It also lent itself to some excellent advice for our life lessons:
1. Once someone feels involved in your drama, they will continue to give you advice long after you’re done taking it.
Poor Edith. Rosamund, Violet, and Mr. Drewe have all been wonderful to her at times as she’s been trying to figure out what to do with Marigold. But none of them are being very helpful to her now. And they all think they’re telling her the best thing to do while she’s ready to strangle all of them.
2. If you’re not interested in someone, shut down the flirtation before someone gets hurt.
While this would usually be advice that someone should hit Mary over the head with, in this season, it’s been Cora. But wasn’t it fun to watch Robert punch someone? The whole storyline was worth it just for that moment.
3. It pays to take care of your close friends’ egos.
Mrs. Patmore went to the wrong person for advice about what to do with investing her money. She was wise enough to realize it, and then wiser still to conspire with Mrs. Hughes to make sure that Carson’s ego stayed in tact. I’m not always one for ego stroking, but in this case, I think it was brilliant. Carson might be a little too proud and stuck in his ways, but he’s a kind man. Do you agree?
4. If you don’t like your significant other’s family, it’s time to end the relationship.
Good-bye Sarah Bunting! (And good riddance, in my opinion!) Between Tom’s conversations with Robert–and with her–did anyone else wish more politically minded people could learn to appreciate everyone’s opinion the way he has learned to? I have loved watching that.
5. Interfering in other people’s romantic relations rarely works–unless you’re more ingenious than most.
Lady Violet does NOT want Isobel to become Lady Merton and usurp her in social position. But as Dr. Clarkson tells her in no uncertain terms, it looks like there’s nothing she can do about it.
In contrast, Charles Blake is trying his hand at fixing everyone’s romantic entanglements, and might just manage to be more successful about it. From what I can tell, though, I’m not sure he seems to be trying to win the battle over Mary. He just seems to be trying to help his friends work out their issues. What do you think?
So tell me, what did you think of this episode? Did you like it as much as I did? Are there any relationships you’re glad to see ending? Any you hope will continue/rekindle? Let’s discuss!
All images are screencaps from the episode and property of ITV/PBS.
