Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 3

In this week's episode of Downton Abbey the setting has changed drastically. Due to Sybil's efforts, the family has allowed the hospital to extend it's quarters to include the Crowley house. While this seems like an honorable and selfless deed, it is important to note that Lord Grantham and Cora are more than reluctant to agree. Even after everything is set up and the wounded soldiers are brought in, the pair do not hesitate to broadcast their discomfort and outright rudeness regarding the entire situation. On a surprising note, Edith truly steps up as a nurse for the wounded and all the men are extremely thankful for her. Anna discovers that Bates has returned to town but is laying low for a bit until he is able to divorce his wife. William returns to Downton for a night before being sent off to war. It is on this night that he asks Daisy to be his wife. Daisy reluctantly accepts after being persuaded by her boss that since William is going to war, it is Daisy's job to send him off on good terms. Mary's grandmother and aunt begin to scheme against Matthew's new fiance by digging up blackmail on her. They wish to get rid of her so that Mary can move in. In an interesting turn of events, Mary is actually not a part of the scheming and appears to have grown a heart. She seeks out Matthew's fiance and confronts her. After learning the truth, Mary defends her and shuts down the schemes completely. While the setting of the show has certainly changed, what with injured soldiers roaming around, the attitudes and characters sadly remain the same.

One theme that can be found in this week's episode of Downton Abbey is the unwillingness to help those who are hurt and in need. As stated before, Lord Grantham and Cora are extremely reluctant to agree with housing injured soldiers. The only reason they agree is because of Sybil's involvement with the hospital. Not only are they reluctant, but they complain nonstop about not being able to go into one of the multiple sitting rooms or the library. I cannot even explain my disgust with them regarding this. Seriously? These men are dying for YOU, and you can't stand to give up a fraction of your mansion of a home for their recovery? There are people who have far less than them who give so much more.

This issue is addressed in scripture in Luke 10:25-37 in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, Jesus tells a story of a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers. He was stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite passed by the man on the side of the road and kept going. It was not until a Samaritan found the man that he was taken in, helped, and restored to health. Jesus explains that this is what it means to be a good neighbor as he commanded. He then tells the expert in the law whom he was speaking with to "go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37). Clearly, helping the injured, and therefore being a good neighbor, is encouraged by Jesus in scripture.

Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 2

This week's episode of Downton Abbey introduced a number of new characters as well as lost a favorite. It seems as though Bates' departure may have been for good considering he was not present at all in this episode. Lord Grantham still struggles with not being at the front lines during the war, much like William in the last episode. However, in an interesting turn of events, William has been called off to war and is much too pleased about it. Daisy likes William but is hesitant when he calls her his "sweetheart." This is surprising since she is the one who kissed William first. With so many people leaving the house, Carson is placed under a great deal of stress and almost has a heart attack from it. Lady Edith gets a job driving a tractor for a married couple but gets in too deep when she develops feelings for the husband and is dismissed from her work there. Sybil becomes more and more involved at the hospital caring for injured soldiers. Thomas returns to Downton when he is purposely injured at war and also helps at the hospital. One young soldier has become permanently blind while at war and ends up committing suicide at the hospital. He does this when he finds out he will be moved since his injures are healed and he needs only to learn how to live with his new disability. Another reasoning is that the hospital needs the bed for other injured soldiers. Thomas is extremely shaken up about this.As a result, Sybil is moved to take the matter up with the family. She requests that they open their home to more injured soldiers returning from war. Her grandmother, Violet, is appalled at the idea but Cora seems to begin thinking it over. As stated in my last blog, this war is bringing about some pretty drastic changes in Downton.

One theme that is present in this episode is the selfish attitude of the wealthy, particularly Violet. Perhaps it is because of the historic time and culture that she was raised in, but she has drastically different views than her granddaughter, Sybil. When This can be seen in the scene when Sybil presents her request to the family of opening their home to injured soldiers. Her heart behind the matter cannot be ignored. Her grandmother, on the other hand, does not take kindly to the request. She doesn't try to hid her scoffing in the slightest. This scene truly amazed me. Here was an upper class family sitting in a grossly large sized house with maids catering to their every need and they refuse to give up space to men who are literally dying for them and their country. In this sense, the minds of the wealthy are controlled with self-seeking ambitions  self-benefiting thoughts, and selfishness. Their first priority is to themselves. This is the theme that stuck out to me the most in this episode of Downton Abbey.

This idea of selfishness among the wealthy is definitely referred to in Scripture. In fact, Jesus addressed this issue within his own ministry. It may have been the more prominent issue he had with the Pharisees and other wealthy groups of people. In Matthew 12:41-44 Jesus uses a widow's offering to teach those around him about giving. Now in this passage it is stated that the wealthy gave large amounts (Matthew 12:41). In this sense one would think that they were not being selfish at all. However, when the widow gives just two small copper coins she is praised for it (Matthew 12:42-43). The rich gave out of their wealth, but the widow gave out of her poverty. Jesus says that "she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on" (Matthew 12:44). Obviously the widow possessed much less than the rich people, yet she gave so much more. She gave everything she had, and Lady Violet cannot manage to give up even the smallest space of their home for the injured. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus explains that what we do for others, we do unto him. This includes clothing those who are in need of clothing, feeding the hungry, and taking care of the sick (Matthew 25:35-36). Not only is the family being selfish by not allowing injured soldiers into their home but they are also going against the commands of Jesus in the biblical text.

Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 1

The beginning of World War I marks the beginning of various changes to take place in the Grantham family. This week's episode begins by jumping forward two years into the war. Cousin Matthew has gone away to fight in the war and has not been in Downton for quite some time. Lady Mary tries to act like this doesn't bother and that she no longer has feelings for Matthew but when he returns for a short visit with his new fiance, her emotions are clear as day.Lady Sybil makes more of an effort to break out of the cultural bondage she lives in as a woman in the early 1900s. She wishes to become more involved in the war efforts so she learns to cook in the hopes that she will at some point have the opportunity to become a nurse for wounded soldiers. Mr. Bates and Anna take their relationship to a new level by talking about marriage and children. Even Lord Grantham is brought into the loop as they begin making plans for the future. Things take an unexpected turn when Bates' wife shows up in Downton with blackmail on him and demands he leaves town with her immediately with no explanation. The motive behind this is that when Bates' mother died he came into a small fortune. His wife is obviously very interested in this. Ms. O'Brien overhears the conversation and shares it with Carson. For the past two years Thomas has also been fighting the war, but reluctantly so. By the end of the episode Thomas purposely gets shot in the hand so he can leave the war and return to the home-front. The entire episode William struggles with feeling like a coward because he is not fighting in the war. He continually wants to go to war but his father forbids it. Branson reveals his feelings to Lady Sybil upon dropping her off for her new nurses job. She does not express any feelings in return. This episode had many new romances finally revealed.

One theme that can be found in this episode of Downton Abbey is the universal view of war. It is assumed fighting for one's country is considered the right thing to do. As a result, one is wrong if they are not at the front-lines defending their country. This is seen in William's conflicting feelings of shamefulness for not being at war. At the same time, the idea of Thomas becoming injured on purpose so that he could return home would be frowned upon because of this universal view of war. In Downton Abbey, it seems as though Cousin Matthew is the only one fulfilling this view. This view can be seen in this episode during an event the Grantham's household. Some young women get into the event somehow and begin handing out white flowers to every man not in a uniform. This implied that these men were cowards standing by while others died for the country. This view of war is huge in this episode of Downton Abbey.

It is expected that William feels so much regret for not enlisting and going away to fight in the war. Because of the societal view that has been impressed upon him, it is normal for him to be feeling this way. However, it is important that we look at his specific situation. William's mother has recently passed and he is the only son of his father. Scripture says that "if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family..." (1 Timothy 5:4). Later on in 1 Timothy Paul says "if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This is also seen in Jesus' own life. While dying on the cross Jesus tells one of his disciples to become his mother's son. From that point on, the disciple brought Mary into his own home and cared for her (John 26-27). The Word clearly shows that we are to have certain priorities in our lives. Caring for relatives is a top priority; therefor, in this sense, William is doing the honorable thing by staying in Downton and not going off to fight in the war.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 7

In my opinion, this week's episode of Downton Abbey resembled an unpredictable roller-coaster. Not only was in jam-packed with a variety of different topics and events, but it seemed as though all of the events were truly life changing. First, Cora discovers that she is pregnant. At first I didn't understand the commotion other than the fact that she is quite old to be having more children. Then I realized that if the child is a boy the inheritance would go to the son and stay in the family. As a result of this news, Mary waits on giving her answer to Matthew's proposal due to this. Her grandmother advises her to accept the proposal so that Matthew will know she will love him despite his wealth. Miss O'Brien, upon overhearing plans of possibly hiring a new maid, fears for her job stability. She becomes extremely bitter and because of it she makes a horrid decision. While assisting Cora during her bath she leaves a bar of soap next to the tub. When Cora gets out of the tub she slips on it and falls, and this causes her to miscarry. The news of this is devastating not only because they lost a child but also because they lost hope in securing the family fortune. In other news, Thomas makes arrangements to leave the house and join a doctor's practice and Ms. Patmore sees an eye specialist while a new cook is hired for the meantime. Mary also discovers how Edith helped spread news of Mary's promiscuity. She gets back at her by influencing Sir Antony so she changed his mind about proposing to Edith. Mary's delayed response to Matthew's proposal actually causes him to take it back and Mary is devastated. At the conclusion of the episode, Robert makes an announcement at the garden party that what will be known as World War I has begun. It was a truly historical episode.

One major theme that I detected within this episode was the theme of selfishness. This theme occurs not only in self possession but also in the aspect of a self-driven mindset. Many characters in this episode said something or did something that was to benefit them personally. The feelings of others were not considered in the slightest. There were many examples of this. First, Mary delays on her answer to Matthew's proposal because she wants to make sure she marries someone with wealth. Second, Mary purposely destroys Edith's chance at getting proposed to only for her own self satisfaction. Third, Miss O'Brien seeks to harm Cora because she is upset she might lose her job. Fourth, Thomas seeks a new job opportunity in order to save himself from being fired. The majority of actions that were displayed in this episode were driven by selfish desires. It was actually quite disappointing.

This theme of selfishness can be found being discussed in Scripture but is certainly not supported by the Word. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "selfish ambition" as one of the acts of sinful nature. In the Psalms selfishness is also discussed. It states "turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain" (Psalm 119:36). In the gospel of Luke we see the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story Jesus explains that those who passed by the man in need were focused only on themselves, whether it be their own preconceived notion and judgment of the man or the business of their own lives. It was not until a man passed by who had a heart for the man in need that we see the moral of the story. Once a man came along who was focused on the need of other instead of his own need or personal gain, the commandment of loving one's neighbor was displayed and commended. Jesus teaches that people ought to act in a way of love for others, not focusing on their own self-interests.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 6

This week's episode of Downton Abbey delete with a variety of interesting events. This episode is two years later from the start of the series. At this point we learn some striking new regarding Bates' past. Not only was he an alcoholic but he was also a thief. He admits this to Carson considering there has been multiply thefts in the home. Bates assumes that he will resign from his position and leave the house. Carson informs him that he will discuss the matter with Robert and get back to him. Sybil becomes more involved with politics, specifically women's rights, in this episode. This is looked down upon by Robert because it is breaking norms and it is definitely not safe. Mary and Cousin Matthew becomes closer in this episode also. Not only do they share a kiss but Matthew proposes to Mary while having sandwiches at the house. Mary informs him that she will think about it and get back to him. One interesting new development is the growing fancy between Edith and Sir Antony. Finally, Roberts mother, Isobel, is informed of Mary's incident. She receives a letter explaining Mary's actions. When Isobel confronts Lady Grantham regarding the issue, Lady Grantham explains that she will not under any circumstances turn her back on Mary. Isobel agrees explaining, "she's family." These are the main events that occur in the latest episode of Downton Abbey.

One theme that I found in this week's episode was the importance on family and the impact that has on an individual. Isobel remains in relationship with her granddaughter, Mary, because she is family, regardless of her irresponsible mistakes. At the same time, it is made clear that Mary's mistakes reflect badly on not only herself but the family as a whole. In this day and culture family was of great importance. Who your family was said a lot about your reputation and honor. In the same way, an individual's actions can reflect badly for the rest of the family from society's perspective.

In John 8:19 the Pharisees question Jesus regarding his father. In the Ancient Near East one acquired honor in society from their family. Since Joseph was a simple carpenter, Jesus really had no place speaking out against the Pharisees or even speaking with real authority as he always did. In verse 20 Jesus explains that they know not him nor his father, meaning the Lord. This passage (as well as researching the culture in a commentary) does an excellent job showing how one's family influences their reputation among the people. While one can acquire honor by birth, they can also gain it through questions and challenges. Jesus Christ did both. Based off of this text, it comes as no surprise that Isobel worries about the family's honor due to Mary's scandalous behavior coming into light.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 5

In this week's episode of Downton Abbey tensions ran high. A direct quote from Aaron Yenney was "the claws came out!" And he is definitely spot on. During this episode a rivalry was produced between the two oldest sisters. Each one wanted to prove to the other that they were the more desirable one and could have any man they wanted. The sisters took advantage of the opportunity to show this at a dinner party their parent's held at the house. Cousin Matthew began showing more and more interest in Mary but she was much more focused on one-upping her sister in the romance department. A letter arrived informing Robert of a rumor beginning to come about that Mary is impure. Only a few know that the rumor is actually true. This puts even more pressure on Mary to marry before it gets out of hand. In another romance scene, Anna builds up the courage to tell Bates that she loves him. Bates, however, does not say it back to her because he wants to be a gentleman. It amazes me how kind he is to her in this scene. Perhaps my favorite event of this episode occurs at the annual flower competition. Usually, Isobel wins first place for her roses. It is hinted at in this episode that perhaps she wins every year because the judges feel it is appropriate to reward her because of her position within society. At the end of the episode, Isobel actually takes it upon herself to announce Mr. Mosley the winner of the best bloom even though the judges voted for her once again. It was an amazing, unexpected gesture of kindness which was actually quite shocking coming from this character. This episode was filled with many unexpected twists and turns but was still bound to the cultural and historical aspects of this time period.

One major theme that I picked up on in this week's episode was the influence of social classes within the community. Isobel's assumed first place roses are a prime example of this. The community felt obligated to award her first place because of her place in society. They felt it was their duty. At first this made me furious; however, after conversing with a friend regarding the topic I came to realize that this has been a universal theme throughout many historical periods of time. In the recent past as well as the present we find the same issue within different races. The white male is often given more opportunities and respect than a man of a minority race. This is still an ongoing issue in our world. Why is it that we feel obligated to favor a certain social class or status? What is it that gives or impresses this obligation on us? This would be an interesting topic to research and look more into.

In Mark 2, Jesus reclines and eats at a table with tax collectors and sinners. This is right after he calls Levi to follow him. Many scribes and Pharisees who were nearby questioned and criticized Jesus' actions of conversing with men of such low class morally and socially as well. Jesus explains in verse 17 that it is the sick who need a doctor, not the healthy. It amazes me that the Pharisees assumed that because of who the sinners and tax collectors were, they were not worthy of Jesus' time nor being in his presence  The scribes and Pharisees thought that because of their status or class they were far more worthy than those Jesus was spending his time with. I wonder if society will ever break free from this assumption which has hindered humanity throughout all of time.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 4

This week's episode of Downton Abbey was definitely more relational. I'm not a lovey-dovey person so honestly I wasn't a big fan or love popping up everywhere during this episode.Ms. Harris takes a night off from the house work and meets up with an old love interest from many years ago at the fair. Apparently, when they were younger he asked her to marry him but she declined. In this episode he asks again years later but she still says no. Her heart is torn and she doesn't know what to do. Mr. Bates has definitely begun to show more interest in Anna. He brings her dinner one night because she is not feeling well. One of the servant boys shows an interest in Daisy and wants to go to the fair with her. Thomas, knowing this and wanting to ruin everything, asks Daisy first. Daisy is too distracted by Thomas to see what is right in front of her. There are remnants of other relationships blossoming as well but these are the big ones for this week's episode.

One theme that can be found in this episode is the keeping of secrets. Whether full or deceit or simply wanting to remain private, it seems everyone has secrets and mysteries building up around them. This is not just happening among the servants either. When Ms. Harris leaves the house she tells no one where she is going or why. Mary is still agitated from the foreign man dying in her room. Isobel works to get Katherine fired from the hospital. One of the girls secretly peruses her dream of being a writer. And this is just the start. In this week's episode of Downton abbey, everyone has a secret.

When this topic of secrets is researched in the biblical text we come to 2 Corinthians 4:2. This verse states "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." Clearly Scripture does not condone the use of secrets in any way, deceitful or not. Instead, we are to always set forth the truth plainly. This being said, even the secrets people keep for privacy, such as Ms. Harris, are not excusable. There is no exception. The theme of secrets within the house in this episode of Downton Abbey is not supported by Scripture.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 3

This week's episode of Downton Abbey consisted of an interesting twist. The two main events which occurred in this episode surrounded Mary and Bates. First, two men from out of the area stayed at the household for a few days. Naturally, Mary took advantage of the opportunity to show interest in one of them. She chose which of the men she wished to pursue and did so bluntly. The man pursued back in extremely inappropriate ways for this time and culture. He intruded on her bedroom late at night and was able to convince Mary to sleep with him. In the middle of the activity the man suddenly died. Not knowing what to do, Mary got her maid as well as her mother to help move the body back to his room. However, they could not do so without a few of the household servants knowing what really happened. Mr. Bates attempts to make more progress fixing his leg by buying a contraption that goes around the lag and digs into it attempting to straighten the bones. It is extremely painful to him and when he cannot hide it any longer he is encouraged to throw the device into a lake by one of the servant girls. He vows to never do something like this again. In this episode of Downton Abbey the viewer sees more into the traits of individual characters in the show.

One theme that I noticed throughout this episode is the unusual representation of women in this time. Females were expected to be aids to their husbands and always represent themselves in a respectable manner. In this episode we see Mary throwing herself at a foreigner as well as engaging in premarital intercourse with him. Some of the women in the household also take part in lying and deception by working together to move the body from Mary's room to the guest room. In another instance, one of Mary's sisters begins to pursue Matthew on her own. She practically asks him out on a date. Matthew, however, is still courting after Mary. In this week's episode the women did not represent themselves in a respectable manner at all. It was very interesting to see women acting in such a way in this historical setting.

In a way, women acting out of their societal roles of that time is supported by Scripture. There are many times in the Bible when women take a stand or do some action that would be considered against the norms. One example can be found in the book of Esther. In this day, a Queen was chosen based on her virginity and physical appearance (Esther 2:3). It is clear that women were not desired for any more reason than this. Yet, when Esther is established as Queen, she steps out of the societal norms by making a request before the King even when it may mean death for her to do so (Esther 4:16). Through her actions God's people are saved and the Jews are not killed. This is one instance in Scripture when women breaking out of the societal norms is supported. However, it should be noted that there are appropriate ways to resist the norms as well as inappropriate, destructive ones as well.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 2

Episode Two of Downton Abbey was amazing. It went much more in detail than the first episode which operated as an overview introduction to the series. In this episode, the viewer had the privilege of observing the different characters in more depth. You could say that everyone's 'true colors' came out. In this episode, Matthew visits the main family. He is the next in line to hopefully marry Mary and inherit the title as well as the family's fortune which comes with it. Matthew comes from a home that is strictly middle class while Robert's family is upper middle class. It is clear to everyone that Matthew is very uncomfortable with having people wait on him hand and foot. This is a constant struggle for him throughout the episode. Matthew's mother also visits with him and begins volunteering at the hospital. Animosity can be seen here in that Isobel does everything in her power to remove Matthew's mother from the hospital. There is also a bit of drama among the servant's community as well. Throughout the episode a few of the other servants and family members discover that Garson was once a performer and has resorted to stealing in order to hide his past. Throughout the episode we see a revealing of the character traits of many different persons.

One of the major themes within this episode is the idea of knowing your place. At many points characters have reminded each other of their duties which stem from their job and class. At one point, someone actually says the words "know your place." In this time and age, knowing your place and staying in it was crucial. In fact, it was so crucial that when certain traits of characters are revealed which do not match their "place" it is treated as taboo. For example, Garson is so humiliated of his past as a performer that he hides it from the others in the house. When word gets out when an old performer friend shows up in town Garson attempts to keep it underground. However, he fails to do so. When some of the people in the house find out about Garson's past he expects it to be the end of him. On the contrary, those who have gained this new information are kind and considerate, not allowing gossip to take over. Garson is in awe of the grace and compassion he receives from these people.Apparently, these traits were unheard of for this time.

This idea of knowing your place is not affirmed by Scripture. In fact, just the opposite, showing compassion, understanding, and love is supported by biblical text. When Jesus is in the home of a Pharisee, a sinful women approaches him and begins to wet his feet with her tears and dry them with her hair (Luke 7:36-50). She then anoints him with ointment. The Pharisees who were present scoff at this behavior and judge her immediately. Jesus responds by showing her love and forgiveness for her sins. In an honor/shame culture such as this it would have been considered taboo for the sinful women to approach Jesus at all, but she stepped out of her place in order that she might step into the grace Jesus poured out on her. This is an amazing contrast to the behavior displayed in Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 2.

Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 1

Season one, Episode one of Downton Abbey began in April of 1912 on the morning after the Titanic sank in the Atlantic. The story surrounds an upper middle class family in England. Robert is the husband of Cora and father of three daughters. The Titanic's tragic accident affected this family in a tremendous way. Since Robert does not have a son to inherit his fortune and title it is of the utmost importance that his eldest daughter marry. The eldest daughter's name is Mary and she was supposed to marry a boy named Patrick who was on board the Titanic. Throughout the episode, Mary's parents are on a mission to find Mary a husband so that they inheritance will stay in the family. Also, Robert heirs a new valet named Bates who he served with in the Army. Bates is a disabled man who acquired the job as a favor from Robert. Immediately upon entering the house a majority of the other servants dislike Bates and work hard to persuade Robert that he is unable to do his job and thus should be let go. In fact, one of the servants, Thomas, is trying to get Bates' job. This first episode of the season opened up a multitude of drama and issues in this show.

One theme which was prevalent throughout the first episode was the contrast between the family that lives in the house and the servant who work/live there. Many times we see a multitude of differences displayed between these two social classes. One example consists of a scene displaying the family around the dinner table. They are all dressed in fancy clothes, there are various dishes and bowls on the table, and the servants wait on them hand and foot. Immediately after this scene the show flashes to an identical picture of a dinner table; however, it is crammed in the basement of the house, has few plates on the table, and the servants are dressed in their work garments. The atmosphere in this picture is completely different. There is a clear distinction between these two people groups and yet they are living harmoniously under one roof. At the same time, the respectable statuses are observed.

In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus observes a poor widow putting two small copper coins into the offering. Jesus commended this women for her willingness to give all she could. He also compares her to those who gave little out of their wealth. This is not to say that I am condemning Robert and his family but it is interesting to see the references of economic and social classes within Scripture as well as in Downton Abbey. When it comes to the treatment of others outside of your class, I believe Jesus encourages respect for all people. I also believe that Downton Abbey displays this very well. While social classes are certainly present within this television series, the attitudes between the classes are positive. If anything, the issues lay within each social classes. For example, how the servants treat other servant or how the sisters treat each other. I would not go so far as to say that having social and economic classes is biblically wrong; however, loving and respecting all people is extremely important.

So far, I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey. It has a unique way of presenting an older film to be present to today's society. I cannot wait to watch episode two and blog about that!