Season 5 Speculation WITH Spoilers (UK)

[ZoloftBlob]

Sounds like Isobel gets engaged but it comes to an end for some reason so that she can continue to have her weekly scenes with Violet,

 

I bet Lord Merton keels over from a heart attack or something.

[NotBothered]

Yeah.  I'm getting pretty convinced that Anna goes away for murder this time.  The only good that could possibly come of that is something good with Thomas.  I could see him happily help putting Bates away, but I'm not sure he could actually stomach Anna in the end.  And I bet you she's knocked up when they put her in jail.  

 

I am so over this plotline though.  I hope the rumours are true and Brendan Coyle is leaving.  I'd be sad to see Joanne Froggatt go too, but my joy at seeing the end of this plot would win out.   

[ZoloftBlob]

I am so over this plotline though.  I hope the rumours are true and Brendan Coyle is leaving.  I'd be sad to see Joanne Froggatt go too, but my joy at seeing the end of this plot would win out.

 

She wouldn't have to leave If say Bates confessed to save her from jail while knocked up. Of course, Bates would be executed but..... If Brendan Coyle is leaving...

 

And really, I am not against Anna being the killer but when did she have opportunity for it?

[NotBothered]

I have to go back to watch that episode of S4, because I never would have considered it.  But according to the Express:

 

 

Lady Mary met Lord Gillingham in a London restaurant in the middle of the day to tell him to sack Green.

This gave Anna the opportunity to visit Gillingham’s address, catch Green unawares as he left the flat and push the valet “under a lorry or bus” on busy Piccadilly.

So I guess it is actually feasible. 

[ZulaMay]

It's so irritating that they dragged Bunting out because they didn't write it. Nothing happened. They didn't interact. They just kept putting her in there, then clubbing us over the head with the idea, mostly from Robert, that this meant Tom would revert back to his own Bunting-ness. Not that they wrote that either. For EIGHT EPISODES it was, here's this socialist type woman in the vicinity of Tom. Oh noes, will Tom leave Downton? That was it. No development, no further insight into Tom, no events, no story whatsoever. I don't even like Bunting and didn't want a story - just saying - eight episodes of this. When Fellowes does this, it screams "I don't want to write for Tom, so here's a two series placeholder."

 

I'm glad the ratings are apparently down. I'm surprised they remain as high as they do.

 

I, also, eventually liked Gregson and Edith, mostly on the strength of their last scene together - the love scene where Marigold was conceived. It was just lovely, directed beautifully, and played beautifully, even though it was short. I thought it was very convincing that Gregson loved her. Now, although her life apparently continues at the paper, we only SEE her doing the same damn thing she's done throughout. Hang out at the house, and we hear Robert's contempt for her. Then hang out with some guy on a farm somewhere, while the wife looks uncomfortable. I don't think Fellowes even cares about Marigold. He's just half-assing some sort of triangle with the Drewes, and making everyone look stupid. There's no reason whatever Mr. Drewe wouldn't tell his wife where Marigold came from, and absolutely no reason his wife can't immediately know the deal, as anyone would.

 

I wish Fellowes would actually write this show.

There have been a few parts with both Edith and Tom that were lovely.  As you said, her scenes with Michael, with Rosamund last year, with Drewe in the CS.  Tom had his lovely moment in the S3 CS with Mrs. Hughes, and a few nice moments with Mary and Edith here and there.  Otherwise his story since S4 has been crap.  He's like the family dog:  affectionate, supportive, reliable.  And a neutered dog at that:  he's not chasing tail, just trying to fend off yappy, aggressive bitches who keep trying to hump his leg.

 

For a total of thirteen episodes we got these awful women who were really no more than plot devices.  THIRTEEN.  Edna at least was kind of evil and fun but Sarah was just plain annoying.  Everyone was desperate for her to leave.  It wasn't even entertaining.

 

I think in fact he is just keeping Tom in a holding pattern until he finally sticks him with some nice girl in S6.  He wants to draw out the romances:  Mary and Rose get them now, and Tom's is saved for the final season.  I just wish I knew who it would be.

 

I think they will leave us on a cliffhanger in 5.08:  Tom is on the cusp of going to America.  Then in the CS he will finally decide to stay....after two damned seasons of hemming and hawing.  Maybe he finally meets someone nice in the CS and that helps seal the deal.  But however they can, they are drag out this question until December 25th.  I am almost sure of it.

[Andorra]

 

I think they will leave us on a cliffhanger in 5.08:  Tom is on the cusp of going to America.  Then in the CS he will finally decide to stay....after two damned seasons of hemming and hawing.  Maybe he finally meets someone nice in the CS and that helps seal the deal.  But however they can, they are drag out this question until December 25th.  I am almost sure of it.

 

Yes, I'm sure that's what is going to happen. I hope we will at least meet someone who could be a love interest in S6, because I really want something to hold onto in the long hiatus.

[ZulaMay]

After waiting two seasons I just might have lost interest by next year. That's what happens when you keep people on the hook for too long.  They eventually slip away.

 

Viewers are growing bored with the Edith storyline, bored with Banna, bored with Mary's Men, bored with Tom's story and sick to death of Sarah Bunting.  It has taken way too long for things to move forward in these stories.  We are more than halfway through the season now and Edith has been in the same place the whole time (worsening but the same place), the cops keep returning and asking the same damned questions, and Sarah Bunting kept coming back to dinner and causing a scene.

 

It's like, wake me up when something happens.

Edited October 21, 2014 by ZulaMay

[photo fox]

As an American who doesn't have the patience for "methods", I haven't even seen any of it yet, and I'm already bored. There's not a single storyline being discussed that makes me anticipate this season.

I was super excited for Edith's story, but it sounds like the execution was really poor. Hopefully seeing it "in action" will draw me in more.

And totally agree with everyone who wants to see something, anything, happen with Tom. Actually, with any of the characters I care about - Tom, Edith, Daisy, Isobel, Rose, Thomas.

[ZulaMay]

There is Rose and Daisy stuff that is actually decent.  And I do like Rose but I think the character has actually gotten more screen time and stories than Sybil (who was inarguably a more beloved character) did.  Not to say I mind the stories because they are a cheery and refreshing change from Edith's misery and Mary's listless love life, but still.

[ElizaD]

There are 5x07 photos of Robert and Cora/Thomas/Sybbie with a sick-looking Isis. I know people joke about her being immortal (even though she made her first appearance in 1916 and not 1912, that was Pharaoh), but it's going to be so sad to watch them kill the dog.

 

Lord Merton's son and the Aldridges show up for a visit in 5x07.

[NotBothered]

So I'm now thinking that Anna is going to be so wracked with guilt that she thought Bates was the murderer (*eyeroll*) that she take the blame for the murder in the finale.  

 

I did wonder for a second if Baxter did it, and he was the terrible manipulative man at the last house she worked at, but they just kind of breezed past it.  I am assuming at some point we do actually find out who the guilty party was. 

[Andorra]

Downton Abbey Episode 8

 

SPOILERS BELOW

Preparations are under way for Rose’s wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

 

Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham      Maggie Smith
Robert, Earl of Grantham                  Hugh Bonneville
Lady Edith Crawley                        Laura Carmichael
Mr Carson                                 Jim Carter
Baxter                                    Raquel Cassidy
John Bates                                Brendan Coyle
Anthony Gillingham                        Tom Cullen
Lady Mary Crawley                         Michelle Dockery
Molesley                                  Kevin Doyle
Anna                                      Joanne Froggatt
Lady Rose                                 Lily James
Thomas                                    Robert James-Collier
Tom Branson                               Allen Leech
Mrs Hughes                                Phyllis Logan
Cora, Countess of Grantham                Elizabeth McGovern
Daisy                                     Sophie McShera
Mrs Patmore                               Lesley Nicol
Dr Clarkson                               David Robb
Isobel Crawley                            Penelope Wilton
Miss Denker                               Sue Johnston
Prince Kuragin                            Rade Sherbedgia
Insp Vyner                                Louis Hilyer
Sgt Willis                                Howard Ward
Mr Evans                                  Dean Ashton
Spratt                                    Jeremy Swift
Andy                                      Michael Fox
Shrimpie Flintshire                       Peter Egan
Susan Flintshire                          Phoebe Nicholls
Lady Sinderby                             Penny Downie
Lord Sinderby                             James Faulkner
Atticus Aldridge                          Matt Barber
Mabel Lane Fox                            Catherine Steadman
Lady Manville                             Sarah Crowden
Basil Shute                               Darren Machin
Mr Mason                                  Paul Copley
Prostitute                                Sophie Cosson
Waiter                                    James Phelip

 

 

So they're going to get Rose married in just 3 episodes. What a waste! I'm really sad about that. I loved Rose's character and now she is getting married off just like that. The "romance" with Atticus is not even happening, we're just supposed to assume it is there, even we only saw them meet and now they're all lovey dovey.

 

Tom is going to make a heartwrenching decision? That one is clear. He will decide to leave of course. There was talk that there would be a scene with him at Sybil's grave. It will be heartbreaking I'm sure!

But I DO have hope that he will decide otherwise in the CS. Hopefully because he FINALLY meets a new love and doesn't want to go any more!

 

Anna is going to be in prison, that's as clear as the day to me. We saw Mary visit the prison, so the next Bates prison storyline. Oh Fellows, why don't you ever learn?! I think things will be resolved in the CS though, so there's hope.

 

Lord Merton is not in 5.08! So doesn't Isobel marry him in the end? That's sad, I like him!

 

Blake is not in 5.08! And if my information is correct he probably won't be in the CS either! Thank god. Two episodes without him will be a relief! I hate this scheming storyline, urgh.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Andorra

[NotBothered]

Blake is not in 5.08! And if my information is correct he probably won't be in the CS either! Thank god. Two episodes without him will be a relief! I hate this scheming storyline, urgh.

To each their own.  That's one of the only plots I'm enjoying at the moment.  I'm just praying that the reason Tony is around is Greene related.  The Tony/Mary business feels very played out after the last episode.  Although I am convinced that the "Kiss me" bit in the preview is shenanigans and not romance.  I miss when this show had shenanigans. 

[ZulaMay]

So who's visiting a prostitute? Thomas?  Has Tom finally gotten desperate after four years with no sex (that he can remember)?  

 

I like the Blake/Mary/Mabel stuff (not Tony, is an incredible bore) because it is games and shenanigans and isn't pretending to be some big romance.  They are scheming and having fun like the privileged overgrown children they are.  Although I don't think Blake is as spoiled as the others, just naughty.

 

I am hoping he returns in the CS because his arrogant scheming is a match for Mary and I prefer that to some guy being her doormat.  That got old so fast with Matthew and drained the fun and romance out of it for me.  Sorry, I just don't think Michelle Dockery is good at playing happy.  Not for long.  She is much better being haughty, snarky and angsty than happy.

[Andorra]

I think the prostitute will be a cellmate of Anna. I BET she is going to prison. Who else would Mary visit in prison in the CS??

 

I'm already depressed about Tom's heartwrenching decision. I hope it won't be him leaving to America and leaving Sybbie with the family. I'm going to die if he decides that!

 

But I also think that he's going to stay in the end. Still the 6 weeks to Christmas will kill me when we're going to be left on such a cliffhanger for him!

[ElizaD]

I predicted it, but I'm still a little stunned that the show really is going to recycle the Innocent Bates In Prison plot, especially after the reception the first one got. So will Anna and Bates end up wasting three seasons on the horrible Green plot? 4 - Anna is raped, 5 - Anna is jailed, 6 - Anna is freed. If Anna doesn't get freed, that will be a horrible end to the story of one of Downton's nicest characters.

 

If Blake isn't in 5x08 or the CS, he doesn't look any more viable as a suitor than Gillingham, who's getting paired with Mabel so that he can leave. Blake was better than Gillingham but after I saw it pointed out in an episode thread I can't stop thinking of him as Mary's snarky gay friend. Their chemistry isn't physical or emotional at all.

[ZulaMay]

What was the point of introducing these two guys to fawn over Mary and drag it all out for two seasons just to get rid of both of them?  How annoying.  I mean, I know they got rid of Bunting (thank God) but she was never presented as a viable love interest IMO and Tom didn't seem interested in her.  They never had a bonding moment or a kiss or anything, the way Mary did with these guys.  And certainly not a week of sex.

 

I don't get a gay vibe off of Charles, really.  He seems like the type of guy who is friendly with women but that's not the same thing.  And English gentlemen of the time tended to be a bit "mannered," not as straight-shooting as their working class brethren.  Note how Tom carries himself a bit differently to the others, has different mannerisms.  Not as much as he used to but some.  I don't think Tony seems any less gay than Charles, really.

 

I agree their chemistry isn't physical or emotional but IMO that suits Mary's personality.  She isn't affectionate or touchy, and she's kind of a cold pragmatist.  Matthew brought out a different side to her, sometimes, but maybe JF has decided not to repeat the Matthew dynamic?  IDK.

 

I don't know that Charles is not in the CS.  I know JO has said he "might not be the right man for Mary either" but that's pretty vague.  He can't very well give anything away.  And sure, maybe they have a falling out or Mary has doubts (or he does) but that doesn't mean he won't end up being the one in the end.  He was very busy during the CS filming and did not go to Alnwick with the others, but they also filmed part of it at Highclere.  He was in London so he could very well have filmed for a day or two there, busy as he was.  

 

EMG was touring with her band for the first month of filming, all over the UK, with performances every other night basically.  Yet she has been in all of the episodes so far without missing a beat.  They can work around busy schedules.  And Charles would only have to be in one or two scenes to stay in the game.

 

Andorra, we know Tom is in the CS so at least we know he won't be leaving for America before that.  Of course they'll probably act like he is leaving throughout the episode, and if he changes his mind it will be last minute.  Or they'll tease that he might stay and then leave it on a cliffhanger until S6, which would SUCK.

 

As you know my biggest fear is that they will get rid of both men and stick Mary with Tom.  *shudder*.  I don't want that for a million reasons.  He's the brother figure now and the peacemaker IMO.  If he married Mary Edith would lose her last ally in the family.  Sure, he'd still be nice but Mary's Man belongs to Mary and that's that.  And they have spoken to each other as natural allies/outsiders.  Last CS Tom saying "we have to stand up to them, you and I" and this episode Edith telling him "don't let them flatten you."  There is a bit of an "Us v. Them" mentality even if he is close with Mary.  There is still a gulf between them.

 

But that's not the only reason I don't want them together.  After her behavior this episode even less so. 

[NotBothered]

I don't think we know he's not in the CS.  Based on his schedule and filming spoilers, we've already seen much more of him than I expected to this season.

 

I also don't necessarily think we can know Blake's role in S6 based on whether or not he shows up in the CS.  We know Fellowes is big on repeating plots, so having a season of Mary pining after Charles would not be unexpected.  Mary's more interesting outside of a relationships, so I wouldn't be surprised if they drag this out .

[Andorra]

Downton Abbey, Series Five: Orange is the New Murder Prison.

 

Didn't Allen Leech say that something happened in E01 that made him cry? I've watched that episode two or three times and still don't know what he was referring to, unless he was really broken up by Jimmy Kent's departure. Which would just be strange.

 

He didn't say it made him cry, he said: "I can tell you this much. When I was reading episode one, I found something out that I didn't know. And it deeply saddened me."

 

I think he WAS referring to Jimmy leaving. He got along well with Ed Speleers, so it just was sad for HIM the actor and not for Tom the character. We couldn't tell when he said it.

[Andorra]

 

So it looks like the wedding will already be in episode 8 after all? I thought we would see it in the CS. But this looks like a wedding picture, doesn't it?

[Avaleigh]

Lucky Rose. Lucky Lily for that matter. The actor who portrays Atticus really is quite handsome. And yes, it does look like a wedding/engagement photo.

 

I'm glad to see that Cora will eventually be in the know wrt Edith.

Edited October 31, 2014 by Avaleigh

[shipperx]

Rose's 'going away' outfit maybe?

Can't say I'm looking forward to more misery for Anna. Bejeebus, let her be young and happy for a change.

[kpw801]

Downton Abbey Episode 8

 

SPOILERS BELOW

Preparations are under way for Rose’s wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith’s arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

 

Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham      Maggie Smith

Robert, Earl of Grantham                  Hugh Bonneville

Lady Edith Crawley                        Laura Carmichael

Mr Carson                                 Jim Carter

Baxter                                    Raquel Cassidy

John Bates                                Brendan Coyle

Anthony Gillingham                        Tom Cullen

Lady Mary Crawley                         Michelle Dockery

Molesley                                  Kevin Doyle

Anna                                      Joanne Froggatt

Lady Rose                                 Lily James

Thomas                                    Robert James-Collier

Tom Branson                               Allen Leech

Mrs Hughes                                Phyllis Logan

Cora, Countess of Grantham                Elizabeth McGovern

Daisy                                     Sophie McShera

Mrs Patmore                               Lesley Nicol

Dr Clarkson                               David Robb

Isobel Crawley                            Penelope Wilton

Miss Denker                               Sue Johnston

Prince Kuragin                            Rade Sherbedgia

Insp Vyner                                Louis Hilyer

Sgt Willis                                Howard Ward

Mr Evans                                  Dean Ashton

Spratt                                    Jeremy Swift

Andy                                      Michael Fox

Shrimpie Flintshire                       Peter Egan

Susan Flintshire                          Phoebe Nicholls

Lady Sinderby                             Penny Downie

Lord Sinderby                             James Faulkner

Atticus Aldridge                          Matt Barber

Mabel Lane Fox                            Catherine Steadman

Lady Manville                             Sarah Crowden

Basil Shute                               Darren Machin

Mr Mason                                  Paul Copley

Prostitute                                Sophie Cosson

Waiter                                    James Phelip

 

 

So they're going to get Rose married in just 3 episodes. What a waste! I'm really sad about that. I loved Rose's character and now she is getting married off just like that. The "romance" with Atticus is not even happening, we're just supposed to assume it is there, even we only saw them meet and now they're all lovey dovey.

 

Tom is going to make a heartwrenching decision? That one is clear. He will decide to leave of course. There was talk that there would be a scene with him at Sybil's grave. It will be heartbreaking I'm sure!

But I DO have hope that he will decide otherwise in the CS. Hopefully because he FINALLY meets a new love and doesn't want to go any more!

 

Anna is going to be in prison, that's as clear as the day to me. We saw Mary visit the prison, so the next Bates prison storyline. Oh Fellows, why don't you ever learn?! I think things will be resolved in the CS though, so there's hope.

 

Lord Merton is not in 5.08! So doesn't Isobel marry him in the end? That's sad, I like him!

 

Blake is not in 5.08! And if my information is correct he probably won't be in the CS either! Thank god. Two episodes without him will be a relief! I hate this scheming storyline, urgh.

Where did we see Mary visit the prison?  I haven't seen those pics.

 

Wait I found something.  see this link:  http://allcoyledup.tumblr.com/

Edited November 1, 2014 by kpw801

[Andorra]

There even was a BTS clip while they were filming in Alnwick. Mary visiting a prison. Someone filmed it with a mobile.

 

Did you all see the new spoiler pics on tumblr?

 

This one is especially interesting!

 

Atticus and a hooker????

 

Should we all have been wrong about him??

[ElizaD]

Atticus and a hooker????

 

Should we all have been wrong about him??

 

I have no idea where this storyline is going now. The show's bad guys have tended to be obvious to the audience and Atticus has been all kindness in his first two episodes, yet he sleeps with a hooker right before his wedding? That's unexpected. Maybe he is a social climber and the show will have a divorce plot in S6, but if that's the case, why have Rose's parents split up so that her mother won't be in a position to cause drama by telling Rose that she has to keep up appearances?

[ZulaMay]

I am inclined to think it is a nasty joke or misunderstanding (she went to the wrong room).  We know they get married.  There are no friends of his in the episode, just a friend of Robert's and some older guy named Basil Shute.  But then he might be some jerk who plays this trick on him because he's an anti-Semite or something.

 

There are pictures of Atticus and this woman in what appears to be a bar or gentleman's club.  So maybe some guys there don't like him being a member and play a dirty joke like Larry Gray might do.

 

If Larry Gray were in the episode I'd assume it was him, but he's not.

 

Now we know so little of this guy and it all happened so fast that it could be there is a nasty surprise about him that Rose doesn't discover until later.  She had very little time to get to know him: she meets him in 5 and three episodes later they're married?  Usually that's a bad sign:  Jack and Rose, Edith and Anthony.  

 

Plus we know that the title was created when his family bought the house, and in the clip from 7 it appears that the locals are having some issues with that, and with them being Jewish.  Robert also mentioned something about it in 5.  He and Lady Sinderby discuss it at dinner in 7.  So they are moving up in the world but still not completely accepted.  Rose is a Marguess' daughter which is prestigious, even if they have no money left.

 

So could it be that Mr. Perfect - with whom she had a rushed and idyllic courtship - is hiding an agenda?  Trying to climb the ladder?  It wouldn't be that surprising I guess.  But neither would it be surprising if someone is trying to sabotage them.

 

But I am inclined to think it's a mislead.  I don't think they'd want to end the season on such an ominous note.

Edited November 1, 2014 by ZulaMay

[ChucktownGirl]

The character of Atticus Albridge was named after an 18 month old boy whose parents won the right to name a character at auction http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/11177957/Downton-Abbey-Secret-of-Lady-Roses-hunk-is-revealed.html For that reason, I find it difficult to believe that he would be written as a cad in the end. More likely, the prostitue was sent to him as a trap because he is a Jew marrying a Lady (would Susan be that evil?). Also, he just seems too smitten with Rose to be a social climber. Maybe, just maybe, there will be a wedding on Downton that doesn't end in being left at the altar or early death....

[ElizaD]

Casting news:

 

A new beau has been signed up to woo Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary in Downton Abbey.
Matthew Goode, who appears with Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley in the Oscar and BAFTA hopeful The Imitation Game, will play the man who sweeps the increasingly imperious Mary off her silk-stockinged feet.
Goode was spotted on the set during the filming of the special Christmas Day episode of the drama.

I am told that he will make regular appearances in the series when season six begins filming in February.

[NotBothered]

I like Matthew Goode, but what was the last season and a half about if both Blake and Gillingham are out of the picture at the end of this season?  And if Blake isn't out of the picture, are we doomed for a repeat of this past season?   I will try to keep an open mind on this, but I am not excited. 

[Andorra]

I'm very excited, because I really love Matthew Goode! He's a great actor and really charismatic. Since I thought both Tony and Blake terribly lacking, I hope he is finaly someone who could fill Matthew's place in the show.

[ZoloftBlob]

And at least they aren't pushing Mary/Tom -  for now.

[shipperx]

Wish they'd cast a love interest for Tom. (I'm not holding my breath that they'll ever do so for Edith)

[Avaleigh]

I liked Matthew Goode in Brideshead Revisited and Match Point so I'm definitely excited about this and looking forward to it. He seems like he'll fit in nicely with the rest of the cast and we know he's already worked with a few of the actors including Penelope Wilton and Allen Leech. 

 

What do we think the odds are on the character having a title? That might give us an idea of how seriously JF is thinking about pairing him with Mary longterm. If this guy is like a Duke or a Marquess I feel like JF would definitely want to make that happen. 

 

Wish they'd cast a love interest for Tom. (I'm not holding my breath that they'll ever do so for Edith)

 

 

I agree that this would be nice and I think it would be even better if it was a somewhat familiar face. I don't mean a character that we've already seen on the show but somebody slightly familiar to audiences from another series or maybe some small film roles. 

 

As far as a female love interest for Tom, I think it would be interesting if his character ended up meeting an upperclass girl who happens to be Catholic. Maybe a Howard or a Savile or a Leslie? There are lots of families to choose from. I think it could be interesting to see the Crawleys confronted with Catholicism from a family of their own class just to see how they'd behave. Would Robert still be making the Johnny Foreigner comments or would families like that suddenly be different for him? 

[kpw801]

I liked Matthew Goode in Brideshead Revisited and Match Point so I'm definitely excited about this and looking forward to it. He seems like he'll fit in nicely with the rest of the cast and we know he's already worked with a few of the actors including Penelope Wilton and Allen Leech. 

 

What do we think the odds are on the character having a title? That might give us an idea of how seriously JF is thinking about pairing him with Mary longterm. If this guy is like a Duke or a Marquess I feel like JF would definitely want to make that happen. 

 

 

I agree that this would be nice and I think it would be even better if it was a somewhat familiar face. I don't mean a character that we've already seen on the show but somebody slightly familiar to audiences from another series or maybe some small film roles. 

 

As far as a female love interest for Tom, I think it would be interesting if his character ended up meeting an upperclass girl who happens to be Catholic. Maybe a Howard or a Savile or a Leslie? There are lots of families to choose from. I think it could be interesting to see the Crawleys confronted with Catholicism from a family of their own class just to see how they'd behave. Would Robert still be making the Johnny Foreigner comments or would families like that suddenly be different for him? 

Now that would really be interesting.  I remember the DC saying she had a friend who was a duchess and who was more catholic than the pope.  A Leslie would be nice since Rose Leslie was actually in the show 1st season.  I didn't know they were catholic.

Edited November 7, 2014 by kpw801

[Avaleigh]

Not all of the Leslies are Catholic but there's a prominent branch of the family who are. 

 

I think Violet mentioned the Duchess of Norfolk but I'm not 100% on that.

 

ETA

 

I'd be all kinds of excited if giving Tom a story like that mean that we could visit Arundel Castle or Castle Howard or some place like that. 

 

Bring on having the family visit another great house like they did with Inveraray Castle. The Christmas specials of 3 and 4 are among my favorite episodes in the series and I can't help but think this is because we finally got a change up in the location. 

Edited November 7, 2014 by Avaleigh

[Kirsty]

Aw, no! I was crossing my fingers that the show was moving towards a Mary/Branson romance at last. Dammit, Fellowes, this new character better be there to make Branson realise he's jealous! (Fat chance ;)) Or to fall in love with Edith!

 

I do like Matthew Goode and his sexy voice, though. I love his Finn Polmar on The Good Wife. Lady Mary could do a lot worse. And if he turns out to be secretly evil or something, well, Matthew Goode as a dastardly villain sounds deadly attractive. In any case, he should be enjoyable to watch.

 

what was the last season and a half about if both Blake and Gillingham are out of the picture at the end of this season?  And if Blake isn't out of the picture, are we doomed for a repeat of this past season?

 

Yeah, what was the point of Blake and Gillingham? Will the show just keep throwing suitors at Mary until one of them wins the viewers over? The thing is, Blake or Gillingham could have won the viewers over if they had been written with that intention in mind. The writing for this show is bonkers tbh.

[Badger]

Another boring Mary plotline?   I don't care about Mary and her suitors.  Unfortunately the main theme of this show is that Mary is irresistible to men so every other storyline has to be sacrificed to make sure we all know that.

 

Allen Leech is also in "The Imitation Game."

[Treebeard]

I liked Matthew Goode in Brideshead Revisited and Match Point so I'm definitely excited about this and looking forward to it. He seems like he'll fit in nicely with the rest of the cast and we know he's already worked with a few of the actors including Penelope Wilton and Allen Leech. 

 

What do we think the odds are on the character having a title? That might give us an idea of how seriously JF is thinking about pairing him with Mary longterm. If this guy is like a Duke or a Marquess I feel like JF would definitely want to make that happen. 

 

 

I agree that this would be nice and I think it would be even better if it was a somewhat familiar face. I don't mean a character that we've already seen on the show but somebody slightly familiar to audiences from another series or maybe some small film roles. 

 

As far as a female love interest for Tom, I think it would be interesting if his character ended up meeting an upperclass girl who happens to be Catholic. Maybe a Howard or a Savile or a Leslie? There are lots of families to choose from. I think it could be interesting to see the Crawleys confronted with Catholicism from a family of their own class just to see how they'd behave. Would Robert still be making the Johnny Foreigner comments or would families like that suddenly be different for him? 

 

I really liked the actress that played Denise in "The Paradise."  The writing on that show started to seriously lag in the second series but she was generally charming throughout.  Since that show's cancelled now, they should nab that girl and hook her up with Branson.  Someone call Fellowes!

 

Anyhoo, I love Matthew Goode so I'm excited for that!  

[spottedreptile]

http://www.vulture.com/2014/09/good-wife-matthew-good-downton-abbey-allen-leech-imitation-game.html

 

This is an hilarious interview between Allen and Matthew, really shows their fun side and their mateship.

 

Also contains some chat by Allen about whether Tom is REALLY going to America or just contemplating it.

Edited November 10, 2014 by spottedreptile

[charis]

... can we please stop with "will Mary get married or just flirt because goodness knows all the boys want her" storylines? >_<

[saki]

... can we please stop with "will Mary get married or just flirt because goodness knows all the boys want her" storylines? >_<

I don't think these will ever stop.  Even if she's in her 80s by the final season.

[Andorra]

Well, Radio Times seems to think it's a given that Allen Leech will be gone after the Christmas Special:

 

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-11-09/downton-abbey-allen-leech-set-to-leave-during-christmas-special

 

Honestly, if all JF is going to have Tom do is stand around and mope about how he fits into Downton, it is for the best. But can he take Harsh Face with him?

 

They always take everything at face value. They also bought immediately that Tom was going to marry Sarah Bunting and then they reported that Mary would marry Tony Gillingham.

 

I don't think Tom will leave.

[Tetraneutron]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/downton-abbey-christmas-special-everything-4608799

 

Here's what we know: it's at Christmas, at a stately house (not Downton), there's snow, and Matthew Goode plays Mary's new love interest, and God help me I'm picturing Finn Polmar as Mary's new boyfriend. What? He's playing the replacement love interest to the main character, a "wants it all" type, after the initial one left the show.

 

I wonder where they're having Christmas. Either the Aldridges or Lord Merton are the only two I can think of.  

Edited November 11, 2014 by Obviously

[Andorra]

I think they will visit Alnwick, but only for the grouse hunt. And Christmas will be at Downton and at the end of the episode.

 

I've read in an interview with the parent's of the children actors, that all scenes with the children were filmed at Highclere. And also that the children enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree so much.

 

So while part of the CS will take place at Alnwick castle, I think they will end it at Christmas in Downton.

[Epeolatrix]

God help me I'm picturing Finn Polmar as Mary's new boyfriend

Whereas I thought it fitting that Mary should date Ozymandias, a fellow megalomaniac.

[NotBothered]

I think there's a good chance Tom will "leave" during the Christmas special, and then be back by the first few episodes of the next season.  Just like Tom and Sybil "left" at the end of season 2.  

 

Speaking of decorating the Christmas tree...

[Eolivet]

Ask Ausiello had a question about Matthew Goode's tenure on Downton Abbey. To summarize, it basically said The Good Wife has "first position" on his contract (meaning if they pick it up, he's unlikely to be able to do Downton season 6).

 

If the show had serious designs on making him an actual viable suitor for Mary, I wish they'd picked a different actor. Not only does The Good Wife compete with (and some speculate lost its Best Drama Emmy nod to) Downton, but they're direct competitors on Sunday nights when the show airs on PBS. In fact, ratings for The Good Wife always take a hit while Downton is airing.

 

So, if The Good Wife has a likable suitor and a named actor that could actually help its direct competition, I feel like the show might pick up Goode's contract just so Downton can't have him. And then they're back to the drawing board for suitors.

 

(Since the article speculates about the Christmas Special, I'm linking it here rather than the Media section: http://tvline.com/2014/11/11/sons-of-anarchy-season-7-episode-10-sex-scenes-opening/ )

[DianeDobbler]

Since reading in another thread that Julian Fellowes writes the last three episodes as the show is airing, I wonder if he'll even "fake" write Tom off. The ratings have been dropping as the show has aired. Those connected with Downton did this big spin about how well the stories were received, but they weren't received well, not by the critics, not by the audience, if ratings are to go by. Tom is popular; I don't know if they can even tease his departure at the end of the CS.

 

What a mess. They really haven't set up ANYTHING to be paid off. S1 and S2 are the yardsticks of course. S3 it was bye bye to Matthew. S4 was incredibly lame, and S5 nothing happened that would make anyone wonder what the Xmas special holds  - nothing that makes one hope for positive developments anyway.

 

If I were writing I'd give Mary a complete breather from love interests, exactly as they made Edith loveless for 2 seasons, and Tom as well. Then perhaps there would be an audience rally for her romantic life, and more interest.

[Avaleigh]

If the show had serious designs on making him an actual viable suitor for Mary, I wish they'd picked a different actor.

 

 

I feel like this has to mean then that they aren't thinking about him longterm. There's no way that they wouldn't know about this and unless they have reason to trust that Goode's contract won't be picked up I can't see why they'd take that risk if they wanted his character to be the endgame for Mary. 

 

This also makes me think that Tom/Mary isn't totally off of the table and I have mixed feelings about this. While I like the idea of Tom and Mary getting together (if done the right way) I absolutely loathe the idea of a triangle between Tom, Mary, and Edith. Talk about something that would be divisive and polarizing for viewers. I can see rooting for one couple or the other but wanting to see it play out in a three way triangle with one of the sisters being the loser just sounds no end unpleasant. If Tom is going to end up with one of the sisters I'd prefer to see that relationship focused on and developed next season.

 

S5 nothing happened that would make anyone wonder what the Xmas special holds  - nothing that makes one hope for positive developments anyway.

 

 

I don't personally feel this way. I'm looking forward to this Christmas Special the way that I'm looking forward to any other. I can't wait to see Alnwick and am curious to know if this is going to be the home of the Sinderbys. I loved the scenes with the kids this past episode so I look forward to seeing how a Christmas will be for the kids and Sybbie in particular now that she has more to say these days. I want to see how Tom's non-departure will end up happening (at least that's how I think it will turn out.) I'm curious to see if we'll get any further hints about Tom/Mary or Tom/Edith. I want to know if Tom and Mary will finally be clued in as to Marigold's identity.I'd like to see a resolution to the Violet/Kuragin story. I want to know if any progress will be made on the Isobel/Merton engagement. I want to know if the relationship between Baxter and Molesley makes any more progress. I want to find out if Daisy finally figures out what the hell it is that she wants. (This is one of the few departures on the show that I'm really rooting for.)  I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what sort of character Matthew Goode is going to play. The news of him joining has absolutely added some anticipation for me.

 

The only thing that I've really stopped caring about is the story with Anna and Bates. Apart from that I'm definitely looking forward to the CS and am expecting to see some positive developments.

 

If I were writing I'd give Mary a complete breather from love interests, exactly as they made Edith loveless for 2 seasons, and Tom as well. Then perhaps there would be an audience rally for her romantic life, and more interest.

Edith wasn't loveless for two seasons. In fact Edith has had a love interest in every season with the exception of season 5. Tom had a "love" interest as well it's just that most people including myself didn't like her. (I'm definitely not counting that stalker Edna who drugged him into having sex with her.) I didn't like the relationship but I can't pretend it didn't happen either. They spent two seasons on that boring relationship and made the final scene one where Tom was almost acting like it was more to him than it had actually been.

 

As for Mary, the stuff with Gillingham was OTT but in general I feel like there's way too much made over the idea of Mary and her suitors taking over the show. For me it's the Bates drama that brings the show to an absolute standstill. Mary's relationship with Gillingham was a focus but to me it didn't translate into a story about Mary and her suitors so much as Mary trying to figure out what it is she wants--not all that different from a few other characters on the show. I didn't see any romantic tension with Charles Blake and didn't see him as behaving as though he were a suitor of Mary's. He just came across as a friend and I liked seeing that dynamic between the two of them because we don't see people on this show interact with friends very often. Yeah, to me Mary had one suitor this season and that doesn't come across as overkill to me. I wasn't happy with the way the story played out but it wasn't because I was frustrated that Mary's romantic life was being focused on. I just didn't feel any chemistry between the two characters and didn't understand Gillingham being so into somebody who barely seemed interested in him. 

 

It's interesting to me too that it's made to seem as though it's unrealistic for Mary to have men interested in her because she's in her thirties and all it makes me think of are real life women like Diana Cooper (who would be a contemporary of Mary's), Alexandra Metcalfe, Jennie Churchill, Elinor Glyn, etc who were much courted and desired by men when they were in their thirties and forties. Mary had the OTT interest of Gillingham, Evelyn quietly being interested from afar but never enough to act on his feelings (nor is he ever around these days so I don't think he really counts--he was really only brought back to introduce Charles Blake), and Blake who hasn't seemed interested in Mary since season 4. All in all it doesn't strike me as overkill or unrealistic when I consider women in real life who experienced the kind of attention that Mary experiences. 

[NotBothered]

It's interesting that the world has pretty much discounted Blake as a continuing love interest.  I know I'm in the minority that actually like them, but I don't think we've seen the last of him yet.

 

Julian Ovenden has been doing Christmas press, and I don't think it's just going to be about promoting the album.  I also don't think they would have put him on the Christmas album so prominently if we were just getting rid of him.