Christening Lavenders & Cricket Whites: Downton S3 E5&6

Last nights Downton was a "Double Sunday Special". Two hours of Crawley. I'm just going to summarize this episode via witty Julian Fellows dialogue.



Hour 1: Christening Lavender

"Welcome BACK Mr. Bates"- Mr Carson

Bates is back. Released at dawn. No. More. Prison. Scenes.

"You've surrounded this house with a miasma of scandal and touched all of us by association."
- Dowager Countess

The Dowager may have stayed at Isobel's luncheon after Robert's outburst, but she is not supportive of Ethel staying in the village.

"These days a working woman must have her skill."- Ethel "But you seem to have so many"
-Dowager Countess

Dowager starts her snark early in the two hours.

"Why do you always feel the need to be so unpleasant James?" -Mr Carson

My exact thoughts Mr. Carson. So unpleasant that Jimmy.

"He's a bit of a rough diamond" -Branson "I'm very fond of diamonds."- Lady Mary

Tom's drunken Irish brother comes to visit. He's got an awkard mole, which is all I could focus on the whole time. And I'm pretty sure he's not a rough diamond that Lady Mary would ever become fond of. I like the bonding of Tom&Mary.

Mr. Stick-it-up-your-jumper"- Anna

I don't know what that means, but I thought it was funny. I want to use it in everyday life.

"I do believe a woman's place is eventually in the home but I see no harm in her having some fun before she gets there."-Dowager Countess

The Dowager Countess supporting Edith's determination to get out of the house and do something. Even if it is writing a newspaper column.

"Now, Now children if Branson is watering down his revolutionary fervor, let us give thanks!"
-Dowager Countess

Tom's quite adapting to life at Downton. Toning down that revolutionary spirit. 

"My mother-in-law has been kind enough to invite you to stay and dine and I'll not let you snub her." -Branson

I loved this line. Tom truly respects and honors Lady Grantham. He will have no one snubbing her.  He seems to have grown very close to Lady G & Mary in recent eps. I enjoy that Motherly/Brotherly bond they all have going. Mr. Carson approves too. 

"You'll make me untidy." -Lady Mary

Oh, Mary & Matthew. This season y'all have been quite saucy with your talk. It kind of weirds me out, but I also enjoy it. I think you are more interesting when you bicker Series 1 style. 

"I wouldn't know what to do. All that hand crossing and bobbing up and down. I went to a Mass once in Rome and it was more like a gymnastics display."-Lord Grantham

Oh...Robert. You got Catholic jokes. But no one at the table is laughing. Suck it up & get to the christening of your granddaughter. 

"Since we have a country solicitor and a car mechanic it was only a matter of time." -Dowager Countess

Dowager responding to Edith's announcement that they now officially have a journalist in the family.

"We can always rely on your Aunt to take the ungenerous view."-Mr Carson

Mr. Carson knows O'Brien so well.

"You can not want your only granddaughter to grow up in a garage with that drunken gorilla."
-Dowager Countess

The Dowager knew Tom's brother, what 3 hrs, and has him nicely pegged.

"That is an easy caveat to accept because I am never wrong"-Dowager Countess

Why I love the Dowager.

"I do not wish to take a tour of your revolting world."-Mr Carson

Mr. Carson wants to hear nothing of Thomas's seedy mind.

"What's the matter Robert, are you afraid you'll be converted when you're not looking?"- Cora

Whoa...Cora's got Catholic jokes too. Except everyone's laughing at hers. 

Hour 2: Cricket Whites

"If I were you I would be Captain of the village....They always win!"- Cora

Cora ends hour 1 and begins hour 2 taking little jabs at Robert. I enjoy it. She always takes him down a notch.

"I must go, O'Brien will scold me."- Cora

Did anyone else hear this? It was kind of in the background as Mary & Matthew started to chat. I thought it was hilarious. Everyone wants to know why O'Brien still has a job...I think Lady G is just scared of her. 

"I think he would like to walk normally, Sir. Even if playing cricket was the price he had to pay."

- cheeky Anna

"My husband was a great traveler so I've spent many happy evenings without understanding a word. The thing is to keep smiling and never look as if you disapprove."- Dowager Countess

Dowager tips on dining with Internationals.

"I doubt he works harder than a slave."-Isobel "Cousin Isobel is VERY literal."-Dowager Countess

I know so many annoying people like Isobel. Every time she talks I see their face. They are all so obsessed with helping others. I mean I think it's great, but come on learn to not be so SERIOUS. 

"I can not believe we are having this conversation." -Mr Carson

Butler/Housekeeper late night chats. Yes, I can't believe you are having this conversation either. I feel like Mrs. Hughes is like Elizabeth Taylor or Lady Gaga. Super friend & advocate of the queens.

"That is not the right road to travel if we want to remain in her Ladyships good graces."-Lord Grantham

"Good family gossip will be my payment in kind."- Lady Rosamond

I just want more Lady Ros on the show. I feel like scenes with Violet, Robert & Rosamond would be gold.

"This is like the outer circle from Dante's Inferno." -Matthew

This whole episode is worth watching just to watch Edith, Matthew & Rosamond go into a 1920s jazz club.

"Married men who wish to seduce young women always have horrid wives."-Matthew

Wise Man Matthew.

"yes, but it was an hour EVERYDAY."- Dowager Countess

Ahhh..Mother Violet. Again we need more Robert, Rosamond, Dowager material. 

“If I'd cried blue murder every time someone tried to kiss me at Eton, I'd have gone hoarse in a month.”
- Lord Grantham

I love how Robert is so blase about the whole situation. One situation where aristocracy isn't as worked up as the downstairs staff.  

"Her Ladyships Soap"

 I love when something that happened in Season 1 and never spoken of again becomes a huge reveal. Not one person watching didn't know what that meant. 

"If I were to say I would stay with you while Sybbie's little and not move out until she's older, would you mind?" -Branson

Umm No Tom. Cora would love nothing more. Unnecessary question.

"Lets give it a go and see what the future brings"- Lord Grantham

Downton has entered the modern age. Tom, Matthew & Robert all together on one page.