Re: And there's thatzaletiDecember 26 2015, 10:47:22 UTC
Thomas as the new butler: aww, don't think of it that way. :) :)
When I saw that happening with Carson, I could see where they were going, even if in typical JF fashion it did feel like he just pulled it out of his... hat... to solve the problem. Which was that Carson is a strong character, and apart from being totally anti-progress, there was nothing wrong with him. He is SO devoted to Downton and the family that it's improbable that even Mrs Hughes' considerable charms (and/or powers of persuasion) would induce him to randomly decide to retire. Service is his life - his religion, almost. He's one of those ones where it's like, 'they'll have to carry him out'. So the only thing he can't fight is his health, and that's what JF used. It's got 'plot device' written in big red letters all over it, but it was the most logical choice. Add to that the fact that Carson had been such an arse to Barrow through this whole season, and I think they had no choice but to keep things serious during those scenes.
How improbable would it have been for them all to have suddenly clapped him on the back and said how delighted they were? As it was, we had people being unusually nice to Barrow all episode. Because he was leaving? Maybe. Because he'd tried to top himself? Also maybe. OR, it was JF spackling again, even though he must have known the long-term fans would see right through it. That said, I actually didn't read Robert as being too reluctant in the champagne scene - just practical. After all, he clearly doesn't want things to change too much, either: that's been another thread this season. So you've got two 'old goats' who are clinging to the status quo, even as life is wresting it from their grasp, and for better or worse, Barrow provided a convenient solution to that. Better, I would like to think, for Barrow's sake. :)
As for only starting to see him realise about his dreams & hopes - well, that's a fic writer's dream, isn't it? ;)
So that came out quite long, but I JUST finished watching it like 20min ago and I'm having ALL THE THOUGHTS.
Re: And there's thatveljaDecember 26 2015, 13:48:17 UTC
You're absolutely right, it would have been improbable for them to react any different than how they did in that scene. It called for seriousness and resignation (speaking from Robert's and Carson's POV). What jarred me is just that... I don't know, as a die-hard Thomas fan from the first moment it was hard for me not to cheer and clap him on the back so to speak. I was just so happy for him, and relieved that they'd gone that way, that I wanted for them to dwell on that topic for longer.
But of course, as a fic writer, this is a dream come true. Now I can explore and change things... there's already something of an idea forming in my head... like, the other servants' reaction to the news, or Mary's and little George's reaction...
When I saw that happening with Carson, I could see where they were going, even if in typical JF fashion it did feel like he just pulled it out of his... hat... to solve the problem. Which was that Carson is a strong character, and apart from being totally anti-progress, there was nothing wrong with him. He is SO devoted to Downton and the family that it's improbable that even Mrs Hughes' considerable charms (and/or powers of persuasion) would induce him to randomly decide to retire. Service is his life - his religion, almost. He's one of those ones where it's like, 'they'll have to carry him out'. So the only thing he can't fight is his health, and that's what JF used. It's got 'plot device' written in big red letters all over it, but it was the most logical choice. Add to that the fact that Carson had been such an arse to Barrow through this whole season, and I think they had no choice but to keep things serious during those scenes.
How improbable would it have been for them all to have suddenly clapped him on the back and said how delighted they were? As it was, we had people being unusually nice to Barrow all episode. Because he was leaving? Maybe. Because he'd tried to top himself? Also maybe. OR, it was JF spackling again, even though he must have known the long-term fans would see right through it. That said, I actually didn't read Robert as being too reluctant in the champagne scene - just practical. After all, he clearly doesn't want things to change too much, either: that's been another thread this season. So you've got two 'old goats' who are clinging to the status quo, even as life is wresting it from their grasp, and for better or worse, Barrow provided a convenient solution to that. Better, I would like to think, for Barrow's sake. :)
As for only starting to see him realise about his dreams & hopes - well, that's a fic writer's dream, isn't it? ;)
So that came out quite long, but I JUST finished watching it like 20min ago and I'm having ALL THE THOUGHTS.
Reply
What jarred me is just that... I don't know, as a die-hard Thomas fan from the first moment it was hard for me not to cheer and clap him on the back so to speak. I was just so happy for him, and relieved that they'd gone that way, that I wanted for them to dwell on that topic for longer.
But of course, as a fic writer, this is a dream come true. Now I can explore and change things... there's already something of an idea forming in my head... like, the other servants' reaction to the news, or Mary's and little George's reaction...
I'll see what I can come up with :-)
Reply
Leave a comment