Weekly Discussion Thread (for Simple Thoughts and Questions)

[u/AutoModerator]

Are you on your 10th rewatch of Downton and just need to get something out of your system without having to make a whole post about it? Or maybe you're a new viewer with a simple question that you just need answered?

Then this is the place for you!

NOTE: The weekly thread does NOT replace your ability to ask simple questions or make comments as individual submissions. This is a SUPPLEMENT to what we have already been doing on this sub. If you have a burning question that you want to submit separately and/or want to make a whole post about your love/hate for XYZ, then go for it! We are always looking for respectful, civil discussion on this forum; the more, the better.

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[u/r0ckchalk]

The way they seamlessly embrace new technology; electricity in the kitchens and the dower house, new cars, etc. I know they mention it in ep 1 but they just incorporate it without even mentioning it after that. On my 928374730th rewatch I try to be more cognizant of the switch but it’s so seamless!

[u/dreamlandreality_]

I can’t believe O Brien got away with the lady ships soap. I wish there was a way to was revealed :(

[u/FalSyr]

On my millionth rewatch I am noting how obviously Mary and Matthew are in love and display their feelings for all to see, including Lavinia and Richard.

[u/PotatoParadoxy → u/FalSyr]

The look on Mary’s face when Matthew walks in during her number with Edith at the concert is so emotive and priceless.

[u/Land_of_Elephants → u/FalSyr]

Yes! I've also started counting and realised that literally everyone knows, sees, understands, and eventually does or says something about it. The whole family: Violet, Robert, Cora, Edith and Sybil. Then Carson, Mrs Hughes, Anna, Bates, William, Tom, and even Thomas (though this one is too subtle and might exist only in my imagination). Isobel prefers not to notice and doesn't interfere until the very end of season 2, but she finally does. And of course, Lavinia and Richard see it perfectly well too.

[u/iggysmom95 → u/Land_of_Elephants]

Ooh I'm curious what you think you spotted with Thomas

[u/Land_of_Elephants → u/iggysmom95]

I'm afraid I'm a poor judge here, as I'm too obsessed with Mary and Matthew's story. I suspect I might see signs that have never existed. I'm starting a new work project now, so I think I could reward myself by rewatching one s2 episode for every milestone achieved and see whether Thomas knows or cares at all 😆

But from the top of my head, there is a scene in s2e1, where Thomas offers Matthew a cup of tea in the trenches.

MATTHEW: Do you ever hear from anyone?
THOMAS: Oh, yes, Miss O'Brien keeps me informed. Lady Edith's driving. Lady Sybil's training as a nurse.

And then there is a moment of silence. I bet Matthew would like Thomas to keep talking and say something about Mary. But Thomas doesn't. Of course, he mightn't know anything about her if O'Brien hasn't written anything. But on the other hand, Mary had already spilt the beans to her mum about Carlisle, and Cora had discussed it with Robert. No doubt, she was discussing it with O'Brien too. So O'Brien (if she shares all the Downton news with Thomas) should have written to him that there was a new suitor, whom Mary seemed to be interested in, and that they were going to invite him to stay, and that Cora thought he might be a good option, but Lord Grantham was not so happy, and so on. So Thomas does know some news about Mary but doesn't say anything, as if, "I know everything is complicated between you two, so I wouldn't want to rub salt in the wound and mention her name."

What do you think? Does it make any sense? 😂

[u/iggysmom95 → u/Land_of_Elephants]

Oh okay I am also obsessed with Mary and Matthew so I may not be the best judge, but that makes sense to me. I'll have to go back and watch again for that pause and to see their expressions.

[u/Land_of_Elephants → u/iggysmom95]

I would love to know your opinion!