I know it’s been a couple of weeks since the finale here in the States and I know most of us are caught up on the drama, but as an Official Downton Abbey Addict I must share some thoughts on Season Three.

Matt and I watched the first two seasons together but this time we watched it separately, me at first all by myself kept company by a bag of popcorn and with each episode awaiting every character’s lines and plot turns.

With him, I watched Season 3 the second time yes, the second time  while he was the one carefully listening for the brilliant lines and plot turns, I was eyeing the fashion and interiors and the subtleties uttering out loud things like “oooh, that writing desk” and “oh the beading on that dress” much to his annoyance.

So I have to get these thoughts off my 21st century chest since I love this show so much and I’ve been saving these snapshots for weeks and weeks, but first:

* SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER * alert 

Do not read this post if you’re not caught up on the entire season!!!

May I begin? First of all the hats! The hats this season were so amazing, my compliments to the milliners, I especially loved the plumes on Shirley’s head.

Did you notice the differences in the way they dressed Mary and Edith this season? The hair and clothing always more subdued and traditional on Mary and modern on Edith even in their wedding gowns – who do you think wore the dress and heirloom diamond headband best? They were both pretty but I liked Edith’s look a bit more, I was always rooting for her, despite the dramatic jilting.

Here’s Edith with Aunt Rosamund, I think redheads look beautiful in apricot and all shades of green, well done on the wardrobe for both.

And speaking of Aunt Rosamund, I want to see much more of her house in London in Season Four after this quick peek with those dramatic black walls.

My favorite fashion moment was at the christening, with all the ladies of Downton dressed in hats and dresses in shades of lavender. I think we’ll see much more of these shades in fashion and interiors this year, don’t you?

Here are a few shots of some of the main living spaces I captured through the season:

Entry Hall:

The morning breakfast room – I read that the middle painting of King Charles I alone is worth many millions . . .

The Library with its two red velvet sofas, writing desks, and one scene where Lord Grantham is dense and in denial about the way Downton is run:

Isobel’s Drawing Room is my favorite, painted in a pale blue and trimmed with yellow brocade curtains and gold framed art.

Sybil’s wallpapered nursery:

Matthew and Mary’s traditional bedroom with deep forest green walls:

The drawing room at Downton:

The Scottish Highlands Estate in the final episode:

And because I couldn’t resist, my most favorite lines of Season Three:

“He didn’t tell me Mrs. Patmore, you did” says Carson the butler when she inadvertently lets it slip that Mrs. Hughes has been tested for cancer.

Lady Grantham telling Mrs. Hughes who is worried who will care for her because she thinks she might have cancer: “The answer is here and we will.”

When Thomas learns that Sybill has died, he breaks down and says “In life not many have been kind to me, she was one of the few.”  A rare display of Thomas’ good side.

“Nothing succeeds like excess” says the Dowager to Mary as they conspire to show off so that Cora’s wealthy American mother will save Downton with her fortune.

“My mother-in-law has been kind enough to invite you to dine, and I’ll not let you snub her” says Tom to his rough-around-the-edges brother who is visiting Downton.

“Seems a pity to miss a good pudding.” says the Dowager when Lord Grantham demands they leave Isobel’s luncheon upon learning Ethel was a former prostitute.

“You cannot want your only granddaughter to grow up in some gahrage with a drunken gorilla” followed up by “That is an easy caveat to accept because I am never wrong.”

The Dowager’s response to Edith’s offer for a position as a journalist: “I do think a woman’s place is eventually in the home, but I see no harm in her having some fun before she gets there.”

Speaking in that maternal way, Mrs. Hughes comforts Tom, “You’ve done well and Lady Sybil would be so proud…but you must be your own master.”

My vote for four best moments:

The agony + wordless emotion by Maggie Smith – she is brilliant.

Happiest moment tie: in-law happiness at the cricket match …

. . . and The Birth

Most charming moment award!  Carson comforting baby Sybil

Okay, I’ve finally got it all out and feel much better. Now you. What were your favorite characters, plot twists, and lines from Season Three?

And what do you think will happen in Season Four? Do you think Edith will transform into a modern city girl while wealthy widow Mary clings to tradition at Downton?  Will Alfred become an assistant cook to Mrs. Patmore? Will Tom or Mary ever find love again? Will the “slippery soap” incident be revealed and O’Brien get the boot? Dish!

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Tags: downton abbey

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