The first episode of season 6 was nostalgic, humorous and a reminder of British life that once existed. The hunt, which takes place in the very first scene, served as an exposition into a way of life that neared its end in the 20th century. And this underlining theme of all-things-come-to-an-end will run through season 6's plot.
Episode 1 offered a peek into the conflicts that will take place for the rest of the season. Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) and Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) will continue to disagree about their marriage plans; the Dowager (Maggie Smith) and Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) will be locked in a power struggle; Anna and Bates will struggle to conceive a child and Lady Edith will be left friendless and impotent with her illegitimate child, Marigold.
In episode 1, Edith found it difficult to remotely manage Gregson's newspaper in London and revealed her plans to live in the capital. Nevertheless, her aunt, Lady Rosamund, cautioned her to think about child care and Edith wondered if there was anyone who could be a nanny to Marigold in London.
In episode 2, titled "Carnival", we can expect Lady Edith to scout suitable candidates for the post of a nanny. However, given her situation and lack of support from her sister, Edith will turn to the Drewes, suggest a new report. Remember, the farmers on the Downton estate were in fact Marigold's foster parents before Edith decided to raise her daughter on her own.
Radio Times stated, "As ever, Mary is being unhelpful so Edith decides to drop in on the Drewes and ask them to keep an eye on Marigold. They were so accommodating last time, after all. And they are kind of staff seeing as they rent land off the estate."
However, they might not oblige. In season 5, Mrs. Drewes refused to part with Marigold even after Edith insisted.
The preview for episode 2 teased a carnival in which the staff and members of the Crawley family mingle with the villagers. Would Mrs. Drewes reveal all the details about Marigold to Lord Grantham at the outing? How would he digest the information?
Carter Matt recently released the synopsis for episode 2, which stated that Robert Crawley faces a dilemma.
You can read the episode 2's summary here:
"As planning for their wedding gets underway, Lady Mary's meddling gets Mr Carson into trouble with Mrs Hughes. Cora and Violet lock horns over plans for the hospital takeover. Thomas's job search continues with disappointing results. An idea of Mary's takes Anna to London and offers fresh hope. Edith faces challenges at the magazine but a problem closer to home reaches breaking point. What begins as a happy day out for the family and servants ends in panic and leaves Robert with a difficult decision to make."
"Downton Abbey" airs on Sunday, 27 September, at 9pm on ITV.
