DOWNTON ABBEY {SEASON 6, EPISODE 7} (TV)
Summary
One in this dramatic British series about the aristocrats and servants who dwell at the Downton Abbey estate in post-Edwardian Yorkshire.
In this episode, in July 1925, Henry Talbot invites the entire Crawley family to watch his motorcar race with pal Charlie Rogers, and Mrs. Patmore excitedly prepares to open her bed-and-breakfast as Daisy and Mr. Molesley anxiously study for their respective exams. Isobel is baffled to receive an invitation to the wedding of Dickie's unpleasant son Larry, and Violet resolves to investigate the matter, adding that she is departing for a month-long holiday to overcome her resentment about being ousted as hospital president. Mrs. Hughes tries to comfort Thomas when Mr. Carson yet again reminds him to find himself a new position; Thomas sadly confesses that he has finally established "roots" at Downton. Cora frets that the excitement of the race will agitate Robert's still-healing ulcer. When questioning Amelia, Larry's fiancée, about her "amazingly friendly" behavior toward Isobel, Violet quickly deduces that the couple simply wants a "free nurse" for the ailing Dickie after they marry.
The servants eagerly plan for their three-day break during the Crawleys' trip to London, and Miss Denker boasts to an annoyed Mr. Spratt about accompanying Violet on her glamorous vacation. Cora wonders about Henry's dogged pursuit of Mary, and Anna admits that the two don't seem to be the right fit. Miss Baxter struggles to decide whether to visit the imprisoned Peter Coyle, and Violet, passing along a note to her family detailing her departure, informs Isobel of Larry and Amelia's selfish intentions in befriending her. Mrs. Patmore comes up with a clever idea for Mrs. Hughes' ongoing trouble with Mr. Carson. Meanwhile, in London, Laura tells Edith that a "Cassandra Jones" has applied to be the paper's "agony aunt," or relationship-advice columnist. The family dines at Rosamund's, noting that many of their social equals are selling their second homes or scaling down on staff to keep up with the times; Henry drops by unexpectedly, clearly desirous of a few more moments with Mary. Back at Downton, Thomas gloomily prepares to spend his three days off doing job-hunting, while Daisy and Mr. Molesley finally sit down for their tests.
At the race, Edith introduces Laura to her family, including fellow "trailblazer" Tom, and Henry kisses Mary before setting off in his car. Most of the family is delighted by the speed and excitement, though Mary can't quite see "the point." During a picnic, despite Thomas' attempts to protect him, Andy is forced to admit his illiteracy, worried that he is "too stupid" to learn. Mr. Dawes kindly offers to help him, unwittingly wounding Thomas yet further when he urges him to "step back" as his instructor. Mary's worst fears seemingly come true when the motor race ends in a violent crash as Charlie is killed. Mary tries to comfort a deeply shaken Henry, while back in Yorkshire Mr. Molesley is amazed to learn that he has qualified as a teacher and can now leave service, if he chooses; a flustered Mr. Carson is forced to do all the cooking and cleaning thanks to Mrs. Hughes' "injured" hand.
After a somber dinner at Rosamund's, Henry calls Mary and asks her to "seize the day" with him, but she turns him down, telling him that they're not "meant to be." Tom, however, urges her to take the emotional risk and be with the man she clearly loves. Mrs. Patmore reassures Daisy about Mr. Mason's new bond with Andy, and Miss Baxter guesses Anna's secret and congratulates her. Edith finds comfort with Bertie in the aftermath of the tragedy and is thrilled when he formally proposes, particularly when he agrees to accept her "ward" Marigold into their home. Mrs. Patmore tends to her first B&B guests, and though Cora is embarrassed to learn that her mother-in-law has fled the country because of their fight, Robert is overjoyed by a gift from Violet: a new puppy, whom he christens Teo. Later, Mrs. Hughes happily tells Mrs. Patmore of her husband's "new respect" for her hard work.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: November 30, 1999 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:47:40
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 129568
- GENRE: Drama, historical
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, historical; Families; England
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 2011-2016
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Gareth Neame … Executive Producer
- Nigel Marchant … Executive Producer
- Liz Trubridge … Executive Producer
- Rebecca Eaton … Executive Producer
- Susanne Simpson … Executive Producer, Senior Series Producer
- Julian Fellowes … Executive Producer, Created by, Writer
- Steven Ashley … Senior Producer
- Chris Croucher … Producer
- Erin Delaney … Producer
- Joanne Crowther … Line Producer
- David Evans … Director
- John Lunn … Music by
- Man Made Music … Theme Music by
- Laura Linney … Host
- Hugh Bonneville … Cast, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
- Laura Carmichael … Cast, Lady Edith Crawley
- Jim Carter … Cast, Mr. Charles Carson
- Raquel Cassidy … Cast, Phyllis Baxter
- Brendan Coyle … Cast, John Bates
- Michelle Dockery … Cast, Lady Mary Crawley
- Kevin Doyle … Cast, Joseph Molesley
- Michael Fox … Cast, Andy Parker
- Joanne Froggatt … Cast, Anna Bates
- Matthew Goode … Cast, Henry Talbot
- Robert James-Collier … Cast, Thomas Barrow
- Allen Leech … Cast, Tom Branson
- Phyllis Logan … Cast, Mrs. Elsie Hughes
- Elizabeth McGovern … Cast, Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
- Sophie McShera … Cast, Daisy Mason
- Lesley Nicol … Cast, Mrs. Beryl Patmore
- Maggie Smith … Cast, Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
- Penelope Wilton … Cast, Isobel Crawley
- Sebastian Dunn … Cast, Charlie Rogers
- Christos Lawton … Cast, Billy
- Phoebe Sparrow … Cast, Amelia Cruikshank
- Jeremy Swift … Cast, Septimus Spratt
- Sue Johnston … Cast, Gladys Denker
- Paul Copley … Cast, Mr. Albert Mason
- Antonia Bernath … Cast, Laura Edmunds
- Samantha Bond … Cast, Lady Rosamund Painswick
- Harry Hadden-Paton … Cast, Bertie Pelham
- Peter Hamilton Dyer … Cast, Racing Commentator
- Patrick Brennan … Cast, Mr. Dawes
- Hayley Jayne Standing … Cast, Lucy
- Jake Rowley … Cast, Paparazzo