Downton Abbey: Season 6/ Episode 2 – Overview/ Recap (with Spoilers)

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Overview

Perhaps one of the major topics of the episode deals with the evolving options a woman has within 1925, and how the world takes those options. For whether it is Edith possibly living alone, like Aunt Rosalind; Mary becoming the agent of the estate; Anna perhaps having an option which may help her carry a pregnancy to term; or even Ms. Hughes standing up against the establishment, and Mr. Carson, many of the women take on roles which are far from demure and they each get a different reaction in turn.

Characters & Story (with Commentary)

Topic 1: Issues with Those Upstairs and Their Representative – Daisy, Mr. Carson, Mr. Barrow, Ms. Hughes, and Mary

To start from the lightest topic to the heavier ones, let’s begin with Thomas. Now, being that the topic of downsizing is in the air, naturally Thomas is the most worried. After all, he has really no friends, besides Ms. Baxter, and Mr. Carson, almost at every opportunity, tries to make Mr. Barrow feel unwelcomed. To the point Thomas looks into another position, but being that position wants him to do loads more work, and isn’t a move up either, he seemingly isn’t much for it. Though, all things considered, his would be employer calling him “delicate” surely doesn’t make it seem he would have been given an offer anyway [1].

He isn’t alone though with having an issue with those of a higher power. Daisy too is having an issue with those with authority, but it isn’t Mr. Carson. More so it is the new owners of Mr. Mason’s tenant and, to a small degree, Lady Crawley. For while Daisy fully recognizes it is her fault things are the way there are, there also comes the question of why can’t those upstairs help? To the point she asks Ms. Baxter to help and even faces Lady Crawley herself. Someone who does want to seem approachable, but certainly does not seem to want to get involved with affairs beyond her own. Though, with her mentioning there might be some hope, in terms of Mr. Mason at least having an option and not being homeless, Daisy seems placated for now.

Though one person who seemingly won’t be placated is Mary for, as usual, it is either her way or hell to pay. Especially in the case of where Mr. Carson and Ms. Hughes are to be married. For while Lord Grantham is talking about the servant’s hall, and Ms. Hughes talking about the school, Mary wants it upstairs and for it to be a grand occasion. Something Mr. Carson is for, but being that this is Ms. Hughes wedding, and she figures she has 30 years of doing things Mr. Carson’s way, she isn’t having it. However, being that Mary is like Dowager Violet, it seems she thinks she’ll get her way no matter what [2].

Topic 2: The Hospital Battle Continues – Cora, Mrs. Crawley, and Dowager Violet

As with the last episode, we watch as lines are drawn and Ms. Crawley faces off with Dowager Violet. A battle which seemingly may have intensified for Cora has joined the ranks against her mother in law. Something which upsets the Dowager, but being that she is stubborn and refuses to back down, she poses no worry. She, in her mind, has the facts and cannot be swayed that keeping the hospital autonomous isn’t a good idea. That is even with the advances in technology the hospital doesn’t have which, as Lord Merton notes, are necessary. After all, while the aristocracy can go to London for procedures, those of the village can’t afford such a luxury.

Topic 3: Women With Broken Hearts – 

Leading us to transition to the topic of Anna. Now, as has become almost custom, we find Anna crying her heart out over what life has done for her but, for once, it seems there maybe a solution which doesn’t require her just getting stronger. For Mary, showing her taking initiative isn’t always about herself, wishes to help Anna when it comes to the topic of her maternity. How may she help though? Well, to further prove the issues of the hospital being ill-equipped, Mary is going to take Anna to a doctor, she herself used, who may help her keep a baby to term. Something which isn’t 100% guaranteed, but any smidge of hope that can be offered, oh Anna will take it.

However, while Anna is given the possibility of hope, unfortunately the Drew family, and especially Ms. Drew, lose a lot of theirs. Reason being? Well, Marigold. For with Ms. Drew still not over their separation, and Marigold, thanks to Mary, coming into contact with Ms. Drew, so comes many issues. One of which includes kidnapping and, despite Lord Grantham originally just wanting to work with Mr. Drew since he is a good tenant, it seems that may no longer be an option. Leading to the idea, would perhaps Mr. Mason take over the farm? For while this isn’t what Lady Grantham was referring to, it now presents itself as an option.

Collected Quote(s)

Beware of being ‘too good at it.’ That’s the danger of living alone, it can be very hard to give up.

—           “Season 6/ Episode 2.” Downton Abbey

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Beware of being ‘too good at it.’ That’s the danger of living alone, it can be very hard to give up.

— “Season 6/ Episode 2.” Downton Abbey

Things To Note

Rose might be pregnant and supposedly may visit in August, lending the thought that before the series ends, she may make one last appearance.

[1] That isn’t Thomas’ only problem for his crush on Andy is becoming more and more apparent to everyone, but especially Ms. Patmore who warns him. Not to be judgmental mind you, but more so because as much as times are changing, they aren’t necessarily for people like Thomas.

[2]: I’m under the impression that because Mr. Carson has played such a fatherly, or uncle-like, role in Mary’s life, she just wants him to have the best. After all, Mr. Carson is very much a proud man so it isn’t like they could really offer him anything else as lavish and he would willingly accept. So the use of their house, the one he basically maintains, seems like the least Mary figures they can do.