SusanSunflower

I just realized what I think is "who knows what" plot device -- Green raped Anna as revenge on Bates -- Does Anna realize this? Does Bates (if he really secretly knows about the rape) recognize this. I think Fellowes has forgotten but I think Mrs. Hughes remembers, but Mary, again, had no reason to know unless Mrs. Hughes told her. Yes, I thought Mary was threatening Anna which reminded me of last week talking about how her parents had big rooms and many servants and she just has Anna and Anna has to suck it up and be Mary's confidante and keeper of Mary's intimate secrets, because Mary has no female friends her own age. Servants were expected to be discreet, but Mary announced, imho, she was going adding to Anna's official job description. I was delighted Anna objected just for form's sake. Mary has obviously never heard of hiding something in a book. In her family it would not be accidentally discovered for a generation or two -- if then -- after a fire or something. I wonder if Mary has ever been to a talking picture, Douglas Fairbanks was very popular and he married Mary Pickford in 1924. My mother was born in 1920 and my grandmother and grandfather were peripherally part of the "new set" in Paris between the wars. Their crowd was reportedly quite promiscuous. James Joyce's Ulysses was first published in Paris in 1922 after being serialized beginning in 1919. (Wiki is rather American-centric) It was serialized in London early and then banned in London soon thereafter as far as I can tell. Rosamund would not have been immune to Bloomsbury gossip -- on the "second generation" by then. Hasn't Fellowes even referenced if not name-checked Bloomsbury at some point wrt Sybil's new ideas and independence. Rose is too flighty but Rosamund ... In any event, people -- even Violet -- would have realized that times were changing rapidly wrt S.E.X.

How long is it supposed to be since Anna's rape? The police thought it was an ACCIDENT until this "witness" came forward? And they're wasting their time on a Valet? When no one is crying foul-play except Bates didn't like him -- when Green was a jerk and both Bates and Carson despised him -- you do not kill someone simply because they are a jerk, or on suspicion that maybe he made an rude and ugly pass at your wife. Though Bates may have killed Green if he thought he raped Anna -- but that's not something anyone else would leap to. I think that there would have been no-way-in-hell that Mrs. Pattimore's nephew's execution would have been "secret" -- "Cowards" were executed and, I'm pretty sure, their deaths announced with other casualties. They used to take conscientious objectors to the battle field and execute them when they refused to fight -- no PTSD / crazy needed -- just making examples of their zero-tolerance policy. Other were imprisoned under harsh harsh conditions. Mrs. Pattimore would not have asked. She'd have known better. (I'm not sure he would have been killed for freaking-out ... I'd fact check that ). Mary and Tom talk about future plans and her re-marriage as a young widow and never mention Matthew? Is Edith supposed to be jealous of Mary/George, Tom/Sibbie all of a sudden so she's noticeably upset for no reason. It's not post-partum depression. She sees her child daily more than Mary or Tom probably did at that age or even now (yes Marigold is much too mature). -- an uninterrupted hour or more a day. Get over it. Carson getting unpleasant about Thomas (or any downstairs person) using the telephone -- either it would be forbidden or they would all know the rules -- Cora sent a cable when Rosamund's line was busy. Oh, and Gillingham's sweatpants/pajama bottoms had an obvious ribbed elastic waist, rather than just a drawstring. The police thought it was an accident!!! That's all I got.

It would be much easier for Edith to keep Marigold secret if Marigold were in London and she went to London regularly. She would be much better able to fabricate a cover for the baby's "arrival" at Downton as the child of a (dead) colleague. At present, since she has no friends or colleagues, there's no one who could possibly need her to take their child in the event of their tragic death. Never in a million years could the family be written to appear to believe her. Making her Marigold's godmother at the Drewes (when she already had one) is both disrespectful of Mrs. Drewe and creepy -- like the kid's has a chance of being orphaned 3 times. Born under a bad sign indeed. Are the original godparents to be informed, by whom? Oh, nice. I really wish that Anna had burst into tears and refused to do Mary's errand. It would have been nice to see Mary refused and in need of using some genuine resourcefulness just this once. With a chauffeur, she can't even get a flat tire. Humor at her inability to use said diaphragm seems unlikely. Mary/Dougherty only really came alive in the last episode S1E2 when Blake was about to "abandon" her to simply go to bed because he was tired and at dinner with Napier. It's striking how "hungry" the actors all are for new characters, visitors, plots. They're animatronic and bored.

I remain very fond of Brendan Coyle. I am American, which I think makes a difference, but I've seen him in so many other parts -- sigh -- playing so many paragons and other, less paragon parts when he was younger. He's managed to realize he's not chick-magnet young finally and dropped all the winking glances, finally. I was dismayed by him -- actor -- in earlier seasons. He's not responsible for Fellowes' writing. I caught a glimpse of him this week -- Season 5 episode 2 -- and he looked very well, lighter, more spontaneous, but it made me realize how far into the background he and his character have drifted. The "Mysterious Death of Mr. Green" is being carried forward by policemen and Mrs. Hughes' dismayed expression -- while the audience at home groans. Think how they would hate Bates if he were carrying that part of the story. It's funny when you get older -- not even very old -- when you realize that the "older men" you thought very-hot in your 20's are now simply old -- and that someone, not so old, say Tom Selleck or Brendan Coyle, possibly still attractive to you, would cause your daughter to make rude noises if mentioned. So it goes. I had moment of hope that either Bates will NOT be dragged through the mud again or Coyle might be about to do something else in some big-surprise-move (since he'd slimmed while everyone had seemed to bulk up, with age, passage of time, eating during off-season or by outfitting for continuity)

It would be great if Blake could replace Matthew for Tom ... wouldn't it? and Rose could be their moll (a sort of new bobble-head Sybil) joined by SchoolTeacher lady and Daisy -- team-mates against the obvious old guard. I think Isobel would join in a heartbeat as well with Mrs. Hughes (I'm always thinking Bridges and correcting myself). Hughes and Carson as the downstairs analog. I was startled how young and healthy Bates looked and moved about in contrast to how fat, old and stiff (physically) Carson has been made to be (the actor is an athlete). They were briefly in the same shot which also made me realize that Bates has been relegated to background, nearly invisible except with Anna (or am I misremembering) which is really not the best way to deal with Bates & the Hangman fatigue (neither is Green's Death Mystery obviously) but making him into Anna's Self-Involved Husband without other storylines except Green's Mysterious Death is to kill any interest in the character (who almost certainly isn't leaving the show).

Just watched: Shocked, Dockery is playing Mary like some automaton at least in the first extended breakfast (?) screen but off and on throughout -- Yikes -- She needs to not do this. She is not that much of an actress, at best but this is not good for her resume. There were brief moments, but Mary (Michelle) is so wooden, I didn't want Blake to end up with her. I like him too much. She's going to play games and exasperate her but it won't be "Bringing Up Baby" -- More like "My Man Godfrey" and he'll get bored. I was delighted that Blake was allowed to be flickeringly angry and Mary did not get too too "Scarlett O'Hara" about a beau not broken hearted (but old Scarlett was instantly recognizable). Hah, an ex-beau going to bed because he actually wasn't engaging in verbal foreplay and has no desire to "match wits." It might not be Blake, but I'm fairly sure it's not Gillingham -- there is no real spark on either side -- much too matrimonial and they're not even engaged. Moseley and Baxter have become MVP's in my book. Loathed Moseley (like we were all supposed to) but that actor is a god-send. Happy to see Daisy and Mrs. Pattimore and Mrs Hughes -- like old times. Something big is going to happen next episode with Tom and Sarah Bunting and the Russians (or that's what I'm guessing they are and why they are turning up now. Again, it may not be Blake. Anna with the contraceptives bafflingly left out RELIGION, specifically Anna's. Even if not Catholic, the stigma of contraception, not the diaphragm, the wrongness of not wanting to have babies or interfering with "the natural order of things" was something that you wouldn't want anyone else knowing about YOU. Like abortion today -- it's nobody's business and not values-neutral to most people -- as it was not to the pharmacist's wife/assistant. Also, sort of like in the 1950's, when many men didn't want their wife to work because people would think they were inadequate providers. Anna and Bates have no children -- who's got the plumbing problem???? -- What would people think if the pharmacist let slip? They may well think that Bates is too old -- if she's needing contraception, Anna's fooling around. I think we all think it's high probability that Bates will find it and ...off to the races... Anna doesn't WANT children. Tired of Violet needling Isobel -- it's so second season. There were good things -- Rose (and her actress) is becoming 3-D, which with the others becoming Tussard actually just makes them look more Tussard. So much unnecessary stuffiness and bother with Robert -- not even making him unilkeable -- making him ridiculous and contrived. Better luck next week. I'm looking forward to the Russians!!!

@DHDancer -- Thanks -- I knew it couldn't be for livestock -- the roof was so high and it was so wide -- high, open roof is not enormously sheltering animals from extreme weather. Not to mention a nightmare (Herculean) to muck out. Thought it might have been military -- hold a garrison. Much too well constructed for animal use, but perfect for showing off accumulated wealth As someone who vaguely lusts after old barns, even I say, no, that's just too big to think about "converting"

This is Julian Fellowes , remember -- Edith became Strallen -- depressed with destroyed self-esteem -- remember how pathetically grateful, simpering almost, she was responding to Gregson's (not terribly subtle or attractive) first compliments and overtures (and stares and grins -- shudder). I thought he was up to no good until I realized he had nothing to gain from pursuing Edith, except her last name on the byline. As many said, Gregson even looked like Strallen, younger, whole and healthy (and with a libido).

Yes, after the war Strallen was in many ways a "broken man" -- his self-esteem was in pieces partly because of his utterly useless arm (which if you've ever known someone post-stroke, a useless arm is not something you get to just forget -- even or particularly if you have no sensation -- because it's always in danger of flopping around, getting injured or caught on things). He was depressed. I thought Fellowes was stealing from "Rebecca" minus the murder -- Ethel liked romantically thinking she was bringing him back to life. Unfortunately it just made him feel guilty that he was stealing her youth. Yuck, but see also Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. Too bad none of these character read the same classics! I'll stop now but I think "marriage of convenience" is not a terrible idea if you have money, lousy if you don't -- It is "settling" but Edith's chances were nonexistent and it was her only chance (at that point) to have her own life, probably why she leapt at writing her little column and fell into Gregson's (married) arms. A girl can only wait so long ... another chance might never come along. That Gregson was attractive... and comfortably off, cherry on top. A pig farmer might have done at that point.

Strallen after the war saw HIMSELF as damaged goods -- oh, and he was, remember the arm? Robert didn't want Mary to "settle" or marry someone she was so obviously unenthusiastic about. Cora and Robert were scandalized and, I think, physically repulsed at the idea, much less the impending reality, that someone of their "set" -- age/generation/class -- would someone their daughter's age, much less THEIR daughter-- what will people say??? Yeah, it's creepy for your twenty-something daughter to marry her dad's "best friend" .... I felt very bad for Strallen (dull but kind) who lost Edith and the chance at a happy second marriage and Cora/Robert, his best friends and longtime next-door-neighbors. It's sloppy writing (so what else is new) if we never heard of him again (and I think we haven't). Strallen was dull as dishwater to endlessly competitive Robert, but he was good enough company for a lonely Edith, not like Edith's great social charms and wit were being squandered. She had a chance to have her own home and get away from Cora, Robert AND Mary. Nuff said.

FWIW, She was very kind to Strallen, and not just have a "boyfriend." It may have been a matter of loser's table, but she appeared genuinely sympathetic to this oddly stiff older widower who was flattered by her kindnesses. Yes, she was kind also to Patric. Since Mary and Cora treat her badly and Robert doesn't remember she exists, its not suprising she's not shown being their special friend or comforter. She is the neglected and abandoned middle child --eclipsed by BOTH Mary and Sybil. As a middle child, the well-behaved girl between two difficult and demanding boys, I can relate. She's no one's favorite, not even a little bit. Not even her lady's maid, cough, because she hasn't earned one.

Edith and the Pig Farmer is making me crazy ... it's so obviously a contrived bit of business designed so Edith and Marigold (ugh, name) will be "discovered." As I understand it there were two common options -- first, a retired nurse living in the country would take the child and raise it until either the child was 4-5 (potty trained, speaking) at which time it would be introduced as the child of a recently DEAD dear friend, now Edith's ward. Perhaps someone from the magazine, tragically killed along with spouse in a plane crash. The other were foundling hospitals and the use of a proxy mother -- again -- just until a suitable ruse could be found to introduce the child, adorable doubtless, as a ward. Mothers placed their kids in the centers -- like a pawn shop -- while they worked and then redeemed them when they could afford to. As I recall, they could visit, though it was discouraged. (Ethel might be up for a return to the show to be Edith's proxy in dealing the kiddy home -- please please no) Isobel with her history of advocacy for fallen women (yikes remembering what's-her-name, Ethel, of the red-hair and her baybe -- the illegitimate son of the major) would be the OBVIOUS OBVIOUS OBVIOUS person , if dear old Rosamund is in a snit (which she wouldn't be because she loves her mother and brother) -- whatever. Either could provide the funds needed if, in fact, Edith needed the funds. In fact, concealment would be sooo much easier if she was still working for the magazine ... as I think she was when we last saw her .... Oh, and that enormous stone barn was gorgeous, but ridiculous for a single tenant farmer -- a regular Aoah's ark of a cavern. Okay -- sigh -- I'm done. Oh wait, yes, there's more -- Edith is an utter cow to be using the pig farmer and his wife as she is. I'm not sure what the wife thinks, but I'm guessing she's going to getting very broody about her husband's attentions to Edith -- and of course she IS bonding with the Marigold. Utterly selfish. The kid will be fine ... since this charade cannot continue for long and she's too young to remember.

Yes, I thought the same -- additionally, I thought Anna's helpless "I don't know" type response to Mary's talking about sexual compatibility also suggested same.... which -- oh noes -- may be Uncle Julian is busy crafting some sexual healing for Anna and John. (shudder).

I've loathed every Tommy and Tuppence I've ever seen -- too frantic, too too twee -- like Wimsey on steroids or something -- However, if they allow Marple to breathe it will be a good thing. That Jane Austen overload of ten years ago was deadening. I found myself rummaging nervously through names of prospective "new" Marples, hating most of those I thought of as being too young. MacKenzie was only 62 at her start ... too young (in addition to, imho, much too much make-up and too much wardrobe for a retiring old lady). Hickson and Rutherford are my favorites, though McEwan with her utterly dreadful self-made hats, doubtful taste in most things, and ferret like expressions amused me to no end. They'll likely go with someone like Penelope Wilton (currently 68), well-liked seasoned Downton alum, however, I don't trust them not to go younger with a Helen Baxendale (currently 44) or Juliet Stevenson (currently 58) ... the mind reels. I'm sure there are any number of better choices, but there's so much pandering to the presumed American Masterpiece audience.

Rhys and Martin did not feel "in synch" very much or very often in the first half, their clothes seems to constrict them, they often seemed tense and/or ill-at-ease. I do not remember finding Rhys handsome or attractive in the first half, but an acceptable (if slightly diminished by life) Darcy. I suspect -- with two able actors -- this was a deliberate directorial decision ... so they could come together, paving the way to a happy ending. I adore Anna Maxwell Martin and felt very much that her costumers let her down by making her appear child-like or stick-like in figure and almost certainly freezing to death due to a lack of coverage. (No one would have found KK's Elizabeth Bennet "attractive" -- they would probably have assumed she consumptive and and anticipated her early death.) Wickham and Lydia, in contrast, were dressed in well-tailored garments made of beautiful fabrics, only enhancing their "excessive" attractiveness -- Wickham was handsome and he was a charmer. P&P's Lydia was 'vivacious' but vacuous and immature and rather coarse. I think her qualities would have impeded Wickham's predatory ambition to move in and exploit whatever "better circles" might be at hand. Certainly, like Elizabeth, she was no extraordinary beauty and I would have expected in a "last seen" sense, the interval to have made unhappy changes to her countenance. Instead, she inexplicably became strikingly attractive and (somehow?!?) managed to continue studied denial of their genuine circumstances. Lydia, if she was generous and sensible (rather like Becky Sharp) could have been very popular among the circle of officer's wives, though Wickham's financial transgressions (gambling debts would have been whispered about) I think would and should have created periodic unhappiness and/or tension in the marriage. Lydia was born to be the big fish in a small pond, but to always be recognized as "inferior goods" by more elite society, no matter how many wives admired her husband's trim figure, turn of phase and easy smile. I really couldn't decide what Lydia's married life was like. I laughed when all-but-forgotten (by me at least) cabin in the woods loomed in as a near deus-ex-machina ... but I love PD James and it provided a suitable and satisfactory ending.