Downton Abbey Discussion continued...

[ErikNorseman]

Here!

they felt no empathy whatsoever for poorer people.

There were philanthropists though Jenna some real Christians helped out the poor not enough of them of course.

Isobel is one of those good women who's offering practical help - though priggish.

I'm not sure she would have favoured Ethel keeping Charlie though. There wasn't really much hope for either of them if the child stayed and I think Isobel would have truly thought that Charlie was better off with his grandparents - particularly since his grandmother seems good too.

btw did anyone else notice that Isobel had a tan in Sunday's episode? Lord 6 has one too.

I think it's just the actresses playing the daughters who are kept in darkened rooms for authenticity purposes.

I read that a main character will die this series, maybe Pickle?

I've always hoped that Carson and Mrs Hughes will end up together. Hope they don't leave it too late! (Thinking of Remains of the Day..)

I think Sybil goes into labour this week :)

yes limited but at least Isobel calls a spade a spade. There used to be soo much that wasn't talked about (it was still similar in the 50s) I was so ashamed to discover my parents weren't married and we're talking 1968!!

I think Sybil goes into labour this week

I love a good bad childbirth scene.

Branson and Lord 6 will argue about Branson's unpronounceable choice of name over Lady Sybil's dying body.

Lord 6 will then do as he did when faced with an uncomfortable conversation with Matthew over the mismanagement of the estate and call the ladies back in.

I like Isobel-she has some common sense at least.

Not "oh fuck how will we cram into that tiny little house & only 8 servants!!"

ppeatfruit My brother and SIL had to get married in 1970. My mum still hasn't recovered from the shame. btw They are still together and happy which seems a bloody miracle.

Sybil will be the one to croak it I bet.

PLease not Edith.

Won't be Edith. You can tell that JF has already given up on Sybil. She doesn't really do or say anything of interest.

He has signed her death warrant with a chewed Bic biro a Mont Blanc pen.

yeah, my aunt and uncle the same (apparently) and all the brothers and sisters colluded wth not telling parents til after the wedding as it would have ruined the day for them. Hearing his in different times obviously I said, what, even though they were getting married .

That's very true squoosh Jessica Brown-Whatsit probably knew the writing was on the wall when she received her script and thought they'd delivered a takeaway leaflet by mistake.

There will be a touching child birth scene, Pickles, Sybil and Picalilli will make a wholesome image of a blessed family trinity, bathed in glorious golden light.

'I've never been happier, I love you so much Pickles and little Picalilli. . . . . oh but I do feel a little unwell, . . . . . '

Cue moving deathbed scene.

Ha Julian Gough indeed - different writer altogether - must do better!

I do watch it but it's too researchy and cardboard for me. The characters don't live enough and it's all about witty lines for Maggie Smith. I loved the old Upstairs Downstairs...I got really involved watching those again. Yes, it used history but it all grew from wonderful characters: the impish Sarah, constipated Rose and the fantastic Mr Hudson. Sigh. Bring back the old days of the old days, I say. None of this modern rubbish about the old days.

I'm certain that Edith and Matthew will soon be doing all the shagging. Tumultuously. And she will get upduffed and Mary will not.

Yes, Sybil dies giving birth to little Saoirse or Padraig

Pickle goes on the run (takes baby?)

I have high hopes for Edith this series. She'll move to London, wear trousers, take a lover, etc, etc.

She will be shagging Matthew before October's out. Mark my words.

Didn't Edith fancy Matthew in S1?
Vague recollection of her showing him round local churches?

Maybe Edith will take a lady lover. That would shake it up a bit. They could wear nice trouser suits and smoke cigarettes.

Vague recollection of her showing him round local churches?

Please God let Edith have improved her seduction technique

It'll be MAtthew. Mark my words. And we will have another inheritance crisis lined up for umpty thrumpty years down the line (because after she gets upduffed that other guy, the real heir, the one who was burned in the War, will come back and marry her). JF is nothing if no formulaic and Downton is basically Dallas with posh frocks. Which is great, I'm not knocking it, I love it.

I would be so pleased if Matthew shuffled off stage left never to return. Mary would flourish as a merry widow.