SPOILER ALERT! PLEASE SKIP THIS BLOG POST IF YOU HAVEN'T YET SEEN THE LAST EPISODE OF SEASON 5!
Look what came in the mail last night! What great timing, because I am absolutely going through "Downton Abbey" withdrawal now that the show has ended for another year. My husband gave me the latest book for Christmas, so I am going to collect all the earlier ones, too, and will no doubt start watching all five seasons of the show all over again. When the show concluded Sunday night, I realized I needed a debriefing session with similarly DA-obsessed friends. So, let's have at it!
• What a fine episode that was! So much drama, so many intriguing plots … and I had three favorite scenes: 1) Carson proposing to Mrs. Hughes (of course!) 2) That beautiful shot of Violet and Isobel having tea (!) in the garden with some lovely flowers in the foreground and 3) Robert telling Edith he knows about Marigold and that all is well. Now I'm not much for crying over TV shows, but items #1 and #3 made me cry!
• Thomas. I must say, my hatred for him has softened a bit. He's still a conniver, but he seems to be using his powers for good more often these days. That trick he pulled on Lord Sinderby was just delicious. And didn't you love it when Lord Sinderby's butler was spilling all to ole Thomas? We just knew this wasn't going to end well for the butler!
• Rose, I must confess, got on my nerves when I first met her. (I say that as if we're close personal friends. You know what I mean.) But now, Rose seems to have matured and is wise beyond her years. I look forward to seeing what's in store for her next season. (I also want to go see actress Lily James in her new Cinderella movie. Is it crazy for a 50-year-old to want to go see Cinderella? Hoping one of my nieces will let me tag along.)
• Mary. Now I've always defended Lady Mary, but I found her a bit too something-something (as a friend of mine likes to say) this season. She's been awfully unkind to poor Edith, and I'm bothered that Mary seems to treat George as a sweet little pet. Is that just me? Have any of you found yourself bristling at Mary?
• Tom. Oh. My. Goodness. I love Tom. Don't you love sweet Tom? He just lights up every scene he's in, and I think he's turned out to be the classiest of the whole lot. I can see why he wants to go to Boston, but oh, I shall miss that man.
• Anna and Bates. Enough already. Julian Fellowes, with all due respect, sir, if Season Six is indeed to be the final season, would you kindly let this couple have five minutes of peace without an officer of the law showing up? They deserve their happily-ever-after, and soon.
• Violet and Isobel. What a delightful pair of chums they have turned out to be! And who knew Violet had a lurid past? Fun, fun, fun! I was very sorry, though, that Lord Merton's ill-bred sons got in the way of a Crawley-Merton union, but my gut feeling is that Lord Merton didn't deserve her anyway.
So here's what I'd like next season: I want to know what happens to Tom and if he actually makes it across the pond. I'd love it if Edith would marry a handsome man who's wild about both her and Marigold. (That new gentleman she met on Sunday night's show will do just fine.) If Mary plays nice, I'm okay with her marrying again. I'd like at least a brief glimpse of Carson and Mrs. Hughes's wedding, and I'd like to see Daisy in school somewhere. Giving Mrs. Patmore a suitor would be nice, too. I most assuredly do NOT want anyone to die. I particularly do not wish to see Violet die. Ever.
Okay, I've rambled on quite enough. What were your thoughts on the season, and what are you hoping to see in the next one?
There are some things I don't like about how Julian is writing Downton. Anna and Bates are one, and how hard heart Mary is to Edith all the time. She is exhibiting some very un-lady like behavior toward Edith and it makes her look like a witch. I will be sorry to see it end but I'm sure to buy the full set one day so that I may visit my Downton, 'friends' any time I wish! Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteI loved the episode also - I agree with all your points - I want to see more of Carson and Hughes - why didn't he get down on one knee and why didn't we see a kiss?? Rose has redeemed herself for me also - I like the two new men - it would be nice for Rose to be happy and the gentlemen sparring with Mary seems to be her equal - love that Violet and Isobel are chums but would love to see more with Violet and the Russian - I thought that perhaps the Princess would off herself and leave the Russian for Violet with all the talk of "this is her last happy night" oh well maybe in the next session - I also thought that Robert would die with all the heart thing going on - maybe more to come with that in the next session! If Robert goes - Mary takes over - Carson and Hughes opens the Bed and Breakfast with Mrs. Patmore goes with them to cook?? Oh what fun!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I binge-watched Season 5 a few weeks ago. I didn't give away any secrets, but then all you had to do was read some of the many British interviews during January and February to learn those.
ReplyDeleteI sure got everything straight after this review! The actor that played Lord Sinderby's butler was the butler in the House of ? in Little Dorret. He was scarey their too. I think we have watched season 5 at least 3 times now - maybe 4. I wish Tom would end up with Mary!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Angela! Because I'm a romantic who loves happy endings, I hope Season VI concludes with happiness for everyone. A new baby for Anna and Bates... a new lover for Mary, and not just any lover. Tom is the only one who can soften her heart and tear down the barriers she erects - just as Matthew did... A wedding celebration for Carson and Hughes... Someone to love and care for Edith and Marigold. No wedding is necessary, just knowing one is imminent will suffice... Alfred reentering the picture to give Daisy assistance in advancement in the culinary world... And seeing Violet and Isobel enjoying their sunset years sipping tea and reminiscing about life together would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed Cora having a say this season, she handles everything so perfect! I have had enough of Mary and Edith. But it was Edith that caused Mary's virtue to be exposed. The whole Marigold story line went on too long, Edith needed to quit being a victim. I hope we find out who killed Mr. Green, I hope it is Tony. I love how everyone is planing life after Downton. I hope everything ends happy for the viewers sake.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed Cora having a say this season, she handles everything so perfect! I have had enough of Mary and Edith. But it was Edith that caused Mary's virtue to be exposed. The whole Marigold story line went on too long, Edith needed to quit being a victim. I hope we find out who killed Mr. Green, I hope it is Tony. I love how everyone is planing life after Downton. I hope everything ends happy for the viewers sake.
ReplyDeleteYou summed up the season and the final night very well. I really enjoyed season five. It gives us a lot to think about waiting for season six. A lot of thoughts are running around in my head for what could happen next season. I guess it's a wait and see time for us......
ReplyDeletePlease let us Downton lovers know what you think of the book you got. I didn't not know about them. I have loved Downton from the very beginning. This last season I have enjoyed their clothes the most. Wasn't Mary's red coat she wore to the jail the prettiest coat? And the hats! It's always nice to have something to look forward to and time goes by so fast that it will be next January before we know it. Right now I can only "think spring"!
ReplyDeleteYou've summed up my thoughts for the last episode Angela. Having to wait a year to carry on with the drama is pure madness - why can't this be a weekly show year round? LOL Don't we all wish!
ReplyDeleteI've read that Sir Anthony Hopkins is going to come aboard next season but this could just be a rumour.
Well, it was wonderful while it lasted!
I didn't watch it on Sundays, so I have SO MUCH to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteI teared up when adorable Tom joined hands with the sisters in the nursery to remember Sybil. Sniff. And I do not want Tom & Mary to get together! He's too sweet; she's too sour. ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said except I have never defended Mary...I think she's a witch. The way she treats Edith is just horrid! LOVE the show!
ReplyDeleteLove the show! Just the thought of someone dressing me and all that attention is beyond comprehension. Learned Ms. Patmore was in Mamma Mia! Agree Edith deserves respect from Mary the next season! Tom & baby Sybil (Sybi) are very cute and I too loved when they joined hands. Although Mary was reluctant to take Edith's hands -- why is she so mean to Mary? I hope Edith shines brightly next season. Unbelievable Mary was in the mud! Love Bates & Anna.....so loving!
ReplyDeleteGreat synopsis !!!! I bought season and watched it. Couldn't wait.
ReplyDeleteSpot on synopsis.... agree with you on all of it! Already missing the show, but I hate to wish time to pass for the new January season! We celebrate Downton Abbey with two special teas in April - that will have to do until 2016!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the last show even with a spoiler. Ha!
ReplyDeleteMary is a bit much, but she just has to soften next season.
Hoping also for the wedding too.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
ReplyDeleteI think it'd be neat if Tom and Edith got together, but that's kinda gross I guess. Tom is my favorite after Violet. She MAKES THE SHOW.
Mary is spoiled and selfish and mean and oh my gosh - such a stunning beauty. I could look at her forever, she is amazing. (Though the flapper girl hair cut, grrrr.)
Not much more to add, you nailed it as I feel. Love your book gift. That's a sweet and thoughtful present from your hubs!
Hugs.