Let’s get to it:
1. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice your own happiness for someone else’s. But sometimes, being self-sacrificing is just plain stupid.
Did everyone see Bates’ confession coming? The only surprise there (for me) was that he went on the run. I expected his martyrdom to lead him straight to the gallows and was so relieved that it did not.
What are your thoughts on Violet’s self-sacrifice? I applauded her for finding the princess, and leaving the Keuragins to figure out their unhappy marriage for themselves. I am not a fan of adultery. But I loved that she reveled in her last immoral proposition from a man!
Isobel, however, is just being plain stupid. The Merton boys are horrible, selfish people. She shouldn’t sacrifice her own happiness—or Lord Merton’s—over them. I hope she wakes up and realizes she’s being foolish next season.
2. When a woman is used to men chasing her, sometime it pays to be the man that runs away.
It looks like Mary might have a new love interest next season. Not only is he yummy, he seems like he might even be a good match for her. Did you see how cool he was towards her when he jumped into his car? Someone who doesn’t fawn all over Mary might be just what she needs!
3. Having a good friend might just save your life.
When I saw Molesley with Bates’s picture and realized what he was going to do, I literally went “Aww!” He and Baxter made a fantastic team.
And I thought how wonderful it was that after Molesley once wanted to court Anna, he stayed such good friends with her. We need more Molesleys in the world.
4. Wait long enough, and your best friend might just realize he’s in love with you.
It happened for me!
And it was perfect to watch between Mrs, Hughes and Carson. I loved that she was so shocked, she didn’t know how to respond, and ended up calling him a booby!
5. The best way to end a season is with marriage proposals and kissing.
Did anyone else see the glaring similarities between this Christmas special and the second season’s? We had a Bates in jail in both. There was a long-awaited proposal in both. Both were just about perfect Downton episodes.*
So what were your thoughts on the last episode of Downton Abbey season 5? What are you most looking forward to seeing next year?
*Except for, you know, the fact that Tom (and Sybbie) and Rose (and the Sinderbys, by extension) are both leaving the show. Wah! Ph, and Bates going to jail in the second season finale. But other than that, perfection.
All images are screencaps from the episode and property of ITV/PBS.
