<p>Glad to hear the finale is good, samuck. Because so far I’ve been disappointed by series 2.</p>
<p>I think Matthew has been back just twice–first on a normal brief leave, and then on the extended tour as the general’s adjutant. I do wish the show would make the timeline clearer, though–I’m never sure whether days, weeks or months have passed between scenes (actually, since I’ve read that upper class ladies of that era changed their outfits multiple times a day, I’m never even sure whether mere hours have passed between scenes). For example, how long has Bates been gone from the estate before he appears at the pub?</p>
<p>I do agree that the soapsuds are really bubbling in the second season–Vera handily found out about Pamuk so Anna and Bates had to separate; then she handily was unfaithful so that Bates could reappear. But the photography is gorgeous and the acting quite lovely, so I’m willing to forgive a lot of plot shenanigans, especially when I remember that there was never even supposed to be a second season. Fellowes had to find a way to craft a compelling continuation of a story he had brought to a perfectly satisfying conclusion.</p>
<p>I would categorize season 2 as a roller coaster ride. It has some ups and downs and for me the finale is not that great. I am much more of a fan of the Christmas Special as an ending for the season. </p>
<p>MommaJ - The timeline is extremely confusing sometimes. They do try to use significant historical moments to relay time period but they aren’t extremely prevent. It is like how Mad Men uses time too. They might take note of certain events but the focus is on the advertising.</p>
<p>Would the people on this thread who have already seen season 2 PLEASE stop talking about, or even hinting about, what is going to happen? Spoilers, even vague or implied ones, are just that - information that spoils it for others. Thank you.</p>
<p>^ yes I agree…please no spoilers. And I have not seen it so my posts are pure speculation. I am also finding it annoying however that Anna did not have time to move forward with her life after a supposed permanently broken heart, before Bates is seen skulking around and asking her to wait just a little longer. It doesn’t even make sense!</p>
<p>Still loving the series though. All the little catfights about who will run the hospital are funny.</p>
<p>^ and ^^. I 3rd that!</p>
<p>^ and ^^ and ^^^! I’ve been carefully staying away from anywhere that might have spoilers. Please don’t introduce any here. </p>
<p>I love Anna and Bates, but her “I’ll never love anyone else, ever ever” stance is what I’d expect of someone younger. Bates is a cutie, but after a few months you’d think she’d be off cavorting with the second gardener. Except I guess the second gardener would not have been around, having died at Ypres or Verdun.</p>
<p>What I don’t get is that Edith criticized Mary for being a “slut,” and then she kisses the farmer who seems to be a married man. It just doesn’t compute for me. Her disgust at Mary’s conduct seemed to be genuine; how on earth does it square with kissing a married man? There isn’t any event which explains her transformation.</p>
<p>Drake, the farmer, is the same guy who almost died of dropsy last season. He had a wife then-- remember her, crying at his bedside?-- and he still has a wife.</p>
<p>@cardinal - wow that went right past me, I did not realize Drake was that patient. No sign of their kids around the farm either - kind of strange.</p>
<p>@jonri - I put all of that down to Edith’s bitterness that all of the male attention (actually all of the attention) goes to Mary and Sybil. Middle child syndrome as someone mentioned. It would never occur to Sybil to be unkind, but Mary is far more brittle or at least she was. She’s grown a lot, she raised her glass to Edith at dinner and is genuinely kind to the woman who is set to marry the man she loves.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>But she loves him deeply. A few months is nothing if that’s the case. And it doesn’t seem in her character to go off cavorting.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Not much transformation is required. Both the literary world and the real world are full of people who express sincere disapproval over the sins of others but later still manage to fall into misbehavior themselves, especially where passion/sex are involved.</p>
<p>^ Thus Edith is a hypocrite, which is fitting to her character. Although I agree she is less objectionable than she used to be, after being run off the farm.</p>
<p>Don’t know if this has been shared already - from Lady Violet:</p>
<p>[‘Downton</a> Abbey’: Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess’ notable quotables - Zap2it](<a href=“http://www.zap2it.com/news/pictures/zap-downton-abbey-violet-the-dowager-countess-notable-quotables-pics,0,772224.photogallery?index=1]'Downton”>http://www.zap2it.com/news/pictures/zap-downton-abbey-violet-the-dowager-countess-notable-quotables-pics,0,772224.photogallery?index=1)</p>
<p>They only go through Season 2, episode 3, so there should not be any spoilers if you are watching in the US on PBS.</p>
<p>I loved her comment about ‘find an Italian count in these circumstances’ (or some such thing).</p>
<p>Sybil is wise for a girl her age. My favorite quote of hers ‘No one hits a bullseye the first time.’</p>
<p>I’m at home for the next 5 weeks recovering from major surgery so decided to watch Downton Abbey on Netflix to kill time. Just finished Season 1 - so far so good. I’m confused though about Season 2 - on the PBS website it only shows two Season 2 episodes so far. But on other websites it shows lots of Season 2 episodes. I understand they may broadcasting them earlier in the UK but is it really that much ahead of the US? How many Season 2 episodes have been broadcasted in the US?</p>
<p>Season 2 has complete finished airing in the UK. It finished on Christmas Day with a 2 hour special on ITV1. PBS has picked up the show and is airing them now with the second episode just airing on Sunday. If you wanted to watch the rest of Season 2 - go ahead. There are tons of links on the Internet (though it technically illegal to do so. Don’t worry you won’t get caught). </p>
<p>Episode of 3 of Season 2 should air this upcoming Sunday. </p>
<p>Ironically Craig Ferguson has Lynette Rice on his show (a TV critic for Entertainment Weekly) and they talked about Downton’s popularity in the States. Craig being Scottish in all spoiled a major plot point since he’s seen all the episodes. Oh the gasps from Rice and the audience.</p>
<p>I’m home sick today and watched all 4 episodes of North and South, on Netfix, as recommended by fellow Downton Abbey fans. Just started The Buccaneers. I love sick days!</p>
<p>Thanks mdemvizi!</p>
<p>So am I the only one wondering if Thomas didn’t poison Pumak? Pumak could have ‘outed’ Thomas, so he would have had a motive. It just seems so unlikely that a such a young man would die of a sudden heart attack while having ‘fun’ (of course, I’m sure it’s not unheard of but still…)</p>
<p>^^^ saw that segment with Craig Ferguson, and didn’t know if I should believe what he said. BUMMER !!!
FOR ALL YOU Downton Abbey fans, stay away from the Criag Ferguson information on the web, or you will have major spoiler!</p>