‘Downton Abbey’ season 3, episode 7 review: Edith, Thomas make their moves
The concept of evolution is a fascinating one, and it is something that we saw quite a bit about during Sunday night’s new episode of “Downton Abbey.” Of course, we are not talking about evolution in the same way that Charles Darwin did so many years ago; instead, we are dealing with something that has very much to do with the man that Robert Grantham is, and the way in which the world is changing around him.
Despite his objections, there were a few things that happened this week to surely change the tide of what we traditionally see at the residence: Edith took a new job as a columnist despite the wishes of Robert, and we also saw a christening for baby Sybil the same way that Tom Branson wanted it to happen last week. Matthew was also looking to take matters concerning Downton into his own hands, which was a major change versus the way in which it was being run strictly with Robert at the help. (Does any one else find it shocking that Matthew and Mary talking children so soon after what happened when it came to Sybil?)
We also met Tom’s brother just before the christening, who turned out to be a rather interesting character in his own right mostly because he really didn’t want anything to do with the upstairs crew at all. As a matter of fact, he was really the show’s version of an Occupy Wall Street personality.
Of course, the biggest surprise of the night came via Jimmy finally showing that he and Thomas are into each other via a secret kiss late at night … one that Alfred just so happened to see. Jimmy, being someone who apparently is still not comfortable having his sexuality apparent to the world, chose to act out over this rather than just accept the person that he is. The biggest debate was just wondering whether or not Alfred would decide to rat him out, and he did. What was actually the sweetest moment in all this was that Thomas actually stood up for Jimmy during his conversation with Carson, and ensured that he would be spared of any punishment.
As for the last story of the night, it was really just all about trying to allow Ethel to get a new start somewhere new. It was a chance that the character could have been written out of the show, but they opted not to do it … and the possible “Scarlet Letter” comparison may be there.
Overall, what did you think about this episode?
Carla
November 3, 2012 @ 4:02 pm
Sybil is dead! you must be talking about Edith
Leonard Bass
October 30, 2012 @ 1:47 pm
@DApper . . . Let’s hope Lady Sybil doesn’t have all the problems you envision, since she died two episodes ago!
DApper
October 29, 2012 @ 2:19 pm
I do fear that Lady Sybil is in for a rough go once again as she tries out her newfound independence and career in the big city. That visiting relative girl seems to have a bit of the spring break co-ed in her and might lead our Sybil into an embarrassing situation (one that might lead to her wanting –or Papa forcing her– to quit that new job?) Will Sybil be photographed with the ‘girls’ out to get beads at whatever the 1920 British equivalent of mardi gras is?? :)
Snowvixen
October 29, 2012 @ 6:56 am
I agree Dapper – Jimmy isn’t ‘into’ Thomas, even subconsciously (yet, at least). O’Brien told Thomas she would get him back and she is setting him up, telling him that Jimmy talks about him all the time to Alfred. That’s why we were shown Jimmy complaining to O’Brien – we know she knows he is not interested ,so everything she says to Thomas we know is a lie. She can get Jimmy and Thomas into trouble and clear the way for Alfred. I hope they don’t go down the oh so predictable route nowdays of making Jimmy a closet homosexual. It’s much more interesting if he isn’t.
DApper
October 28, 2012 @ 7:33 pm
DId I miss something? I did not think Jimmy was ‘into’ Thomas at all. Wasn’t he asleep? The nicest parallels tonight were the changes that had to come to Carson and Robert as they continue to deal with their changing worlds and the people that inhabit them. Compromises abound for both and it was nice to see them both show a bit of humanity and willingness to at least consider change. (Though why is Matthew shouting at Robert yet again next week? The guy gave in on Tom helping out on the estate, attended the christening and seems to be trying now.)