On this week’s Downton Abbey, Lord Robert has been summoned to America by Lady Cora’s brother. It seems that they’ve gotten into some hot water with the oil rig business and need the appearance of dignity provided by their relative, the Earl of Something-Or-Other. And where Lord Robert goes, so goes his Valet, Mr. Bates. But it’s a very delicate time for Bates and Anna, and at the urging of Mrs. Hughes via Lady Mary, Robert decides to leave Bates behind and take Jonathan as his replacement. Whew! And, oh boy. This should get interesting. Continue reading →

Anna shocks the Downton staff with her bruised and battered face, and is anyone else wondering why no one even entertains the idea that Bates might be smacking her around, having been accused of murdering his ex-wife and all? Oh, how soon they forget. Anyway, Mary’s handsome and unavailable suitor, Mr. Gillingham, whose valet happens to be Anna’s rapist, is back. Mary turns down his offer to meet again, but Mr. Gillingham is not one to take no for an answer so I’m guessing this is not the last we will see of him at Downton. Continue reading →

Oh a pahty? How very delightful. But what is the occasion? Wait, let me guess. It’s a party to pimp out The Widow Mary to every eligible bachelor who didn’t get kablammoed in the war. In any event, it’s a fancy party with lots of important people who are keeping the maids and butlers on their toes. And there is a new handsome man in the servant’s quarters, a one Mr. Gillingham. He is there to tend to a Very Famous Singer who will be entertaining guests at Downton that evening. Continue reading →