Downton Abbey

<p>Rose is absolutely beautiful. I enjoy looking at her.</p>

<p>I actually felt sorry for Edith when she found out the editor was married. That woman can not catch a break when it comes to me.</p>

<p>Thomas told Bates what to whisper.</p>

<p>I actually enjoyed this episode, but I do agree that the story moves way too quickly. I would love to see them take it more in depth.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I agree! Well, maybe since the whole thing was so “Jane Eyre,” maybe Roche- I mean - the editor’s wife will manage to set fire to the asylum and herself, thereby freeing him to marry Edith!</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>We did. In the 4th episode Mary mentions that she has gone to visit a doctor about “hay fever”. Hence our speculation that it might have been for contraceptive purposes; we now know the real reason.</p>

<p>I think the episodes that seem disjointed are feeling that way due to the editing. Last week’s episode had a very different feel to it and I think it was a favorite because of it. The amount of filming that goes on with one of these shows is far more than we ever see. The limitations placed due to the number of episodes and to the number of different story lines that must be addressed in order to maintain the plot arcs clearl necessitate the amount of film that is clearly being left on the proverbial floor.</p>

<p>Yes, next week is the finale.</p>

<p>Is next week the so-called Christmas episode?</p>

<p>According to the hufftoningpost- yes!
[Michael</a> Hogan: ‘Downton Abbey’ Recap, Season 3, Episode, 6: ‘A Miasma Of Scandal’](<a href=“'Downton Abbey' Recap, Season 3, Episode, 6: 'A Miasma Of Scandal' | HuffPost Entertainment”>'Downton Abbey' Recap, Season 3, Episode, 6: 'A Miasma Of Scandal' | HuffPost Entertainment)</p>

<p>I think they do call it the Christmas episode because in England it airs on Christmas (or near it) but the setting for this finale is not Christmas as it was last season.</p>

<p>I agree that the editing that we see in the US is jarring at times. From what I understand, though, the episodes seen in the UK (or on DVD) are longer and presumably the cuts make more sense. They have to make time for us to know that Laura Linney introduces the show and to see all about those European River cruises…</p>

<p>re: the editing–</p>

<p>I wonder – why is PBS showing us an edited version in the first place? People here love the show and would obviously be thrilled if there were and extra episode or two. Do they only have a set number of weeks set aside for a program’s season, or is it a ploy to get us to buy their “uncut” version DVDs?</p>

<p>“and to see all about those European River cruises…”</p>

<p>I want to take one of those cruises now so it’s working. ;)</p>

<p>The editing that I was speaking of, was the editing that takes place in any tv show or film, before it makes it to the screen. I did not mean editing for a U.S.audience, which I’ve read isn’t actually true. A reporter a couple of years ago wrote a column saying that the original season would be trimmed by two hours in the U.S and the producers responded by saying that that was absolutely untrue. The difference in time was due to a lack of advertising in the U.S.</p>

<p>^No, I think the editing is happening. A friend of mine who is a DA addict bought the first two seasons on DVD from the UK…and then found out she had to buy a special DVD player to watch them. She said there was definitely more content on the UK versions.</p>

<p>No ‘facebook’ episode yet?? …darn.</p>

<p>I guess I’m in the minority…I loved last night’s episode. Those throw away lines by virtually everyone in the cast had me in stitches.</p>

<p>I too would like to go on one of those river cruises now; on the other hand, if I never see anything with Ralph Lauren’s name on it again, I will die happy.</p>

<p>Thoughts–I think the reaction to Thomas truly was anachronistic. Even though the Earl makes the comment about Eton, I first of alll think he wouldn’t, (we don’t acknowledge those things) and also believe that would just play into the idea that this was a sick choice, not “who Thomas was.” And that everyone knows and is dealing with it is highly unlikely. (just ask Oscar Wilde.)</p>

<p>Edit (posted too soon by accident). I have a hard time whom we’re suposed to hate more–thomas or Miss OBrien. For a while, she was sympathetic, now, weirdly we’re feeling sorry for Thomas.</p>

<p>(I love the Predator vs Alien comment JHS made earlier upthread!)</p>

<p>I have wondered where their earlier alliance came from–whether Thomas was her brother, or maybe an illegitimate son from when she was very young.</p>

<p>clearly that’s not the case, since her recent antipathy for him stems from his rivalry with her nephew Alfred.</p>

<p>Woody–The dowager had me literally laugh out loud while sitting in front of my laptop, though of course I can’t remember the lines now.</p>

<p>[TCA:</a> ‘Masterpiece’ Producer Addresses “Americanization” Of ‘Downton Abbey’ - Deadline.com](<a href=“http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/tca-masterpiece-producer-addresses-americanization-of-downton-abbey/]TCA:”>TCA: 'Masterpiece' Producer Addresses “Americanization” Of 'Downton Abbey' – Deadline)</p>

<p>Sally, there’s an article that addresses the issue I read about a while ago.</p>

<p>Interesting. It’s still shorter here, though! :(</p>

<p>I enjoyed last night’s episode, especially the interaction between the Dowager Countess and Isabel. I thought the development with Branson staying on to manage the estate was predictable and leads to all kinds of possible story lines. I like that there’s a possibility of a new interesting beau for Edith but this girl can’t catch a break-- a wife in the asylum. It’s Downton Abbey, not Jane Eyre. Mary had made reference before to seeing the doctor… so now we know that Matthew and Mary are both on the same page and expect to see the new baby before too long. The Thomas/Jimmy/Alfred/Carson/Bates/O’Brian scenario was well-played although I think in real-life in the 1920’s, the Thomas character would not have likely been promoted to the Under-Butler… but then again, he is a good cricket player and all that. I do agree, everyone looked great in their cricket whites and I liked the last scene of Robert/Matthew and Tom all happy together.</p>