Downton Abbey: Episode 2

I knew about this episode before it aired here, but thought it happened later in the season, as a kind of cliff hanger.  It drew a lot of fire from British viewers for a scene in which Anna (Joanne Frogatt) was raped.  The audience hears it happen, doesn't see it; but that's what triggers the imagination, and that's what could trigger memories in the viewers.

A jump of a month between episodes to a house party at Downton. Legendary opera singer Dame Nellie Melba (Kiri Te Kanawa) performed for the entire staff, and party-goers. Edith brought Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards) determined to make friends between him and her father, and succeeded only after Gregson won back what Robert lost playing cards.  Mary meanwhile rekindled a friendship with Anthony Gillingham, who continued encouraging her to take control of her life again.



Dame Maggie Smith, and Kiri Te Kanawa

Tom became a fish out of water this episode, and began questioning his place in the family.  It was Brathwwaite to the rescue, as confidant, and provider of whiskey.  He also became the Dowager's foil as she corrected him on his behavior.  He commented that it was illogical, and she answered: "If I were looking for logic, I wouldn't  look for it in the British upper class."  This was the best line of the episode. 

Below stairs was dominated by the "Anna" story.  The physical contact between her and "Green" a servant for Lord Gillingham made it obvious something was going to happen.  Balancing it was the humour brought by Jimmy as he tried to open a jar, ending up wounding his hand.  It was the butler/deliveryman Molesley to the rescue, serving as a replacement footman for the evening.  Mrs. Pattmore (Lesley Nicol) had a panic attack forcing a re-alignment of the kitchen with Alfred doing some of the cooking.

I've read the Anna rape story will be one of the dominating story lines for the rest of the season.  It'll be interesting to see how they handle it; if rape was done it was forgotten about even amongst the servants.  Eventually the truth will come out, I think Mrs. Hughes is wily enough to keep the dress Anna took off.

Please seek help if you were affected in any way by this week's episode.  SAVIS of Halton (Sexual Assault Violence and Intervention Services) has a 24 hour help line: 905-875-1555.

Downton Musings:

-Is it just me or does Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards) look alarmingly like Sir Anthony Strallan (Robert Bathurst)?

-Braithwaite is up to something, and I think it'll snare more than just Branson

-Robert constantly wanting to control the estate is starting to get to me.  Doesn't he remember the feeling of nearly losing everything?

-The rape storyline will cancel out any relationship Mary could have with Lord Gillingham.  Anna is Mary's lady's maid.

See you next week!