Greetings and happy 2016! I’m in a bit of a fog, so we’ll start out easy. You know that post-holiday jolt that occurs when you go from late nights, leisurely mornings, fireside lounging, and over indulgence of carbs right smack into pre-dawn awakenings, furious lunch-packing/breakfast-making haste and screech-owl morning sounds from tired kids? Ya, I’m there. Every person in this household is unabashedly nocturnal, so transitions back to early mornings and long school days are tough. The good news is tomorrow is Friday.
Thankfully my seasonal blues were curbed by the start of Downton Abbey’s long-awaited final season (sniff). What a way to start 2016! Their open with a classic British hunt scene was almost too much for this horse-crazed equestrienne to bare. I felt a mad rush of happy molecules race through every cell in my body. Nearly the whole cast placed in one scene oozing with sexy warmbloods, starchy butlers serving port in silver fox stirrup cups, and Brits donned in perfectly proper riding habits? Peter almost had to shove a nitroglycerin pill down my throat.
Look at this glorious detail. (weeping)
Yes, I loved the open. It was intoxicating.
Question: why do Lady Edith and sappy Lady Cora never ride? To me that would make the riding scenes more interesting, as you could see another layer to their character. Plus, imagine the crazy sibling rivalry moments on horseback. Could be entertaining. Julian, you missed out on that one.
You may recall the last time we saw Lady Mary riding, she was side saddle, the proper way for a lady to travel on her steed at the time.
But watch out, now it’s 1925 and women are free to ride like a man.
Judging from the head and physique, it looks like they placed Michelle Dockery, ahem, Lady Mary, on a large warmblood or maybe a Percheron. Percherons are draft horses known for their sensibility, strength, and calm nature. This would make riding scenes for a non equestrian much safer than sitting atop a “hot” or fiery-natured equine.
Love seeing the images from behind the scenes. Note that most of the horses are body-clipped for the hunt.
As far as the first episode goes, I was happy with it all. The over-the-top aristocracy, mystery, scandal, and love. It’s all so good. Carson and Mrs. Hughes were precious. Poor Mrs. Patmore played romance intermediary for Carson and Mrs. Hughes. Bates and Anna got a break from the threat of prison. Cora was less whiny. Lord Grantham heroed out and rescued elitist Mary in a pinch. Edith juggled a new career, sexism, and motherhood. And in that order. Isabel continued on her “I am woman, hear me roar” mission. Daisy went wacko and possibly ruined her father-in-law’s chance at staying on the farm. Thomas showed a softer side by giving the estate’s heir a day-long piggy back ride, although we know he has evil plans tucked away somewhere.
And as always, my favorite character, the Dowager, did not disappoint. I love her determination and witty one-liners. If only I could be that smug with my kids when they needed a reality check.
It feels like this will be a season of love for Downton, which is perfect for the close of their show and upcoming Valentine’s Day. Can’t wait for more!
Did you watch? Any opinions you’d like to share?
[images courtesy PBS and pinterest]