Season 1, Episode 4

Things are getting wild at the Downton household! There's a new chauffeur, some new romantic interests, and - as always - some new secrets revealed.

In season 1, episode 4, Mrs. Hughes lets us in on her past and how she came to be at Downton Abbey. Daisy struggles to find out who she is and how she fits in, Sybil pushes the envelope (several of them), and Mary decides to do anything but what she is supposed to. This episode is so packed full that I couldn't fit in all of the action in to one podcast episode.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think about Sybil and Mary - and also to discuss some of the plot lines not gone into detail.

One last thing - apologies for inverting the names Violet and Isobel. For some reason, every time I refer to Isobel Crawley, I call her Violet.

Let me know what you'd like to hear next - another character study?

Season 1, Episode 3

Season 1 Episode 3 is such a fun episode because, although the inheritance storyline moves forward very little, there are SO many subplots that we hardly even notice! Edith is into Matthew, but he seems to enjoy looking at churches more than being in her company. Gwen is (gasp!) taking a correspondence course to become a secretary. I can't imagine why she would want to leave service...

But - if you remember anything at all about episode 3, it's that Mary puts herself in a compromising situation with one Mr. Pamuk. An attractive, persistent, confident and frisky Turkish gentlemen who visits Downton Abbey with Mary's pen pal, Evelyn Napier. It's a racy and scandalous episode, and although Mr. Pamuk succeeds in his conquest, it had nothing to do with his being smooth. As a matter of fact, his advances are quite awkward and uncomfortable.

I name a few awkward moments of Pamuk's in the podcast. If you can think of any others, leave me a comment!

Downton Parody

If you haven't already seen these videos, they're hilarious!

Parody

Cora: a Study

In this episode of the DA Reflection, we analyze Cora - the lady of Downton Abbey.

We discuss how Cora's American heritage plays into her behavior and attempt to identify her motives. I think it's Cora's soft voice that fools me into thinking she is a soft character. She is actually quite strong, opinionated, determined, and at times devious.

Though she married Robert for a title, and he married her for money, they have developed a charming relationship. They guard each other from what they know about their girls, as well as other matters.

It's hard to tell whose interest Cora has in mind a lot of the time. To that end, I'm looking forward to season 3 when we get to meet her mother! I can only imagine that Cora's back story will unfold like we never imagined when we see her interacting with another American, especially one so close.

Season 1, Episode 2

On this episode, we discuss main plot, subplot lines, and the witty banter that weaves its way throughout episode 2 of season 1 of Downton Abbey. We learn plenty about the members of the Downton household and hear a good deal of one liners and zingers as well.

Matthew is prideful and doesn't want to be changed. His cousins think he is unfit to inherit. Mary thinks he's full of himself. Edith doesn't mind him. Carson is outed as a former performer. Does Gwen have an admirer? Who is Mary's suitor?

Come for the Andromeda metaphor; stay for the Dowager Countess' facial expression at the end of the show.

Let me know what you'd like to discuss next on the podcast, rate us on itunes, like us on facebook, and follow us on twitter.

This could be amazing

It is also sure to be depressing.

Would you watch Downton Abbey at sea?

Season 1, Episode 1

While waiting for Season 3 to get here, here is a recap of season 1, episode 1.

We get introduced to all of the characters here: Robert, Cora, Mary, Edith, Sybil, Bates, Anna, Thomas, O'Brien, Carson, etc. And we learn quite a bit about them.

We learn that Robert is kind and is led by his conscience.
Cora is strong-willed.
Mary is conceited and cold.
Edith is jealous and cruel to Mary.
Sybil is kind and optimistic.
Thomas and O'Brien are cold, Anna is nice, Bates is disadvantaged, and Carson is proud.

All this and more just in the first episode.

Also, if you had a hard time figuring out the heir/entails situation, or just need a reminder, this podcast episode explains it.

If you're just beginning your journey with Downton Abbey, let me know what you think so far. I'd love to address the predictions and first impressions of someone who is fresh to the show.

Thanks for listening!