Dishing on Downton- Downton Abbey Season 5

[TheDuckRocks]

I watched the after the show stuff for the first time and it was all about getting all the manner stuff period correct. It was great info. I didn't know they have been doing this, wondered why there was 5 minutes more on my recording after the episode was over. Duh -

[SBETigg]

What didn't seem natural was Robert figuring out Marigold's true parentage, not by recognizing her as a child of Edith but instead by recognizing the resemblance to Gregson, someone he only met a couple of times (as an adult). That and his casual acceptance of the fact of an illegitimate granddaughter seemed a bit unrealistic.

I agree on this, and about Anna. I think Anna went to Mrs. Hughes out of concern/sharing information between them, and Mrs. Hughes pretty rightly shut her down (none of their business, even as much as they care about the family). In that sense, it was a tad out of character for Anna, but also completely understandable that she seems to think Mrs. Hughes knows all and she's offering maybe a heads up that if she could figure it out, someone else will (which is exactly like Anna, to try to stop a problem in the making out of her loyalty to the family).

Robert's reaction puzzled me, too. I expected him to say how much she resembled Edith as a child, and instead he comes up with the likeness to Gregson? That's not a natural leap considering he wasn't that close to Gregson and hadn't seen him in a long time. Also, the easy transition and acceptance. Robert's not usually that easy when it comes to such matters, especially as far as Cora having kept it from him.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Robert's reaction puzzled me, too. I expected him to say how much she resembled Edith as a child, and instead he comes up with the likeness to Gregson? That's not a natural leap considering he wasn't that close to Gregson and hadn't seen him in a long time. Also, the easy transition and acceptance. Robert's not usually that easy when it comes to such matters, especially as far as Cora having kept it from him.

Unless there is a Bunting in the room, "Old Donk" has been made into a softie this season.

Too many of the things Robert has done this season seem more appropriate to a man of this age rather than 1924. Being the ceremonial lieutenant of the regiment I'm not sure that Robert would be that quick to put up a plaque for Archie, Mrs. Pattmore's nephew. It made for nice teary tv, but I think Julian Fellows has progressed Robert a bit to quickily, imo.

In one episode alone, keeping in mind that it is 1924, Robert did the following; placed a war memorial plaque for a soldier shot for cowardice, approved of an interfaith Jewish marriage (nearly had a coniption when his own daughter not only married out of class, but catholic) and gracefully accepted that the had an illegitimate granddaughter.

Maybe a wee bit too much feel good here.

[MNNHFLTX]

So is all that is left is the Christmas episode?

I'm very tempted to go looking for spoilers to see how things shake out with Anna. I'm over the Bates in eternal trouble storyline and although I never do spoilers, I'm ready to know on this.

I must confess that I've been talking spoilers with my friend from the UK (I know, no surprise there--you know I don't mind spoilers). I am also very tired of the way the Anna/Bates storyline has played out and just wanted to know what direction they were going.

I do find it interesting that they would feature an interfaith marriage for Rose--it does seem very unlikely for the times.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I must confess that I've been talking spoilers with my friend from the UK (I know, no surprise there--you know I don't mind spoilers). I am also very tired of the way the Anna/Bates storyline has played out and just wanted to know what direction they were going.

I do find it interesting that they would feature an interfaith marriage for Rose--it does seem very unlikely for the times.

Julian Fellows seems to use Rose as the radical one, especially with Sybil gone. Last season she was dating (not sure which would be seen as worse for the time) a musician who happened to be also a man of color. Rose was kind of the instrument to get us into the roaring 20's. Which, considering how her relationship ended up last season made it all the more odd that she was somehow tending Russian refugees this season. I never quite figured that one out.

[magicofdisney]

Too many of the things Robert has done this season seem more appropriate to a man of this age rather than 1924. Being the ceremonial lieutenant of the regiment I'm not sure that Robert would be that quick to put up a plaque for Archie, Mrs. Pattmore's nephew. It made for nice teary tv, but I think Julian Fellows has progressed Robert a bit to quickily, imo.

The modernization of Robert is what's bugged me. After his blasé acceptance of Barrow, nothing surprises me. That being said, I do appreciate the relationship that could develop with his grandchildren. That's definitely not standard for that time, but the commitment to family is touching.

I've had the least problem with the Jewish storyline, probably because Cora's dad is Jewish. Honestly, I've never understood anti-semitism.

I recently discovered a show I streamed on Amazon called "Secrets of The Manor House." It's about a group of volunteers that agree to live in a manor house and pretend it's the turn of the century. You have a family that portrays the Lord and Lady and a group of servants living downstairs. I think most anyone on this thread would truly enjoy the show. It gave me slightly more insight into the protocols of that time.

[MNNHFLTX]

I've had the least problem with the Jewish storyline, probably because Cora's dad is Jewish. Honestly, I've never understood anti-semitism.

I wasn't even thinking about anti-Semitism with my last post. Being part of an interfaith relationship myself (my husband being Jewish and me Lutheran), I can say that there is not always a lot of support from family/friends for marrying outside the faith, even in modern times. This was true even more so back in the early 1900's, I can imagine. This was evidenced by the reaction of Atticus' father to the impending marriage--the prejudice can exist on both sides. As far as Cora's father being Jewish, that might have been easy to chalk up to her American background, but that honestly doesn't ring true to me either, based on the times.

[magicofdisney]

I wasn't even thinking about anti-Semitism with my last post. Being part of an interfaith relationship myself (my husband being Jewish and me Lutheran), I can say that there is not always a lot of support from family/friends for marrying outside the faith, even in modern times. This was true even more so back in the early 1900's, I can imagine. This was evidenced by the reaction of Atticus' father to the impending marriage--the prejudice can exist on both sides. As far as Cora's father being Jewish, that might have been easy to chalk up to her American background, but that honestly doesn't ring true to me either, based on the times.

I didn't mean to imply you were suggesting anti-semitism. I was referring to the reaction of some on the show, specifically, Rose's mother and those Russian royalties Rose was attending.

Are you saying it's difficult to believe that even Cora's parents would have had an interfaith marriage, based on the times? If so, I'm assuming they threw that in there to show just how "accepting" some of the Granthams could be.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

I didn't mean to imply you were suggesting anti-semitism. I was referring to the reaction of some on the show, specifically, Rose's mother and those Russian royalties Rose was attending.

Are you saying it's difficult to believe that even Cora's parents would have had an interfaith marriage, based on the times? If so, I'm assuming they threw that in there to show just how "accepting" some of the Granthams could be.

Not that it matters, or maybe it did back then, but technically Cora would not be considered Jewish, as I believe that designation must follow the female line, and since Cora's mother was not Jewish, then neither would Cora or her brother, despite her father's status.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

The modernization of Robert is what's bugged me. After his blasé acceptance of Barrow, nothing surprises me. That being said, I do appreciate the relationship that could develop with his grandchildren. That's definitely not standard for that time, but the commitment to family is touching.

I've had the least problem with the Jewish storyline, probably because Cora's dad is Jewish. Honestly, I've never understood anti-semitism.

I recently discovered a show I streamed on Amazon called "Secrets of The Manor House." It's about a group of volunteers that agree to live in a manor house and pretend it's the turn of the century. You have a family that portrays the Lord and Lady and a group of servants living downstairs. I think most anyone on this thread would truly enjoy the show. It gave me slightly more insight into the protocols of that time.

Did you happen to see the 1 hour special that ran on Masterpiece called "The Manners of Downton Abbey?"

Very interesting special, hosted by the shows technically historical advisor, or "The Oracle" as he's referred to on the show, Alistair Bruce.

It was very well done, hosted by Bruce, included many cast interviews and explained a lot of things, especially around the dinner table (like the protocol that nobody ate until the hostess would eat, or even that the hostess directed the conversation).

If you haven't seen it, try find it, definitely worth your time.

[magicofdisney]

Not that it matters, or maybe it did back then, but technically Cora would not be considered Jewish, as I believe that designation must follow the female line, and since Cora's mother was not Jewish, then neither would Cora or her brother, despite her father's status.

Biblically it did follow the father's lineage, but you are correct in that currently (and I don't know when things changed) it now follows the mother's line. So I realize Cora was not considered Jewish, however she still has that heritage.

Did you happen to see the 1 hour special that ran on Masterpiece called "The Manners of Downton Abbey?"

Very interesting special, hosted by the shows technically historical advisor, or "The Oracle" as he's referred to on the show, Alistair Bruce.

It was very well done, hosted by Bruce, included many cast interviews and explained a lot of things, especially around the dinner table (like the protocol that nobody ate until the hostess would eat, or even that the hostess directed the conversation).

If you haven't seen it, try find it, definitely worth your time.

My DVR happened to catch the first 5min of this when it originally aired. I will look it up now because the time period fascinates me. Thank you for the title.

[Melanie]

Oh, the finale! I cried more than I want to admit. I didn't really care for how they went about Anna being released, etc., but that's my least favorite storyline right now anyway.

Tom leaving....it just breaks my heart. With supposedly only one more season left, I can see how they could work he and Sybbie in to some episodes. Tom said many times last night that they'd be back.

I grew to actually kind of like Rose and look forward now to seeing that actress in Cinderella.

Matthew Goode as Mary's new love interest - BRING IT ON! I love him.

Carson and Mrs. Hughes....so stinking sweet. Loved how they worked up to that proposal.

As usual, it all went way too fast again this year. Looking forward to Mr. Selfridge and Call the Midwife though.

[AgentC]

Carson and Mrs. Hughes....so stinking sweet. Loved how they worked up to that proposal.

This made the whole season for me.

[MNNHFLTX]

This made the whole season for me.

Me too. So funny, the way they developed the storyline for these two over the years, and when the proposal finally came, Mrs. Hughes response was priceless. The best couple on the show, by far.

[Melanie]

Oh, and the tidbits from the Dowager's past. Scandalous! ha! I'm glad she turned him down and also glad that Mrs. Crawley turned down Lord Merton. I want her with Dr. Clarkson. Loved the Dowager's quip about that. LOL!!! They (Isobel and Violet) are gold together.

[The Hitchhiking Ghost]

Tom leaving....it just breaks my heart. With supposedly only one more season left, I can see how they could work he and Sybbie in to some episodes. Tom said many times last night that they'd be back.

Wait, Tom is leaving Downton

I guess that makes sense, as every episode his only lines, repeated 5 or more times were, "I'm leaving Downton, I must remember this, I will miss you."

I mean, move out already! Probably the biggest waste of a good character this season. I don't know what happened with JF and his writing of this character, but he really pretty much forgot him and just had him uttering "I'm leaving" over and over and over. I don't look for spoilers, but I've heard rumors that Branson may be returning to Downton in S6, although when and under what pretext I don't know (if it even happens, but I think Allen Leech may have tipped it.)

I enjoyed the Christmas Special as its called. I just really hope that they have for once and for all ended the ridiculous Anna/Bates Green murder plot. I'm totally convince that JF had no idea where he wanted this story to go, so just concocted this ridiculous and lame ending to it, with Bates confessing guilt, Anna relesased, Mosesly and Baxter somehow finding proof that Bates didn't do it, then the witness conveniently not being so sure it was Anna afterall. My god, please end it.

My favorite line, and probably my favorite Robert line was when he revealed his ulcer to Cora and Mary and they start putting his life in order for him, against his will, until they say no alcohol and Robert in his aristocratic manner's response "Steady On". I don't know if the ulcer was just a mechanism to have Robert get lit up at Christmas or if its a harbinger of things to come. I thought it was going to play out more seriously when they were shooting and it didn't, but I can see this series ending with Robert's death and I wonder if this could be the set up for it.

Again, not sure that Robert being so accepting of Edith's situation is believable, but it played out nice, and maybe now we can move on from Eoyore Edith and basically everyone but Mary seems to know that Marigold is hers.

I didn't really get the whole Russian prince/princess story arc. It seemed to go a long long way for very little pay off. Kind of a two-fer, here, we'll introduce the Russians, and that will keep Rose busy and then we can get her married off quickly because by then end of the season she will turn into Cinderella and won't be around long. I didn't mind Violet's historical story, but again, along way to go, just to get it. I did read a short news story that Maggie Smith said she can't see herself doing Downton past season 6, but who knows.

Carson and Mrs Hughes was great, and was a good payoff for the end of the season.

Mary, obvioulsly a new love interest in the works, but hopefully it will be better than her wasted time this season. Probably the 2nd worst written story arc next to Branson's as far as not going anywhere.

Anyhow, 9 months until S6.

[magicofdisney]

My absolute favorite pairing is Violet and Isobel. I'm glad to see the team won't be breaking up...for now.

I think it's poetic justice that Mary is the only one that doesn't know about Marigold. On a side note I'm re-watching, with a family member, Downton from the beginning because this person came in on S4. I had forgotten what a snot Edith was to Mary back then. It makes me wonder if she was that way because of Mary or the other way around. What I can say is that Edith has matured over the seasons. As for Mary currently, I don't really care what happens with her one way or the other.

I love, love, love Carson and Hughes. I'm so happy for that union. Do you think they'll share housing at Downton or live in something nearby? Maybe the cottage he bought?

I agree, Ghost, with your assessment of Branson. What a waste of a story line this season. He's been whining those statements for almost 2 years now. Bunting was an interesting distraction, but I'm so glad she's out.

I didn't want to admit it but Rose has grown on me a little. It was interesting seeing her come to the rescue of her father-in-law.

Is it possible the Russian storyline will come back for a finale? Is it possible he's Robert's father? Otherwise, it almost seems pointless, unless it was simply to show us the Dowager has the capability to sympathize with modern temptations (i.e. Mary's tryst with Gillingham and Edith with Marigold.)

It may take a couple of months to get through seasons 1-3. By then I'll have even less time to wait for the new Downton.