# Downton Abbey S6 - spoiler-free until broadcast in the U.S. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 16, 2015, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966 "2015-08-16T02:06:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Nefario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/59ef9b/32.png) [@Nefario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefario)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/161 "2016-01-25T17:30:14Z")
> [@delphica](#): > > OF COURSE Sybil’s family would like to hear nice things about Dead Sybil, and it is kind of Gwen to tell them I’m not a hardcore fan but I love to watch the older family members get dragged into the 20th century. Was Gwen the maid that was learning typing in one episode and then not seen again? Also as a gearhead I love that Mary’s new suitor and Tom are into cars. Another up and coming societal change and business opportunity. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/162 "2016-01-25T17:43:11Z")
I wonder how common it was for butlers/valets/lady’s maids/housekeepers to be married at all, let alone have separate homes? Because it really doesn’t seem at all practical. Especially for the valet and maid. Obviously their duties continue until they get their charge safely changed and tucked into bed – and commence in time to help them up/bathed/dressed the next morning. Very long hours, and add on to that time to walk to their house, and back again the next day in time to eat their own breakfast (I’m assuming they don’t add on cooking chores at their houses, at least, nothing beyond making a cup of tea or something. Would they even get a full night’s sleep? Yeah, they probably have long stretches of time during the day when they don’t have much to do, (there’s only so much time consumed by brushing out clothes or washing hose or whatever) but I bet they’re still expected to be on hand in case someone suddenly needs to change clothes to go riding or whatever so it’s not like they can count on both of them being free for X hours in the afternoon. And Anna’s pregnancy – yeah, the first trimester is fine, and likely the second, but how convenient will Mary find it when her maid is eight months pregnant and getting bulky and awkward and Mary gets an invitation to run off somewhere for a house party or something? Not to mention, what happens when the baby is actually born? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/163 "2016-01-25T18:45:44Z")
My impression is that women often weren’t allowed to continue to work once they got married, let alone were going to have a baby. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/164 "2016-01-25T22:17:13Z")
> [@Lamia](#): > > I’m also glad that storyline is over, but what an anticlimactic ending. They spend an awful lot of time (far too much, in my opinion) on Daisy being uncharacteristically hotheaded and outspoken and really built up a confrontation with Cora that never even happened. So what was the point of all this? To add more teleplay-pages–enough to create a season. (Fellowes gets paid whether the writing is good or ridiculous, after all.) ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/165 "2016-01-25T23:59:34Z")
> [@delphica](#): > > I don’t know, _within_ the show it makes perfect sense to me. When you are talking to people who have lost a child, telling stories about positive attributes of their child is a completely normal thing. OF COURSE Sybil’s family would like to hear nice things about Dead Sybil, and it is kind of Gwen to tell them (and also a fairly standard social grace). And I think the writers balanced that by having the folks downstairs talking about how Gwen took the initiative to move out of service. Agreed, and it was nice to see Robert calling Barrow out even when everything fell in to place again to make him look good. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > My impression is that women often weren’t allowed to continue to work once they got married, let alone were going to have a baby. It was virtually unheard of for married women to be employed in great houses. Married upper male servants like butlers weren’t all that unusual, but their wives & children tented to live in a cottage on the estate (or in another town entirely) and they’d only get to see them on their days off. Things did start to change after WWI when the pool of available servants started shrinking, but Anna’s still in a very unique position being a married lady’s maid of childbearing age. At least Mrs Hughes doesn’t need to bother with a horrid Dutch thingamajig! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/166 "2016-01-26T05:29:04Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > …Mrs. Pa[t]more seems a wee bit jealous of Mrs. Carson/Hughes learning the sweet mystery of life… I know! I was a little surprised to hear her imply she’s a virgin. > [@Lamia](#): > > I’m also glad that storyline is over, but what an anticlimactic ending. They spend an awful lot of time (far too much, in my opinion) on Daisy being uncharacteristically hotheaded and outspoken and really built up a confrontation with Cora that never even happened. So what was the point of all this? Daisy had so clearly put her foot in it at the house-clearing auction, and was so resolutely ignoring everyone who implored her not to go upstairs and confront Lady Cora, I thought it was a nice, unexpected, funny resolution to have her anticlimactically told she’d won without having to blow up - or get fired. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > … the younger footman (Andy?) mentioned that he wanted to live in the country; are they going to pair him and Daisy up and put them at Yew Tree Farm? They certainly seemed to share A Meaningful Look in the kitchen. > [@Nefario](#): > > …Was Gwen the maid that was learning typing in one episode and then not seen again?.. Yes: [Gwen Harding | Downton Abbey Wiki | Fandom](http://downtonabbey.wikia.com/wiki/Gwen_Harding) Although the actress certainly found other work: [http://i.lv3.hbo.com/assets/images/series/game-of-thrones/character/s5/ygritte-1920.jpg](http://i.lv3.hbo.com/assets/images/series/game-of-thrones/character/s5/ygritte-1920.jpg) > [@alphaboi867](#): > > … their wives & children tented to live in a cottage on the estate… I’d definitely prefer a cottage to a tent, given the choice. Lady Shackleton, who the Dowager Countess tried to recruit to support her stance opposing the hospital takeover, was played by the very talented Dame Harriet Walter, well-known for her roles in _Sense and Sensibility_ and _Star Wars: The Force Awakens_: [https://austenonly.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/fanny-dashwood.jpg](https://austenonly.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/fanny-dashwood.jpg) [http://images-cdn.moviepilot.com/images/c\_fill,h\_525,w\_1000/t\_mp\_quality/npehziotlefplwroaarw/all-the-star-wars-episode-vii-cameos-we-ve-spotted-so-far-763713.jpg](http://images-cdn.moviepilot.com/images/c_fill,h_525,w_1000/t_mp_quality/npehziotlefplwroaarw/all-the-star-wars-episode-vii-cameos-we-ve-spotted-so-far-763713.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/167 "2016-01-26T15:30:21Z")
Can someone remind of the backstory of the race car driver? I feel like every few episodes some tall dark haired guy from Mary’s past shows up. I can never keep them straight. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Bredin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/168 "2016-01-26T15:43:14Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > Can someone remind of the backstory of the race car driver? I feel like every few episodes some tall dark haired guy from Mary’s past shows up. I can never keep them straight. Mary met him at the shooting party when Lord Sinderby rented Brancaster and invited the Crawleys along (Xmas special/last episode of last season). Though you didn’t ask 🙂 Edith met her new boyfriend (who helped her get the magazine out) at the same shooting party; he’s the Brancaster land agent. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/169 "2016-01-26T15:45:58Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Lady Shackleton, who the Dowager Countess tried to recruit to support her stance opposing the hospital takeover, was played by the very talented Dame Harriet Walter, well-known for her roles in _Sense and Sensibility_ and _Star Wars: The Force Awakens_: I thought Lady Shackleton was the widow of Sir Ernest Shackleton (the famous explorer) but the first name they gave her wasn’t the name of Shackleton’s widow. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/170 "2016-01-26T17:17:18Z")
Different character, definitely. The explorer’s wife was named Emily; the DA character’s first name is Prudence. ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/171 "2016-01-26T23:14:14Z")
On the show, her late husband’s name was Hubert, so I don’t think it’s intended to have anything to do with the explorer. The explorer was knighted for his accomplishments, he was not from a titled family. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2016, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/172 "2016-01-27T01:42:11Z")
Two other thoughts: Mary’s comment to Tom in the farm office, “You’re my brother,” does not seem promising for any romance to develop between them. Carson, upon returning from his honeymoon, suggested that everyone keep calling Mrs. Hughes by that name, and Lord Grantham immediately agreed, with relief, but Mrs. Hughes herself didn’t say anything. Presumably Carson got her approval ahead of time, but I could almost see her saying, “I’m married to Mr. Carson and now I’d be proud to bear his name.” I wouldn’t want her wishes to be disregarded yet again. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2016, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/173 "2016-01-27T16:42:55Z")
A second _Manners of DA_ special will air Feb. 28: [More Manners of Downton Abbey: A Masterpiece Special - Twin Cities PBS](http://www.tpt.org/more-manners-of-downton-abbey-a-masterpiece-special/). Surprised they haven’t done one about the food yet. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/174 "2016-01-28T15:13:04Z")
Lily James (Lady Rose) stars in the upcoming _Pride and Prejudice and Zombies_: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride\_and\_Prejudice\_and\_Zombies\_(film) ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/175 "2016-02-01T02:48:57Z")
So, what did everyone thing of tonight’s episode? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/176 "2016-02-01T02:53:09Z")
Well, we knew we’d eventually find out what Lord Grantham’s stomach pains were all about… but holy crap-- \*\*THAT \*\*was dramatic! Looks like Barrow is going to redeem himself. The Baxter as witness arc rose and fell without any apparent purpose or impact. I think Mrs. Patmore may yet discover the “sweet mystery of life” if only Daisy will put a sock in it. Neville Chamberlain’s future wimpiness foreshadowed. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/177 "2016-02-01T04:51:56Z")
I guess we saw Lady Mary finally get a clue. The question is, will she be obnoxious about it? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/178 "2016-02-01T06:00:19Z")
_Downton Abbey_ meets _Alien_. Who’da thunk it? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/179 "2016-02-01T06:44:01Z")
So the Baxter thing ended up being totally pointless except maybe that she’ll hook up with Mosely. Edith and Mary have serious suitors too. And Mrs Patmore. We’ll have nearly everyone married off soon enough. Maybe Daisy and Andy too. And Barrow and the gay guy who employs Edith’s dude. The perfect job for him. Loved the subtle digs at the historical Chamberlain as unsubtle as they were. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966/180 "2016-02-01T13:29:36Z")
Poor Robert. Him telling Cora he loved her and she assuring him this wasn’t the end was heartbreaking. It truly shows what’s important to him. Alas, they don’t know ulcers aren’t caused by stress so he will continue to suffer. Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason, hmmmm? Do we think Andy is truly illiterate or is dyslexic? I know he said he goofed off in school, but surely that wasn’t the whole reason. Now Mary thinks there’s something up with Marigold. Hmmm. BAD HARVEST! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downton-abbey-s6-spoiler-free-until-broadcast-in-the-u-s/727966.md?page=10)