk. They meet by arrangment at a foxhunt hosted by the Granthams and it's obvious Mary is interested in Mr. Pamuk, the son of a Sultan's minister who is in England for a conference about the future of Albania. 
Edith continues to try and get her little claws into Matthew, but he's not taken in and seems to understand what position he's in - not a good one even if he is inheriting Downton Abbey. 

Mr. Pamuk

Mary makes a HUGE misstep with Mr. Pamuk and her reputation, once he's found dead in her room, should be at an end. Mary plays the family card with her mother - she so knows how to use that little ploy.  So has Mary learned her lesson? That remains to be seen. And what and which servants know what? O'Brien and Thomas will make the most of anything they can get -- hateful creatures. 

Lady Sybil

Lady Sybil begins to get a character in this episode and she is certainly a 20th century woman. She assists Gwen with a job and offers to provide a reference. She's young, but seems level headed and not as selfish as Mary or coniving as Edith. 
Violet is the queen of one liners -- the only one who comes close to her is the character of Mrs. Patmore's quips to Daisy. Regarding Mr. Pamuk's untimely death, Violet says, "No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house." She's hysterical.

Mrs. Hughes

It's nice to see Mrs. Hughes' relationship with Mr. Bates. She's such a kind sensible woman. You hear stories about nightmare housekeepers, but Mrs. Hughes is just wonderful - I could work for her. 

Mr. Branson

A new character is introduced - Mr. Branson the new chauffer. He's Irish and seems friendly and educated. We'll see what he brings to the mix. 
The episode ends with Cora and Violet in yet another discussion about the entail and how to break it. Cora says, "I'd hate to go behind Robert's back," but she doesn't look like she means it. I, personally, don't think Mary deserves even that much consideration - spoiled thing. 

Downton Abbey Episode I (The Gossip Edition)

Summary: "It's 1912, and life in the Edwardian country house of Downton Abbey is idyllic and bustling for the Crawley family, aided by their cadre of servants. Robert, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), his American heiress wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), and their three daughters, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) and Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) along with Robert's mother Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) have lived largely uncomplicated lives.
But the sinking of the Titanic hits home in an unexpected and dramatic way — Lord Grantham's heir, James Crawley, and his son Patrick have perished. It's personally agonizing (momentarily) for daughter Mary who was supposed to marry Patrick. On a grander scale, suddenly all the predictable succession plans have gone terribly awry, and unheard of questions now loom large — Who will be the new heir to the earldom? And what will happen to this distinguished estate, now in jeopardy? Mary's grief is short lived as she sets her sights on another suitor, the Duke of Crowborough (Charlie Cox). 
As the drama unfolds among the aristocrats of Downton Abbey, changes are happening amidst the servants as well. John Bates (Brendan Coyle) has arrived as a new valet for Robert, but he has a pronounced limp, potentially making him unfit to perform his duties. Also, Bates seems to have some previous link to Robert, and a murky past. And, someone else in the servant's quarters is darkly entangled with the fortunes of the family he serves.
Despite much angling and consternation, the course of action emerges — a new heir presumptive will soon arrive at Downton. As Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), the heir presumptive, and his mother Isobel (Penelope Wilton) arrive, the emotions of the onlookers range from anxiety to outright antagonism. But in crisis there may be opportunity, and Matthew is considered as a suitor for Mary. Yet, nothing is quite as
it seems in the changing landscape and shifting fortunes of Downton Abbey."
Summary from PBS: Masterpiece Classics

Comments (spoilers):

Downton Abbey - Episode 1 (the gossip edition)

Daisy, scullery maid

MotH beings the episode trying to decipher the Morse code being sent across to towns all over England following the wreck of the Titanic. That must have been devastating to so many families.
Just some thoughts on Episode 1 (the gossip edition). It must be great fun to film in such locations. I bet the insurance is expensive and I can see the curators of the site or volunteers watching over every little piece of furniture. I must not be into the story yet if these are the things that are coming to my mind. The levels of the servants is interesting to try and sort out. Thankfully, I've read enough history and historical fiction to be able to make heads-and-tails of who is who and who reports to whom, who reports to the family and it will be interesting to follow who allies themselves with each other, both the servants and the family.
The time period for Episode 1 (c.1912-1913) is really a time of flux. There are automobiles, but there are still horse-drawn carts. There is electricity, but not every one trusts it yet. Servants still iron the paper to set the ink, but mail comes more than once a day and the telegraph provides quick information of important events.
There is a good bit of humor in Downton Abbey (at least so far). I've already taken a liking to Daisy, the scullery maid. She's the bottom rung of the ladder and is so innocent and wants so much to do a good job. That said, she is often the point of a joke - such as, "You're trying to build a fine, not invent one." That made me laugh.

Robert, Earl of Grantham

The first appearance of Robert, Earl of Grantham, shows him with a lovely yellow Labrador Retreiever. Such a small gesture as including the dog coming down stairs with him tells you a good deal about Robert. He's a country gentleman (in addition to being Earl), he's likely a hunter, and his dog stays with him in the house. As Robert is seated at breakfast he hears about the sinking of the Titanic and realizes that his heir and spare are aboard and likely dead. It also sinks in that while Mr. Carson says that the women and children would be saved, Robert knows that's only the women and children of first class, but what about the "poor devils below decks." Another illustration that he is a decent caring man. So why is Bates' limp such a big deal? I'm not sure I understand yet but I guess we'll get more details.

Violet, Dowager Countess

Characters are starting to be introduced. Initial thoughts: Mary (eldest daughter) is a hateful creature and it's probably Patrick's good fortune that he ended up in the cold Atlantic rather than married to the cold Mary. Violet (Dowager Countess) - now, she's a piece of work. I'm going to like her - no matter what. I can't imagine anyone else in the role.
Bates, obviously, knows the Earl from their days in the Boer Wars, but there are not a lot of details forthcoming.
I find it interesting how much gossips takes place between the family and servants and they almost seem divided into camps. I find that rather surprising. Was that typical? It does not seem likely, but perhaps it's a well kept secret.

O'Brien, Lady's maid

O'Brien, the priggish Lady's maid trips Bates in front of the the visiting Duke of Crowborough. The Duke is there to dangle for Mary thinking that the entail will be broken (he can have her for all I'm concerned), but I want Bates to beat O'Brien with his cane -- hateful hateful creature.
Primegeniture is a huge character in this story. It impacts so many things and the lives of so many people. Violet and Cora both want to break the entail so Mary can inherit. Cora's (American) money is bound into the estate and all of this was done by Robert's father. While there is plenty of criticism to go around for the entail, not one yet blames the late Earl for this situation. Striving to keep the estate together is of primary importance to Robert.

Thomas, first footman

Time to speak about good-for-nothing Thomas, first footman (and general tool). He thinks he's above his station. He connived his way into the life of the Duke of Crowborough in a sexual way when he thought that would advance him and he resents Mr. Bates for taking his place when he was temporary valet to the Earl. He constantly insinuates that Mr. Bates does not pull his weight and that Mr. Bates makes Mr. Carson look bad - something that Carson appears to believe. He's sides with O'Brien (they deserve each other) in trying to cause trouble. Another one I can't wait to see get their come-uppance. 

Anna, head housemaid

In contrast, Anna, head housemaid, is a hard worker, good at her job, and sweet tempered. She is so kind to Bates and not afraid to smart off to O'Brien so I'm looking forward to seeing her character progress.

Now to one of my, so far, favorite hateful characters - Lady Edith. She's not nice and I like her because she's not shy about taking it straight to Lady Mary - she's nosy, resentful and I think, going to be lots of fun.

Mr. Bates, valet

So Bates is being let go by the Earl. It just isn't working due to Mr. Bates inability to help in certain areas that a valet usually did assist (serving at table, carrying luggage, etc.) and Thomas makes sure Mr. Carson knows it. Mr. Bates is truly upset and so is Anna - who is just so nice to Mr. Bates. Mr. Bates accepts the Earl's decision and leaves receiving the Earl's best of luck and Mr. Bates returns, "Good luck to you my lord." What does that mean? Mr. Bates seems so kind, contentious, and is a good valet, but that one comment makes the Earl change his mind and makes Bates stay. Why? What don't we know?

Matthew & Isobel Crawley

Cora, Countess of Grantham

We are also introduced to the next heir, Matthew Crawley and his mother Isobel Crawley. He's not please with this change, but his mother appears to be. She has good sense and excellent manners. He's independent, speaks his mind, and is the 20th centry that is to come, where Robert is the 19th century that was. Can I say that there will either be a cat fight between Violet and Isobel or they will end up as friends, of a sort. Either way, could be interesting. I enjoy that Isobel Crawley really understands her son. That he "pretends to be nicer that the rest of us." He retorts, "Perhaps, I am." And he may well be, but then again, this kind of environment can make you mercenary. When Matthew Crawley tells the butler that his job is silly for a grown man, it is painful but illustrative of his 20th century notions and his value for what he perceives as real work.
I'll close on one telling scene: Cora is trying to tell Lady Mary not to eliminate Matthew Crawley because while she wants the entail broken, she cannot guarantee it. Mary calls Cora, her mother, an American*, like it's an insult. Mary has a lot to learn.

If the entire episode can be encapulated in only one question  it is asked by Violet... "What is a weekend?"
My over all feel for the episode is one of beauty, but also of deception and gossip.

*No wonder this was popular in the UK.

NPR had a great interview with Julian Fellows - NPR Interview with Julian Fellows