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The wig doesn't bother me as far as that goes. I'm always amazed that people notice them, on this show and others. What I do notice is how drab Alicia has been looking lately, which includes how dull and lifeless her hair is, regardless of whether it's a wig or her real hair. JM is a gorgeous woman, so I have to wonder if this "dulling" of Alicia's looks is a deliberate choice, like when MC lost weight and got all pasty-looking during the drug trial story. I've been watching some early episodes, where JM is presumably also wearing a wig, and I think she looks fantastic. Of course, some of that is because they actually let Alicia smile occasionally back then - seriously, the difference is shocking. They're going with this emotionless mask thing lately, and I really hope they let Alicia (and JM!) break out of that before the end of the show. There's "acting behind the eyes", which JM excels at in the early seasons, and then there's "blank", which I feel like is what we're seeing now. ETA: Lucca is an unusual name, but in this day and age, I don't think it's unusual enough to garner surprise and awkward questions from virtual strangers. It's not like she's named "Marrakesh" or something.

Guys, remember, mentions of what has happened in the episodes that haven't aired in the US are considered spoilers outside of the individual episode topics, and should be tagged accordingly. We only have two weeks left, let's do what we can to not spoil it for others.

They officially have way too many regular characters, because it took me a ridiculous amount of time to realize who these actors were.

Wildly unpopular opinion, apparently, but I really like Mary and Talbot together. They make me smile, and Mary hasn't made me smile in a long time.

Nope, he hasn't asked for his last name, or his job, or his car, or his phone. (What millennial doesn't ask for their phone?) He hasn't asked about why no friends or family are calling with their concern, or how come he isn't seeing a doctor or taking any medicine. So Liam wakes up in a remote cabin, with no phone, no extra clothing, no car, no wallet (presumably, or he'd know his real name). The only person he's seen is a woman - old enough to be his mother - who's claiming to be his wife. Even though he has a serious head injury, she shows no urge to get him medical help, and actually leaves him alone for long stretches while he goes to work. And he doesn't think any of this is odd? He just jumps into bed with her at the earliest opportunity? Even Liam isn't this stupid.

I saw that, too, Eyes High. Not sure how accurate it is, because it shows Liza Weil only credited for one episode, and I think it's been confirmed she's in two? And Tanc Sade (Finn) is in two, but Matt Czuchry is only in one, and a different one at that, which I guess is possible, but...

Was it ever confirmed on the show if Richard was a member of the L&DB when he was at Yale? Maybe there's a tradition of doing something when a former member dies, and that's where we run into Logan. Personally, I'm excited. I loved YJIJJ. When I heard that ASP had a story with one of the younger guys that was too expensive, that's where my mind went.

I basically hate Dean, the rare times I think about him. But I'm glad he's coming back. He's one of the few main characters you couldn't really explain away, because I don't see him EVER leaving Stars Hollow.

We've known this for awhile, but now it's official: Liza Weil is in.

I think it was meant as a joke, but fell flat. Maybe it was better with her delivery; it's always hard to get joking or sarcasm in writing.

Nobody has any facts, hence this is a speculation and rumors topic. I like to think that MC and CB hide out in CB's trailer, drinking wine and taking meticulous notes for their eventual tell-all bestseller. Between belting out Broadway standards, complete with choreography. Lord knows they have plenty of free time.

I even thought Mary - and y'all know I pretty much hate her - was trying to do something nice for the Carsons, in her own fashion. Downton is, without a doubt, the grandest building in the vicinity, and "grand" is what many people want for their wedding. It's certainly what Mary would want for hers. So she thought she was offering them something highly desirable, as a note of gratitude for Carson's years of service. I'm not even sure I can accuse her of not listening to their wishes. After all, Carson never could bring himself to actually say, "we don't want to have it here," I think in part because he did want to have it there. So he kept throwing up token excuses for staging it elsewhere, which Mary found "helpful" solutions for. I guess she could have sought out Mrs. Hughes specifically to get her thoughts, but she knows Carson well, and why would she think he wasn't being truthful? When confronted with the truth she certainly should have acquiesced more gracefully. But I think she still thought that Mrs. Hughes was declining from some sense of order, and that Carson wanted it there (which again, I think he did). So basically, I blame Carson. Sack up, man, and start putting your woman first! eta: My great-great-grandmother fled Ireland as a teenager in the 1890s, settled in the Midwest and married a farmer. They were so poor she spent her last years in a state home and was buried with no marker. But twice they traveled back to Ireland because her homesickness was so severe, staying long enough that one of her children had his First Communion there. So it may be rare, but people did it, even in the lower classes.

I agree! I understand the argument about not "stealing their thunder", but in this case, I think that goes out the window. It's not like making a big announcement at a wedding, because an announcement can be made at another time, but Tom and Sybbie couldn't attend the wedding on another day. And he's close to the bride, not someone who's tangential, like Mr. Mason or Farmer Drewe or someone. If I was getting married, and I found out that a close friend/family member who had moved around the globe came home that day, but stayed away to not take my limelight, I'd be so disappointed! ^^^ This! :)

Am I supposed to feel sorry for Nicole because she has the sads about deliberately screwing over her best friend? And all because she's worried she'll lose her "boyfriend" of two minutes because of her pregnancy, which she also chose? Because I don't. Own your actions, TyraLite. You don't get to be the victim when you're the one making all the decisions. Can we ship Nicole back to Illinois* and keep Sasha and Mr. and Mrs. Avant? The actress playing Sasha is really improving, while the actress playing Nicole has apparently topped out at "blank stare". *As someone from Illinois, the way they refer to the state cracks me up. Where are they supposed to be from, exactly? They've implied it's a small town where everyone is up in everyone else's business, but wasn't Mr. Avant a limo driver? So it can't have been that small. Plus, most people from a city would refer to that city, not the state, e.g. "back to Chicago/Peoria/Springfield", not "back to Illinois". It's a big state! Or simply say, "back home". It's like they constantly have to remind us that the Avants are Not From Here. lol

I have to defend Thomas a bit here. True, he's not the hardest worker, and he's often a jerk. But I think even St. Anna would balk at the idea of trying to keep that house all by herself (with one other part-time person). The sheer size of the place, even if it hadn't already been allowed to get so "far gone", would make the sturdiest person hesitate. Add to that the fact that the old fellow seemed to get more nutty as the conversation went on, apparently had no desire to try to make any changes (just assuming things would magically go back the way they were), and didn't care enough about his own environment to even stack up the crap in his office, and I can't imagine that anyone would want the job. As for the rest, I can't imagine even Thomas would think Sir Diamonds on the Stairs would make a footman his heir. I thought he just was hoping that having "served" in the war would make the old man predisposed to hire him. I honestly thought Thomas did him rather a kindness by "admitting" to being progressive or whatever so the old gentleman could reject him.

When they give RJC good material like that interview scene, I'm reminded what a great actor he is, and how much he's wasted on this show.

For the benefit of American viewers, here's a link pointing to where the comments begin after tonight's airing. :)

Guys, we've hidden a few posts in here that came off as arguing that either biological or adoptive mothers are more "real" or important. Let's stay away from that kind of argument, please. Remember that your fellow posters may be birth mothers, foster mother, or adoptive mothers, and so your words will have extra weight with them. Every mother is "real", no matter her role.

Yes!!! I must offer public apologies to MarkHB for the most unfortunate and completely unintentional red herring OF ALL TIME. When you sent me your clue, Drogo, you could have knocked me over with a feather! lol Mark did indeed see the truth as he lay dying, and he also realized something was "up" with stacey and her weird pattern of non-votes. But the "I told you, but did you listen?" award will go to Hanged Man, who realized almost from the beginning that the egavasc DL was not what it seemed, and in fact he threw out the idea that SVNBob might be a villain... and was almost DLed that Day for his trouble.

Day 5 The Final Answer A cottage in Sussex Downs Mary dropped her coffee cup back into its saucer with a clatter and jumped up from the patio table. “Oh, no,” she groaned. Her friend Janine looked up, startled, from her newspaper. “Mary, what are you going on about?” Mary pushed some papers toward her. “Someone sent me this. At first I thought it was just a blackmail note – don’t ask – but it’s not. It’s a first-letter-code.” Janine looked uncomfortable. “Is my old boss after you again? Because if he is…” “No.” Mary shook her head impatiently. “Well, maybe. But I don’t think that’s what this is about. Look here. Each note has one paragraph that doesn’t seem to fit the writer’s usual style. If you pull the first letter from each of the words in that paragraph and put them together, you get a word. P-I-G on this one. And here, H-O-G. It seems too coincidental. I have to call Sherlock and have him help me find the others.” Snatching up her phone, Mary stepped down off the deck and wandered out into the orchard. She paused next to an abandoned beehive as her call went to voice mail. “Sherlock! It’s a code. I’ve found a code in Magnussen’s letters. I’m certain I’ve found a clue about a pig. I know it sounds crazy, but I think it’s a clue to who killed John and the rest. I’ll scan the other letters and send to you.” Clicking off, Mary spread the first letter on top of the beehive and activated her phone’s scanning app. “My dear,” purred a voice behind her. “I really can’t allow you to send those.” Mary turned toward the voice and sucked in a breath. She had never met Irene, but she’d seen her photo when poking through Sherlock’s flat. The beautiful woman had disguised herself as a gardener, but even that humble costume couldn’t hide her glamour, or the deadly little pistol in her hand. Mary narrowed her eyes. “It was you. You killed John and the others.” Irene gave a throaty chuckle. “I can’t take all the credit. Had a bit of help. Jim Moriarty sends his love. Thank God for the consultant criminal. Didn’t even ask for anything. I think he just likes to cause trouble. Now that’s my kind of man.” She fired the silenced weapon into Mary’s chest. “You’re done now,” she said softly, and walked away through the trees. Mycroft’s car Mycroft sighed deeply as he relaxed against the leather seats of his towncar. Anthea sat beside him, as always engrossed in her Blackberry. She looked up briefly. “Sir, shall we go?” He nodded, gesturing to the driver, who gently pulled out into the street. Myroft stared pensively out the window at the passing street. “There’s an east wind coming, my dear. We’d better upgrade their surveillance status. Grade Three Active.” “Whose status, sir?” inquired Anthea, pausing her typing. “Sherlock Holmes, Mary Watson, and all their little playmates,” replied Mycroft. “I need to know what’s going on with them.” She typed the information into her phone, and threw a glance at the driver. The locks on the doors depressed and the car accelerated rapidly. “Sir, what I’m about to do… I need you to know that it’s not what I wanted.” Mycroft looked at her with resignation in his eyes, realizing instantly what was happening. “My dear, calm yourself. I’ve always realized it could come to this. Such an intelligent woman did not come to work as my assistant by chance. Any point in asking where I’m going?” “None at all,” she squeezed out through her tightening throat. “I’m sorry, sir, but Magnussen knows. He knows who I am, what I am, or at least, what I have been.” “And what are you?” replied Mycroft in fascination. “It doesn’t matter now, none of it matters. But he’s threatening to expose my organization, and others will die. One of our men died already. All the chatter, all the traffic, concurs that I must do this. It is better for us both to die today rather than live with the consequences of my past.” She typed a code into her phone, then waited in terror, staring at the briefcase at her feet. Seconds later, the streets rocked with the blast. The cellar of Jabez Wilson’s shop Sally Donovan huffed in disgust at the spiderwebs clinging to her hair and clothing. “Sir? What are we doing here again?” Lestrade mumbled a curse at his phone. “Billy Wiggins phoned, said we’re to meet him here. Something about Sherlock.” She rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. “Freak.” He swiped at his phone again. “Molly, why aren’t you answering?” “I can tell you that, Inspector,” said the man walking down the steps with Wiggins behind. “Miss ‘Ooper played a little game with me and lost.” He pulled out his weapon and pointed it at them. “Now you’re going to play it, too. Billy, tie ‘em up.” Lestrade looked at Wiggins in disgust. “Why are you helping this maniac?” “It’s the drugs, Inspector,” replied Billy morosely. “I was never free of ‘em. Not really. He gave me the good stuff, got me hooked again.” He secured Lestrade and Donovan with plastic ties, then went to stand sniffling in the corner. Jefferson Hope slid his gun into his pocket, then pulled out a bottle. “I don’t have time for my usual routine,” he said sadly. “My sponsor wants this done today. It’s got to be timed right.” Greg and Sally struggled but could do nothing as he forced the pills down their throats. Deep beneath the City and Suburban Bank Sherlock paced back and forth as he waited for the hunched elderly gentleman to open the vault door. “Mr. Spring, it’s imperative that you hurry.” The bank manager slowly tried another ancient key from the chain at his waist. “Nobody’s been down here in years. Who is the man you’re looking to find?” “That’s your first mistake,” returned Sherlock impatiently. “James Moriarty isn’t a man at all – he’s a spider; a spider at the centre of a web – a criminal web with a thousand threads and he knows precisely how each and every single one of them dances.” The locked snicked. “Aha! There you go, my boy.” Sherlock pushed past the man, stepping quickly into the blackness beyond the door. He spun about as the door slammed shut behind him. A light flicked on, and he found himself staring into the dark eyes of James Moriarty. Jim stretched to his full height, pulled the gray wig from his head, and looked disdainfully down at the ill-fitting suit he wore. “Ugh. This should be burned.” He smirked at Sherlock. “Ah. Here we are at last – you and me, Sherlock, and our problem – the final problem. Have you figured it out yet?” Sherlock eyed him with the wariness one affords a hissing snake. “Mr. Spring. Richard Brook. Rich Brook in German in Richen Bach – the case that made my name.” Jim nodded, smiling gleefully. “I’ve beaten you, and in the end it was easy. Now I’ve got to go back to playing with the ordinary people. And it turns out you’re ordinary just like all of them. I’m disappointed in you, ordinary Sherlock.” “This tunnel, where does it go?” asked the detective, pacing away. "Who are you working for? Drug cartel? Terrorist network? Rogue government?” Chuckling, Jim shook his head. “I knew you’d fall for it. That’s your weakness – you always want everything to be clever. Sometimes it’s just daylight robbery. Now, shall we finish the game?” Sherlock stared at him. “You’re insane.” “You’re just getting that now?” Jim laughed. “You don’t want to play? Okay, let me give you a little extra incentive. Your friends are all dead.” “I know you killed John.” “Not just John,” Jim whispered. “Everyone.” “Mrs. Hudson?” Jim smiled. “Everyone.” “Lestrade?” Jim nodded. “I didn’t forget Molly this time, either. Or your brother. All gone. Right day to die.” Sherlock stared at him in horror, seeing past the insanity to the truth in his eyes. “You’ll pay for this, I swear. No matter what I have to do.” Shaking his head, Jim dismissed the threat. “Nah. You talk big, but you’re on the side of the angels.” Sherlock’s voice became more ominous. “Oh, I may be on the side of the angels, but don’t think for one second that I am one of them.” He pulled John’s service revolver from his coat pocket, leveling it at the Irishman. Jim looked softly, almost lovingly, into his face. “I see. You’re not ordinary. No. You’re me. You’re me.” He nodded at the gun. “Well, good luck with that.” Stepping back, he hit a switch on the wall, cackling with glee as a huge steel plate fell from the ceiling, crushing Sherlock beneath its weight. “A little ‘fall’ even you can’t survive, Sherlock.” He looked down at the blood on his clothing. “Well, I wanted to burn these anyway.” Whistling, he strolled off down the tunnel, texting his assistant to bring him a fresh suit. Still on the Battlefield (in alphabetical order): Lady Calypso - Bill Wiggins, Villain (Hero, Recruited) • You've been clean for awhile, but you're more susceptible than most to the machinations of Jefferson Hope. If he finds you at Night, he will recruit you to become a villain. Oinky Boinky - Jefferson Hope, Villain and Recruiter • Each Night PM the name of one player to attempt to recruit them. If you find Bill Wiggins, you will turn him into a villain. SilverStormm - James Moriarty, Supervillain • As the spider inside a vast criminal web, you have more influence than most villains. Each time you vote for a David Lynch, your vote will be counted double (cast as an anonymous final vote for any DL you are involved in). You are also a two-kill, as your first death will be revealed to be faked. stacey - Charles Augustus Magnussen, Villain and Blackmailer • Each Night, PM the name of one player to "blackmail", and the person you want to force them to vote for during the following Day. But since you prefer to remain in the shadows while you force others to do your dirty work, you don't get to cast a vote yourself. SVNBob - Irene Adler, Villain and Roleblocker • Each Night PM the name of a player to block them from performing their night action. On a slab at St. Bart's: egavasc – The Hound, Villain • Well, you're an animal. You're scary as hell, but you have no special abilities. Machiabelly - Mike Stamford, Hero and Weak Doctor • Each Night PM the name of a player to protect. Since your role is Weak, if you target a villain with your protection, you will also die that Night, along with any hero the villains have successfully targeted. CuriousParker - Philip Anderson, Hero • You used to be a good detective, but your penchant for conspiracy theories has discredited you and gotten you kicked off the force. Therefore you have no special abilities. Lisin - Mrs. Hudson, Hero and Hider • Each Night PM the name of one player to hide behind that night. If you hide behind a hero, you will be untargetable for all other roles. However, that does not mean you are entirely safe: should the person you hide behind get killed, you will be killed as well. This is a Weak role and as such you will die if you try to hide behind a villain. caprice - John Watson, Hero and Doctor • Each Night PM the name of a player to protect that player from a single kill made during that Night. You will not be told if your protection was successful. Protection from a single kill means that if multiple players try to kill someone, they will not be saved by your protection. MarkHB - Molly Hooper, Hero and Coroner • Each Night PM the name of one dead player to learn the names of everyone who targeted that dead player since the beginning of the game. For instance, if Player A investigates Player B on Night 1, Player C protects Player B on Night 2, and Player F attempts to recruit Player B on Night 3; you will receive a result saying that players A, F, and C targeted Player B at some point. Drogo - Mary Watson, Hero, Protector and Assassin • If John Watson is David Lynched, that kill will be blocked and you will automatically assassinate the person who cast the first vote. (Sent after the Night kill of John - Seeing your beloved husband killed by a sniper before your eyes was your worst nightmare come to life. You've been trying to be the good little suburban wife and nurse, but with John dead, there's nothing to stop you from returning to your old life... and your old ways. Out of loyalty to his memory, though, you'll only be using your skills for good, to try to exact vengeance on those who hurt him and to protect those he loved. You are still a HERO but now also a VIGILANTE, who can make 1 kill each Night. You still win when all threats to England have been eliminated and there is at least one hero alive (even if it isn't you).) Hanged Man - Mycroft Holmes, Hero and Mason Pair with Anthea • You can communicate privately with your PA, Anthea (The Crazed Spruce), at any time. The Crazed Spruce - Anthea, Hero and Mason Pair with Mycroft Holmes • You can communicate privately with your boss, Mycroft (Hanged Man), at any time. TJtrack99 - DI Greg Lestrade, Hero and Cop • Each Night PM one name to find out if that player is Mafia or non-Mafia. Jesse - Sally Donovan, Hero • You are a detective, and a good one, but when Sherlock is around you let your dislike of him get in the way. Therefore you have no special abilities. aquarian1 - Sherlock Holmes, Hero and a Potential 3-Kill with Extra Detective Abilities • The first time someone attempts to kill you during the game, you'll fake your own death. The second time, if John Watson is alive, the strong connection you have will impel you to fight your way back from the brink of death. Each Night you will receive an additional clue to help you find the clue in the previous Day's story. (Sent when the villains tried to Night kill Drogo (Mary) on Night One - A special power has been activated because there has been an attempt on the life of fellow hero Mary Watson. You hold the power to either save her one time, or let her die and hold the power in reserve for a future one-time save of the player of your choosing.) Thanks so much to Ms. Biz(Buzz) for all the help and advice! Awards and such to come, but don't wait the next game for them. I can post them in the Night.

MOD NOTE Next mafia story is approved and I'm in the process of posting. Guys, I sincerely apologize for the slow cadence on these, and appreciate so much your patience with me. When I originally volunteered for this, I thought it would be fun, and I was right! What I was wrong about was the amount of work and creativity and outright mental energy that goes into writing and running one of these. My hat is off to the mods who ran the games before me - y'all made it look easy! Your first-time, last-time, only-time mod, photo fox

JM, CB, and MC are already signed through next season. They all re-upped for two years at the end of Season 6.

No, I totally agree! The OP said that Edith isn't "affectionate". I was just saying that - for all of Edith's many faults - I don't think lack of affection can be laid at her door. I think she's as affectionate as any mother of her time and class would be.

None of the upstairs people are what I would call affectionate with the children. Only Thomas/George and Tom/Sybbie seem like "natural" adult/child relationships to me. Mostly the kids get trotted in once a day to be politely inspected.

Just a reminder - please keep the posts in here limited to this episode only, for the benefit of our unspoiled viewers. :)