Edith Crawley

(Edith Crawley, 20th century woman. Photo by Nick Briggs via Carnival Films.)

Well, I’m two episodes into this season’s Downton Abbey, and this year, I’m watching it via Amazon on Monday nights. I felt guilty paying for it, especially since I’m fairly sure the show has jumped the shark.  But Ryan says it’s all about convenience, and I’m making full use of the pause button to fold laundry and finish other chores while the Crawleys muddle into the twentieth century. I am also greatly enjoying Edith this season, and wow, that girl has blossomed.

Edith was always the “ugly” sister, and now that poor Sybil is gone and Mary’s in mourning (looking as miserable as ever), Laura Carmichael is stealing the show with her portrayal of the middle Crawley girl who has finally, finally taken control of her own life.  Lady Edith is writing, going to London, visiting nightclubs, and even has a boyfriend who is married to a Madwoman in the Attic!  It’s all very scandalous and so much fun, especially since everyone else is still stuck in that drafty, old house that’s more like a crypt than a mansion.

The show has reached a stalemate, I think, and literally exploded beyond the creators’ imaginations, so now they are grasping at straws. Mary has lost not one, but two men (remember poor Mr. Pamuk?), and her character is beyond boring these days.  She needs to seize control of the estate from the hands of her incompetent father, and spend her time tending to accounts.  Either that, or move abroad and spend her family’s money on frivolous things.  And Anna and Bates can’t have a baby and live happily ever after, because then she’d have to quit her job, so instead, she is viciously attacked and tries to hide it.  Nothing about this makes any sense.

(Edith Crawley, via ITV.)

So Edith gets to have all the fun and cause a few scandals, too.  And good for her, since it’s her turn!  I love Edith’s wardrobe this season, and she wears such stunning pieces and gorgeous colors in every scene, which are a welcome contrast to Mary’s purple and black.  It’s not hard to run across the season’s spoilers, and a few major events are in the works for Edith, but I’m rooting for her, and I can’t wait to see what she’s wearing in each episode.

I never thought I’d say this, since she was so dour and downright evil in the first season, but Edith has become a true style icon for the early twentieth century and just might be a beloved character by the show’s end.

(Edith looking lovely and stylish, photo via Carnival Films.)

And on a completely different note, I really enjoyed the conversation between Branson and the old countess, as they danced to the gramophone.  She asked where in Ireland he was from, and he replied Bray, in County Wicklow.  My ears perked up at his response, because that’s where Powerscourt, the most beautiful estate, is located!  And then the countess asked if Branson knew the Powerscourt family, and I almost fainted!  On our honeymoon, Ryan and I spent a wonderful day wandering the incredible gardens and public rooms of the mansion, and I have dreamed of going back ever since.  It’s much more charming than the old abbey, but the Crawleys are so much fun to discuss.

Are you watching?