If you live in America and are like my parents, then you probably didn't see the series three premier of Downton Abbey because it didn't appear on BBC America. The show isn't scheduled to air in the U.S. until much later this year/early next year. But if you have an internet connection, you really have no excuse for missing out on this amazing show.
Second Spoiler Warning--Extreme series spoilers abound in the following review
Wedding fever has officially reached Downton. If you all remember the romantic ambiance from the Christmas special, this episode picks up where that left off, focusing more on the practical details of planning and executing a high-brow wedding worthy of the Granthams. Weddings are a staple of TV series, and I've seen more than I care for, but DA definitely pulled it off. I think it was because most of the time, a TV show will put a wedding in the season finale and have some foolish cliffhanger (see Friends season four), but because this was the first episode of the new series, and keeping in mind that DA is normally a no-nonsense sort of show, I was sure that the episode would end with a happily wedded Matthew and Mary.
With weddings, come the guests, and there was no shortage of appearances in this episode. We got our first glimpse of Cora's mother, played by Shirley MacLaine, and turned out to be an American version of the Dowager Countess. The members of the household began building her up about a quarter way through the episode, and with good reason: as soon as she arrived, she began slaying British culture and being a typical American! Branson and Sybil also come back from Ireland for the wedding, and created some interesting drama in the house upon their return. Of course we all know that Sybil and Branson's marriage was seen as uncouth, but the family seemingly wants to give him a chance. But this chance only revolves around Branson's compliance with complete assimilation into the culture of the high-bred Downton-ites, a condition that he simply cannot undergo. He is too close to his Irish roots to change, a trait that I highly respect. Throughout the episode he becomes upset with his hosts while discussing Irish war for independence, a topic that the family discusses lightly, but Branson, of course, weighs heavily on. This arc comes to a head when Branson is making more of a scene than ever before and appears to be drunk in front of extended company, featuring the family of close friends, one of which used to court Sybil long ago. It turned out that Sybils former love interest had drugged Branson with hopes that he would make a fool of himself in front of polite company. Luckily, this man was found out and humiliatingly scolded by his father in front of the group while Branson was forgiven. And as the Dowager Countess most hilariously puts it: "Forgive, perhaps. Forget, never!"
There's trouble in the workforce as well this week, as a new footman (who looks surprisingly like William) is hired despite the tight budget. Daisy wants a raise, and with encouragement from Thomas (who else), goes on strike as best she can. It's a rather sad attempt at getting Ms. Patmore's attention, and ultimately ends up in the same position as before. Moseley is worried about his lack of job security and makes up for it by working harder, and is rewarded by reassurance from Matthew.
The aforementioned money troubles all stem from a poor investment by the Earl, resulting in a huge sum of money being lost, most of his wife's great fortune. But Robert will never give up on Downton, and he tells his lawyer so despite the obvious problem of running a large estate on fumes.
Mary eventually comes to know of this and is delighted when Matthew tells her that he will very probably inherit the Swire fortune, as he is third in line to receive it after his late fiances father named him heir. But obviously, Matthew feels troubled by this considering the events leading up to Ms. Swire's death. I definitely understand why Matthew would not be so keen on using the ill-got Swire fortune to save Downton, but unfortunately, his new fiance doesn't understand like we do. There is a brief quarrel where Mary behaves exactly as you would expect and Matthew comes and saves the day, showing true initiative as a future husband. It was a delightful scene.
This episode was a good premier, and did great justice to the moment that many viewers have been waiting for. It was extremely well written and the actors were amazing as always.
No comments:
Post a Comment