Downton Abbey Season 5 Epi 2-4 Recaps: Granny Has A Past

Lady Mary has a secret dalliance with Lord Gilligham in Liverpool but if found out. Good for Mary. It's important to test drive the car before ya buy it. The Dowager Countess' butler Spratt mentions it to Violet thinking it will cause a scandal (but she covers saying they were at a land conference).

So This Is What You Do On A "Sketching" Trip

Violet privately meets with Mary and says she disapproves. She backs off upon learning Lord Gillingham wants to set a marriage date. Mary doesnt seem so sure. It's later revealed that Violent had her own secret dalliance years ago with the Russian Prince Kuragin. His wife is currently MIA.

Things continue to heat up around Bates. The police arrive several times to interview him, Anna and the staff. Now Anna was seen at Piccadilly Square (the location of Mr Green's "accident"). We of course know she carried a letter from Lady Mary to Lord Gillingham.

Meanwhile Mrs Patamore is upset that her nephew Archie (who was shot during the war for cowardice) is not on the local war memorial. She asks Mrs Hughes to intervene with Carson but he refuses. She's not happy. Miss Baxter revealed to Lady Grantham why she went to prison. She stole jewels for a man she loved who then double crossed her. She took the rap and went to prison. Cora allows her to stay on.

Lord And Lady Grantham In Happier Times

Robert surprises Cora on a trip and then is angry when he finds she has gone to dinner alone with Mr Bricker. Cora says it was innocent and they were discussing the manor's paintings. The couple argues. Robert insults Cora (by asking how a man could possibly be interested in her opinions, ouch). Later Mr Bricker arrives at the estate to view the Russian paintings. He all but confesses his love for Cora (right before Lord Grantham interrupts them). We also learn that Cora's father is Jewish-- Isidore Levinson. We can guess where this is leading since it's 1924.

Mr Bricker Is Moving In For The Kill

Mrs Barrow appears to be a heroin addict (or is he injecting medication)? Will they soon be holding AA meetings downstairs at Downton Abbey?

Will We Be Seeing Another Wedding?

Violet and Isobel visit Prince Kuragin (who is living in very poor conditions since he was forced to leave Russia due to the revolution). There are obviously still feelings between Violet and the Prince. Lord Merton also proposes to Isobel. She tells him she needs time to consider his offer.

Marigold's adopted mother Mrs Drewe thinks Edith is spending way too much time with her. She wants Edith to stay away. Edith gets some additional news of Michael. Are we sure he's been killed by Nazis?

Mary decides she doesnt want to marry Tony after all. Tony does NOT accept her decision. He says they'll work things out.

Roses's father Shrimpie (Lord Flintshire) arrives at the estate again. Violet asks him to inquire about the whereabouts of the Russian princess. He also tells Violet he and his wife are divorcing. Lady Flintshire writes a disapproving letter to Violet about the family letting him visit Downton.

Miss Bunting Will Not Be On The Downton Guest List For The Next 100 Years

Tom wants to bring Miss Bunting to dinner. Not a good idea. She and Robert lock horns AGAIN. They call Daisy and Mrs Patamore upstairs during dinner. Daisy is studying with Miss Bunting so she doesnt have to remain a servant. Miss Bunting says Lord Grantham wants his employees to remain as serfs forever. Robert blows up and tells Miss Bunting to leave his house immediately. He then stomps out of the room.

Everyone is giving Moseley a hard time because he's the "first footman". Too funny. He decides it's way too much work and gladly relinquishes the title.

Favorite Quotes:

“Don’t let us hide behind the changing of the times, my dear. This is shocking to most people in 1924!”- Violet to Mary about tryst with Lord Gillingham.
“In my day a lady was incapable of feeling physical attraction. Until she had been instructed to do so by her mama.”- Violet.
"Granny has a past!"- a very pleased Mary upon meeting Violet's past with the Russian prince.
“I refuse to believe that a woman like you, a lady, would give herself to a man without first being certain that he’s the one."- Tony to Mary.
“I want him to be the godfather of my children, just not the father.”- Mary about Tony.
“I know you don’t like him, or any of them much, but you forget one thing: They are good to me, in their way, and I love them.”- Tom to Sarah.
“All I’ve proved is that Lord Grantham would like us serfs to stay in our place from cradle to grave."- Sarah to Lord Grantham (before he throws her out).

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). The pace of these episodes seemed to pick up (which was great). There are a number of different potential love connections on the horizon. I"m especially enjoying the scenes with Violet and the prince.