Stunner on Dontown Abbey ((((SPOILER))))

[trumad]

Didn't see that one coming. Gonna miss Lady Sybil.

When Maggie Smith came in I thought I was going to lose it.

[Ilsa]

1. I guessed it early on.

The aching back was possibly due to a bladder infection, I figured, but the headache and swollen ankles are signs of pre-eclampsia.

I wonder if Matthew will be too frightened to get Mary pregnant now.

I thought the Dowager was going to collapse. I'm surprised Carson didn't stay with her to make certain she made it to the library.

Birthing babies is dangerous business!

[trumad]

2. I hear the character who plays Clarkson is leaving the show

After this season... Lady Mary's husband.

Wonder how they will do that one?

[Ilsa]

3. Dr Clarkson won't be missed too much.

But I'll miss Matthew Crawley.

For awhile, it was rumored that Maggie Smith was leaving.

I hate that this season is so short and then we have to wait until 2014 for Season 4.

[trumad]

9. my bad...I meant Crawley is leaving the show.

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I had guessed that about Sybil, as well.

This season is certainly showing Lord Grantham in a less than flattering light.

[catchnrelease]

6. Mary's face

When she backed away from the bed, the look on her face made me think that she will not want to get pregnant. The camera seemed to dwell on her for a bit, and her expression seemed to say 'No way!'.

And the Dowager trying to keep her composure was heartbreaking. What a good show.

[Still Blue in PDX]

13. There were already hints she wasn't all that keen on starting a family.

I haven't seen the episode yet but I couldn't resist the spoilers.

Mary and Matthew seem to butting heads quite a bit, but that's no surprise.

[catchnrelease]

14. I agree

Any time having a baby is mentioned Mary gets all anxious and the subject is usually dropped. She's already changed the nursery into something else. I don't know if she's afraid of the process, or doesn't want to be a mother or what. I suppose we'll find out eventually. But that look of horror on her face at Sybil's death was significant I think.

Also, as much as Mary wanted Matthew to save Downton financially, I would think that she'd be thrilled that he is wanting to manage the estates better than they have been. I could see her not wanting her father's feelings to be hurt, but she keeps putting the evil eye on Matthew when he explains what should be done. As he said, it's to preserve the estate for their future family....oh wait.....

[FarPoint]

10. BBC has a great series call "The Midwives"

Takes place in 1950's London....Midwives deliver the babies of the poor. Lots of babies since no practical birth control. I watched the first DVD which I got from the library....

Didn't mean to change the subject but wanted to bring this to your attention as you would indeed love it!

[Still Blue in PDX]

12. It's Call the Midwife.

And it's wonderful!

[FarPoint]

15. Here is a link...

http://www.pbs.org/programs/call-the-midwife/

It has a familiar feeling like Downton Abbey.

[dsc]

5. Grantham is a total jackass

I hope his wife never sleeps with him again.

[FarPoint]

8. Looks like that may indeed be her plan.

So...what happen with Tom? He is going to have to try and acclimate into the family...This transition will be entertaining. The baby girl is the connection.

[joeybee12]

17. My guess? She moves back to the US for a while...that way,

they get Shirley Mclaine back on the show for a bit.

[Ilsa]

16. Reminded me of all of these men in

The GOP who think they know what's best for women's healthcare, but Grantham can't even bear to hear A&P words like "urine", then blames it on his mother's presumed delicate sensibilities.

I hope he takes some of the blame for not listening to Cora, who has given birth three times.

[pauldemmd195j]

18. Me too!

He's a real jerk.

[dsc]

7. Thomas's reaction was so sweet

and sad. Sybil was the only one of the family who treated him nicely at all and his genuine sadness at her death spoke volumes. I can't wait for his storyline with the footman to come to a head.

[greatauntoftriplets]

11. I'd heard rumors....

Thought the scene was handled well. Branson (er...Tom) was just heartbreaking.