Downton Abbey Episode 2 Review

 

Alas though, while characters were asking these not-so-stupid questions, they were also busy not advancing plots along. This episode felt very ploddy and slow with not a lot going on, a pity after last week’s fantastic debut. Let’s hope this series doesn’t follow the pattern of the last series where the only definitive plotline seemed to be Anna’s rape story.

 

 

Richard E. Grant’s debut as art historian Simon Bricker disappointed me because I was expecting a big entrance from him and Charles Blake (who I might have called by the actor’s name last week, that’s how much of an impression his character has left on me). But there Bricker was suddenly, looking at the painting which so interested him and then flirting with Cora. Effortlessly charming, tediously predictable. I’d hoped for better. As for Blake, his main purpose seems to be telling off Mary for choosing Lord Gillingham over him. Why Mary doesn’t dump them both and wait for someone likable to come along, I will never understand.

 

Another romantic entanglement I’m not enjoying is the story with Isobel and Lord Merton for one reason only. The Dowager Countess seems wasted in this story. I want her at the centre of things, telling Mary exactly what she thinks about her romantic choices (seriously, don’t hold back!) or advising Edith on what to do about Marigold. Luckily from the previews, it looks like she’ll get a story of her own next week when her past is explored. I don’t mind the relationship between Isobel and Lord Merton (who I am starting to warm to) but let them be in the background, enjoying each other’s company.

 

 

Edith continued to lurk around the farmhouse, understandable since her daughter is there. And the farmer’s wife jealousy and suspicions that Edith might fancy her husband is still an interesting dynamic that I hope is explored beyond the sulky stares and sullen attitude we seem to be getting at the moment. But I felt questions should have been raised when Edith told her parents she wanted to be more involved in the child’s life as a sort of godmother. Why this child? Of course we know why but Robert and Cora don’t. Also there was no fallout from the fire beyond ‘stupid girl’ and Mrs. Hughes taking possession of Gregson’s picture. So much for her telling Carson about her suspicions about Edith and the farmer.

 

 

Credit where it’s due, I enjoyed Rose this week, and that’s not something I say often. But she was delightful trying to convince Robert to buy a wireless for the house. She needs a proper storyline. It’s a pity Jack Ross didn’t become a permanent character because their relationship would have made for a great story this series.

 

Before I explore the downstairs storylines, I must moan about Mary’s tryst with Lord Gillingham. Mainly, why??? He’s not charming, he comes off as a jerk. I have a feeling this is not going to end well. Why did Matthew have to die? (Ok, I know why but I don’t have to be happy about it!)

 

Downstairs the servants seem to dwindle. Very realistic for the 1920s. Sad to see Jimmy go for reasons I explained last week. The stories laid out for him weren’t the best but there was still some mileage in the character. Maybe a return is on the cards one day?

 

 

The war memorial storyline provided a bit of interest at least. I loved the idea of a war memorial garden but alas the final decision is to go with a giant stone memorial in the centre of the square which is what every other town and village in Britain was doing around this time, including Selby apparently. How convenient that when Robert was trying to convince Carson of the benefits of this stone memorial, a mother was there telling them about her son paying tribute to his father on the way to school. I get that they needed Carson to agree with Robert in the end (although did they? Wouldn’t it be more interesting for Robert to concede to Carson?) but the whole setup smacked of lazy writing.

 

I continue to enjoy Sarah Bunting, even though she was only in a couple of short scenes this week. She brings a refreshing aspect to the whole show, mainly because she’s the first character who can neither be described as ‘upstairs’ or ‘downstairs’. And Robert’s distaste for her continues to entertain me. Anything that makes Robert, who is becoming more and more dislikeable each week, squirm is a good thing in my book. Telling his wife she’s wrong about something because she’s American! No wonder Cora is flirting with Richard E. Grant!

 

Our final big story this week was the ongoing saga of Baxter/Molesley/Thomas in which Molesley discovers exactly what Baxter did (but not why sadly). Plot hole alert: if Baxter knew that Thomas was going to tell Molesley anyway, why didn’t she get in there first like with Cora last week? Far more interesting to have Thomas tell Molesley and then realise he knows everything. It also seems like Thomas is even more villainous this series, which I would usually complain about, but not this time because I enjoyed his antics this week, albeit in a stern, disapproving way.

 

 

OK I feel I’ve been a little too critical of Downton this time so let’s focus on some more good points. I enjoyed the little touches this week. The conversation between Carson and Mrs. Hughes when he admits he doesn’t like disagreeing with her, or the very interesting conversation between Thomas and Anna where he admits he wants to fit in. Is it too much to hope for a friendship between these two? I also enjoyed the possibility of Branson getting his old political fire back, although I hope he doesn’t leave Downton. It would be fantastic if he somehow ended up as lord of the manor. The Dowager Countess’s face alone would be a joy to behold (Come on, you know she’d still be alive). 

 

However I can’t help admitting that I was a little disappointed this week. As I said, the story movements were too slow. At least next week shows a bit of promise, what with the Dowager Countess’s past being explored and a witness coming forward in Green’s murder debacle. As long as we have no more ploddy episodes, I’ll be happy!