Spoilers (up to and including 1st movie - no 2nd movie spoilers)

t3_1gp8jjx

Anyone else think that the scene where Anna is raped to the backdrop of the opera singer is one of the most brilliant scenes in television, yet also incredibly angry at the world and the creators of the show for making this scene?


<div class="md"><p>Anyone else think that the scene where Anna is raped to the backdrop of the opera singer is one of the most brilliant scenes in television, yet also incredibly angry at the world and the creators of the show for making this scene?</p>
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Opera singer and Anna rape scene 

Downton Actors Outside the World of Downton

t3_1gp72ky

I'm up to S2 of The Crown but already I've seen (or I know will be in future seasons):

Matthew Goode (Henry Talbot) - Photographer who marries Princess Margaret
Henry Hadden-Patton (Bertie Pelham)  - Junior Private Secretary to HM QE2
Imelda Staunton (Lady Maud Bagshaw) - HM QE2 in seasons 5/6

The Venn diagram of these two shows is rapidly overlapping. I will say that watching DA first prepared me for a lot of the dialogue and custons this series displays. 


<div class="md"><p>I&#39;m up to S2 of The Crown but already I&#39;ve seen (or I know will be in future seasons):</p>

<p>Matthew Goode (Henry Talbot) - Photographer who marries Princess Margaret
Henry Hadden-Patton (Bertie Pelham)  - Junior Private Secretary to HM QE2
Imelda Staunton (Lady Maud Bagshaw) - HM QE2 in seasons 5/6</p>

<p>The Venn diagram of these two shows is rapidly overlapping. I will say that watching DA first prepared me for a lot of the dialogue and custons this series displays. </p>
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The Crown Has Plenty of DA Actors. It's Such a a Treat 

General Discussion (May Contain Spoilers Throughout Franchise)

t3_1gp5as0

I’m on my 6th rewatch probably and finally figure out what kept bothering me about Cora. It’s her posture! I don’t know why but it feels like she’s always tilting her head. There are better examples than this photo but now I can’t stop noticing how her neck appears to he stuck in this position!?

<div class="md"><p>I’m on my 6th rewatch probably and finally figure out what kept bothering me about Cora. It’s her posture! I don’t know why but it feels like she’s always tilting her head. There are better examples than this photo but now I can’t stop noticing how her neck appears to he stuck in this position!?</p>
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Cora’s posture

t3_1gp57ha

Today we shall remember those who served the county of Yorkshire and the estate of Downton Abbey William Mason and one chap  who wasn’t from Yorkshire but his memory is fond of many who live there, Archie Philpotts. 

We must not forget.

<div class="md"><p>Today we shall remember those who served the county of Yorkshire and the estate of Downton Abbey William Mason and one chap  who wasn’t from Yorkshire but his memory is fond of many who live there, Archie Philpotts. </p>

<p>We must not forget.</p>
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Remembrance Day 

t3_1gozime

I always feel sorry for Edith in this scene. I can't imagine how horrible it is for Edith to hear her own mother say that Mary has more going to for her than Edith, not even bothering to speak up when Mary says Edith has nothing going for her.

t3_1goy3og

I haven’t watched this show in a few years and I needed something to watch in my off days, so I’m going to binge it.

I’ll also be keeping a detailed account of every time Mary and Edith are mean to each other, from the smallest remarks to the biggest blow up arguments. I’ll be comparing and contrasting them to see who is the worst instigator—I have a feeling they’ll be pretty equal.

If anyone is interested, I can update it after each season, or I can just wait until the end of the series and present my notes for everything all at once. For now I’m just doing the original series, not the movies.

<div class="md"><p>I haven’t watched this show in a few years and I needed something to watch in my off days, so I’m going to binge it.</p>

<p>I’ll also be keeping a detailed account of every time Mary and Edith are mean to each other, from the smallest remarks to the biggest blow up arguments. I’ll be comparing and contrasting them to see who is the worst instigator—I have a feeling they’ll be pretty equal.</p>

<p>If anyone is interested, I can update it after each season, or I can just wait until the end of the series and present my notes for everything all at once. For now I’m just doing the original series, not the movies.</p>
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I’m bored so I’m starting a project

t3_1goueh2

I'm on my second rewatch and I just realised... Shouldn't this say The Honourable Larry Grey?

t3_1gosctb

i’m watching the last episode of the series and throughout my watch (it’s like my fourth or fifth rewatch) i get more and more enchanted by edith’s fashion. the actress is MADE for the 20s style. her facial features match the hairstyle and the clothes so, so well. i always thought mary looked like she belonged in the edwardian style clothing in the beginning while edith didn’t, but edith in the 20s dresses… the greens, especially. my god. chefs kiss. and i’m not even kidding when i say edith’s wedding dress (her real one, not the jilted at the altar one) is legit the most gorgeous wedding dress i’ve seen. 

there isn’t much point of this post other than me just wanting to talk about how beautiful edith is and how fit laura carmichael is for the 20s fashion 😭

<div class="md"><p>i’m watching the last episode of the series and throughout my watch (it’s like my fourth or fifth rewatch) i get more and more enchanted by edith’s fashion. the actress is MADE for the 20s style. her facial features match the hairstyle and the clothes so, so well. i always thought mary looked like she belonged in the edwardian style clothing in the beginning while edith didn’t, but edith in the 20s dresses… the greens, especially. my god. chefs kiss. and i’m not even kidding when i say edith’s wedding dress (her real one, not the jilted at the altar one) is legit the most gorgeous wedding dress i’ve seen. </p>

<p>there isn’t much point of this post other than me just wanting to talk about how beautiful edith is and how fit laura carmichael is for the 20s fashion 😭</p>
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edith’s fashion

t3_1gombvo

Can we just talk about this for a moment? 😂❤️🙏

t3_1gojq33

First of all, I love them both as characters. Sybil was extremely refreshing in the early seasons, and Branson became a very good friend/family member after Sybil died.

But I remember when I was watching the first season and a half maybe, something like that, Branson was insanely insistent with Sybil. When someone (who watched the whole series) told me that he became sort of bearable later in the series, I found that hard to believe - but he did, he even became one of my favourite characters.

I don't think he bullied her, as I've read elsewhere, but he was extremely insistent. Of course he loved her, but I also think he was thrilled at the idea of showing an upper-class woman what the world was like and breaking the norm. He was also very bossy, almost behaving like she owed him something (like when he said « don't disappoint me »). He also reduced her job as « bringing drinks to randy officers »... If he said that to, let's say Mary, Isobel or even Edith in the latest seasons, they would've given him a soufflet (I don't know the word in English sorry).

And while I think Sybil loved him - which is pretty clear - I think in the beginning she also wanted to shock and break the rules. The way she escaped the house with Tom is quite telling imo. In that sense, she reminded me of Jack Ross and Rose. They both loved each other, but Rose also wanted to shock her mother. She was thrilled, young and excited by the idea of something new and unconventional. She was too nice to argue with him like those I mentioned above - which I find strange as she usually sticks to her guns when talking to her father and grandmother.

And as a married couple it's not even like it's getting better. Sure, they look happy, and they probably love each other very very much (I'm not denying it at all ! I think you can see it when Sybil is sick, for example), but the dynamic is just sooo strange, especially the way they got together. Mary & Matthew, Cora & Robert or even Anna & Bates (YES, EVEN THEM) looked more natural in my humble opinion.

When Tom started to change in the third season, I think he would've made a much better husband, ironically... the loss of Sybil calmed him a little, but also changed him for the better on some points.

<div class="md"><p>First of all, I love them both as characters. Sybil was extremely refreshing in the early seasons, and Branson became a very good friend/family member after Sybil died.</p>

<p>But I remember when I was watching the first season and a half maybe, something like that, Branson was insanely insistent with Sybil. When someone (who watched the whole series) told me that he became sort of bearable later in the series, I found that hard to believe - but he did, he even became one of my favourite characters.</p>

<p>I don&#39;t think he bullied her, as I&#39;ve read elsewhere, but he was extremely insistent. Of course he loved her, but I also think he was thrilled at the idea of showing an upper-class woman what the world was like and breaking the norm. He was also very bossy, almost behaving like she owed him something (like when he said « don&#39;t disappoint me »). He also reduced her job as « bringing drinks to randy officers »... If he said that to, let&#39;s say Mary, Isobel or even Edith in the latest seasons, they would&#39;ve given him a soufflet (I don&#39;t know the word in English sorry).</p>

<p>And while I think Sybil loved him - which is pretty clear - I think in the beginning she also wanted to shock and break the rules. The way she escaped the house with Tom is quite telling imo. In that sense, she reminded me of Jack Ross and Rose. They both loved each other, but Rose also wanted to shock her mother. She was thrilled, young and excited by the idea of something new and unconventional. She was too nice to argue with him like those I mentioned above - which I find strange as she usually sticks to her guns when talking to her father and grandmother.</p>

<p>And as a married couple it&#39;s not even like it&#39;s getting better. Sure, they look happy, and they probably love each other very very much (I&#39;m not denying it at all ! I think you can see it when Sybil is sick, for example), but the dynamic is just sooo strange, especially the way they got together. Mary &amp; Matthew, Cora &amp; Robert or even Anna &amp; Bates (YES, EVEN THEM) looked more natural in my humble opinion.</p>

<p>When Tom started to change in the third season, I think he would&#39;ve made a much better husband, ironically... the loss of Sybil calmed him a little, but also changed him for the better on some points.</p>
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Unpopular opinion : Sybil & Tom don't convince me as a couple

I’m new to this sub, so apologies if my questions have been asked in the past. 
What is the consensus about whether or not the Patrick of S2E6 is who he says he is?

<div class="md"><p>I’m new to this sub, so apologies if my questions have been asked in the past. 
What is the consensus about whether or not the Patrick of S2E6 is who he says he is?</p>
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Patrick 

<div class="md"><p>Do you think William died a virgin?</p>
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William

Can we all take a moment to acknowledge Emma Lowndes’ incredible acting, particularly in season 5 ep6, when Edith comes to take Marigold away? I’m doing a rewatch and this scene always gets me. It feels like a child is really being taken from this woman and my heart breaks every time. 

<div class="md"><p>Can we all take a moment to acknowledge Emma Lowndes’ incredible acting, particularly in season 5 ep6, when Edith comes to take Marigold away? I’m doing a rewatch and this scene always gets me. It feels like a child is really being taken from this woman and my heart breaks every time. </p>
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Mrs. Drewe

I'm watching a documentary about Coco Chanel and it includes letters from Churchill, who met her through the Duke of Westminster. In one of Churchill's letters, he writes that Chanel was a woman "fit to rule a man or an Empire." That sounded very familiar to me. It reminded me of the conversation Robert had with Mary in the library where he said the same thing, almost verbatim. It's interesting to me because Mary wore Chanel almost exclusively and, in my opinion, embodied the idea of what Chanel stood for in designing clothes for women. Just thought I'd share in case anybody had any thoughts on this or had picked up on it. 

<div class="md"><p>I&#39;m watching a documentary about Coco Chanel and it includes letters from Churchill, who met her through the Duke of Westminster. In one of Churchill&#39;s letters, he writes that Chanel was a woman &quot;fit to rule a man or an Empire.&quot; That sounded very familiar to me. It reminded me of the conversation Robert had with Mary in the library where he said the same thing, almost verbatim. It&#39;s interesting to me because Mary wore Chanel almost exclusively and, in my opinion, embodied the idea of what Chanel stood for in designing clothes for women. Just thought I&#39;d share in case anybody had any thoughts on this or had picked up on it. </p>
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Did JF Borrow a Line From Churchill for the Downton Abbey Script? (Borrow!? Are you going to give it back?)

Why is Hugh Bonneville/Lord Grantham so tan throughout the series? 

Does anyone find Lady Grantham (Cora) so insufferable or is that just me? She really grates on me 😂

<div class="md"><p>Does anyone find Lady Grantham (Cora) so insufferable or is that just me? She really grates on me 😂</p>
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Lady Grantham

I love rewatching the scene when Gwen returns to Downton. But something I thought about recently was how strange it was she never sent a letter after Sybil died. Sybil had been such a kind and supportive presence in her life! And then she married Tom, who Gwen also knew. I find it surprising she never sent a letter after she head about the news, expressing the sentiments she expressed at dinner, either to the Crawleys or at least to Tom. 

<div class="md"><p>I love rewatching the scene when Gwen returns to Downton. But something I thought about recently was how strange it was she never sent a letter after Sybil died. Sybil had been such a kind and supportive presence in her life! And then she married Tom, who Gwen also knew. I find it surprising she never sent a letter after she head about the news, expressing the sentiments she expressed at dinner, either to the Crawleys or at least to Tom. </p>
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did Gwen never send a condolence card?

Maggie Smith 💔

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.

**WARNING:** As per the flair, this is a **spoiler-friendly** thread. Comments will be unmoderated for spoilers, and reports regarding spoilers will be ignored. (On that note, if someone is asking a question and clearly identifies themselves as a first-time viewer, then we hope you will be considerate enough to avoid referencing future events in your replies to them as a courtesy). If you are a new/first-time viewer with a question/comment and are afraid of encountering spoilers, please consider starting your own separate post and use the black editable "**FIRST TIME WATCHER**" flair. We can guarantee people would love to hear from you :)

<div class="md"><p>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&#39;re a new viewer with a simple question that you just need answered?</p>

<p>Then this is the place for you!</p>

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> The weekly thread does <strong>NOT</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>WARNING:</strong> As per the flair, this is a <strong>spoiler-friendly</strong> thread. Comments will be unmoderated for spoilers, and reports regarding spoilers will be ignored. (On that note, if someone is asking a question and clearly identifies themselves as a first-time viewer, then we hope you will be considerate enough to avoid referencing future events in your replies to them as a courtesy). If you are a new/first-time viewer with a question/comment and are afraid of encountering spoilers, please consider starting your own separate post and use the black editable &quot;<strong>FIRST TIME WATCHER</strong>&quot; flair. We can guarantee people would love to hear from you :)</p>
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Weekly Discussion Thread (for Simple Thoughts and Questions)

I always wondered why Mosley didn’t become the docent of the Abby when they were showing the house since he knew so much of it or even Carson. 

<div class="md"><p>I always wondered why Mosley didn’t become the docent of the Abby when they were showing the house since he knew so much of it or even Carson. </p>
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Mosley as a tour guide a docent 

<div class="md"></div>

Why didn't fake Patrick enter into a formal relationship with Edith and get some of the Downtown fortune? Go with me on this.... Maybe he wasn't the heir to depose Matthew. But he would gain prestige as the son in law of the Earl of Grantham. (And don't throw hate at me. LOL Just speculating.)

I’ve been so desperate to use “honestly …. ______ is about as mysterious as a bucket” in conversation

About 2 years have passed between the end of season 1 and the beginning of season 2. What do you think happened in that time?

It almost seems like Matthew hadn't seen the Downton family in that time. But don't you think he would have said goodbye? I assume that Matthew signed up for service voluntarily, but I can't believe he wouldn't have said goodbye to Mary before deploying. He would have wanted to leave things on a good note. It also seems like in the first episode of season 2 that Robert hadn't heard from Matthew. Isn't that odd? They were close to each other, and I would have thought Matthew would at least write to Robert occasionally.

It just seems like everyone went radio silent for 2 years with Matthew, which makes no sense to me.

<div class="md"><p>About 2 years have passed between the end of season 1 and the beginning of season 2. What do you think happened in that time?</p>

<p>It almost seems like Matthew hadn&#39;t seen the Downton family in that time. But don&#39;t you think he would have said goodbye? I assume that Matthew signed up for service voluntarily, but I can&#39;t believe he wouldn&#39;t have said goodbye to Mary before deploying. He would have wanted to leave things on a good note. It also seems like in the first episode of season 2 that Robert hadn&#39;t heard from Matthew. Isn&#39;t that odd? They were close to each other, and I would have thought Matthew would at least write to Robert occasionally.</p>

<p>It just seems like everyone went radio silent for 2 years with Matthew, which makes no sense to me.</p>
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What do you think happened between seasons 1 and 2?

Even though I'm a Downton tragic who has re-watched a million times, I'm still surprised by random facts about the show and actors. I thought it would be fun to share the trivia you've learned that others (and myself) may not be aware of. I'll start:

Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore) was almost cast as Mrs Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. She also voices Professor Weasley in the Hogwarts Legacy game.

Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) is a trained singer and has a record deal with Michael Fox (Andy the footman) as a duo called Michelle and Michael. She has also performed with Sadie and the Hotheads which is a band formed by Elizabeth McGovern (Countess of Grantham).

Speaking of the Countess, Gillian Anderson originally turned down the role, while Julian Fellows has confirmed that the parts of Lord Grantham, the Dowager Countess and Mr Bates were all written specifically for the actors.

And some real life romances...

* Mrs Hughes is married to Mr Bryant
* Mr Carson is married to Maud Bagshaw (additional fun fact, their daughter plays one of the Featherington sisters on Bridgerton)
* Lady Edith is in a relationship with Andy

<div class="md"><p>Even though I&#39;m a Downton tragic who has re-watched a million times, I&#39;m still surprised by random facts about the show and actors. I thought it would be fun to share the trivia you&#39;ve learned that others (and myself) may not be aware of. I&#39;ll start:</p>

<p>Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore) was almost cast as Mrs Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. She also voices Professor Weasley in the Hogwarts Legacy game.</p>

<p>Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) is a trained singer and has a record deal with Michael Fox (Andy the footman) as a duo called Michelle and Michael. She has also performed with Sadie and the Hotheads which is a band formed by Elizabeth McGovern (Countess of Grantham).</p>

<p>Speaking of the Countess, Gillian Anderson originally turned down the role, while Julian Fellows has confirmed that the parts of Lord Grantham, the Dowager Countess and Mr Bates were all written specifically for the actors.</p>

<p>And some real life romances...</p>

<ul>
<li>Mrs Hughes is married to Mr Bryant</li>
<li>Mr Carson is married to Maud Bagshaw (additional fun fact, their daughter plays one of the Featherington sisters on Bridgerton)</li>
<li>Lady Edith is in a relationship with Andy</li>
</ul>
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Share your random Downton fun facts!

OMG!! They had both Robert and Carson for the father- daughter look. This is so wholesome

<div class="md"><p>OMG!! They had both Robert and Carson for the father- daughter look. This is so wholesome</p>
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Fathers

I know the Downton Abbey world isn't exactly the ideal one to make fan theories - like fantasy or fantastic universes, but I wonder if you have some ideas. There are a few elements of the series that have been left a little unclear, or even the slight semblance of ambiguity could turn into a conspiracy theory (boo, fake Patrick I see you).

Do you have any interesting one ? Even if it's a little unrealistic - or COMPLETELY unrealistic - could be even funnier to be honest... (I mean, I saw one that said Sybil murdered two people... I think I can face everything now...)

<div class="md"><p>I know the Downton Abbey world isn&#39;t exactly the ideal one to make fan theories - like fantasy or fantastic universes, but I wonder if you have some ideas. There are a few elements of the series that have been left a little unclear, or even the slight semblance of ambiguity could turn into a conspiracy theory (boo, fake Patrick I see you).</p>

<p>Do you have any interesting one ? Even if it&#39;s a little unrealistic - or COMPLETELY unrealistic - could be even funnier to be honest... (I mean, I saw one that said Sybil murdered two people... I think I can face everything now...)</p>
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Are there any Downton theories ?

I feel like people get too carried away in  discussion regarding her “pushiness” where her good traits get quite overlooked. This is a character who despite the time she lived in, and, the social status she might have attained after Matthew became heir, we barely have any scenes, involving her looking down on, or, being mean to, anyone of a lower social class. Just off of the top of mind, she was kind to Tom, almost, from the very beginning, while the others took time to warm up to him, and she supported Ethel despite everyone criticising her for it and in a society where prostitution was so stigmatised. She was also admirable for the knowledge of nursing she possessed. Yes, she was pushy, but, all humans have their flaws, and, at the same them, I also think we can appreciate the passion she embodied. 

<div class="md"><p>I feel like people get too carried away in  discussion regarding her “pushiness” where her good traits get quite overlooked. This is a character who despite the time she lived in, and, the social status she might have attained after Matthew became heir, we barely have any scenes, involving her looking down on, or, being mean to, anyone of a lower social class. Just off of the top of mind, she was kind to Tom, almost, from the very beginning, while the others took time to warm up to him, and she supported Ethel despite everyone criticising her for it and in a society where prostitution was so stigmatised. She was also admirable for the knowledge of nursing she possessed. Yes, she was pushy, but, all humans have their flaws, and, at the same them, I also think we can appreciate the passion she embodied. </p>
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Isobel is an underrated character

Any reason we can think of that Lady Mary is dressed as Paddington?

<div class="md"><p>Any reason we can think of that Lady Mary is dressed as Paddington?</p>
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Funny thing I notice 

Like why can’t he just let Bates and Anna be happy 😭😭😭. 
Someone please tell me it’s resolved satisfyingly, I haven’t soured on a show this poorly since Oberyn’s death in GOT.

<div class="md"><p>Like why can’t he just let Bates and Anna be happy 😭😭😭. 
Someone please tell me it’s resolved satisfyingly, I haven’t soured on a show this poorly since Oberyn’s death in GOT.</p>
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