Downton Abbey Christmas special/finale

KnockKnock · February 2012

I scrolled the first page and didn't see at post for the Christmas special/ finale. If this has already been discussed, sorry.

Wow! That was a great episode! I thought it was funny how lady Rosamund and her maid sort of looked a like.

Well Mary and Matthew are engaged finally. I wonder if she's still going to go to NY waiting for Richard release the her story?

Anna's reaction when Bates was found guilty made me cry. Bates face wasso hopeless.

I'm so happy Daisy has family with Williams father now. And Obrien is actually nice now. I couldn't believe Thomas when he took lord Robert's dog and locked her in the shed. Now he's going to be dressing lord robert.

I've read that Cora's family is coming from America to Downton. The American's are coming!

GatorMrs_Esq · February 2012

Does anyone think there was more to Mrs. Bates' death than a suicide? When it was announced that she was dead, MH and I immediately suspected O'Brien/Thomas. (We thought it was likely that O'Brien would want to "quiet" Mrs. Bates to protect Lady Grantham.)

Overall, I thought it was a great episode. I did feel a little cheated that we didn't get to see any of Sybil/Branson's wedding. Hopefully they'll make up for it with Mary's and Matthew's, though. Smile

Newbies4Life · February 2012

My favorite part was when Richard said he wouldn't be back and Maggie Smith's reaction was "Do you promise?" Lol

KnockKnock · February 2012

GatorMrs_Esq:
I did feel a little cheated that we didn't get to see any of Sybil/Branson's wedding.

When Cora found out that Sybil is pregnant I was wondering if she has a boy would he become the new heir?

blueandgold749 · February 2012

GatorMrs_Esq:
Does anyone think there was more to Mrs. Bates' death than a suicide? When it was announced that she was dead, MH and I immediately suspected O'Brien/Thomas. (We thought it was likely that O'Brien would want to "quiet" Mrs. Bates to protect Lady Grantham.)

YES!

I also thought it was a fantastic episode. I thought having Anna decide to go to America with Mary was a great fake-out to keep you guessing whether or not Bates would actually be hanged. And Maggie was killing it with the one-liners the whole time. I can't wait to see how things get shaken up with another Granny in the mix next season!

sinatragal · February 2012

*spoilers if you haven't watched the Christmas/season 2 finale *

I was surprised Lady Sybil wasn't in this episode at all. I was LOVING their Christmas tree, I was awestruck just like Daisy was looking at it. And it was the best when Maggie Smith(Lady Violet? ...I always forget her name...) gave Richard the "Do you promise?" I had to rewind that part a few times! lol.

I do think there's something suspicious about Mrs. Bates' death for sure!

And of course I was f.r.e.a.k.i.n.g. out that the sweet dog was going to be dead in the shed....thankfully that turned out ok or it would have left me with a bad taste in my mouth for the Downton!!!

pugznploons · February 2012

the trial seemed very strange to me

-how did the prosecutor know all the details of the conversations that O'Brien and Mrs Hughes overheard?? Same with Lord Grantham, the lawyer clearly knew what answer he would get to his questions, it made no sense to me unless Bates told them all of that in an interrogation or something like that.

I definitely think there is more to the story than a straight up suicide, although Vera was truly evil and I can see her wanting to frame Bates, but taking her own life seems extreme as she was such a selfish person, always looking out for #1. I just can't fully trust Bates in this unfortunately although I don't think he murdered her.

Maggie Smith stole the show the entire 2 hours, love that dame to death! I missed having Sybil around, she is so pretty and such a breath of fresh air. I hope she will be more present in season 3.

Was so mad at Thomas for hiding the dog, I love that cute pup! Glad she was okay Isis is the best.

hannikan · February 2012

KnockKnock:
GatorMrs_Esq:
I did feel a little cheated that we didn't get to see any of Sybil/Branson's wedding.
When Cora found out that Sybil is pregnant I was wondering if she has a boy would he become the new heir?

Their child would not be the heir. Matthew is the heir and his child (if he has a boy) will be his heir, regardless whom he marries. Everything passes through the male, remember. It wouldn't have been possible for Sybil to travel that far during her pregnancy.

pugznploons:
the trial seemed very strange to me
-how did the prosecutor know all the details of the conversations that O'Brien and Mrs Hughes overheard?? Same with Lord Grantham, the lawyer clearly knew what answer he would get to his questions, it made no sense to me unless Bates told them all of that in an interrogation or something like that.
I definitely think there is more to the story than a straight up suicide, although Vera was truly evil and I can see her wanting to frame Bates, but taking her own life seems extreme as she was such a selfish person, always looking out for #1. I just can't fully trust Bates in this unfortunately although I don't think he murdered her.

O'Brien corresponded with Vera through letters, which the police presumably found in her house in the investigation into her death. Bates did tell the police about the conversation with Robert because he was trying to claim that he followed Robert's advice to not lose his temper. So they knew everything that was said from Bates. I don't know how Mrs. Hughes' overhearing Vera and Bates was known by the police. All I can think is that Mrs Hughes let it slip out herself that she overheard when she was questioned by the police. I assume all the staff was questioned either before or after Bates' arrest. It would have been good to see a little of them questioned.

I loved the Christmas Special and am looking forward to S3 in the 1920's. It will be very interesting to see what happens with Mary and Matthew with the scandal. I think Mary and Matthew may go to NY together as a long honeymoon. Although Shirley MacLaine will be playing Cora's mother in S3 and it seems like she'll be going to England. So we may see that wedding. I also look forward to seeing Sybil and Branson in Ireland during the Irish revolution for independence. That will be dramatic!

gwynnetx · February 2012

i've tried, but i just plain don't care for mary. i think she's boring and not very likable. even after watching all of seasons one and two, i like lavinia so much more. oh well.

steve&heather · February 2012

Newbies4Life:
My favorite part was when Richard said he wouldn't be back and Maggie Smith's reaction was "Do you promise?" Lol

Mine too! And her response when Matthew apologized for breaking the vase, brilliant.

blueandgold749 · February 2012

steve&heather:
Newbies4Life:
My favorite part was when Richard said he wouldn't be back and Maggie Smith's reaction was "Do you promise?" Lol

Mine too! And her response when Matthew apologized for breaking the vase, brilliant.

This was the best line of the whole series.

KnockKnock · February 2012

gwynnetx:
i've tried, but i just plain don't care for mary. i think she's boring and not very likable. even after watching all of seasons one and two, i like lavinia so much more. oh well.

When Matthew proposed I was like " alright, fine" . Matthew and Lavinia were a better fit to me too. Hopefully they start writing her character to be favorable more often.

WA1215 · February 2012

Loved it! Although it would have been nice to have seen more of Christmas celebrations.

I still dont like Mary. You either like someone or you dont...and you dont like someone just because someone else has him. Im afraid that shes going to change her mind yet again.

Anyone know when seaon 3 starts...Im assuming not til next year?

wldktz10 · February 2012

GatorMrs_Esq:
Does anyone think there was more to Mrs. Bates' death than a suicide? When it was announced that she was dead, MH and I immediately suspected O'Brien/Thomas. (We thought it was likely that O'Brien would want to "quiet" Mrs. Bates to protect Lady Grantham.)

I never thought that, but that is an awesome idea! Although in all honesty, O'Brien, as much as she is a witch, has redeeming qualities and I'm not sure if I'd be ok with her going to jail. Thomas on the other hand...UGH.

I also agree about not being able to see Sybil's wedding and that she's basically not on the show anymore. I really liked their dynamic and it was interesting to have a bridge between the upstairs and downstairs. Oh well. At least we'll get every juicy bit of drama ever with M&M together now.

kbird · February 2012

Speaking of funny lines - how about when Lord G told Matthew he should dance with Obrien at the Servant's Ball - "Crikey"

Did anyone catch the "Making of Downton" special that came on immediately after. It was so fun to see the cast interviewed. The Matthew actor is delightful - he seems really funny. If you saw it, did you catch the very actress who spoke at the very end. She had long hair, and I didn't recognize her - accept her voice sounded like Mrs. Hughes. I'm wondering if it was her.

Love all thing DA right now. I hated for it to end.

blueandgold749 · February 2012

kbird:
Speaking of funny lines - how about when Lord G told Matthew he should dance with Obrien at the Servant's Ball - "Crikey"
Did anyone catch the "Making of Downton" special that came on immediately after. It was so fun to see the cast interviewed. The Matthew actor is delightful - he seems really funny. If you saw it, did you catch the very actress who spoke at the very end. She had long hair, and I didn't recognize her - accept her voice sounded like Mrs. Hughes. I'm wondering if it was her.
Love all thing DA right now. I hated for it to end.

There is a 1 hour special coming on March 13 @ 8 pm EST which I am assuming is more of what that short spot was about. I've got it set on my calendar so I can remember to set the DVR when it rolls around.

I also really want the full color book about DA.

hannikan · February 2012

wldktz10:
I also agree about not being able to see Sybil's wedding and that she's basically not on the show anymore. I really liked their dynamic and it was interesting to have a bridge between the upstairs and downstairs. Oh well. At least we'll get every juicy bit of drama ever with M&M together now.

Hi, L! Sybil and Branson are definitely not off the show. They were only not in the CS because she was pregnant and in those days it wouldn't have been possible to travel all the way from Ireland in her state. They are definitely in S3. We will see them both in Ireland and at Downton. Allen Leach, who plays Branson, has said that there is plenty of tension when they go back to Downton. And as I said, they have gone to Ireland right during the Irish revolution for independence. There is tons to work with there. They are filming S3 right now and they have both been in the filming. There is a new footman (who is O'Brien's nephew!) to replace William and Ethel will be back, too. JF is half way through writing S3. The Behind the Drama was cut in half for PBS over what aired in the UK. So hopefully they will show the whole thing in March.

wldktz10 · February 2012

hannikan:
wldktz10:
I also agree about not being able to see Sybil's wedding and that she's basically not on the show anymore. I really liked their dynamic and it was interesting to have a bridge between the upstairs and downstairs. Oh well. At least we'll get every juicy bit of drama ever with M&M together now.
Hi, L! Sybil and Branson are definitely not off the show. They were only not in the CS because she was pregnant and in those days it wouldn't have been possible to travel all the way from Ireland in her state. They are definitely in S3. We will see them both in Ireland and at Downton. Allen Leach, who plays Branson, has said that there is plenty of tension when they go back to Downton. And as I said, they have gone to Ireland right during the Irish revolution for independence. There is tons to work with there. They are filming S3 right now and they have both been in the filming. There is a new footman (who is O'Brien's nephew!) to replace William and Ethel will be back, too. JF is half way through writing S3. The Behind the Drama was cut in half for PBS over what aired in the UK. So hopefully they will show the whole thing in March.

Good to know! I haven't been keeping up on spoilers or anything (although normally I love them).

hannikan · February 2012

wldktz10:
hannikan:
wldktz10:
I also agree about not being able to see Sybil's wedding and that she's basically not on the show anymore. I really liked their dynamic and it was interesting to have a bridge between the upstairs and downstairs. Oh well. At least we'll get every juicy bit of drama ever with M&M together now.
Hi, L! Sybil and Branson are definitely not off the show. They were only not in the CS because she was pregnant and in those days it wouldn't have been possible to travel all the way from Ireland in her state. They are definitely in S3. We will see them both in Ireland and at Downton. Allen Leach, who plays Branson, has said that there is plenty of tension when they go back to Downton. And as I said, they have gone to Ireland right during the Irish revolution for independence. There is tons to work with there. They are filming S3 right now and they have both been in the filming. There is a new footman (who is O'Brien's nephew!) to replace William and Ethel will be back, too. JF is half way through writing S3. The Behind the Drama was cut in half for PBS over what aired in the UK. So hopefully they will show the whole thing in March.
Good to know! I haven't been keeping up on spoilers or anything (although normally I love them).

I don't really know any spoilers. They're still in the very early stages of filming S3. I do know Sybil will still be PG at the beginning of S3.

sinatragal · February 2012

CRIKEY!!!!

DH and I have been saying that ever since the finale!!!!

hannikan · February 2012

LOL, that Crikey was funny! I love saying that. I loved Matthew and Mrs. Patmore dancing! Too cute. And when he says sorry about the vase I giggle, too. If anyone is interested in a photo from S3 filming... any thoughts on who the young woman is? Her name is Ivy but I haven't found anything about her relationship to anyone. She could be an American relation or family friend. Or she could be Martha's (Cora's mother) lady's maid.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/4155977/MLady-Maclaine-is-driven-into-Downton.html

Also I don't know if everyone here is aware but there have been several live chats with the actors and the writer of World of Downton Abbey. They are all available to read here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/season2_chat.html

I was excited to learn that there will be another World of Downton Abbey book about the 1920's. I assume it may cover a S4, too. It's looking very likely that there will be a S4. S3 won't really be the 1920's we think of with flappers and all. It will only go from 1920-21. Skirts won't be short yet then. They will still be ankle length.

FMIL&MOB · February 2012

Happy with the Daisy story line with William's father and the kitchen work.

My theory on Mrs Bates murder is either the man she had the affair killed her. He either wanted her to divorce Mr Bates and get a hold of her money and when she wouldn't he did it in a fit of anger. If he was married then it could be his wife killed her.

hannikan · February 2012

Ooh, that's a possibility, FMIL&MOB. I hadn't thought of that. I'd heard the O'Brien idea. I doubt that honestly. Anyway, I found out that Ivy (the young woman in the car with Shirley MacLaine's character) is the new kitchen maid. So Daisy did get promoted it seems! She must be an assistant cook/sous chef now.

Downton Abbey Christmas special/finale

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