HoodlumSheep

So I wonder how long the Duke being fired/forcibly promoted is going to last. They aren't going to let Eliza lose her police connections so I doubt it'll last too long. Fitzroy :(

Ivy continues to be fantastic. William crashing her dinner date was hilarious. Boooo Basil u traitor how could you???? I suppose it comes with the territory of him being a shady newspaper man but he was delightfully entertaining and now I wonder if we'll see less of him. Nash: meh. Super shady tactics and I feel like he could potentially end up as a love interest which I don't really want. Idk he gives off that flirty rival vibe. I also don't like his particular style of mustache. He'd look much handsomer with a clean shaven face or a shorter trimmed mustache imo.

Ivy's got a suitor! Good for her. Haha. Maybe if she butters him up enough Eliza won't have to keep letting herself into the morgue :P It's always a nice time when the secondary cast gets their turn in the spotlight. Moses and Ivy were great. I kind of want William to quit his job, but then we'd lose those police connections. He desperately needs a win. :(

I enjoyed this episode (ep 2) much better than the first. Much easier to follow. I wasn't prepared for all the back and forth between reality and book in the first episode. Lol.

I really enjoyed this episode! I hope Basil the newspaper man sticks around. He's a hoot.

It was the music for me haha. That scene probably had my favorite shot of the night: William's silhouette in the hazy light coming in through the doorway. 👌 No Rupert* this episode? This season perhaps? Is the actor busy? Instead we get Harriet, who will probably be equally amusing. Moses probably spends half his day procuring info for Eliza (amongst other various things), and the other half thinking of ways to...keep her on her toes lololol. He's having the time of his life spooking her. I continue to love their dynamic. I knew immediately that detective Fitzroy had have SOME connection to the higher ups. That was pretty obvious. I was thinking it was the new boss' son or nephew bbc it felt like William and him were getting along too well, but it turned out to be the chief of police's son instead. *when I'm up too late and can't get Rupert's name right. I don't even know how I got that other name 🤣

@ season 8 renewal: Yay...ish? They wrapped up enough things where I would have been satisfied had they decided to pull the plug. Though it would have been a pretty weak season to end things on. Hopefully with how season 7 wrapped up, the sidney-fication of Will has mostly come to an end, so I'm being hopeful in that regard. With the later than usual renewal announcement, I'm wondering if they're gonna take things day by day so to speak concerning possible future season announcements. Pbs/bbc/whoever is also usually pretty upfront when they announce a new and final season. They didn't mention "final" yet, so I feel like they haven't quite closed the doors on a potential ninth or tenth series. Not sure if I want to see this series stretched that far though. :/

Called it with the college fella! Will's fam! Squeaked in an appearance at the very end. The biggest issue I have with Will and Bonnie is that they scrunched in their pre-marriage love story into one season. Also he was flip flopping between her and Maya up til literally the penultimate episode where he had "chosen" Maya. I do like Bonnie and I do like them together, however. I just wish we could have had better build up. Also I would like to know how much time had passed between the train station and their marriage. I wonder if his love confession at the train station was a sort of parallel or ode to how Geordie and Cathy met. Will and Geordie :') the "I love you u" scene was super sweet. Glad to see Mrs. C doing well. Another Sidney shout-out. Season 7 thoughts overall: Definitely a weak season. Main issues stemmed around Will and how they wrote him. Who's lame brain idea was it to turn him into a Sidney-lite??? Bring back season 5 quality Will. Leonard was the MVP of this season for sure. He saved it tbh. Miss Scott was runner up. Best episode by far was the one where Will was least involved. The big mystery of the season was satisfying enough. Rolled my eyes when the pbs fundraiser lady came on immediately after and called it "the best season yet." No. No it was not. Definitely felt like it could work as a wrap up season. I've heard season 8 is a go, but I'm thinking they might not have known if renewal was guaranteed at the point when they filmed this season. Paired with the later than usual renewal announcement...I'm guessing they're thinking of ending this sometime soon.

This. All it took was one talk and boom! Everything's okay again. All I want is to see them have one nice, big open discussion about everything that's gone down the past 2ish seasons *at least*. Instead we get this vague, brushing over of details. The whole "happy place" thing might be as good as it gets with Geordie addressing his PTSD and war stuff with Cathy onscreen unfortunately. :( Will continues to be an absolute dumb dumb. Too wishy washy. This was a very weak episode overall. Pretty boring. Not a lot of thought went into it. Father Brown shout out! Lol.

A bit late to the party (family stayed for a visit this weekend), but episode thoughts: A wild Daniel appears! Tbh I haven't really missed him? I've always been rather neutral towards him, so idk. I'm fine if from here on out he only pops up once in a while. Surprised to see him part of a church group though, but at least they addressed that. Will and Bonnie...Will made the right choice, but he could have probably handled it better? Cathy and Geordie...I hate to say it but at this point they need to divorce. Everyone's already made good points about them so I probably don't need to expand upon it. It's just too much. Time to cut the chord. Y'all it's too obvious about that student guy they've been keeping around. This episode all but confirmed he's the real homeless killer. Go back and listen to how they profile the killer in that episode. The religious discussions with Leonard this episode???? Hellooooooo. If not I'll eat my hat.

Geordie was speaking for the audience in that beginning scene where he and Leonard were discussing Will. Leonard was...*chef's kiss*. Simply fantastic this episode. The bit of Geordie and Leonard together that we got was great. "up your bum!" Mrs. C is breaking my heart :( It was actually nice to not have Will involved with the murder mystery this week. Some lovely scenes with Geordie and Miss Scott too. Best episode of the season so far by a million miles. *The homeless person mystery has been intriguing. I have a sneaking suspicion that the real culprit is the college classmate that was getting along with Leonard, but we'll see.

Sidney's name on the box! Our first direct (kind of?) Sidney reference in how long? Very fitting considering this awful Will romance nonsense. Are we really supposed to buy Will being head-over-heels in love with the fiancee after sleeping with her twice and knowing almost zilch about her??? Will u idiot. Let's hope u actually keep your word and this fling is done. The slow motion shots of Will walking away have been hilarious. This is twice now. Lol. Like...I just can't take this romantic fling seriously. It's laughably bad. Bonnie rocks. Mrs. C nooooooooooooo :'(

Victoria? Talk about a blast from a past. Considering I never really vibed with any of the characters on that show I'm drawing a huge blank on that character. I'm gonna have to Google a pic of her in her costume. Lol.

The Leonard poetry scene had me howling with laughter. Kept making me think back to the college café scene from An Extremely Goofy Movie. lol. Mrs. C and Leonard always makes me smile. 1959. Wooowee. Not sure if I'm looking forward to the future lady troubles of Will. I just hope the romance is handled better than what we got with Sidney way back. Larry's gotten worse under the new police boss guy. He was at his most enjoyable last season imo. The lady who played the engaged sister looked familiar, but I can't recall what I've seen her in.

Wow. Charlotte just gave up there in the end didn't she? You know, I can't blame her for holding her ground against Colbourne bc he didn't really handle their parting very well, but to get engaged to farmer lad? Not so cool. She clearly doesn't like him that way. she's just straight up settling at this point and leading the poor lad on. Someone shake some sense into her. I'm sure their engagement won't last, but...blah. A lil redemption for Clara was nice. She did the right thing in the end by coming clean about Edward's plot. And ofc, like literally everyone predicted the moment we found out Clara was pregnant...she left lil George to Esther. Are Esther and Lady Denham just going to tell people someone left a baby on the doorstep? Georgiana's mom possibly being alive is cool. So Lockhart was a scam artist like many were hoping. I never wanted them together in the long term but I still think he was good for her in the journey of self-discovery sort of way. Oh well, won't miss that buffalo plaid looking coat of his. Poor Georgiana and Jolly Parker tho. He was a pretty solid friend even though it was all a ploy. :( Georgiana and Jolly are the sweetest besties ever. Allison and Fraser. A pretty quick turn around from Carter, but oh well. They look happy. Good for them I guess. Bye bye Lennox. Not gonna miss ya. Annoyed that Lady Denham is still keeping Edward around. He doesn't need to be fixed, he needs to be banished. Season 2 overall thoughts: The storyline surrounding Esther was frustrating but the actress gave it her all. Didn't miss Sidney one bit. A part of me still thinks tom would have made a good villain. Arthur, Georgiana and Esther were the mvps of the season so not much has changed from season 1 in that regard. I actually liked Charlotte better this season. It was also good to see her hair up more. :P Still kind of shaky overall. Lots of borrowed concepts that were at least fun to point out. Season 3 hopes: Jolly Parker better get his dang theatre next season.

My mom and I finally FINALLY finished our season 4 rewatch. Binged the back half of the season tonight and I gotta say I think I enjoyed it more than the initial viewing? Like, binging helped in some aspects. I don't remember having too many issues with season 4, but the ones I did have while viewing weekly were a little more tolerable in binging format. Less time to dwell on them I think. The finale: basically when Gerry and Theo started letting the animals go...that's when the water works started. Again. Lol. I still find it a very solid finale. Fav bit of the episode is still the same as it was during the initial viewing: I love when the pre storm-like weather moves in to kick in the sombre atmosphere.

Jolly Parker finally getting the validation he deserves from his brother :') Esther nooooo she doesn't deserve this :( Totes was chanting *FIGHT! FIGHT FIGHT!* after what went down with Col. Lennox. Oof. Leonora heard everything. Wonder if she'll try running away. Happy Augusta :) she's so much livelier when she's happy. Curious to see how the finale goes down. She flat out told Col. Lennox she doesn't want to marry but seems to be falling for Colbourne...BUT with a season 3 still to come I'm wondering if there's a chance of getting another Downton Abbey season 5? The two men and the whole "which will she choose?" Nonsense... only to jilt them both. I feel like there's a good chance she could decline whatever's going on with Colbourne but I feel like Lennox will probably be gone next season unless they decide to...rehabilitate his character. As for Georgiana and Lockhart...hmmm...I feel like he's someone she needs right now and is good for her currently, but not in the long run, so I hope she makes the sensible choice and doesn't accept. Re: Colbourne's wife--walked out into the rain??? How very Wuthering Heights of her.

Clara...postpartum depression? I hope she and Esther can become friends (or at least polite acquaintances) when all is said and done and Edward is dealt with. Both gals aren't in the best headspace right now, but I do hope they regain some of their season 1 spark back. I would love to see them pull the long con on Edward. Edward has money troubles of his own, but seems to have enough stashed away to pay off lady denham's servants... Tom's no better off than he was in season 1. After his behavior in season 1 you'd think Mrs. Parker would be a bit more weary and curious about her husband's dealings. Okay so boycotting the sugar and the cake/pastries...good for y'all. But wouldn't it have made more of statement to have boycotted the entire party instead? Like y'all know there's totally gonna be sugar products, so why not stand her up entirely??? Carter had a chance to straighten things out with Allison and blew it. Just a selfish pup in the end. My mom and I couldn't help but laugh at how little effort he made to save Allison from drowning. Nice work there, buddy. Mermaid Man living rent free in my head rn. I literally hear him screaming "Evillll!!!" every time Col. Lennox shows up on screen at this point.

Col. Lennox: *If Jolly Parker doesn't trust him I don't either. Arthur deserves better. Tom keeps dismissing him. Glad he has a friend in Georgiana and now Mr. Lockhart. Carter's still wet behind the ears so I can't be too mad at him. Boy's panicking on how to handle his first crush/love. The lying wasn't of ill intent, but I do hope he listens to Fraser and tells Allison the truth sooner rather than later. Edward and Clara up to their separate (for now) schemes >:( The back and forth between Esther and Clara while climbing up the stairs gave me laugh.

Charlotte??? With her hair up the entire episode???? Charlotte Heywood??? Are we really sure it's her??? Someone hold me, I might faint! Jolly Parker matchmaking was adorable to watch. Give him his theatre, dang it all!!! Mr. Artiste™ Lockhart is an interesting fellow, but he's kind of hard to read romance wise. Like as much as he's being set up with Georgiana...I could see them trying to pull something with him and Arthur too?? Which, Idk. I wouldn't prefer it so much just bc I just don't really see Arthur as interested in romance (for himself) whatsoever? Idk. I guess we'll see. And we're getting the classic Cyrano trope with Alison/Carter/Frasier (Frazier?) Col. Lennox...hmmm the gambling situation with Tom and jolly Parker had me nervous. Gave sketchy vibes. Warming up to governess Charlotte. I loved how it turned out to be Colbourne whom the head housekeeper (???) Made the bet with. *it still bugs me how they've treated the Edward aftermath. I know time has passed, but still... Also, although it was with Edward, seeing Ms. hankins getting to dance warmed my heart.

I was waiting for him to see Charlotte and the dog getting along too! I suppose seeing it running off after her was close enough and a good enough sign. The shallow comment was more aimed at the writers and their potential thought processes regarding the pairing and their attempt at a more modern Austen gal, not myself (or anyone questioning the ethics). I admit shallow isn't quite the word I'm looking for but nothing else comes to mind in the moment. Maybe if I can compose my thoughts better... Also: Does season 2 have different writers? Just wondering, bc it feels like it.

THAT'S WHERE HE'S FROM!!!!!! It's been bugging me the past few days. He looked so familiar! I guess I should give my thoughts on Charlotte's new beaus: Col. Lennox: meh. He's fine I guess? That's it though. Tbh I think the odds are way more in his favor bc I don't really see them pairing young Charlotte with a dad (who also has a niece almost her age). Idk. Just a feeling I get. I can see myself growing disdain for this potential pairing solely thanks to Allison's antics, however. I finally figured out my main issue with the sis! She is literally the 'best friend' character from quite literally every Hallmark Channel movie ever made. Go watch a Hallmark movie if you don't believe me! Charlotte's new boss: He feels like he's been ripped straight out of Jane Eyre. Can't wait to find out about the wife he has locked away somewhere in his house... Out of the two I find him more intriguing than the colonel so far. He has an icy heart that needs thawing and that's more up my alley than whatever Lennox has going on for him. He also has a dog, so +1 for him. Totally shallow thought: with sanditon trying to be all modern, etc. Would they pair Charlotte up with her boss? 🤔

Thnx for the quick reply! @shapeshifter More thoughts: At this point I feel like I'm in it only for Jolly Parker. Fav costume of the night is what I'll refer to as Georgiana's snow white-inspired outfit (aka the blue and yellow one) Also...Sidney married the one gal for her fortune to help cover Tom's debts, but apparently even her money wasn't enough bc tom still mentions paying back a loan to Lady Denham??? Like geez I knew he sunk like a dozen fortunes into this place but you'd think the loan would have been payed off. Yikes. Lastly, I am reminded of how pbs/bbc/whoever made the show blew it by not making tom the ultimate villain. The set up was all there last season and I remember I was mad that they basically decided to wave all his dirty dealings under the rug at the end of s1. It would have probably been the most well written thing in the show??? The obsession he had to build his resort, his marriage slowly falling apart, his ill treatment of Stringer(s) and Co.... Like it was all right there, but then the resort goes up in smoke and we get stuck with the Parker bros supporting and promising to stick by each others' sides and everything was going to be fine yadda yadda??? :/ Ultimately the writing just isn't what it needs to be.

I have many...thoughts: Charlotte saving Leo (Leonora?) And the carriage accident at the end of the episode had me laughing. Idc. Someone with historical knowledge please explain to me how becoming a governess is a step down from being a farmer's daughter????? Ngl didn't mind one bit that they killed off Sidney. Equally pleased that young stringer took that apprenticeship in London like he deserved. Hope he makes it big. Jolly Parker seemed less jolly at least in the first half of the episode :( probably just mourning his brother. It's so weird to see him without his sis too. Funnily enough, Georgiana brought up the very same idea I had last season: that she and Jolly Parker should get married (but in a sham-marriage sort of way, ya know what I mean?). They could continue on with their platonic bestie adventures ofc. Esther has lost a lot of her bite :(. Kinda not the happiest that her storyline is gonna revolve around wanting a kid. Edward >:( with how things ended last season I'm surprised he wasn't run out of town so to speak. Like, Lady Denham actually allowed him to step foot in her house??? And he's up to no good. Idc who Charlotte ends up with at this point, I just want her to wear her hair up properly for once. The sis is gonna get annoying really quickly if she's going to spend all her time trying to shove her big sis into a relationship. No thank u. Overall this episode felt very uninspired. I feel like half the actors didn't have their heart in it.

Almost a year later and we finally finished rewatching season 3! To be fair though, we kinda paused the rewatch once summer hit and then we had other pbs shows to watch. Overall S3 rewatch thoughts: Most of my previous opinions still hold up. Lol. 3x04 (I think) with the Italian? Family is where the show fumbles for the first time (though not too bad) mainly bc of the Spiro's vs Louisa drama with money lending thing etc. Then it's followed by 3x05 (Gerry's bday), which turns out to be the worst episodes in the season (and possibly the series) imo. But, I gotta say my opinion of the episode improved just a tad upon rewatch. The adults totally shrugging off Gerry's tantrum and continuing to party manages to save the episode. Margo and Zoltan breaking up: :'( there goodbye scene was so sweet and sad Leslie and Daphne breaking up: it was for the best. The circus finale was delightful but I still find the ending...framed (?) A little awkwardly. You get this dramatic kinda pseudo break-up/parting of ways between Spiros and Louisa...only to literally round the corner of the house to find a crowd of people standing around ready for a stay in Corfu. Basically to sum up my cons of s3: Gerry in general (esp ep 5 Gerry) Louisa's make-up (yeah kind of petty): she looked a lil too orange thru out the season paired with brighter lipstick colors...wasn't a fan. The shift in Louisa's and Spiros' relationship was a lil forced in parts imo. Some of their scenes didn't feel as natural as in seasons past but that's probably bc they were moving toward a more serious relationship.