Top 10 Lines from Downton Abbey, S4:E8

Well friends, I haven't been posting lately because, I suppose, I've been in mourning now that our beloved Downton Abbey has ended for another season. Is it just me or did this season seem to fly? How could we have gotten through eight episodes already?

So much time has passed since the finale that I almost didn't bother with this last "Top Five" (or Ten) post, but my dear husband has asked me at least three times why I haven't posted yet. So, B, this is for you. I hope I pick your favorites!

Before we get to the Top 10 Lines, though, I have to say that this episode was among my favorites of the season. I felt like the season got off to a bit of a slow start, but ended on a high note. This episode was fun because of the humor and the intrigue. The Levinsons always bring humor with them (oh, that Shirley McClaine has been fantastic, hasn't she?!). And intrigue? We had plenty of that between the Prince's stolen letter and the Granthams running around trying to save the Monarchy. And then there was the train ticket that was found by Mrs. Hughes in Bates's coat pocket.

Oh my!

And that brings me to my first pick.

1. Yes, Mrs. Hughes finds a train ticket in Bates's coat pocket, confirming that he was in London on the day that Mr. Green was pushed (?) in front of a bus. She reaches into the pocket, pulls out the ticket, and looks at it curiously . . .

. . . and then she says . . . nothing.

So, yes, my first pick isn't even a spoken line, but the look on Mrs. Hughes's face says it all.

2. So everyone is in London, preparing for Rose's presentation and the big ball. The Levinsons arrive, bringing their valet, Ethan Slade, with them. Ethan has never been overseas, and, truth be told, they make him look like a stupid American. Even so, he's funny and endearing and he tries so hard, even asking Daisy, "Are you excited?"

To which Daisy replies one of my favorite lines of this episode: "I'm never excited."

I love that girl.

3. Later, Daisy receives a letter from Alfred, and she's excited (ironic, no?!) that Alfred has been hired on at the Ritz. Ethan, ever the eager American, tries to make conversation with Daisy.

Ethan: That sounds like quite the American dream to me. Poor boy from the sticks becomes famous hotelier.
Daisy: Well, I don't know if it's American or not, but I think it's smashing.

Smashing.

4. Poor Robert--he hasn't had much of a season, has he? If he's not losing money, he's acting generally clueless. But this week they gave him a great line that you just might have missed.

Robert: I wish Tom had arrived.
Cora: It's so nice to hear you say that!
Robert: No, I mean, he's bringing Isis, and I do miss her.

A man and his dog.

5. For some reason that I cannot figure out, Violet stays behind in Yorkshire, heading out a day or two after the rest of the family. Isobel decides at the last minute to go with her, and the two share a wonderfully funny scene in the car.

Violet: Cora insisted I come without a maid. I can’t believe she understood the implications.

Isobel: Which are?

Violet: Well, how do I get a guard to take my luggage? And when we arrive in London . . . what happens then?

Isobel: Fear not, I’ve never traveled with a maid—you can share my knowledge of the jungle.

Violet: Can’t you even offer help without sounding like a trumpeter on the peak of the moral high ground? 

Oh, those two!

6. As I said earlier, the Levinsons always offer some levity (ha!), and this week Harold (played by Paul Giamatti who, by the way, was fantastic in "Saving Mr. Banks" earlier this year) provided just that. After Rose's presentation, Harold approaches the Prince of Wales, awkwardly attempting to introduce himself.

Harold (holding out his hand): How do you do? Harold Levinson.
Prince of Wales: You are mistaken, Sir. I am not Harold Levinson, whoever he may be.
Harold: No, no. I'm Harold Levinson.
Prince: Then why did you say I was?

The prince is then whisked away, and Harold just stands there and laughs.

Who's on first?

7. Poor Harold not only causes trouble upstairs, but downstairs as well.

Carson (approaching Mrs. Patmore): Do we have anything I can take up some ice in?
Mrs. Patmore: Why do you need ice?
Carson: Oh, Mr. Levinson seems to want it in everything he drinks.

8. I really love Tom. He's sweet, he's endearing, and he's his own man trying to do the right thing in this world. And he really gets along with the old ladies. (Remember the scene with Isobel in the car a couple of episodes ago?)

This week, Tom and Violet share a moment that I just loved. It's kind of long (so a little more than a favorite line), but so worth it.

This takes place at Rose's ball as everyone is dancing.

Violet: Are you glad you came? These are your people now. You must remember that. This is your family.

Tom: This might be my family, but these are not quite my people.

Violet: That sounds like a challenge.

Tom: Does it? Well here’s another--would you like to dance?

Violet: Oh! Are you sure?

Tom, nodding: Yes.

Violet: Well then, I accept the challenge. I know I can trust you to steer. (And she giggles.)

Too cute!

9. As I've said before, I love how they are developing a potential relationship between Mr. Molesley and Miss Baxter. This week, Molesley, who suspects that something in Baxter's past could be a problem for her, gives her just one sweet word of advice:

"Sometimes it’s better to take a risk than to go down the wrong path."

10. Finally, I'm pretty sure that my favorite scene was most everyone's favorite scene. They made us wait for it--the closing scene of the episode and thus of the season. Carson and Mrs. Hughes are finally able to take a break from their many duties and are enjoying a day at the beach with the rest of the staff.

In this final scene, Carson and Mrs. Hughes wade into the water together--he, hoisting his suspenders; she, clutching her cardigan. Carson is shuddering and grousing about the cold water, hesitating to go any further.

Mrs. Hughes: Come on. I dare you!

Mr. Carson: What if I get my trousers wet?

Mrs. Hughes: If they get wet we’ll dry them.

Mr. Carson: Suppose I fall over?

Mrs. Hughes: Suppose a bomb goes off? Suppose we’re hit by a falling star? You can hold my hand; then we’ll both go in together.

Mr. Carson: I think I will hold your hand; it’ll make me feel a bit steadier.

Mrs. Hughes: You can always hold my hand, if you need to feel steady.

Mr. Carson: I don’t know how, but you manage to make that sound a little risqué.

Mrs. Hughes: And if I did? . . . We’re getting’ on, Mr. Carson, you and I. We can afford to live a little.

And off they walk, hand in hand toward the water.

Well, there we have it. Another Downton Abbey season has come to a close. Thank you for following along with me, my friends, and thank you for your encouragement as I write these posts. It's been fun!

Now it's your turn--what was your favorite scene or line of the season?

The Spectacular Ordinary: Day ??

Well, here I go again, starting a blog series with every good intention of writing every day, but, once again, failing backing down from my original goal.

But even though I haven't kept up with the writing about finding the spectacular among the ordinary (hey, the month's not over yet!), I haven't stopped looking. And last week, I found such a wonderful example that I just have to share it with you.

And it's just another reason I love Target.

So there I was, just an ordinary day of errand running, standing in the line at Target. I chose a line and found myself standing behind a boy of about six or seven years old. He was wearing black pants, tennis shoes, and a fedora.

Snazzy!

And he was buying one thing--a pair of earrings. For his mom? For his aunt? His teacher? Himself? Who knows.

So Fedora boy walked up to the clerk--her name was Jill--and handed her his purchase.

"Is this is?" asked Jill.

The boy nodded.

"These are so pretty! Are they for your mom? Or are they for you?" Jill asked with a sly smile on her face.

No response, but I'm starting to take notice.

Jill then leaned over to the boy and said, "You know, these are kind of expensive. Do you have enough money?"

The boy whipped out a $20 bill.

"Wow, you're all set!" said Jill. "You seem like you're kind of into fashion. You sure look sharp with that hat."

The boy smiled and shrugged his shoulders. Still nothing. They finished their exchange, and the boy skipped off to meet his mom.

It was my turn, and as I approached the counter our eyes met, we smiled and said, "Wasn't he just the cutest thing?!" Then I looked at her and said, "You were so sweet with him. I just want you to know that watching you with that boy just made my day. Thanks for being so nice to him."

And do you know what?! Jill leaned over the counter and hugged me! And then she said, "You are so nice! Thank you for saying that. YOU just made my day!"

In those few minutes, I realized once again that it doesn't take much to make someone's day. Just watch. Just listen. Just look for it.

The spectacular is out there and it's in each one of us.

Top 5 Lines from Downton Abbey, S4:E7

Oh my word, you guys! I thought this week was the best episode of the season--so much happened!

First, though, could I just get something off my chest? Cora. Seriously, I've tried. I really have. I love Elizabeth McGovern--I've loved her since the '80s when she starred in "She's Having a Baby" alongside Kevin Bacon. So I was thrilled to learn when DA first came out that Elizabeth McGovern would be playing the Lady of the House.

Thrilled!

Notsomuch anymore.

Is it just me, or does she deliver the same line in the same way every time? With that half-mooned smile on her face that just demands to be slapped?

And, I know this isn't EM's fault, but is Cora not the most clueless mother in the world?

"Hey, Mom, I kinda want to take off for Switzerland for a few months because, you don't know it yet, but I'm having a baby." 

"Well, I really don't know what to think about that, but I'm so busy with this church bizzaaaarrrrre that I can't even begin to think about that so, oh well, why not?!"

It took less than two seconds for her to think that one over.

This week just about did me in where Cora is concerned. Every time she came on screen I just cringed. Please, make her stop!

Alright, I feel so much better now.

Wait. One more rant. I jotted down four phrases this week that were definitely NOT in use prior to the 1920s. What is that?! It bugs me so much when Julian Fellowes writes modern colloquialisms into his scripts.

Anyway, here are the four I picked out. Did you find any more?

"I'm not on the market." (Mary said to Tony G.)
"It's like herding cats." (Cora, of course.)
"It's no big thing." (Mary)
"You know the drill." (Carson)

Could we not just stick to using words like "Golly" (which Cora used at least twice in this episode)?

Good grief!

Despite all of my complaints, I still loved this episode. Let's get to my favorite lines from this week.

1. I think things might be turning around for Molesley. He actually seemed like he had a backbone when he was talking to Miss Baxter.

"It's just coffee. You won't have to surrender any of your independence."

Good one, Molesley!

2. And how about that Mr. Drew, the pig man? Words of wisdom from him:

"Work's like old age, My Lady. Worst thing in the world, except for the alternative."

3. Violet was up to her wonderful ways again this week. How I love her! And that scene when she invited Edith and Rosamund to "luncheon"? Priceless.

"Rosamund has no interest in French. If she wishes to be understood by a foreigner, she shouts."

Of course. Who doesn't?

4. I absolutely love what has happened to Mary's character this season, especially in this episode. She has matured into a lovely, level-headed, wonderful woman, and I like her a lot. I'm so glad she came out of the fog she was in during the first episode and has gotten herself an occupation.

Side note: the scene with Tony when they are having lunch in that big, glass conservatory-type building? I wish I knew where it was, but it looks exactly like the Orangerie at Kensington, and if it is, I'm so happy because Kate and I had tea there one time.

Anyway, in that scene, Tony professes his love for the how-many-eth time (Go team Tony!), and Mary has a great response.

Tony: I'm not giving up, Mary. Not until you walk down the aisle with another man, and quite possibly not even then.
Mary: I find that irritating and beguiling in equal measure.

I may have to add that one to my lexicon.

5. I had to save my sweet Daisy for last because this week her scenes made me cry so hard.

First of all, this picture. I gave you a wide shot because just LOOK AT THAT SETTING!!! Want to know why I love England? That.

Anyway, Mr. Mason, what a dear, gives the best advice to Daisy regarding Alfred.

Mr. Mason: There won’t be too many people that you love in your life, and he’s one.

Daisy: I don’t know what I feel about him, not now.

Mr. Mason: Even so, you need to say goodbye to this young man, with nothing jagged, nothing harsh between you. 

See? What a dear!

And then, that scene when Daisy says goodbye to Alfred (poor puppy). I was sobbing!

Later still, when Mrs. Patmore comes outside to tell Daisy how proud she was of her? Ahhhh. Just all around television goodness, that was.

Runner up. I have to give a runner up prize this week because, although it didn't make it into my top 5 list, I'm sure it might have come up in yours, and I'm sure it will come up in all kinds of promotional materials for its PC-ness.

Tom: I don't believe in types. I believe in people.

So there you have it. My faves from this week. What were yours? Dish in the comments, please!

The Spectacular Ordinary: Day 14

I'll be honest, friends. Finding the spectacular among the ordinary has been a bigger challenge this week than I thought it would.

In fact, there was a whole lot more crummy than spectacular in the past week.

A car accident (and everything that goes along with it).

Some disturbing news.

A lack of speed skating medals at the Olympics.

And yesterday.

A few weeks back, as we were looking at our calendars, B and I realized that we would not be together on Valentines Day, but instead, we'd be high five-ing each other at O'Hare as he came in from a trip and I left for one.

Earlier this week, however, B's trip got canceled thanks to federal regulators and some intense work he needed to get done. Thus began hell week for him. Early mornings (hello, 4:30!); late nights (see you around 9:30!). He's exhausted, but still at work, even today.

I was still looking forward to my trip to Dallas to help celebrate my niece's first birthday. This is a big deal because it's not often in our family anymore than someone actually is born and has a FIRST birthday. It's been 15 years, folks.

So I was looking forward to that, AND being with my mom who flew in from Texas AND seeing the rest of my family. After the sick Christmas we had, literally, I was looking for a do-over, and I thought this would be it.

Besides, I got my nails done!

So yesterday after class, I rushed home to pack. Caroline and I had scheduled lunch together, and I didn't want to miss that, so I had about an hour and a half to throw everything together before lunch, and then I was going to be off to the airport later in the day.

While I was at home packing, the phone rang. Caller ID said it was "Toll Free Caller," so I ignored it like I always do when Ms. Toll Free calls. She's so annoying.

I'm so stupid.

After my lunch with Caroline, I came home for a little while, and something inside me said to check messages on our home phone, which is an activity I save for about once a week when I'm really bored because these messages are usually of the let-me-sell-you-roofing-materials variety. Cell phones are where it's really at.

But I checked my messages, for some reason. And there, on my voicemail on my home phone which I never, ever check, was a message from the airline telling me that my flight was canceled and I was rebooked for Saturday afternoon.

WHAT?!

Ms. Toll Free didn't bother to tell me she was actually the airline.

You guys. In all the years that I've been flying, I have never had a flight canceled. I didn't know what to do. Saturday afternoon was completely unacceptable because it meant that not only was the weekend already half over, I would miss Gracie's party.

Definitely unacceptable.

So I did what I always do when I don't know what to do: I called B.

He said to call the airline.

Which I did. And after 20 minutes on hold, I found out that I could get on a flight that left Chicago at 10:30 p.m. and arrived in Dallas at 1:00 a.m. These times, they do not compute in my brain. These are times when my head needs to be on a pillow--when everybody's head should be on a pillow--so I panicked again. I needed to talk it out.

I called B again.

He said to go for it.

So I called the airline again, but by the time I finally got through to an agent--a guy this time, who sounded like he had been drinking or smoking something on his lunch break--the seat was gone and there was nothing available until 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.

At this point I waved the white flag and asked for a refund.

And I cried.

I have been so disappointed since that happened and so incredibly sad and some other feeling that has been nagging at me that I couldn't put my finger on until just before I went to bed last night.

I realized that I'm mad at myself, because I feel like I am somehow responsible for missing my weekend away (and 70 degrees!) and for letting down my entire Dallas family.

If only . . .

If only I had picked up that "Toll Free Caller" when I was packing, I would have heard the message, called the airline, and easily gotten on another flight. By the time I finally got the message and called, everything was booked.

If only I had taken the flight that got in at 1:00 a.m., I would have woken up at my sister's house this morning and still made it to Gracie's party.

If only I hadn't been so stupid.

And that's what's eating me today. My own stupidity. My own lack of travel sense (ironic, huh?) about what to do when a flight gets canceled. My own indecisiveness.

I know I need to see this as somehow God's plan for me this weekend, but to be honest, I'm having a hard time with that right now. I'm buried under two feet of snow, I haven't seen even 30 degrees in about two weeks, and I'm discouraged.

How's that for spectacular?

The Spectacular Ordinary: Day 12

I was going to start this post by listing out all of the million little things that are overwhelming me in my everyday life right now. But I know you don't want to read about that, because I wouldn't want to read about that.

Instead, I'll just let you in on a family secret.

For several months now, Kate has been keeping a list of Wildman Family Quotes--funny things any of us say at any random moment. It's actually kind of embarrassing more than funny because most of the quotes come from me, not because I'm so hilarious, but because I'm so hilarious without meaning to be.

So this afternoon Kate and I had to go to Enterprise ("We'll pick you up!") to pick up a rental car to replace the one that got sadly smashed on Friday. We had decided that it might be best if I drive the rental car and give the girls my mini-van until their car is either fixed or replaced.

[Side note: we should really take bets on the fixing or replacing issue. My bet is on replacing, but B's hoping for fixing. Stay tuned.]

I'm almost there. Almost ready to take possession of my exciting new wheels, when the guy behind the counter tells me that he has a Kia Soul available. Now, I'm an amiable person. I like to get along. And besides, I'm not paying for this, so I said, "That should be fine. As long as Allstate will cover it, I don't really care what I drive."

The guy must have had a funny look on his face--some kind of scowl or grimace or pained expression that I picked up on, because suddenly I asked, "By the way, what is a Kia Soul?"

He said, "Just think about the commercial with the hamsters."

Oh my word, I HATE that commercial! Almost as much as I hate the look of that car. (Sorry, if you're reading and you have a Kia Soul. You'd probably hate my Honda Odyssey.)

"Oh no! I not going to drive that!"

I thought it was an innocent comment, but, for me, it was saying a lot. Kate just sat there laughing her head off.

Needless to say, it's going in the Wildman Family quote book.