I also really enjoyed this episode, except for the stupid Mr. Green plot. Not only has it dragged on too long, but there are clearly inconsistencies in what “evidence” is enough to jail someone. I loved how Rose carried herself like a mature lady of the house in her management of the evil butler, and I adored the interactions between Violet and Isobel.
Hysterical how Sprat talks with so little mouth movement–perfectly communicates his silly uptightness. I suppose there was a lot of Christmas goodwill flowing, but I thought the staff were too willing to be helpful to Denker with the broth given her past behavior, and Carson has gone soft to re-hire the young footman.
The story Violet finally shared about the Prince and Princess was fascinating. Violet told Isobel that she would have lost everything if she had eloped with the Prince, so she is genuinely grateful to the Princess for saving her. OTOH, the Princess is probably still jealous of Violet and furious with the Prince that he was willing to throw everything away for Violet. Now, even 50 years later, the Princess still resents Violet. Violet feels like she’s “saved” the Princess and so has repaid her, whereas the Princess still feels like Violet has the upper hand.
I loved this episode. I was behind thanks to the superbowl, the grammies, the oscars… So was staying away so as not to be spoiled. I’m finally caught up and so sad that we have to wait until next January. I’m also tired of the Green saga - let’s move on! Love Violet and Isobel - I’d like Isobel to marry the doctor. I really like how Rose is maturing so nicely. sigh 10 more months…
Maybe Violet will eat a bowl of the broth and keel over. Because If I were Maggie Smith, I would do anything to get out of that story line.
I was amused by the blatant rip-off from Upstairs Downstairs vis-a-vis the butler marrying a staff member and starting a boarding house. But I think Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Bridges are probably much happier than Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes will be. Hudson must be much better fed, and Mrs. Bridges probably doesn’t think of her husband as a booby. Or feel the need to be eternally grateful for being rescued from future poverty.
The costumes were stunning. Talking of costumes, I didn’t know how anyone could have identified Anna in the line up considering all the women practically had their hats pulled down over their faces. “Yes, that’s the nose and chin I saw.”
I agree that the turnaround with Lord Sinderby becoming all nice was a bit pat. The Greene story, with Bates showing up on Xmas Eve also seemed a bit trite. Is anyone else bothered by the Xmas goodwill when it seems so out of season for us? It’s a bit jarring to me.
Isobel would do well with either the Doctor or Lord Merton. Merton was pretty passionate in their last encounter and I doubt he will be giving up anytime soon. He should scorch some earth with those sons of his and also make it clear to Isobel that there’s a rift between him and his sons whether she is in the picture or not.
Rose and Tom seem to have outside careers that are taking off (Rose - Cinderella, Tom - decent-sized role in The Imitation Game). I suspect they want to be free to pursue other things. I will miss them! And I will miss DA for the long hiatus until January!!!
I have come to absolutely adore Rose, and when she first showed up I couldn’t stand her. Remember how she would sneak down to London? And how she wanted to marry the black jazz singer? She has matured very well. I loved how she took charge with the Lord Sinderby/Diana Clark situation.
I agree - Rose has matured into a sweetheart. I loved LG’s comments to L Sinderby: She’ll love you forever if you let her. That’s just how she is. Awwww…
Great epi - except for the stupid Mr. Greene storyline. Why would they let Anna out on bail just because her husband confessed in a letter - especially when the eye witness said it was a women? Hoping Fellows puts the whole Mr Greene thing in the bin - otherwise I fear Anna on trial all next season.
The clothing and sets were ultra spectacular in this beautiful final episode. It was just a visual feast! I too would love to see some good story lines with Rose and Atticus and the Sinderbys…but if Rose doesn’t come back next season, I don’t see how they can develop those story lines.
I hesitate to mention this, but does little Marigold seem like she might have Downs? Maybe it’s just my imagination, but something about her eyes and her hands suggests Downs to me. She’s an adorable little moppet (or two moppets, as apparently she’s played by twins).
She just doesn’t look very animated to me - kind of slack jawed and just sits there. I was feeling like they could have found a child (or twins) with a bit more stage presence.
As did I. I just watched for second time, and this time paid more attention to costumes. Enjoying that the romances are falling within the older generation. Rose and the others seem to be maturing well.
I don’t think she has Down’s syndrome, just a narrow face and big eyes. I wonder if they drug the kids though. It sounds awful but maybe they slip them a little Benadryl so they can wait around longer. She was so strangely non-interactive.
The other kids seem lively enough. I thought the two little boys who play George were twins. Nope-- they’re two triplets. The third triplet, little Megan, wasn’t eligible
