Lady Violet Helps Ethel to Start Over | Downton Abbey

The Dowager of Grantham demonstrates one more time that in spite of the era and her traditional values, she can adapt to modern times and gives a second chance to Ethel.
Do you believe that Lady Violet really felt sorry for Ethel or as Isobel said... this is all about keeping up appearance?
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[@rocketmom60]

I think Violet at first was only concerned with appearances but after she saw Ethel crying in the street, she thought she would have a better chance at happiness in a different village. It was a win-win situation.

[@sunnyma969]

@Hannah Dyson true

[@jimmikulsky4810]

Admit it, Isobel. Violet has a heart.

[@CeltycSparrow]

I've noticed she does that. She also did it at the flower show in the first season. The judges always named her the winner, even though the other gentleman's flowers were far better. And even though she SAW her name as the winner, she announced it was him instead. She has a very good heart.....even if she is a bit sassy and likes to have her own way.

[@2up3rm4n1]

@@CeltycSparrow have you ever seen Mrs. Miniver? I was surprised how much of what happened in that movie took place here, namely the 'winner' of the flower show.

[@2up3rm4n1]

Still more intrigued by Ethel's story over many of the others. I did so like the crotchety old housekeeper who was feeding the soldiers, but was disappointed when she had no sympathy toward Ethel, but so be it. I do wonder about the people who hired Ethel and if the shame of their new maid should have ever gotten out. But we know 'fallen women' were common as mud, so to speak, as Jack the Ripper preyed on them in London. And obviously there were more situations such as this with the child growing up, never realizing his mother was the maid next door. Actor Jack Nicholson learned his 'older sister' was his mother and those he thought were his parents were his grandparents, but only after they had all passed on. And having recently watched A Bit Of A Do, I was intrigued by the mother insisting the baby's father be listed as the man she intended to marry, and not David Jason, the actual father, who would be running a concession cart or something for tourists.

[@jwpaulson2360]

"You will please leave Mr. Bryant to me." Props to Mrs. Bryant for having a heart AND a spine.

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

It took a while for her to stand her ground against her husbands self destructive hate

[@2up3rm4n1]

@@KoiYakultGreenTea "What he doesn't know won't hurt him." LOL! Who knows if she ever said anything to her husband about Ethel being nearby like that. Why would she? And Bryant had a list of Ethel's "clients" before Mrs. Crawley intervened, so he was probably still aware of where she was (just to make sure) and learned of her being at the Watsons and there was the Mrs. chance to deal with him. It was as tho the less a character appeared, the more fascinating they become.

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

@@2up3rm4n1 whatever the case may be, Mrs Bryant has ethels back. She’s not suddenly going to be cast out or get into trouble and she doesn’t have to sneak about. Even if the husband does find out and confronts them about it he’ll have to deal with wife now and he would then indeed be handled by mrs Bryant

[@2up3rm4n1]

@@KoiYakultGreenTea he was probably too absorbed in the grandson for the son he lost to be bothered with the likes of Ethel. Her storyline was one of my favorites because many, if any, "fallen women" didn't have someone like Crawley to help them out like that, and I was already endeared to the other crotchety old maid there after she, Padmore and my alltime fave, Mosley, were feeding the soldiers and were snitched on by my truly alltime fave, O'Brien. I guess you can tell I'm "lower class" because I enjoyed all the servants here more than the likes of Mary and Edith. Any chance liking Mary for her villainy was totally lost on me when she didn't know Ivey's name

[@readsomebooks666]

Given those sorts of husbands and wives, Mrs Bryant always struck me as someone who was very good and handling her husband ‘behind the curtain’ as it were. She just couldn’t do anything in the middle of a hostile drawing room when he already had his back up.

[@OzmaOfOzz]

3:56 the face she makes when someone agrees with her, so pleased 😂😂😂 gotta love Maggie Smith, she's so great!

[@blaithinomahony9160]

This was a really defining moment for Ethel. When we are first introduced to her character, she was irritating and bratty. By the end she had become hardworking, responsible and much kinder than at the start.

[@lilyturney1346]

Bláithín O Mahony I suppose people only learn through suffering

[@davidhutchinson5233]

@@lilyturney1346 Some.....but all of us are our own worst enemies.

[@tannle]

TheChoralist lol i think you've got your wires crossed. Ethel was a housemaid at Downton that has completely nothing to do w Mary's mishap. The sister who snitched is Edith.

[@TheChoralist]

tannle omg you are so right 🤣🤣 idk what I was thinking 🤣

[@CzechMirco]

And they say that working as a prostitute is bad for one's character :D

[@msinvincible2000]

I love Mrs Crawley. So good-hearted, so open-minded, so brave

[@kecleonboi]

@@FernandoTieppo like many progressive liberals today

[@sandraobrien8705]

I couldn't stand her.

[@kpax2066]

She wanted to help Ethel, true, but didn't consider all the consequences. When the consequences were explained to her, she wanted to put her own outrage ahead of Ethel's real life consequences. She had blinders on in the worst possible way

[@neilgerace355]

I like it when Isobel and Violet argue ... because they're staunch friends.

[@sweetdreams3119]

@@kpax2066 yet by giving her a chance, by wearing those blinders, Ethel WAS helped when others realized she was worthy of a second chance and had worked hard to earn a good reference that enabled her to leave. In the end, ALL of us have a part to play in helping each other get through this thing called Life, no matter what labels you want to slap on people.

[@gerardcollins6621]

"I know you wouldn't agree I know how you hate facing facts." As the kettle said to the pot Violet.

[@vechnovoblakach9642]

I guess that time the pot was talking to the kettle 😂 I love how their relationship develops and they find similarities in each other

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Love it

[@alexanderjones9572]

"Wh-what is 'The Scarlet Letter?' " "A novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne." "It sounds most unsuitable." Not even that funny unless she says it! She could read the telephone directory aloud and it'd be funny! 😂😂😂

[@da96103]

"Wh-what is 'Joe Biden'?' " "A leading candidate in the democratic primary pushed by the establishment." "It sounds most unsuitable."

[@jandreidrn]

da96103 "wh-what is a Trump?" "A former reality TV host turned president who's currently facing an impeachment trial" "Oh. When I hear about him I'm reminded of the virtues of the English." "But isn't he American?" "Exactly."

[@TheChoralist]

My favorite lady violet quote ever ! 🤣🤣🤣 most uneducated ppl find this show boring and don’t catch on or know why this is so funny. I laughed so hard at this line and nobody else understood a thing or even knew what the Scarlett letter was lmao I’m like yea violet would find it most unsuitable 🤣🤣

[@OnLifeandLove]

@@da96103 Oh Violet would side with the establishment.

[@frname7665]

@@OnLifeandLove Do you think she would side with the so called "progressist" anti-tradition side lol

[@jeremysaysrawr119]

“These days a working woman must have a skill.” “...but you seem to have so many.”

[@jackyjackymack1033]

Ohh Jeremy

[@femmeofsubstance]

Jeremy It’s true w/ many “working” actresses in “Hollywood” - and “working” actors in “Hollywood”, too...

[@thepsychoticempress03]

😂

[@pneron2032]

What skill though? BJs or can Ethel make her pu**y squint?

[@jeremysaysrawr119]

P Neron “Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.”

[@MeyaRoseGirl]

As her butler has said about her, Violet hates to be predictable. Like Mary, she's very contrary and likes to be perceived as heartless and only into appearances. On the inside, she's really a big softie. I think she was more motivated by compassion than appearances, but let people think it was all about appearances because she loves playing the devil's advocate with Isobel. "Happily it was not needed." For heavens sake, she would never chop up a baby in a stew, but she just said that to shock/irk Isobel.

[@grandcarriage1]

That last line was SUCH a zinger

[@mol7062]

@Moogie B I don't know about a bigger heart but she is wiser.

[@earlofbroadst]

Can't let people think you're soft. They'll eat you alive. 😉

[@jehannethompson1432]

Jake Starbuck Exactly.

[@liambraithewaite6415]

Violet is such a troll

[@ryotaarai3816]

"You've surrounded this house with a miasma of scandal, and touched all of us by association" Now that is a line worth remembering for future use. Perhaps in my next grand family reunion. 😁

[@ryotaarai3816]

@@jackyjackymack1033 or drug addicts. Politicians. Batshit crazies. The last one, I have in abundance. 😁

[@dobazajr]

Adulterers too

[@miriamhavard7621]

Flappers, miniskirts, punk rockers, rap musicians, jazz musicians, rock musicians, suffragettes...... All this stuff was scandalous at one time or another.

[@stephanieellis5399]

Oh, dear. In some ways I hope you don't have to use it. In other ways I hope you remember to use it if needed - there's little more frustrating than the aftermath of an argument and thinking of the best comebacks.

[@andresuston7692]

I love the way she pronounces association as "assoCiation", without the "she" sound.

[@bethfiori4708]

"Happily that was not needed." Another great line by the great dowager.

[@kbeautician]

Yes. Soo funny🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sassfrass78]

I laughed out loud 😂

[@kapilshastry]

I really love the banter between dowager and Mrs. Crawley in this series. They won't admit it but both of them have similar characteristics and both can be stubborn as hell to prove their views. They both really care about the people in their lives and are not afraid to stand up for them.

[@sisis_eyes_wide_open]

Their scenes together were brilliant

[@Happybidr]

Ethel v Edith. I always found Ethel’s storyline, and Robert and Violet’s reactions to Ethel’s premarital sex and subsequent child to be fascinating. Not once did any of them realize that Ethel’s having sex and a child was exactly the same as what their own daughter and granddaughter, Edith, did. Edith herself doesn’t see the linkage. Edith’s money and support from others in her family and one of her father’s tenants gave her options that Ethel never had. So Edith ended up the wife of a Marquis while Ethel might have (were it not for Mrs. Crowley and Violet) ended up a prostitute, but still ended up as a servant, which was a win for her.

[@barbaral743]

Wasn't Edith's pregnancy and baby's birth later in the series? Or am I remembering that incorrectly? I think Ethel's being a prostitute was the major scandal, more than having an out-of-wedlock baby.

[@hannahsmart4494]

Well one difference is public knowledge. It's scandalous with Ethel because everybody knows about her, very few know about Edith. Edith had the option to travel abroad to hide her pregnancy, Ethel didn't have that luxury. Another is that Ethel came earlier in the series, she got pregnant when the house was being used as a convalescent home. Edith had never been pregnant yet, that was the interwar years with her lover dying in Germany when Hitler was just starting to cause trouble, and how they treated Ethel probably played a part in how much kinder they were to Edith, along with the fact Edith is their daughter. People tend to forgive their children things they wouldn't forgive others who aren't their family, it's human nature. But as another person pointed out it was less the child out of wedlock and more the fact Ethel had no choice but to work as a prostitute to survive. Edith would never have had to resort to prostitution, even if her family cut her off she was still editor at the paper, she had work, so long as it didn't become public knowledge anyway, and even if it had, she can speak several languages, can read and write, and she probably would have enough saved up to afford a trip abroad to start a new life if it was necessary.

[@janettetimms8650]

Class divide...

[@harringt100]

As Violet said "Mary has the trump card. Mary is _family_ ." (Just replace "Mary" with "Edith" in this situation.)

[@schuiliz8754]

@@harringt100 why is that Mary has the trump card? Is it because she is the heiress to the royal title?

[@echoesofwar]

"Cousin Isobel is very literal." I laughed a little too hard at that

[@jcs1025]

The story arc concerning the evolution of the relationship between Violet and Isabelle has always been my favorite of the show.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

And when Mrs. Crawley announced her upcoming marriage to Lord Merton, the Dowager Countess of Grantham was sad she would lose a friend.

[@Robert08010]

All I can say (to quote the dowager): "Oh goody goody goody!" It wasn't quite dripping with sarcasm but it was damp.

[@gutsfinky]

​@@Robert08010I laughed out loud when she said that. It was very endearing. I don't think I've said "goody!" Since I was maybe six.

[@AndyCutright]

"But you seem to have so many." That look from Isobel.. omgah

[@mencken8]

“It’s a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne.” “It sounds most unsuitable.” 😂

[@valeria-militiamessalina5672]

I find this scene a bit forced. “The Scarlet Letter” was published in 1850, Violet must’ve at least heard of it, even if considered unsuitable, especially considering that she makes a lot of literary references throughout the series, some of them to unsavory subjects even. She is portrayed as being well read and yet never heard of this famous/infamous novel which even Mrs. Hughes can reference with everyone but Violet knowing what she is talking about.

[@kalevala29]

Isobel is an idealist, Violet is a realist. Ethel will most likely be happier and she gets to see Charlie. I am surprised Violet didn't know about the Scarlet Letter.

[@geoffreyforbes2910]

Well, throughout the series Violet's kept her distance from almost all things American, so probably American literature too.

[@kalevala29]

Well, that makes some sense. Plus she would have been pretty young when it was published. Maybe it wasn't popular in the UK. It's considered classic American literature.

[@miriamhavard7621]

So was I. If only she knew how mind-numbingly boring it was written.

[@chanaberlove8720]

@@miriamhavard7621 its not boring. Most classic novels were flowery and desciptive. Its a fascinating story of its time period.

[@exaudi33]

Oddly enough, Mrs Patmore is the great one for literary analogies in her exchanges with Daisy. It's really quite funny.

[@dttra566]

"Well happily it was not needed" LOL Best comeback ever.

[@anyviolet]

best one I've ever heard, for sure. Not a beat missed. Violet is a beast hahahaha

[@nmmarquesm]

Madame Violet deep down has a heart of gold despite the harsh words that she usually says.

[@weedermann]

No...she's a snobby bitch.

[@DeepikaGinger]

Tuff Bud She’s a snob, but she does care about those in her employ.

[@mscott3918]

@@DeepikaGinger The aristocracy are never snobs. That is an aspirant middle class trait. The absolute honesty of her ladyship is another aristocratic trait. People may not be used to it now, with so many politicians and celebrities saying what they think people want to hear, rather than the truth. My mother will never be dead whilst Violet continues. They could have been sisters.

[@mscott3918]

@Hannah Dyson No it doesn't. The aristocracy care about their employees, which is why they were generally so loyal. It's the jumped up middle class who don't know how to treat staff.

[@medusagorgon8432]

The exchanges between Mrs. C and Lady G give me such delight! The looks, the verbal give and take. Absolutely hilarious.

[@safespacebear]

I was so frustrated with Ethel and the choice she made when she worked at the big house but they really leaned in to her storyline and it produced some amazing moments. Violet, Mrs Hughes, and Isabel all really show wonderful parts of their nature in getting a "fallen women" back on her feet again. I doubt many had such powerful allies in those times so it's nice to see the family using their influence and position to help someone in real need of it.

[@elisecooper1942]

Sybil was powerful helping the staff in her own way too.

[@billyjean3118]

Mrs Hughes was the one who threw her out, I was really disappointed in her character. No reference, no help, all because of a simple mistake. They let thieves and schemers stay but a woman who was led astray has to be ruined. Poor poor judgment of Mrs Hughes.

[@harringt100]

@@billyjean3118 I imagine Mrs. Hughes came to regret not giving Ethel a reference (hence why Ethel was told she would get a reference from Mrs. Hughes if she needed it to move on.) But "a woman who was led astray"... please. Ethel was warned not to flirt with the officers and definitely keep her clothes on multiple times. It's not like she was this pure-hearted girl in the throes of a strange romantic love kindled by deceitful lover. She was trying to marry up and her scheme ended badly, like Edna Braithwaite (though she came off a lot worse than Edna.) Granted, Charles Bryant was a much worse person than she is, but even so, she walked right into that.

[@billyjean3118]

@@harringt100 she was unwise for sure, and times were much much different, but the men face no consequences and her life was ruined, Mrs Hughes was right to feel guilty.

[@harringt100]

@billyjean3118 LOL, another absurdly bad take. I don't think Mrs. Hughes "felt guilty" per se. Nor would such guilt have been particularly deserved. I think she later recognized that Ethel was making a sincere effort to take responsibility for her actions and to improve her life and that whatever small help she could be would be well worth it. (In addition to not knowing at the time Ethel would get pregnant and her dismissal would also impact her child. Which...she did try to help once she realized there was a child at stake, even before Ethel's attitude changed much.) It was literally her job to ensure the maids conducted themselves responsibly, and to impose consequences (including dismissal) when they didn't. If she'd ignored Ethel's behavior, she may have had consequences to face herself. It's made pretty clear Mrs. Hughes thoroughly disapproved of Major Bryant's behavior as well, and thought he should take responsibility for it. However, he was (just as obviously) outside of her authority.

[@morbius109]

3:10 - “You’ve been reading those communist newspapers again!” LOL

[@anyviolet]

Isobel's reaction was the best part of that barb! hahaha

[@buddyobbard2176]

Later, Tom says to Sara: “To quote my wife’s grandmother: you’ve been reading those communist newspapers again.”

[@eam5608]

3:57 when you're having a dispute with your sibling and your parent agrees with you

[@TheChoralist]

I ❤️ when she makes those faces 🤣🤣🤣 she reminds me of my dearly departed grandmother lol

[@stephanieellis5399]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@r6854]

I actually kind of like that Violet never told Mrs. Crowley that she saw Ethel crying. She lets Mrs. Crowley go one believing it is just about keeping up appearances. It's true to her character.

[@TheGenXer]

"It sounds most unsuitable." Lady is a treasure.

[@shahancheong9792]

"I knew you wouldn't agree, I know how you hate facing facts!" BURN!! LOL! Never gets old...

[@jmarie9997]

I will say, the Dowager was right in a way. Ethel's reputation in the village will always be mud. In London she could start over and have a good job. Mrs. Crawley was kind, but she seemed to have an agenda of forcing people to accept Ethel.

[@preciousfox4740]

I understand where both ladies are coming from. I think sometimes, leaving the situation isn't always possible and sometimes people have to persevere

[@vaanipapadakis2226]

I don't think she had an agenda. She wanted to fight for Ethel's place but the others were a bit more.... realistic I suppose.

[@lsmith9249]

J Marie Cheadle is in Greater Manchester, Ethel wouldn't have been near London

[@gerardcollins80]

@@vaanipapadakis2226 I'd say Isobel wanted to fight for Ethal to be able to be able to start again while staying in Downton, whereas Mrs Hughes and Edith with being pragmatic, believing Ethal would only be able to start again in a new place. The Dowager on the other hand, while she did at one point seem to have sympathy for Ethal, her overriding objective was was protecting the image of the family. As Isobel pointed out at the end, had Violet had to sacrifice Charlie to preserve the image of the family then she would have done so all the same.

[@jorgemichellerodriguezrami8966]

People SHOULD have. Sometimes it takes fighting to get things to get better. The decision should be Ethel’s, though.

[@j.verdikto4739]

3:57 is a legendary reaction by Maggie Smith, hilarious and perfectly intelligible without saying a word

[@bobbidazzler1343]

"It sounds most unsuitable". 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ToutCQJM]

“Luckily, it was not needed” I just love the Dowager!

[@mfitzy100]

I love mrs Crawley!! She was a breath of fresh air into the family

[@d7787]

"Happily it was not needed", ahahahah brilliant.

[@guyo]

I really love the Countess, she get shit done without breaking character.

[@jeanettesagarsee5582]

"luckily it was not needed." The Dowager gets the best lines.

[@jws1948ja]

This is one of my favorite parts of Downton Abbey. We all need salvation.

[@brixiemandal3878]

As for spiritual, Jesus is the answer, folks! We are all weary and down, thicker and muddier than the mud, but He is welcoming everyone in His arms. He is listening and waiting for His own creation to come to Him.

[@jws1948ja]

Somehow you make my remark tawdry. Please delete it.

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

This all started with Violet happened to see Ethel crying in the rain and putting into place a plan of action. Though she may mask it with trying to eliminate a scandal, she started it because she felt bad enough to do something. And twice, since she knew the root of the problem was the Bryant’s’ issue with her working nearby and went straight to the source. Ultimately her influence with Mrs Bryant not only improves ethels living situation but also helped her be more involved with Charlie’s life - as it looks like Mrs Bryant is willing to let her be in her sons life maybe in the future b

[@RahulKumar-lg8vj]

When you are very practical,you tend to do right things that appear compassionate.

[@philipsmith3084]

Amy Nuttal did such a tremendous job as Ethyl. I hope we see her again soon.

[@latinguy67]

Love the Hester Prynne reference. Interesting analogy. The Ethel arc was quite artful. And I was so happy that she gets to see Charlie...at least on the periphery.

[@colinmerritt7645]

Do not mess with Professor McGonnigal

[@celticlass8573]

I would love to see a series about Violet when she was at her prime. I bet she was an absolute tour de force!

[@davidlangham]

I believe it's called Downton Abbey.

[@celticlass8573]

@@davidlangham Haha indeed!

[@blossomx1804]

I love that final comment about sending Charlie to the butcher be sure truly it was ultimately about looks for Violet. Their banter is priceless.

[@josephmcollins54]

"I knew you wouldn't agree. I know how you hate facing facts."

[@kapilshastry]

That wasn't a burn but a brutal fact that Mrs. Crawley often acts like a dumb college teen rebel who wants to change the world on her own terms and conditions with complete disregard of the situation.

[@AlbertoGarcia-wd7sc]

As much as we can love Violet's wit, Isobel was trully a good, really kind hearted character with no time for prejudices or aristocracy nonsense

[@mamieanding5691]

"Well, happily, it was not needed." Typical Violet.

[@kit4685]

0:33 I can’t wait for my drunk aunt to say this to me at the next family dinner

[@ireneshafer4821]

I wish that the show was still on. My husband and I LOVED the show. To bad that it stopped way to soon! Thank GOD, that there’s VCR to watch whenever we want. 👍

[@FlutterMouse]

VCR? Like from the 90s?

[@mirkost8329]

Love Violet! She's the best, her lines and giggles XD hahaha

[@David-mj3dg]

"You've surrounded this house with a miasma of scandal" 🤣🤣🤣 omg i'm dead! Not laughed so hard in ages. I love Maggie Smith she's so amazing!

[@pattimessenger6214]

Funny how different Violet’s attitudes differ between Ethel, who gave birth out of wedlock and her own granddaughter, Edith, who gave birth out of wedlock.

[@SCGMLB]

The Dowager Countess would be the first to tell you that she is Lady Grantham, not Lady Violet.

[@mscott3918]

Oh good, someone else who understands titles. If she was Lady Violet it would indicate that she was daughter of a Duke, Marquess or Earl. I get frustrated when reading in the paper how, for example, Lord Alan Sugar, said something.

[@julianaylor4351]

Somewhere I've a book on how to write and address various titled and important people, so the rules still apply.

[@goldengalsclazy]

@@julianaylor4351 It might be "Debrett's."

[@mscott3918]

@temporarysanity Another example of sloppy writing.

[@Celtwoman1949]

Mrs Crawley calls her Cousin Violet

[@DeepikaGinger]

When you think about all the dreams that Ethel once had.

[@debbiericker8223]

One of my favorite lines in the entire series, "You've surrounded this house with the miasma of scandal and touched all of us by association."

[@AlbertoGarcia-wd7sc]

There is a saying in spanish that goes something like this: "small village, big hell". I certainly wouldn't want to live in a place like Downton during those days

[@tymcintosh-campbell3924]

The writing in this series is some of the most subtle and incredible in TV history. Ethel, who in season 2 knocked boots with a British military officer experiences fallout in more ways than one. The conflict between the Dowager and Isobel was no doubt something this series always benefited from, and Ethel gets a new start thanks to the Dowager, even if it was for the reputation of the estate.

[@jamesr1703]

This is one of my favorite episodes. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Life is hard...for all of us. The Dowager Countess was right again.

[@user-ch3co1rv3e]

No, not everyone does. Yes people make mistakes and none of us are perfect. Sometimes a second chance given to the wrong person will put innocent people in danger. Discernment is an important life skill that clearly most people never develop.

[@grandcarriage1]

I love that Violet got the final zinger

[@alexanderjones9572]

'I knew you wouldn't agree. I know how you hate facing facts.' 😂😂😂

[@eboli7146]

That knowing look at 3:56 is one of Maggie’s signatures and something I would like to master it’s hilarious 😂🤣

[@gutsfinky]

I'm thinking of pulling it out at my next staff meeting. I'm sure it will be appreciated. 😅

[@angelashelley2711]

I love how women come together!

[@roro5150]

Maggie Smith is such a rockstar actress!

[@gutsfinky]

Who plays a Rockstar character! I want to be like Violet when I'm an old lady. An iron fist inside a kid glove and a comeback for every remark.

[@ivorytower99]

I love the portrait in the background, behind Ethel at 6:34. Such a quality program! I can't wait for the Movie, this month!!! :) :) :)

[@hadiyazid]

Am I the only one who liked this Ethel story. I think it was funny to see the Dowager and Isobel arguing about the welfare of Ethel.

[@Hiro_Trevelyan]

I liked that the show talked about the hypocrisy and cruelty of this world. She didn't conceive the child by herself, sure she was foolish, but if the father didn't die, I'm not sure he would've married her, leaving her with nothing. Poor Ethel did things she didn't want to, she probably didn't enjoy it but one must do what it takes to stay alive and she's got blamed and shamed for it.

[@carlycrays2831]

If he had lived, little Charlie probably wouldn't have even been adopted by his grandparents. They only wanted him because his father was dead.

[@katwin3709]

Not 'in spite of her traditional values' but because of them. It's called a virtue of charity.

[@jazzycat8917]

Isobel's face after Violet says "but you seem to have so many". Just complete disbelief at the cattiness

[@gutsfinky]

Utter SHOCK leading to anger. It was brilliant though!

[@blue2tang]

The world would be a much better place if there were more Lady Violets.

[@miriamhavard7621]

Yes!

[@miriamhavard7621]

And Isobels and Roses and Sybyls. 💕

[@mscott3918]

Undoubtedly. Her place seems to have been taken over by dissembling middle class do-gooders.

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

“But you seem to have so many.” Bruuuuhhh 🤣

[@Sunny25611]

😂 I absolutely adore these ladies together! Snark and Snip - they’re the perfect foil in every scene ! Lady Ethel and Violet are my very favorite characters so real.. ^^

[@heinmadsen-leipoldt2341]

I will work any time for Mrs Crawley, she's so kind and understanding. I have so much respect for her

[@JP2GiannaT]

The wordless sass and stares in this are amazing.

[@wilsonsoares3542]

“a local topic of unwelcome conversation” 😂 the shaaaaade bless 🤣

[@kritishdadu9828]

but u seem to have so many! perfectly delivered Maggie!

[@kelleyprice3450]

I just love these snippets.... I miss that show.

[@user-wg2gv1es8q]

Обожаю эту пожилую леди, умница, с тонким чувством юмора, вот бы мне такую подругу

[@alicevaillant4791]

"You've been reading those communist newspapers again" I'm putting that on a t-shirt

[@julianaylor4351]

There are a couple of left wing socialist leaning papers today in the UK but only one totally communist paper in 2019, The Morning Star.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

@@julianaylor4351 There are a few....and their voices need to be heard.

[@anyviolet]

@@davidhutchinson5233 Yes, of course -- we all need as much humor as we can get, these days... :D

[@overcomerbtbojesus]

@@anyviolet 😂🤣😂🤣

[@ryohn5468]

I'd rather be left than right. Conservatives are mean and unkind and have no love for society.

[@lexsmith8689]

I simply love, how Violet manages to leave Isobel speechless AND wide open.. though Isobel at certain points looks like a lioness with toothy grin, ready to jump and bite (or strain between teeth some "extremely saucy" remark or diatribe for that matter) for all the things Violet sometimes pulls out..

[@thewimp9630]

Love Isobel‘s facial expression at the end xD

[@dtulip1]

A classic example of A) how thinks were back then B) how to deal with them, quietly and , if I may say, cunningly....well done to Lady Violet for sorting things out properly and to everyones satisfaction.................It was awesome of Mrs Crawley for employing Edith, but it was making difficulties all round

[@alextirrellRI]

Violet's so quick and can't miss an opportunity.

[@Dreamer-tp8le]

I want to rewatch it again and again I have already watch all seasons and the movie more than 10 times best periodic drama .

[@CrimsonThorns]

- i watch it twice a year chronologically...and just upgraded my dvd set to Blu ray. 😎

[@michaelkowalski1714]

Happily it was not needed - 😊 best response in the whole show! 😂

[@StillJustDreaming]

I've never seen this show before, but if this is what all the episodes are like I may have to start watching

[@thejessesouth]

its exceptional. its my comfort show its on in the background all the time 😅😆

[@h.huffen-puff4105]

The Dowager Countess, a classic example of how quickly one forgets one's own follies in the presence of another's.

[@Tygearianus]

I love Violet reacts immediately to hearing "works like a slave" because a) she knows that's ludicrous hyperbole and b) she knows Mrs. Crawley will have something to say

[@PermenBoba-dq3jb]

in 2023 the descendants of slave wanted to portray themselves as their owner in Bridgerton 💀💀 who tortured their ancestors in the first place.... we are regressing

[@eddietheloggie]

Just about the best last line in history!

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Oh, these are always worth watching till the very end.

[@CrisUrbanJacquesBiology]

Mathew was a lucky kid to have a mother like that

[@laurabaker8832]

OH Lordy, Never underestimate the power of understatement. Maggie Smith is fabulous as the Dowager. I wish I could act half that well.

[@widdy82]

"... happily it was not needed..." LOL

[@waverlycoyne4225]

I just LOVE granny violet

[@multidissanayake6740]

"Cousin Isabel is very literal " :))

[@saulbriones2547]

Mrs Crawley's face expression had me dying 1:05 🤣

[@pwp8737]

The Dowager's quip at the very end was priceless.

[@nulnoh219]

That last word from The Dowager tho... Didn't even deny it. She will do what she must.

[@InFltSvc]

This is a great teaser of what once was and enjoyable to watch. This show was six years of great Sunday evening’s making memories with my mother as watched it over wine and nibbles. Every week I would plane something different but special to serve during the airing of the show. I am glad I have the disc set to watch over in my time. Just a stunning series via Masterpiece. I think the only other show that has grabbed my attention as this one was Atlantic Crossing and now we are enjoying All Creatures great and small …. Thank you to the British! And Masterpiece

[@DowntonAbbey]

Do you believe that Lady Violet really felt sorry for Ethel or as Isobel said... this is all about keeping up appearance?

[@ChristineTheHippie]

Both. She did have compassion but she was looking out for her family’s reputation.

[@Hss922]

Its about keeping appearances and hypocrisy. She didn't react the same way with edith

[@celinee.9562]

It doesn't matter, as the new situation is preferable for everyone ! So who cares about the '' true motives '' if everyone is happy ? The dowager seemed quite happy to see the new situation was a happy one. Happy ending !

[@gerardcollins6621]

While there was a bit of sympathy, it was largely just about getting rid of her and her scandalous past.

[@DeepikaGinger]

Both. She’s always looked out for the people who worked for them. She’s not heartless

[@brat46]

I love that last line

[@leorios6400]

"well happily that was not needed" 🤭😆