<p>I assume it’s a copy of an Edwardian child’s toy or teething ring. That’s just the kind of thing they would have researched, even if they didn’t do it with the slang terms. ;)</p>
<p>What’s the objection to the scene with Anna and Bates in bed? We see their arms and shoulders, and then they kiss. It’s totally PG-rated.</p>
<p>I wish Lavinia had lived and ended up with Richard. He would realize Mary is too much for him.
I too was turned off by the bed scene, and I thought the kiss of Lord to housemaid was out of character. Much better, plotwise, if she became his confidante. Now I’ll wonder forever if Freddy made a career in math.</p>
<p>So how about the chemistry between head butler and housekeeper?</p>
<p>Ah, Maggie Smith. She sparkles.</p>
<p>Booklady, you have a lot more faith than I do. At this point , I am going on the assumption that everything on the show is wrong. ;)</p>
<p>D was home on Sunday (she has no TV) and during the program, she said:
“Mom, you RUIN everything.” I have been informed that I am not allowed to view Downton Abbey with any other members of the family in the room.</p>
<p>Was that it for this year? Just watched the 2 hours from ITunes… was this the ‘Christmas special’ as it was aired in the UK?</p>
<p>Am I the only one who thought the make-up department went overboard on Matthew’s pallor after Lavinia died? I kept thinking of Leonardo diCaprio at the end of Titanic…</p>
<p>Did anyone find Matthew’s eyes a bit spooky? They are blue, but every once in a while, when the lighting is just so, he could be a vampire in a Stephanie Meyer movie. Creepy.</p>
<p>lol: big baby with a giant wooden binky.</p>
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<p>Yes, I noticed that too. Plus, I read Dan Stevens is a bottle blond.</p>
<p>Re the sucking up discussion above. Posters have called it vulgar/ inappropriate, with someone saying The writer should have been aware how it would sound to the viewers </p>
<p>Hey, remember, the writer is English, writing for English viewers. This is not a vulgar or inappropriate phrase on this side of the Atlantic. It is, however, a childish phrase and Lavinia is a naïf , childish. Nobody watching here would have turned a hair at that line of dialogue. </p>
<p>Maybe there was a point to those Englishto-American translations of the first Harry Potter books…</p>
<p>^^LOL, Samuck. Wasn’t even thinking about possible cross-Atlantic linguistic differences when I commented on “sucking up to”. Thanks for reminding us on this side of the pond that what sounds strange to our ears might not to our British friends!</p>
<p>I just recognized the giant baby’s chew toy–it’s a wooden “mushroom” used as a form for darning socks!</p>
<p>cbreeze - His hair is naturally brown. I am more of fan with the blonde hair because it helps his eyes stick out more. I think it helps compliments Michelle Dockery’s hair color. Both of theme have very light skin tones which makes all of their other features stick out.</p>
<p>Here’s a fun link showing the characters juxtaposed with photos of what the actors/actresses look like when not in costume. Major shocks for me are O’Brien and Thomas, holy cow!!! 
Also, Bates looks considerably more appealing in the year 2012! Love the shot of Carson in spandex as well, haha!</p>
<p>[PAPERMAG</a> - Downton Abbey Stars On-Screen Vs. Off-Screen](<a href=“http://www.papermag.com/2012/02/downton_abbey_stars_out_of_cos.php]PAPERMAG”>http://www.papermag.com/2012/02/downton_abbey_stars_out_of_cos.php)</p>
<p>Fun Photos- O’brien- wow what a difference!</p>
<p>Great photgraphs, thanks for the link. Mrs. Hughes too - would never recognize her on the street.</p>
<p>Love those photos. Thanks, Yalemom15!</p>
<p>I sent my sister records of the death of a British family member in Flanders, Oct 1 1917 and she told me see had just seen a segment on the WW1 on this program and I, who had just seen War Horse without realizing my connection with a first cousin in the royal horse artillery; well, I was moved and await being able to see this program.</p>
<p>OK… am skipping reading all of this thread for right now, but I had to add, I managed to get through season 1 today! Love it. May start season 2 before I go to bed, but on the other hand, if I do, I may never go to bed!</p>
<p>Hilarious recap of last week’s episode:
[Downton</a> Abbey – TV Episode Recaps & News](<a href=“http://www.vulture.com/tv/downton-abbey/]Downton”>Downton Abbey - TV Episode Recaps & News)</p>
<p>and Downton Abbey paper dolls! (also hilarious–don’t miss the accessories)
[Print</a> Out Vulture?s Downton Abbey Paper Dolls – Vulture](<a href=“http://www.vulture.com/2012/02/print-out-vultures-downton-abbey-paper-dolls.html]Print”>Print Out Vulture’s Downton Abbey Paper Dolls)</p>
<p>I loved that recap! Thanks</p>