[mooseycow11]

Originally Posted by Shi_fs

Violet's rewriting Tom's family and employment history, as well as her reactions to the topic all the way through 208, suggest that we hadn't seen the last of her and Tom yet.

Also, and this is something I keep repeating - one of the main themes of the show is change. The producers keep telling us how they chose to have the show in this particular period of time BECAUSE it was a time of change in the society, and many of the characters talk about change - either in thinking that it is happening (Tom's "the world is changing") or having a hard time adapting to changes (technological changes, for example). Having Tom and Sybil as a couple who despite difficulties is making it work and then bringing them back to Downton Abbey for even frequent visits - if Matthew can pop up from the war in France, they can pop up for a visit every episode too, if they are still in Ireland, there's enough time between each episode - will force almost every character to deal with different aspects of change. For the downstairs people it reflects the notion of the time about people in the service discovering that they can change their life, and that service is no longer the only way for people from their class, for people upstairs it's dealing with the idea of blurred lines in society and facing something that questions many of the values they believe in.

Point is, no reason to brush them under the carpet when there's so much to be done with them that fits right into what the show is all about. Also: we could probably bear in mind that S2 and the CS were written and filmed in its entirety before it was broadcast, and I don't know that they anticipated how popular this particular storyline is going to be. It's not that I think that now they are going to have half of every episode about Sybil and Tom due to said popularity, but in the least I don't think their role is going to be reduced.

You're right. It wouldn't make sense and I also think that they underestimated how much people would take to them. Also, they can be used to contrast with M/M who are not with who they love because of all sorts of reasons. Here you have a couple who have ignored all the things that could possibly keep them apart and have realised what is most important.

BIB - Tom/Sybil are really the only characters to have completely embraced the changes happening and it would be great to see the Upstairs/Downstairs realise through them that they have to change too.

The fact that Edith also seemed to want to embrace change (in her conversation w/ Sybil) points to her doing something different with her life as well. I wonder if she's going to be spending more and more time with Tom/Sybil in the outside world than being stuck at Downton.

[Shi_fs]

Originally Posted by mooseycow11

You're right. It wouldn't make sense and I also think that they underestimated how much people would take to them. Also, they can be used to contrast with M/M who are not with who they love because of all sorts of reasons. Here you have a couple who have ignored all the things that could possibly keep them apart and have realised what is most important.

BIB - Tom/Sybil are really the only characters to have completely embraced the changes happening and it would be great to see the Upstairs/Downstairs realise through them that they have to change too.

The fact that Edith also seemed to want to embrace change (in her conversation w/ Sybil) points to her doing something different with her life as well. I wonder if she's going to be spending more and more time with Tom/Sybil in the outside world than being stuck at Downton.

Edith is definitely on the edge of change. I think she needs something to push her into action, and I think that, again, seeing Sybil and Tom "work" will give her that final encouragement to take her destiny into her own hands. I don't think she can go as far as Sybil, anyway, I think Sybil has pretty much done the most extreme thing possible (bar running away WITHOUT getting married) but I think that seeing her sister take such a huge risk and have it pay off for her - seeing her choosing the kind of life she wants to live and going for it, will push her to do the same. She might not want a life OUTSIDE Downton Abbey, but she might want to change the way life IS for women of her class even within those walls. I think this is where the next change is headed - where you don't necessarily have to leave everything behind to get away from that type of life, but that the life of the aristocracy is changing as well.

In fact, I am just reading a book about the history of aristocracy now, but I've got about 250 more pages before I get to the 20s. I'm still somewhere in the 14-15th century.

[HelsBels2102]

So guys any predictions or hopes and wishes about the christmas special?

[lyzza95]

i do hope for a Tom and Violet confrontation at the dinner table some dancing and a nice age appropriate love interest for my 2nd favorite character Edith

[Queen Maeve]

Originally Posted by HelsBels2102

So guys any predictions or hopes and wishes about the christmas special?

I dont want it to be dominated by the grimnes of the Bates trial. Can we have a good few light hearted moments and can we end on a nice mushy note at least...it's Christmas after all.

[Tangledweb7]

Got the Radio Times for the week coming see mention in next issue of High lights of Christmas Special judging by the picture from Downton. The Downton christmas episode will be at the top of the agenda.

[HelsBels2102]

Originally Posted by Queen Maeve

I dont want it to be dominated by the grimnes of the Bates trial. Can we have a good few light hearted moments and can we end on a nice mushy note at least...it's Christmas after all.

thats what im hopeing! I want a vicar of dibbly style, happy christmas special!

[Minor Maggie]

Originally Posted by lyzza95

i do hope for a Tom and Violet confrontation at the dinner table some dancing and a nice age appropriate love interest for my 2nd favorite character Edith

I do think I'd like a dinner scene at DA with Tom in. Perhaps not a confrontation but maybe Carson having to serve him would be good TV.

What about if Mary marries Carlisle if Matthew starts courting Edith? That really wouldn't go down well!

[Belle Fille]

Originally Posted by HelsBels2102

So guys any predictions or hopes and wishes about the christmas special?

After all the sickness and drama of the final, a nice fluffy scene would be very much appreciated! Maybe all sitting around the fire opening presents and singing christmas carols!

I would love to see the servents ball that Violet mentioned before and see her have the first dance with Carson.

Also, some S/T scenes,maybe under the mistletoe.

Also, as a Lord G/Cora shipper, a nice scene with the two of them.

Originally Posted by Tangledweb7

Got the Radio Times for the week coming see mention in next issue of High lights of Christmas Special judging by the picture from Downton. The Downton christmas episode will be at the top of the agenda.

Will definitely get that.I hope it has loads of spoilers.

Originally Posted by Minor Maggie

I do think I'd like a dinner scene at DA with Tom in. Perhaps not a confrontation but maybe Carson having to serve him would be good TV.

What about if Mary marries Carlisle if Matthew starts courting Edith? That really wouldn't go down well!

I don't really know if i'd like that. She needs someone of her own. First their was Patrick who was engaged to Mary, then farmer Drake who was married so I don't think i'd like her and Matthew.
But I definitlely want a love interest for Edith in series 3.

[laydit]

Dear Santa
I've been a really, really good girl this year and haven't been naughty, only nice! Please can you drop off the following gifts on Christmas Day.....

Lots of fabulous frocks (now that the war has ended)
Funny one liners from my fave Granny
A tall and handsome would be Earl with the most amazing blue eyes and a voice that makes your knees knock
A totally loved up married couple that makes you believe in the institution
A hard working couple who everyone secretly envies and admires because of their passion
A cancelled wedding with someone getting thrown off the property
A kiss and declaration of love under the mistletoe
A not guilty verdict.
A bitchin' staff Christmas party....with a good few laughs.
Everyone singing Auld Lang Syne together.....upstairs and down.

Thanks very much.

Lady T

[downtonfan]

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Elizabe...ce/DulHDS18rGa

Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville looking pretty damn hot together at some awards do this week.

That is how I fully expect to see Cora and Robert in the Xmas special.

[Belle Fille]

Originally Posted by downtonfan

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Elizabe...ce/DulHDS18rGa

Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville looking pretty damn hot together at some awards do this week.

That is how I fully expect to see Cora and Robert in the Xmas special.

Aw,It's nice to see they get along so well off screen.

[Loverach]

Originally Posted by laydit

Dear Santa
I've been a really, really good girl this year and haven't been naughty, only nice! Please can you drop off the following gifts on Christmas Day.....

Lots of fabulous frocks (now that the war has ended)
Funny one liners from my fave Granny
A tall and handsome would be Earl with the most amazing blue eyes and a voice that makes your knees knock
A totally loved up married couple that makes you believe in the institution
A hard working couple who everyone secretly envies and admires because of their passion
A cancelled wedding with someone getting thrown off the property
A kiss and declaration of love under the mistletoe
A not guilty verdict.
A bitchin' staff Christmas party....with a good few laughs.
Everyone singing Auld Lang Syne together.....upstairs and down.

Thanks very much.

Lady T

I love your Downton Christmas wishlist ... I think I'll make one of my own. Ok here goes ...

Dear Santa

I've been an extremely good girl this year and so I would like you to deliver the following gifts
- A trial which results in the right verdict so a certain couple can be together forever.
- A certain matriarch and patriarch all loved up for Christmas.
- A corker of a conversation between our favourite Grandmother and our favourite Irishman.
- The fantastic housekeeper and butler for a cute scene or two.
- Mistletoe, Mistletoe and more mistletoe being used by at least five couples.
- The chance for a certain middle daughter to find a beau.
- The chance for the eldest daughter and the future heir to reconcile again.
- The chance for the youngest daughter to show her elder siblings and family that her choice was right.
- A hint of a wedding
- A happy way to end the season before we get too worried about what's going to happen in September.

Please, please, Santa; I hope it's not too much to ask.

Thanking you in advance

Loverach

[musicaljojo]

Hehe I'm loving these Christmas wishlists....very fun to read!

[downtonfan]

Originally Posted by Belle Fille

Aw,It's nice to see they get along so well off screen.

He calls her his Telly Wife

[Queen Maeve]

Seems like the Downton crowd - Hugh, Laura, Allen, Jim & Thomas Hawes were at another charity event last night in London for a charity called Changingfaces. They seem like a big family they way they turn up at and sipport these events - cool.

[Belle Fille]

Originally Posted by Loverach

I love your Downton Christmas wishlist ... I think I'll make one of my own. Ok here goes ...

Dear Santa

I've been an extremely good girl this year and so I would like you to deliver the following gifts
- A trial which results in the right verdict so a certain couple can be together forever.
- A certain matriarch and patriarch all loved up for Christmas.
- A corker of a conversation between our favourite Grandmother and our favourite Irishman.
- The fantastic housekeeper and butler for a cute scene or two.
- Mistletoe, Mistletoe and more mistletoe being used by at least five couples.
- The chance for a certain middle daughter to find a beau.
- The chance for the eldest daughter and the future heir to reconcile again.
- The chance for the youngest daughter to show her elder siblings and family that her choice was right.
- A hint of a wedding
- A happy way to end the season before we get too worried about what's going to happen in September.

Please, please, Santa; I hope it's not too much to ask.

Thanking you in advance

Loverach

Love the ones in bold.I think i'll add them to my Christmas wish too.

Originally Posted by downtonfan

He calls her his Telly Wife

Yeah, I heard that too. So Sweet. I think it makes you enjoy the show more when you know the cast get on off screen. If they were constantly in the paper for off screen rows and feuds and always taking badly about eachother in the papers like you see sometimes, I think it would take away from it somehow.

Originally Posted by Queen Maeve

Seems like the Downton crowd - Hugh, Laura, Allen, Jim & Thomas Hawes were at another charity event last night in London for a charity called Changingfaces. They seem like a big family they way they turn up at and sipport these events - cool.

Is there any pictures of this? I would love to see them if there is.

[downtonfan]

Jessica Brown Finlay, Laura Carmichael, and Michelle Dockery will be on Jonathan Ross' Xmas Special of his chat show next month.

[Shi_fs]

Originally Posted by Minor Maggie

I do think I'd like a dinner scene at DA with Tom in. Perhaps not a confrontation but maybe Carson having to serve him would be good TV.

What about if Mary marries Carlisle if Matthew starts courting Edith? That really wouldn't go down well!

The more I think about it the more I want this to happen, actually. I get the point of wanting Edith to get someone of her own and not go back to the Mary vs Edith patterns, but:

I do want Edith to end up with the best match of them all - i.e a combination of both love and circumstances, and I don't think there could be a better one than Edith getting to keep DA. I know she wants to change her life too, but we already have Sybil *leaving* that kind of life, I want Edith to stay in them and find that she can change it in different ways too, and if Matthew ever returns to his former S1 self,l I think this is an idea he will share.

Now, on to the love thing, the more I think about it the more I think Mary and Matthew are wrong for each other - even though I totally did root for them in S1. Edith would have never hesitated if she loved Matthew, even if he wasn't the heir. And I really do think that Matthew and Edith have a lot more in common than Mary and Matthew, even if they don't realize it.

We found out last season than Edith is very good in helping people and listening to them. If we use this as foreshadowing for S3, I can't imagine any person in Edith's life who will need a shoulder to cry on and someone who will listen to him and support him more than Matthew, and you never know, he might discover more about Edith than he realized - he never really saw her. He saw Mary for who she was, he saw Sybil for who she was, but Edith not so much.

Also, I do have a feeling Mary will marry Carlisle. After all she was the one who said people need to live with the choices they make.

[Belle Fille]

Originally Posted by downtonfan

Jessica Brown Finlay, Laura Carmichael, and Michelle Dockery will be on Jonathan Ross' Xmas Special of his chat show next month.

That should be good.Can't wait to see it.

[Loverach]

Morning Everyone

How are you all bearing up preparing for your Downton Christmas? I'm guessing all preparations are in earnest considering how quiet we've all been over the last couple of days.

Anyway, I was reading some stuff about Downton and then came across this article http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/881792-dow...fans-horrified.

It seems the response to the disco themed pictures isn't as positive elsewhere as it is on here. I thought they looked great!

[LoobyDoo]

Just seen this article http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/20...tie-new-boring

Spoiler

And now along comes news of the Downton Christmas special, which will fill our mental in-trays with more insufferable imponderables. Apparently, the special will introduce a new character called Lord Hepworth, played by veteran roué Nigel Havers. The Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) will have to decide whether he's most suitable for Lady Mary, Lady Edith or Lady Sibyl. But hold on. Aren't two of them already spoken for? And anyway, isn't Havers old enough to have fathered their father?

I don't understand how that going to work Unless she tries to puruade Sybil that he's a better match for her than Branson! Maybe thats what he's supposed to be there for but he ends up falling for Rosamund instead!

I love the christmas lists

all I want is lots and lots of Sybil and Branson - surely thats not a lot to ask?

[Loverach]

Originally Posted by LoobyDoo

Just seen this article http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/20...tie-new-boring

Spoiler

I don't understand how that going to work Unless she tries to puruade Sybil that he's a better match for her than Branson! Maybe thats what he's supposed to be there for but he ends up falling for Rosamund instead!

I love the christmas lists

all I want is lots and lots of Sybil and Branson - surely thats not a lot to ask?

Spoiler

BIB: surely that would hint that something has happened to Sybil and Tom and they're not married after all? I hope that's not true for one reason - for them to marry at Downton.

This couple need to be together and stay together - I don't think there is any other way to put that. Hopefully Nigel Havers will be a nice edition to the Christmas Special with a specific role but

Spoiler

to go off into the sunset with Rosamund.

Although they're not one of the couples that I envisaged under the mistletoe re: my wishlist from yesterday ...

[Queen Maeve]

The Press screening and briefing re Xmas special is in a couple of weeks - I doubt any of the media know much about it's content yet. The Guardian is just running with a snip found elsewhere and musing with it.

[wicks]

Originally Posted by Queen Maeve

Seems like the Downton crowd - Hugh, Laura, Allen, Jim & Thomas Hawes were at another charity event last night in London for a charity called Changingfaces. They seem like a big family they way they turn up at and sipport these events - cool.

Anyone come across any pictures of this? Silly question really - as I'm sure we'd have seen them if anyone had.