This week was pretty much Downer Abbey, and did they really have to throw that part about Ethel and Charlie at the end? SADNESS.
In other news, Thomas, I can’t stand you on the show, but I do believe you rock a fine beard in real life.
What did you all think of Episode 3?
AlisonC
January 21, 2013 at 8:49 amJessica Fellowes (who is Julian Fellowes niece) has written a book called “The Chronicles of Downton” which explains a lot about how things worked in these old houses. I haven’t read it but it might answer some of your questions about job roles etc.
PS if you think this is dark – wait for Episode 5!!! (yes it does deserve that many exclamation marks!)
whoorl
January 21, 2013 at 1:05 pmPutting it on my book list! Thanks.
GreenInOC
January 21, 2013 at 10:54 amLOVE your recaps!
Here’s a funny and useful “org” chart (it’s from Season 2) but for the most part still works especially for the job functions:
http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Downton-Abbey-Explained2.jpg
whoorl
January 21, 2013 at 1:04 pmLove this. Thank you!
Rachel
January 22, 2013 at 12:55 pmYes and yes some more! I am beyond tired of the whole prison thing, so shadowy. No real explanations as to what the new cell-mate’s problem is, what the little random bundles are they are searching for in the cells are…who is who and why are they withholding letters? How long is Bates going to sit in there? Anna made me sniffle a little with her stiff upper lip…you could tell she was just so unbelievably sad and yet she just goes along and does her job.
BAWLED about Charlie and Ethel. I have a little guy about the same age and I cannot imagine the pain of making a decision like that. The grandfather is a dick, but he was nice to Charlie and brought him the teddy and the grandmother seems kind. She said she would write to Ethel, but when Ethel said “I’ll never see my son again”. Just…wahhhhh!!! Next week, Isabel is going to give Ethel a try at her house. Mrs. Bird was being a real biatch, I wonder if Isabel is going to sack her. Isabel is definitely the kindest person on the show.
Jimmy–pretty. Is it me or does he look like Simon Baker’s little brother? Yum. I’m a little surprised that Mary and Matthew had a laugh over getting the more handsome footman in there…I would think that having a hot footman in the basement might cause more problems than it was worth. Maids squabbling and Thomas wants to hit that, definitely. Didn’t you see him eyeballing “James” when he was putting his shirt on? Ogling. And O’Brien right behind him to get a glimpse too.
Not sure what Mary’s problem is…first she was ragging Matthew about the money, now she’s ragging him about his ideas for the estate (and good point–it is TOTALLY Matthew’s money–um, Robert, you’re broke). I feel like she’s very cold to him and the way she sort of shrugs off the baby hint from Matthew shows that perfectly. I would think Mary would be ALL about creating a male heir for her precious Downton Abbey.
Random question: Do you think the housekeeper and Carson have a lil somethin-somethin? Like at some point, he’s going to sweep that new toaster off the table and just give her the what for? I wonder…
‘Til next week…
whoorl
January 22, 2013 at 4:45 pmAll I know is you are hilarious…give her the what for…LOVE IT!!
JenniferW
January 26, 2013 at 6:51 pmStop. It. That beard picture has transformed this beard hater into a beard porn believer. I need to start watching this show post haste.