Downton Abbey Recap: Everyone disagrees with the Earl in episode 5

By Randi Bergman and Paige Dzenis

After last week’s tragic episode, it seemed like nothing would ever be the same on Downton Abbey. With Cora and the Earl sleeping in separate bedrooms, Mary furious at Matthew and both upstairs and downstairs operating under a cloud of grief, the odds of this week’s episode containing the show’s signature quips seemed low. But with cousin Isobel employing Ethel, Daisy continuing to pine after Alfred and the Dowager Countess being, well, the Dowager Countess, all was almost back to normal at Downton. Though the Earl may have a thing or two to say about that…

Worst day to wear a suit:
Branson, we’re pretty sure that the death of your wife gives you more than enough reasons to stop following the Downton dress code. And yet, there you are, showing up to breakfast in a suit that matches the ones that the Earl and Matthew are wearing. We have to wonder if this sartorial choice is a practical one (Branson doesn’t own any other black clothing) or a power play: By dressing more distinguished, it may just help to keep the Earl a little blindsided when Branson drops such bombs as the baby being christened by the Catholic church.

Best development:
Has the Earl finally figured out that he’s no longer Lord of the Last Word? When Branson announces that the baby will be named Sybil and become Catholic, the Earl grunts, throws down his napkin and then wisely leaves the room. And when the topic of Edith writing a newspaper column comes up again, his temper tantrum is basically ignored. The old Earl would have shouted until everyone else defaulted to his decision, but with two of his daughters married (and Matthew as joint-master of Downton) the Earl’s authority is no longer absolute.

Best cook sass:
“Anyone who has use of their limbs can make a salmon mousse,” says Mrs. Patmore to Ethel. Have you ever made a salmon mousse? Would you ever try? Hells no.

Best cook sass part two:
Carson accuses Mrs. Patmore of wrongly “frolicking” over to Crawley House to help Ethel in the kitchen, to which she diva-ly responds “Do I look like a frolicker?” Zing!

Best dig:
When Isobel shows up to invite Cora, Mary and Edith to lunch, she’s clearly arrived right on the cusp of dinner. “Oh goodness, you’ve changed,” she says of Cora’s beaded, black evening dress. “Well, we’re rather prompt,” Cora responds, without missing a beat. Yep, she basically just pulled a 30 Rock joke on Isobel.

Most bittersweet moment:
Mary and Matthew have been getting along so poorly lately that it was refreshing to see them huddled in the sheets confessing their love for each other again. It’s only too bad that they had to be brought together by the loss of Sybil.

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