Monday, February 22, 2016

Golly Gumdrops!



behind the scenes....
you know they are best friends



Oh man.  I always stand up for Mary and after last night I knew the hate for Mary would be real!

If Mary was not Mary, she would have met with her sister privately and strongly advised her to tell Bertie the truth.

But this has never been something Mary could do.  In fact, she behaves badly to her father and Edith in last night's episode.

We see Mary at her very worst.  Doing the most despicable thing to ....poor Edith.

Edith, who would have a place of superiority over the whole family!!!
AND LOVE.

Oh my gosh.  How brilliant was that!

(One more episode so I still have HOPE!!!)  But there is no was around it Mary was truly awful last night .....and then she gets the happily ever after!  UGH!

Life is unfair.

(but I don't have to like it and it was almost impossible to be happy for Mary after her hateful behavior.)

And Barrows. Oh my gosh.  So sad.
But then Mary and Master George coming down to visit their lonely friend...
and Mary realizing (and me too) that they are two peas in a pod.
I loved the kindness shown Barrows...and I liked that Carson admitted that he had judged Thomas wrongly.

Okay....I have to start listing...
This episode was jam packed with great Downton moments....







Mrs. Patmore and her terrible, horrible, and apparently hysterical dilemma...
Cousin Violet and her climb up the stairs to converse with Mary. Perfection.
The real reason becomes know.... 'Crash Widow".
Edith's face when Mary came in the room and found that Henry had left...and she knew....she just knew.... the end was near.
Mosely winning over the classroom by sharing that he was in service.  And Daisy listening in and telling the staff how well he did....and everyone cheering :o)
Mary's ugly wedding dress.
That ugly thing on Mary's head.
The beautiful pastels on everyone else.
Sprat. Bananas.
(I like the crew at the paper and I wouldn't mind a show about these gals!)
Edith coming to Mary's wedding....and Edith talking about what they share...
Tom.  Such a great brother in law.  I'm really thrilled they brought him back.  He has been a delightful matchmaker and meddler.
I hope Tom works his magic and gets Bertie back to Downton.
Isobel being sweet and holding Mary's hands at the cemetery.


What am I forgetting?  I cried at least four times last night.
I don't usually cry watching Downton but Fellows is pulling all the strings and
the fact that this lovely experience will soon end may be adding to the emotions.




I didn't know...but it was Sybil's grave the children were playing around.


Oh my goodness.  One more episode.

Mary and Janet are in need of comment therapy.
Please share your Downton Abbey musings in the comments.

Golly Gumdrops!
Donna










48 comments:

  1. YOU are a master DA recapper! I could not have said any of this any better. And I, too, despised Mary (my poor namesake!) but was SO thrilled that Edith FINALLY told her off! It was one of my very favorite moments this season!

    I just LOVE your recaps, Donna!!!

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  2. I Think you hit all the highs and lows. It was an outstanding episode. Visually, story telling, just beautiful.

    Tom was MVP

    I liked when Bertie said "you've made me blub" what a sweet guy.

    Mary's Princess Leia hair was not my fave.

    Loved the shot of Isobel, out of focus, as Mary spoke to Matthew.

    Yes, I wept repeatedly. It was very touching at times.

    Great recap!!

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  3. Yes, the scene by Sybil Cora's grave had me all verklempt.

    I've only heard Lady Mary truly apologize to one person: Anna.

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  4. This episode was fantastic! I was so mad at Mary I could have spit, but that's what makes Mary Mary. The conversation between Mary and her grandmother had me crying. Two strong women who understand each other.
    When Tom asked Edith "Would you like me to talk to him?" Her reply, "No, but I love you for asking." I so wish Sybil could see how Tom has fit in with her family. Lots of graveside visiting to wrap it up. I'm hoping Bertie comes around and Edith gets her happy ever after. Finally. Is it too much to ask?

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    1. Good observation, Southern Gal, about Tom ... Sybil would be so happy that he and Sybie are back in Downtown, and probably amazed at how he fits in - he's like people glue in that household. Bringing people together.

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    2. Agreed, Susan. People glue. I like it.

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  5. Janice11:16 AM

    I thought Mary's wedding outfit was so ugly too! And where did she get it so quickly?
    It really was a great episode, we definitely saw each character's character, and it was nice to see how they've all grown since the first year. I like that Fellows stick's to who they really are, I know everyone wanted Mary to fix things with Berty....but it was more accurate to her character to go fix things for herself. Some day I may be happy for her and Henry, but not yet.
    I do love Tom.

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  6. I could not believe Mary got her happy ending after being so atrocious! I want so much for Edith to have happiness but maybe her happiness is Marigold and the newspaper and that is all. Secretly I wanted Mary and Tom to end up together but so much for that! It was a tearjerking episode definitely! I think I cried more in this one than any other. I am so dreading the last episode because then it will be over, no more! Distressing! This has been one of the most absolutely delightful and frustrating and heartwarming series I have seen in a long time. Well done.

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  7. Donna has already had to council me via text this morning. She wasn't up late enough for me last night. ;)

    This is the ONLY episode I have watched twice.

    It's always been love/hate with Mary, hasn't it? I LOVED it when Edith finally told Mary off. They are both such wonderful actresses. I was there. I felt it. I agree with Edith. Even the B word. Humph

    I sobbed during the scene with Dowager and Mary. And that long, full hug. Perfect. It's sweet that Dowager wanted Mary to love.

    Of course I forgave and softened towards the end and felt a bit of happiness for Mary. I'm glad she apologized to Edith before the wedding. I didn't like her dress but the hat was pretty and helped. What about those top hats!! Fancy.

    Oh and Mary at Matthew's grave. More tears.

    The Sprat thing is weird to me...who cares.

    Tom is the best brother in law in the land.

    I think Mary needs to go find Berty and bring him back to Edith. YEAH!!!

    Is it funny or weird that I can hardly remember everyone's names and titles. I had to google marquis last night. LOL

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    1. Spratt IS weird ... at least we were spared Denker. ;-)

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  8. Edith sat at that table verbally poking and jabbing Mary, which she had to know would lead to Mary responding. Tom certainly tried to get Edith to stop, but Edith wanted to hurt Mary and ended up hurt herself. Mary was terribly wrong to say what she did, but I think Edith's letter to the Turkish embassy was so much more awful. Edith was never rebuked for that letter and Edith never apologizes for her wrong behavior. Mary always apologizes when she's wrong, she already has apologized to Edith, and Mary is a fixer/do'er. Mary will patch things up for Edith and Bertie in the next ep (my prediction). That's part of the reason I'm a Mary fan and am still sick of Edith's non-stop whining. :-/

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    1. They could not be more different. Pamuk was a long time ago. If you add up all the jabs and taunts, Mary comes out meaner. Edith did NOT need to say what she did at the breakfast table, but Mary's words were much more harmful. In my view, especially over this season, Edith has grown up more. Mary is still stuck. Just my opinion.

      As I said before, the only apology I have ever heard Mary say that sounded sincere was to Anna.

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  9. Golly gumdrops, indeed! This episode was bananas! I loved Robert’s “I forgive her everything.” about his mother while gazing lovingly at the puppy. Seeing Robert and his sister sparring quite a bit (wasn’t there even an “Oh shut up!” in there?) followed by Mary and Edith’s major blow up put quite an emphasis on sibling relationships. How, how, HOW could Mary behave so meanly? Her graveside conversation with Matthew was so moving as was her brief chat with Isobel. Also when she realized how similar she and Barrow are. How perfect that her Granny is the only one who could finally get through to her. They, too, are very much alike.

    My favorite scene was Edith telling Mary what precious memories they share and that’s why she returned for the wedding. Through Edith showing mercy, I finally was able to forgive Mary a little bit as well.

    My fervent hope is that Mary reach out to Bertie and tell him how wrong she had been to break the news to him. She should tell him that she knows her sister well and there is NO WAY that Edith would have actually married him prior to sharing her secret. She was understandably nervous and worried and was building up the courage to do it. Mary absolutely owes it to Edith to do this and if she doesn’t decide to do so on her own, maybe Henry and/or Tom will nudge her in that direction.

    Tom Branson? I’ve loved him since his first scene and my admiration for him grows with every scene he’s been in this season.

    Okay, I need to stop now and get back to work. And in spite of what it may seem like, I do know that these characters are not real people. But I love them so and will miss them terribly.

    Thank you ever so much, Mr. Fellowes. And thanks for this wonderful therapy site, Miz Boo. xo

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    1. Yes, yes, yes ... a big {{{LIKE}}} from me. :-)

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  10. Wait....they're not real people? ;)

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  11. Anonymous12:30 PM

    I suspect that Mary will have a hand in bringing Henry back, as a last-second attempt to redeem her in viewers' eyes. Barring that, they will just let her go off and be a career lady in London. Frankly, that ending would make me much happier...

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  12. After so many episodes with only an occassional spurt of real drama (bleeding ulcer anyone?) this one was certainly jam packed. Any one of those story lines could have been one episode. It reminds me of the beginning of the series when there was so much more drama in each one and a half or two hour show. I will have to watch this one again for the subtleties because with my noisy family interrupting too often (I pause the show until people quiet down and LEAVE) there is much I didn't pick up on.

    One of these things was the Sprat thing. Huh? If anyone wants to explain that to me I'd appreciate it. Was he just applying for the job with a woman's name? Why was that necessary?

    Anyone else planning to begin watching season one again? I think it will be fun to see how many things have changed since the beginning. (I have a good excuse since a houseguest has gotten hooked on this season and never seen the other years so I'm going to introduce her to them.)

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  13. Spratt is writing a woman's advice column. Giving tips on fashion and love lives. Herein lies the humor.

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  14. Forgot about Robert's line "Poor old Edith who couldn't even get her dolls to do what she wanted." What?!?

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    1. I forgot that one!

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    2. Anonymous8:13 PM

      That made me laugh hard. Lord Grantham is certainly more likable than he used to be.

      Debbie Z.

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    3. The writers swapped grouchy writing from Lord Grantham of last season to Carson in this season. Still, he's a mostly lovable curmudgeon ;-)

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  15. Chrystal4:06 PM

    I don't usually cry... but Mary at Matthew's grave. What a beautiful and touching scene. I like to see that side of Mary.

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  16. And Thomas' attempted suicide! I hope he has a happy ending!

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  17. Such a great episode. I laughed and then I cried. I'm going to miss it so much.

    Thanks Donna for a great recap! The comments are terrific too :-)

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  18. Anonymous5:16 PM

    Good job Donna on the recap. This is where my (so sorry) comment should go about Mosely and his teaching moment that I shared last week. I am not good at remembering what happened in each episode. Such fun to read everyone's comments. love and prayers, jep

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    1. Oh!! It was you. I thought it was Susan :o)

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    2. Nope, when I read it before, I knew dear jep got her epidodes mixed up - but it was surely a very sweet moment and not a huge spoiler :-) Molesley's story surely was broken up in little bites throughout the season xxx

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    3. Anonymous5:25 AM

      I watched a short interview with some of the cast on Good Morning America and the actor who plays Molesley was sitting there with everyone else looking so eager. The hosts asked everyone else questions, but not him. I hope that it was edited and his part got left out and they did not just ignore him. His story was important to me. ;-) jep

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    4. Anonymous5:49 AM

      I am embarrassed that you were held to blame for my error Susan....{{HUGS}} jep

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    5. Trust me, it could just as easily been me!! I admit I have been uber careful because I have a. been so excited for everyone to see this great season, and b. It's so easy to get mixed up :)

      I love Kevin Doyle who plays Molesley, and I hope he gets his due ... it can't be easy to play this sort of part with the right balance.

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    6. I love you both so much!! I guessed Susan because I knew she had seen the whole season. I knew Jeb borrowed it... But for some reason didn't realize she watched it all. I have a secret. I've seen it all too. Watched the Christmas episode again last night!

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    7. Yikes! Donna, you've done a great job of not talking about stuff ahead of time :) I do love the Christmas day episode, just sorry it could not be a two parter.

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    8. It helps that I am so very forgetful. My son sent me the DA set so I watched 6,7,8, and 9 all in one day. This makes me get things all mixed up so I do watch on Sunday night too as a refresher and for joy.

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    9. Anonymous12:04 PM

      Love you both right back, mean it, too!
      We watched all the season in a couple of days and sent the DVDs back, so others could watch. I noticed that we have the seasons at our library, so I am going to check them out and start at the beginning like some here have said. Such a good program. I hope Sir Julian will do another. jep

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    10. Love you both, too!! Jep, great idea. I plan to do the same. I own them all; German television isn't very good - besides, it's in German!! So having the complete set is my conciliation prize :-) it's a great program, and I sure hope he comes up with another just as good!

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  19. Anonymous8:21 PM

    Donna, your recap is just amazing. I was just thinking oh yes, and yes, and yes. My favorite scene was probably the one between Mary and her Granny. While I was glad that she admitted to Violet that she couldn't stand the thoughts of being a "crash widow" again, I still had a hard time forgiving her for being so horrible to Poor Edith. At the beginning of the dining room scene I could feel it coming. What amazing acting. Dear Tom Branson-he was so wonderfully honest with Mary when everyone else is half afraid of her. If only Julian Fellowes had given him a love interest at the end of the series who deserved him. Could it be possible in the final episode? There are so many things I want to happen, but most of all I want Bertie to forgive and come back to Edith.

    Debbie Z.

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    1. Anonymous9:24 PM

      I forgot to mention how much I adored Violet saying, "I believe in love."

      Debbie Z.

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    2. My favorite scene was Mary and Granny together and the hug they shared. Mary was downright awful to Edith and to Henry. The wedding happened way too fast. Tom was great in this episode! I can't believe it's almost over.

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  20. Oh no!!! I thought because the last episode was on March 6th, there were 2 more! Does that mean it won't be on next sunday, the 28th?? Oh no!!! PS...when does Poldark start again?

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  21. Next week is a behind the scenes thingey. I am in complete denial about the 6th.

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    1. Anonymous11:21 PM

      Stephanie, I am in denial too. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Downton just kept going and going?

      Debbie Z.

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  22. I'll be honest up front and say I have never liked Mary very much. Last night made me dislike her even more and I am glad she was taken down a peg or two by Tom. To think that she gets to be married twice to the men she really loves while Edith is left alone again is just wrong. I hope Julienne Fellows has written in a happily ever after for Edith. I loved Lord Grantham saying "Golly Gumdrops" That is my new quote now whenever something makes me happy.

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