Downton Abbey “Season 5, Episode 3” 

I thought Charles Blake was truly out of the game when it came to the competition for Mary’s hand (and heart). The last time they saw each other, Blake warned Mary that Tony wasn’t clever enough for her. I’m not sure if Mary chose to discount that statement as vindictive or just unkind, but she was determined to get to know Tony more intimately. And now that she has, she realizes they don’t have much in common. Clouded by her physical attraction before, now she can consider his marriage proposal with all the facts.

While Mary seemed to have settled on Tony prior to their trip to Liverpool, now she seems un-settled. I think she’s so smart to take her time with this decision. Matthew may be the greatest love of her life. If she’s to truly move on, she needs to make sure the man she chooses is right for her in every way. She wants to be sure and I can’t say I blame her. She needs to time to make her decision and she doesn’t want to be tarnished again.

Of course, it doesn’t help that Spratt saw Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham at the hotel together.The Dowager covered for her granddaughter, but not without putting her two cents in. I love how she tried to convince Lady Mary that a woman wasn’t allowed to show her attraction for a man without being told it was okay by her mother. And then it all comes full circle when we learn that Violet and Prince Kuragin have a bit of a past. I like that Isobel is taking such delight in this. It’s only fair after all the meddling Violet was doing with Lord Merton.

The Curious Case of Mr. Green

There’s a whole lot of speculation about what Mr. Bates has done and if he’s capable of killing Mr. Green. I’m glad Barrow couldn’t force Baxter to reveal what she thought she knew about that situation. For now, the explanation of what Bates did the day of Mr. Green’s death has satisfied the police, for now. But at least Anna and Mrs. Hughes — and maybe Lady Mary — think him capable of doing Mr. Green great harm. But we don’t know anything yet and all this speculation just seems to be making Anna worry herself sick. I do hope this is resolved soon.

Other developments

I always like it when we’re reminded of Barrow’s humanity. He had to leave Downton Abbey to see his dying father, or so he claimed. Is his father really ill? If he is and Barrow is going to see him, I can’t wait to see how that plays out. But if he’s traveling to London or elsewhere to explore “choosing his own path,” that’s interesting too — and much more in line with the Barrow we know.

I think Cora has every right to be very cross with Robert. Robert also has every right to be upset that he wasn’t able to surprise Cora like he wanted to, but she didn’t do anything wrong. That’s not to say Mr. Bricker’s intentions are harmless. I don’t think they are. But I don’t think either one did anything that could be seen as inappropriate. Cora enjoyed dinner with a new friend who knows a lot about art — something she’s clearly interested in.

Lady Edith has every right to be upset that she’s been temporarily banned from seeing Marigold. Of course she wants to be able to spend time with her child like Lady Mary and Tom are allowed to do, and so openly. But because Edith had her child out of wedlock and has now had to hide her identity, she really must be careful. It’s clear that more than one person thinks something’s going on between Edith and Mr. Drewe — and there is: a friendship. But they both need to be a little more careful or tongues will start wagging.

Are we ever supposed to warm up to Ms. Bunting? I do like that she’s a teacher and that she speaks her mind. And maybe it’s good for her to ruffle some aristocratic feathers. But I’m not a fan and I don’t really want to see Tom leave for America. He deserves to be happy and find love with someone else, but I’m not sure it should be with her. I might change my mind, but it seems unlikely.

Downton Abbey airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.