Downton Abbey - update required

[StagnantRabbit]

Any big Downton fans out there who can tell me what happened in the very last episode of series 2 and also the Xmas special? Tryin to get ready for the new series on Sunday but is there anything else I missed? (apart from Lady Mary and Matthew getting together that is)

I found the hiring of servants quite realistic - basically they're living on another century. They've no idea what a state they are in. The only bit that irritates me is that they haven't sold the Lobdon house because all the Aristos on financial trouble between the wars did that.

True-I guess that´s why they pay accountants!

Yes, you would think that they would sell the London house-maybe they do?

I think it´s hard to feel sorry for people that own two large houses-London & Downton-plus Grantham house & the Dower House (probably big enough for a family!)

And yet the main concern is passing everything on intact so as not to lose face.

I think the sense of duty and responsibility in terms of the estate (not just the house) providing jobs etc is probably reasonably accurate. Up until the wars, there was much more of a feudal system whereby the aristos had both the benefit and the burden of their position, and the good ones did care about and for their tenants and the estate's dependents.

Ok by the 20th century things were definitely in the progress of change, but the wars etc accelerated that change a huge amount, but the old school Lord G would, I think, have a real sense of responsibility.

Oh yes I get the sense of duty & responsibility to staff.

But tinged with a big sense of entitlement!

Oh yes, let not the natural order be upset!

Oh yes, let not the natural order be upset!

Ha, a new footman. See - the big financial crisis will be as fleeting as Thomas's conscience spasm in Series 2.

I don't think it's that it's fleeting but ptobably like nowadays when people claim they are 'broke' and what they mean is they will only be able to go on one holiday not three etc.

Just watched the latest - and I see Strallen DOES like Edith in that way and things are moving fast. She said something about she can sort it in a month and he said no need - he'd return tonight!

Where is everyone? Am I the only person still watching?

That was the feeblest plot ever. Oh yes, Lavinia's father wrote a letter before he died, based on a letter that Lavinia wrote before she died and got posted without anyone knowing about it at the time, and instead of blasting Matthew for sneaking around with Mary behind Lavinia's back, he blessed him and gave him permission to spend the money however he liked! Yeah, right./

Poor Edith :(

I didn't see that coming.

The bounder!

Just saw that bit.

How absolutely fucking ridiculous.

I would have thought it would make him less likely to take the money.

Still wonder how it´s enough to save Downton.

So the place is being held up by American & MC wealth now??!!

Oh poor Edith.
What a bastard!

This is the best (most ridiculous) Downton for ages.

I loved Strallen until then.

I desperately wanted either Matthew, Tom or Lord G to follow him outside and lamp him tbh!

mrs hughes will die

too many happy endings so far

Autumn romance, Hughes and CArson?

ok take that back