Downton Abbey lost a seldom-seen but much-loved cast member this week. We could see it coming in Episode 6, and for some, news out of the UK spoiled the moment before Season 5 ever started.
Watch this touching video of cast members Hugh Bonneville, Robert James-Collier, and Lesley Nicol looking back on some of their favorite Isis moments.
And for a deeper analysis of the entire episode, watch the official Downton Abbey Episode 7 recap.
Episode 7 airs 8 p.m. Sunday on WPT. While you wait, enjoy this look back at Episode 6, and scroll to the end to watch a scene from Episode 7.
Mabel Lane Fox gets a little touch-up between takes.
Historical advisor Alastair Bruce gives Thomas and Molesley a history lesson.
Thomas and Molsley break to read the sports section.
The Dowager Countess hits her mark.
See even more behind the scenes images from PBS Masterpiece. And watch the video below for a sneak peek at Sunday night’s Episode 7.
What elements would you choose for the perfect Downton viewing party at home? Describe your ideal evening for the Season 5 finale.
We asked you this question in a survey two weeks ago, and your answers were exceptional. A theme emerged among MANY responses: “no distractions!” “Tea” and “a good bottle of wine” were mentioned repeatedly.
From intimate evenings with a sense of place:
“A cozy fire, a warm slice of Door County Cherry pie topped with real Wisconsin whipped cream, and my spouse at my side so we can comment on the storyline as it unfolds.”
“A glass of sherry, a cozy fire, a warm shawl, snow swirling outside and silence so I can hear every word.”
To those who are prepared for anything:
“A great Bordeaux with a selection of fine cheeses. Or a large bottle of brandy just in case Julian Fellowes writes Bates off as a complete scoundrel and finds too redeeming a quality in Barrow. A large bottle of Jameson will be required just in case (God forbid!) something tragic happens to Isis.”
“Watching” the radio. A scene from Episode 2
Some mentioned watching with a group of friends – as long as they are the “right” guests:
“Catered everything! A maid and valet to serve it. Guests who are devoted and don’t talk during the show.”
“A group of no more than six. Seating that is comfortable but not snooze inducing. Lighting sufficient for the event and not shining glare on the TV screen. quiet food with substantial feel (no loud celery sticks. no spill-it-down-your-shirt thin soup). a glass of warming drink (brandy?) and a piece of the best dark chocolate to end the meal. and finally enough time and interest to get into a raucous discussion about the finale.”
“My 3 daughters, my granddaughters and I are planning to get together for the finale. We are all addicted!”
“A small group of friends/fans with tea and snacks. A highlight reel of all the Countess of Grantham’s great lines this season would be a perfect way to kick off the evening.”
“Friends who enjoy watching in quiet and chatting afterwards. That’s pretty much also my ideal evening, although I would add a box of tissues, as it’s sure to be needed.”
Others prefer to watch alone:
“No party! Just me, myself and I, watching at a time of my choice (DVR) able to give it my full attention, back it up to see something over again if I wish, and NO interruptions from other people - only my own out-loud comments.”
We have to admit, we can share in this viewer’s experience:
“Comfy green chair, fire in the wood stove, cup of tea Hubby saying, “What did she say?” over and over.”
However you choose to watch, we hope it’s the highlight of your week!
On Facebook last night we asked what you thought of Episode 6, and based on your comments, three themes stood out.
Click to read more comments.
1. A whole lot happened in Episode 6!
The race track served as a great metaphor last night as Episode 6 was fast-paced and unveiled several new plot twists. Fearing she was “looking rather frumpy,” Mary opted for a new hair style, we learned answers to the mystery surrounding Michael Gregson, Bates came clean with Anna, and we got yet another hint that Carson and Mrs. Hughes might shack up together in the future.
2. This was the best episode of Season 5 …so far.
To quote one viewer, “Best episode of the season!”
Enough said.
3. You want more Downton.
To paraphrase several viewers, an hour just isn’t enough! Fortunately, Episode 8 will be 90 minutes long and the Season Finale on Sunday, March 1 will last a full two hours.
But if you want more Downton now, there’s also plenty of web extras to enjoy. Hear Allen Leech, Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael comment on what it’s like to work with the children on the set. Get the inside scoop on Mary’s new look. Or, learn the history behind the point-to-point race with Alastair Bruce. Of course if you still haven’t watched Episode 6, you can watch it online now.
Last week, an amazing 500 Downton Abbey fans responded to our online survey – thank you for your insights! We asked you….
If you could join the cast of Downton Abbey, would you choose to be “upstairs” or “downstairs”?
67% of you said “Upstairs”
33% of you said “Downstairs”
Who should Mary choose?
You really do like Charles, a lot more than you like Tony. We’re not really sure if Tom has ever been in the running as a potential suitor for Mary, but you seem to think they make a good team in running Downton Abbey. Wonder what Mary would think?
Who should Mary choose?
All of Maggie Smith’s lines as the Countess of Grantham are great. Can you possibly choose a favorite from these?
As it turns out, no clear winner emerged. But of the seven quotes, four did stand out as your favorites. Nearly tied for first place with 21% of the vote each:
“No guest should be admitted without the date of their departure settled.”
and
“I won’t take sides, it’s true, but I don’t think I could ever be described as neutral.”
“What is a weekend?”
And at 18%:
“What is a weekend?”
and
Robert, Earl of Grantham: “I’ll do it on the condition that you admit it when you realize you were wrong.” The Countess responds: “Well, that’s an easy caveat to accept, because I’m never wrong.”
We also asked if you have your own favorite Maggie Smith quote, which resulted in some very good quotes of your own.
“She has made me laugh out loud many times. Sometimes when she says nothing, her body language says it all!”
“I am just as funny as Maggie, but my family never pays attention to my wit — I like how she commands attention. She is witty, but more importantly, everyone in her family (and community) knows it, respects it, looks for it!!!! Maybe I should get a walking stick…”
And we asked you which characters are good, and which are evil. Here is how you ranked these characters from “All virtue and goodness” to “100% Rotten Scoundrel”
Good and Evil
1. Anna Bates
2. Isobel Crawley
3. Violet Crawley
4. Mary Crawley
5. John Bates
6. Rose MacClare
7. Sarah Bunting
By a landslide – the Rottenest Scoundrel, according to you:
8. Thomas Barrow
Finally, we asked What elements would you choose for the perfect Downton viewing party at home? Describe your ideal evening for the Season 5 finale. The results were priceless. We’ll share those in another blog post next Thursday.
If you haven’t weighed in, there’s still time to give us your thoughts…Take the survey now! If you didn’t receive our email last week, sign up for WPT’s Be More Connected e-newsletter for updates on all of the great programs on WPT.
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