Only a matter of time at Downton
Eppy 3.7 starts with Bates being released from jail. Truth -- I couldn’t even remember them saying he was getting out, that’s how switched off I’ve been from the entire plotline. Okay, quickly look away Bates and BC lovers: he’s had botox? or some really really good new make up team has started? Because he’s looking much better than he did a season ago. Anyway, I do love Elsie and Charles’s reaction to his return. They’re both so cute.
Robby’s still being annoying towards Edith. “He only wants to persuade you to write for his horrible paper,” he says when she receives a letter from the editor asking her to come up to London and see him. What did he think the editor wanted? A lap dance? Although...
Violet visits with Isobel and tells her a few home truths. “Is poor Ethel to be the cudgel by which you fight your foes?” I know some of you aren’t too happy about Violet’s reasons for becoming involved with Ethel and Isobel, but all in all, she’s right. It would seem a better idea for Ethel to go to a place where no one knows her previous occupation. And still, I adore all of MS and PW’s scenes together.
Now that Bates has returned the question is, of course, what happens to Thomas. I would think, in the real world, they would let James go. Carson has never been too pleased with him anyway, and the idea that they’d sack Thomas over him, no matter what anyone thought about Thomas, seems farfetched to me. Molesley wonders about it all... In his usual subtle way... Poor ol’ Molesley. And talking of him, why was it never suggested he go and Thomas take over with Branson?
There’s a Lillian Gish movie being shown, and apparently she’s ‘a wronged woman who survives in the wildness on her own wits and courage’ and, blimey!, they’ve stolen Miss O’B’s story. *MASSIVE SNORT* Let's move on, however, from the quad of doom. *shudder* Oh, except to say that Daisy is still the only one I like in the group.
Matty’s big plan is revealed for the estate. But the ‘agent’ Javis is not too pleased. Yes, we are lucky Branson knows about farming, aren’t we? Obvious plot is obvious. (And will this mean no job for Molesley soon?)
Mary’s still walking around the house like an Earth Mother. She’s even going to bring everyone together for the christening, apparently. Blah
Anna and Bates are virtuous. No wild secksing, just going on a stroll along a lane... But no! Not all virtue -- they’re not going to be sad to see Thomas go; ‘revenge is sweet’. As it is with Miss O’B. She’s still whispering her naughty whispers in Thomas’s ear. This will not end well. Although, seriously, what if Thomas hung himself or something when it did end? Had she thought this through? Is she so evil? mmm...
At the servants’ dinner, Elsie and Charles are epic, epic, epic. First Carson scolds James for making Alfred look stupid at the family’s dinner, and then he scolds Alfred for looking stupid. He wonders, as punishment, whether or not Alfred and Ivy shouldn’t stay at home instead of going out to the movies. But Elsie intervenes with a, “Of course they’re going.” And even though it’s Ivy who asks whether or not they can go, it’s Elsie his gaze settles on before he answers. And of course that eventually softens his attitude. ;)
And then we get this:
“...You might contemplate what it is to waste a chance when it is given,” Carson suggests to Alfred.
This statement causes Elsie to move in close so only Carson can hear her, even checking no one is listening before she whispers sweet nothings into his ear: “I suppose you never wasted a chance.”
And Aussie flails. He’s wasted so many!!! And she’s reminding him!!!! And he’s rectified that situation, right?!?!?
“Well, if I did, I learnt from it,” he says.
MORE AUSSIE FLAIL. THEY CAN’T BE TALKING ABOUT SERVING THE SAUCE NOW!!!! OR CAN THEY?
M/M are in bed together. I decide I’ve seen the eppy once before and ffing won’t kill me.
Thomas admits he loves James, which will not end well. I’m not sure what he’d done to impress Thomas anyway.
One interesting thing: Mr Carson would be impressed by knowing how to speak Latin? What?
So, Thomas makes his move. And as everyone guessed, it does not end well. And in true soap style, Alfred gets to be the witness. But I have just one question -- why did it take so long for Carson to burst out into the hallway? Was he having to hide away Elsie first? Oh yes, he was! Obviously from the speed he returned to his room it's true! He wanted to get back to his baby! Because Thomas’s ‘James had a nightmare’ was hardly belivable!
The next morning, there’s an atmosphere; poor ol’ Molesley even notices it. James is trying to prove his masculinity by acting the caveman with Ivy, something Carson doesn’t take too kindly to. Elsie’s glance in his direction when he says this kills me.
We meet Edith’s editor. I’m undecided. I do like him. But he seems to be way too much like Sir Anthony for my liking. I suppose Edith might have warmed to him instantly because of this. But it still leaves the same issues with the family, because he doesn’t seem that much younger. He is able bodied though. *sigh* Of course, he has another secret...
Jarvis is in the house again, only to declare he is the old broom and he’ll leave new broom, Matty, to his sweeping and resign, after 40 years... Mmm... Am I the only one who also finds this a little too convenient and unlikely?
Tom’s brother has arrived, and he seems like he will soon be emigrating to Australia to me. I was in hysterics when the brother pats Molesley on the shoulder. Elsie’s just waiting for Carson to explode about the Branson brothers’ behaviour: “I know, you always said he would bring shame on this house.” But no! Carson’s going to shock his wife: “No, Mrs Hughes, for once I will hold my tongue.” (She’s especially shocked by this, I’m sure. Hee.)
M/M are in being all romantic again, making me gag.
Dinner is less awkward than I would expect with the Branson brothers. But surely the Crawley family are used to awkward dinners. There have been a few since the beginning of the show. I think my favourite part was when Edith announced there was a journalist in the family. “Since we have a country solicitor and a car mechanic, it was only a matter of time,” from Violet made me LOL, BUT, has everyone forgotten that Branson was supposed to be a journalist? JF seems to have, at least.
Violet and Edith can’t convince Isobel that Ethel applying for a job in another district is a good idea, but they call in Elsie! Yes! Elsie the epic can convince all! And we have that proof she might just read at night with her butler hubby. Whereas she knows about the Scarlet Letter, Vi doesn’t. *snort*
Alfred snitches on Thomas and James, egged on by Miss O’B of course. Carson talks to Thomas, but makes no decision. Whilst still pondering the situation, Elsie walks in, and she’s still being very cheeky indeed! I’m sure he might have to take her to task for that when everyone is in bed...
Yes, in amongst everything else, my OTP are still going strong.