“Mr. Fellowes, we told everyone in the telegram scene that [EVIL] Mrs. Bates has died. There’s no need to show her corpse–”
“It is my gift to Mandy.”
Thank you, Julian. My only question is if Matthew’s and William’s injuries induced the heebie jeebies, how come EVIL Mrs. Bates’ death didn’t spark a little spring in one’s step? I guess I demand too much…
Poor Bates. He returned from London with a cut on his forehead after a bad off-camera meeting. Methinks that little factoid will come back to haunt him. Probably right as the vicar says to Bates and Anna, “I now pronounce you man and–” “STOP! Arrest that man!” And then Bates will tell Anna to forget him.
Oh yes, the Forget Me speech. Bates hasn’t told it for a while but Matthew said it to at least three people this episode. Even Lord Grantham! The dog may be next, “You want to be able to play fetch with someone who can walk! Forget me!” This may change because after LG’s End Of War speech, Matthew lets out a dignified, “Oh God. I felt…something.” Perhaps he’s getting his feeling back in his…extremities? Personally, I think it had to do with Bates wheeling him around. That’s the Power of Bates.
Elsewhere, Mary and Game Of Thrones Dude are looking at buying the house next door. And when I say “house next door”, I mean big estate adjacent to Downton Abbey that is at least a half hour walk. GoT guy has been noticing the special attention that Mary has been bestowing upon Matthew. He, with Cora’s knowledge, even brings Lavinia back into the fold. LG was not very happy with Cora, who was only thinking of Mary’s child-bearing chances. LG was angry: he’s a Matthew and Mary Shipper.
LG is also quite suspicious of the burned officer that requested to recover at Downton Abbey. He claims to be Patrick Crawley, the heir that drowned on the Titanic. Edith believes him and stands firmly on his side, even though as he says, “I sound Canadian now.” He apparently was rescued from the water and ended up in Canada with amnesia. How convenient says the rest of the family. Matthew, of course, is like good! He can go back to being the heir because he can walk! Forget me!
Meanwhile, Isobel wants to keep Downton Abbey open as a recovery home even when the war ends. Cora wants to go back to it being her house. So the Dowager Countess awesomely plants the idea of helping refugees as being more important than running DA. And the “without irony” scene between Cora and Violet in the car after Isobel chooses the refugees is pure joy.
I do have to take this moment to sadly say that Maggie Smith did not have my favorite line this episode. That honor goes to Elizabeth McGovern with her “I’m an American. I don’t share your English hatred of comfort.” line.
What else did I learn from Part Five? It’s still up in the air whether or not Burned Patrick is Titanic Patrick. Ethel’s baby daddy, the Major, is dead. I’m getting flirty vibes directed at LG from the new maid, Jane. Watch it, war widow. Carson is wooed away to work for Mary and GoT guy after they get married. Speaking of which, GoT guy is crazy, controlling guy. How about that lovely threat scene with Mary? “Don’t ever cross me.” <kiss> “Not ever.” Yeesh. EVIL Mrs. Bates is dead but she is succeeded by CREEPY Sir Richard.
