Monday, February 15, 2016

Death in an Afternoon

It's been a while since anyone has died on Downton Abbey. We were due, I guess. Fortunately (not for him, of course, but for everyone else) it was just Charlie Rogers, Henry Talbot's best friend, not Mary's suitor or a member of the family. On the other hand, the tragedy and the memories it stirs up are enough to make Mary ready to break it off with Henry, whose great looks aren't quite enough to make up for his being all about cars.

Edith, on the other hand, is faring better with her beau. In the endless rivalry between Mary and Edith, has Edith finally found true love ahead of Mary? But she really needs to tell Bertie about Marigold! When will people on this show finally figure out that their penchant for making everything a secret really gets in the way of their relationships with those they love?

Speaking of secrets, Andy's inability to read is finally out. And at least some of the servants know Thomas has been trying to help him. But he still seems left out. Molesley's moving on. Even Mrs. Patmore is moving on. But Barrow wants to stay in the one place he has put down roots. But, so far, the powers that be seem determined to make him go. My guess is he'll still be around for the finale.

At least the silly hospital saga is over. The Dowager has sets off for France to get away for a while, but not before uncovering what a nasty wife Lord Merton's nasty son has found for himself, and leaving behind a peace offering of sorts - a puppy for her son. What is it with this guy and dogs? (Lost in the jubilation about the new dog is the notion that it is really Cora she needs to make up with rather than Robert.) But the Dowager's escape to France gives her one of the best lines of the evening. Ostensibly she is going away to create some space between her and the quarrel with Cora. The goal is to want to come home. How to guarantee that she will want to return? "A month among the French should do it."

We're coming to the end of the series. We have only one more regular episode and then the finale. It's time to tie up the loose ends, which is what seems to be happening. Meanwhile, let's hope we see less time wasted on silliness like Carson and Mrs. highs' home meals!

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