Welcome back to Downton – only 3 episodes left. I’m going to miss the show and its opening theme music, which is pretty and a little haunting.
Previously: Cora has been offered the position of hospital president, the role held by her mother-in-law, the Dowager Countess (DC). Andy is seen coming out of Barrow’s room but Carson doesn’t believe Barrow’s proclamation of innocence. Amelia Cruikshanks insists her fiancé, Larry Merton, is not Isobel’s enemy, and Mary and Henry kiss in a London alley after he announces he is falling in love with her.
Henry and racing buddy Charlie Rogers are practicing on the track. They will be racing in Brooklands and the Crawleys and Bertie Pelham have been invited to watch. Robert declares himself fit enough to travel, though Cora isn’t keen on the idea.
Downstairs, Mrs. Hughes bitches to her girlfriends about her hubby’s rudeness during meals. Carson and Barrow once again discuss him leaving Downton – why doesn’t Carson just fire him if they need him out so bad? Mrs. Hughes apologizes for her husband’s harsh words and wonders if Barrow would be better off in a new home, with potential new friends. Barrow says Downton is the first place he’s laid down roots.
My favorite couple, the DC and Isobel, are discussing the hospital and how the DC is yesterday while Cora is tomorrow. The DC is so angry she is going away until she can control her tongue (noooo). Also being discussed is Larry’s decision to invite Isobel to his wedding. The DC pays a visit to his fiancée and realizes Amelia’s plan is for Isobel to take care of Lord Merton so she won’t have to, and when he dies they’d be able to stay in his house. Sneaky. The DC: “You’re a cool little miss, aren’t you? I’d feel sorry for Larry if I didn’t dislike him so much.” Heh.
Don’t mess with the DC
With the family heading to London for a few days the downstairs crew are given time off. Daisy and Mr. Mason will sit for their school exams and Mrs. Patmore will ensure her investment house, which has been turned into a bed & breakfast, is ready for clients. Baxter and the Bates will accompany the family to the racetrack so it’s only Barrow without a plan, though Carson says his plan should be job searching. Has Carson always been a jerk?
In her mean way, Denker tells Spratt that she and the DC will head to the South of France for a while. (Pretty please let us see the DC there, a little loosened up by warm weather. I’d be all for a spin-off except Denker is the worst.) Spratt will be left behind, which should be good news for him since he’d have the house to himself and could work on his stamp collection and/or whatever it is people did for fun back then.
Cora and Robert discuss what Mary sees in Henry. Anna also doesn’t feel Mary and Henry’s lives are connected. Mary muses that opposites attract, but do they live happily ever after.
Baxter is going to see jailbird Coyle to get closure on this boring storyline.
Andy visits Mr. Mason at his farm, wearing a suit. He was supposed to help with the physical part of the job, since Mr. M is old, but what needs tending to are the financial books. Suddenly illiterate Andy is too busy to help.
While in London Edith pops by her magazine office and invites the pretty young editor Laura to the race. Over dinner at Rosamund’s the family discuss their house in London and mention how other families are closing their city mansions because they can’t afford them (and because times are changing). Henry stops by unannounced and flirts with Mary. He is being a little pushy but really wants to be with her.
Racing day: The family has lunch and “gears up” for their first car race. In attendance are Robert, Cora, Mary, Edith, Branson, Rosamund, Bertie, Laura, Henry and Charlie. Assisting with lunch are Baxter, Anna and John. Laura chats with Branson and I see potential for a cute new couple. Henry and Charlie get ready for the race which begins with everyone running to their cars and driving off. Don’t they usually start in the cars?
English Grand Prix
Mrs. Patmore and Andy have brought a picnic lunch to Daisy, Mosely and the school headmaster in the village. Mrs. P forgot some stuff at home but Barrow has (very kindly) brought it to her. Daisy still has 3 more exams to take and hands Andy her test so he can see how tough the questions were. Question 2 threw her for a loop and he is asked to read it aloud. He struggles then admits he can’t read. The headmaster offers to teach him, without Barrow’s assistance. This guy cannot catch a break.
The DC is traveling by ship, and hopes the traveling and foreigners will make her miss her home. She has written a letter to her son and sent a separate one to “sensible” Tom Branson with her contact information. We really need to see the DC on this voyage. If this is the last time we see her character I will be unhappy. Before she leaves she tells Isobel about Amelia and wonders if Isobel should give Dickey (Lord M) another chance for romance so she can protect him against his vile children.
Carson and Mrs. Hughes think they’re alone in the house so they go wild sit on the upstairs couch. Barrow asks to join them but is (rudely) denied. Carson is not nice at all anymore. And Barrow is receiving love from no one.
Rebels
At the race Henry and Charlie are neck and neck at the front of the pack, hitting top speeds of 9o kph (56 mph), when there is an explosion. Everyone goes running to see what happened. Charlie crashed and is trapped in the flames of his upturned car. Henry unsuccessfully tries to pull his best friend out.
Back home, Mosely has passed his exam and been offered a position at the school. Does this mean a footman position has opened up for Barrow? Everyone goes to the kitchen to celebrate while Barrow sits there, alone and miserable. This is getting ridiculous. They did ask him to join them so it’s just self-wallowing at this point.
Mrs. Hughes hurt her hand so Carson will have to do the cooking. I am thinking this is a ruse to get him to appreciate the difficulties of preparing a meal. Sucker.
Fail
Carson is not doing a good job and is so exhausted he falls asleep during dessert. Cooking is hard without a microwave. She says not to worry, he can do the dishes in the morning. HA!
We finally learn why Daisy is so bratty when others give Mr. Mason attention, she doesn’t want to share him and possibly have him love her less. Mrs. Patmore assures her that won’t happen. Daisy is so immature.
Mary ends her relationship with a devastated Henry. It’s not just the racing, she doesn’t think they belong together.
My dog sprouted a human head and nips
Baxter is aware of Anna’s pregnancy and is happy having a new life in the house. Rosamund must have a huge apartment to sleep so many guests and their staff.
Bertie proposes to Edith, who is flattered but asks for time to think. If she accepted she would want to bring Marigold, though she doesn’t tell him she’s her daughter.
That does look comfy
Mr. Patmore and her niece are preparing breakfast for their B&B’s first clients. Outside there is a strange man lurking in the bushes with a camera and notepad which is not a good sign. Since there are only 2 episodes left of the entire series maybe we should just let Mr. P have her B&B be trouble-free (that rhymed).
The Crawleys arrive home from London and Isobel tells them the DC went on her trip. Yes, she was angry but because she isn’t made of stone she has gotten them a gift: a puppy!
Aaawww
Will we get to see the DC on the ship and/or in the South of France? Is this really the last we will see of Henry? Will Edith tell the sweet and understanding Bertie about her illegitimate daughter? Will Carson ever attempt to cook again? Sound off in the comments below and thanks for reading.
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