Downton Abbey: Episode 2
January 12, 2015 7:25 PM - Season 5, Episode 2 - Subscribe
Rose tries to bring a wireless—and Sarah Bunting—into the house. Violet plays cupid, a charming visitor arrives, and Anna helps Mary in the most unexpected of ways.
What is the deal with this Bricker guy? Is there some weird history between him and Cora? Every moment they were onscreen, I kept expecting him to go "you don't recognize me, do you?" And then perhaps rip off his face, Mission Impossible style, to reveal that he's some significant figure from her past. Maybe it's just the way Richard Grant is playing him, but the whole thing just felt ridiculous, capped off by Robert's absurd grousing about the man trying to suborn the affections of his bloody dog!
And oh hell, of course they're not going to just let the whole Bates killed Green thing fade into the past. Come on people, just leave Bates alone for a while. It's not even a dead horse anymore. It's just a nasty stain in the carpet at this point. For god's sake, stop beating it!
And while I'm at it, why in the world would anyone want to have sex with Mary? Jesus Christ, she manages to make an adulterous tryst with a hot guy in a hotel love nest seem about as exciting as a briefing on the uses of agricultural tariff policy. In Ecuador.
This was not my favorite episode.
(Though I did like the little story arc about the war memorial. And James's goodbye to Thomas was very well handled and very satisfying. Please God, let this episode be the first hint of a return to some semblance of three-dimensionality for Thomas. So much wasted potential there.)
posted by Naberius at 6:51 AM on January 13, 2015 [3 favorites]
And oh hell, of course they're not going to just let the whole Bates killed Green thing fade into the past. Come on people, just leave Bates alone for a while. It's not even a dead horse anymore. It's just a nasty stain in the carpet at this point. For god's sake, stop beating it!
And while I'm at it, why in the world would anyone want to have sex with Mary? Jesus Christ, she manages to make an adulterous tryst with a hot guy in a hotel love nest seem about as exciting as a briefing on the uses of agricultural tariff policy. In Ecuador.
This was not my favorite episode.
(Though I did like the little story arc about the war memorial. And James's goodbye to Thomas was very well handled and very satisfying. Please God, let this episode be the first hint of a return to some semblance of three-dimensionality for Thomas. So much wasted potential there.)
posted by Naberius at 6:51 AM on January 13, 2015 [3 favorites]
I have a co-worker from India who also watches the show. She says it's exactly like a Hindi drama, especially the class tensions and annoying snobs. Given that, would anyone happen to know the name of one of these dramas that's been subtitled in English?
I secretly hope that Robert and Cora both bite it so that Lady Mary and Miss Edith can finally enter the 20th Century. They're the only thing stopping them from being so very modern.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:25 AM on January 13, 2015
I secretly hope that Robert and Cora both bite it so that Lady Mary and Miss Edith can finally enter the 20th Century. They're the only thing stopping them from being so very modern.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:25 AM on January 13, 2015
capped off by Robert's absurd grousing about the man trying to suborn the affections of his bloody dog!
I took that as him trying to say something about Bricker flirting with Cora, but having limited tools to do so; I actually found it kind of sweet.
Also, everyone should flirt with Isis, Isis is a Good Dog and should receive the affections of one and all.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 9:09 AM on January 13, 2015 [8 favorites]
I took that as him trying to say something about Bricker flirting with Cora, but having limited tools to do so; I actually found it kind of sweet.
Also, everyone should flirt with Isis, Isis is a Good Dog and should receive the affections of one and all.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 9:09 AM on January 13, 2015 [8 favorites]
To be fair, Robert is pretty much stereotyped by this point as, "I hate everything new, but will give in by the end of the episode/season." The role of the radio was the point in this episode, but it's a recurring theme through the entire show. The Earl does not like change, but he eventually surrenders.
And yes, it's ironic that I argue this point in an episode where he gets his way with concern to the war memorial, but really, it's a nice cricket pitch! (I have no opinion on cricket pitches).
The Edith storyline is rather annoying, as obviously Mr. Drewe has decided his wife can't be trusted not to share the fact that her foundling daughter is actually the child of the second oldest daughter of the Earl. Really? Is your wife that unreliable? It's a mixed bag tied with a string of suspicion to create a slowly unfolding drama where very likely I'm thinking Edith will end up in a public custody battle for the child, especially as they named dropped the child's father for the first time this season, explicitly pointing out that he isn't known dead (or alive).
I very much loved Anna going to buy the contraceptive, and sincerely hope that it doesn't become some ridiculous plot of contention with her and Bates later on, "Why did you buy that?! Are you cheating on me?!" "No, I wasn't!" "Then why?!" "I can't tell you!" "I can't trust you, then!" Argh. I will draw a picture of a boot kicking someone's bottom and mail that to the writers if they go down that route. I hope this was entirely just a a fun diversion to the episode.
Mary. It felt as if they were setting up the week long dalliance to result in Mary and/or her lover deciding that they aren't actually meant for each other, particularly as they dragged in bachelor number two with his creepy friend played by the wonderful Richard Grant (who I've enjoyed since the 80's movie, Warlock). Cora definitely seemed pleased with the flirting, thus, we can probably expect a confrontation between Bricker and Robert. Going back to Mary, I did appreciate her comment, "I want to marry again, but I don't want to divorce!" It's a testament to her character that she doesn't see marriage as an institution with an entry way but not an exit. Nonetheless, the week away "sketching" feels kind of skeevy, as in, imagining her spending a week in bed with her beau is not something I want to really imagine. I can see it like the Monty Python Meaning of Life skit.
Daisy! What's good for Daisy is good for me. 'Nuff said.
Robert and Tom. Robert, the first step of recovery is acknowledging you're a dinosaur. From that point you can move on. The next step is acknowledge that your privileged position is built on a family history of oppression and force. We'll work on that later.
The more I see it, the more I think I'm enjoying Tom's spark being re-lit, and helpfully tempered by his recent life as part of the elite. He's straddled both worlds and is fixed to have a vocabulary that can deftly acknowledge the problems of either.
So....is Maggie Smith trying to push Isobel and Dr. Clarkson together by forcing the question of their affections through promoting old what's his name? Or is she seriously pushing for Isobel to marry the old geezer, because you know, he has nice gardens (I strongly believe in the former...but not 100%).
Molesley. Still like him. He tries. Mrs. Baxster's mystery. Hrm.
Overall, I feel as if the writing and production are actually better than they have been the last couple seasons, so that has me happy.
posted by Atreides at 9:25 AM on January 13, 2015 [3 favorites]
And yes, it's ironic that I argue this point in an episode where he gets his way with concern to the war memorial, but really, it's a nice cricket pitch! (I have no opinion on cricket pitches).
The Edith storyline is rather annoying, as obviously Mr. Drewe has decided his wife can't be trusted not to share the fact that her foundling daughter is actually the child of the second oldest daughter of the Earl. Really? Is your wife that unreliable? It's a mixed bag tied with a string of suspicion to create a slowly unfolding drama where very likely I'm thinking Edith will end up in a public custody battle for the child, especially as they named dropped the child's father for the first time this season, explicitly pointing out that he isn't known dead (or alive).
I very much loved Anna going to buy the contraceptive, and sincerely hope that it doesn't become some ridiculous plot of contention with her and Bates later on, "Why did you buy that?! Are you cheating on me?!" "No, I wasn't!" "Then why?!" "I can't tell you!" "I can't trust you, then!" Argh. I will draw a picture of a boot kicking someone's bottom and mail that to the writers if they go down that route. I hope this was entirely just a a fun diversion to the episode.
Mary. It felt as if they were setting up the week long dalliance to result in Mary and/or her lover deciding that they aren't actually meant for each other, particularly as they dragged in bachelor number two with his creepy friend played by the wonderful Richard Grant (who I've enjoyed since the 80's movie, Warlock). Cora definitely seemed pleased with the flirting, thus, we can probably expect a confrontation between Bricker and Robert. Going back to Mary, I did appreciate her comment, "I want to marry again, but I don't want to divorce!" It's a testament to her character that she doesn't see marriage as an institution with an entry way but not an exit. Nonetheless, the week away "sketching" feels kind of skeevy, as in, imagining her spending a week in bed with her beau is not something I want to really imagine. I can see it like the Monty Python Meaning of Life skit.
Daisy! What's good for Daisy is good for me. 'Nuff said.
Robert and Tom. Robert, the first step of recovery is acknowledging you're a dinosaur. From that point you can move on. The next step is acknowledge that your privileged position is built on a family history of oppression and force. We'll work on that later.
The more I see it, the more I think I'm enjoying Tom's spark being re-lit, and helpfully tempered by his recent life as part of the elite. He's straddled both worlds and is fixed to have a vocabulary that can deftly acknowledge the problems of either.
So....is Maggie Smith trying to push Isobel and Dr. Clarkson together by forcing the question of their affections through promoting old what's his name? Or is she seriously pushing for Isobel to marry the old geezer, because you know, he has nice gardens (I strongly believe in the former...but not 100%).
Molesley. Still like him. He tries. Mrs. Baxster's mystery. Hrm.
Overall, I feel as if the writing and production are actually better than they have been the last couple seasons, so that has me happy.
posted by Atreides at 9:25 AM on January 13, 2015 [3 favorites]
Also, everyone should flirt with Isis, Isis is a Good Dog and should receive the affections of one and all.
Not to mention apparently being immortal. The show's covered 12 years of story time if I count correctly. Not completely beyond the lifespan of a dog, but she was an adult dog in season one and doesn't seem to be notably elderly now.
I eagerly await some fan canon about how Isis is not at all what she seems to be and is in fact the secret protagonist of the show or something.
So....is Maggie Smith trying to push Isobel and Dr. Clarkson together by forcing the question of their affections through promoting old what's his name? Or is she seriously pushing for Isobel to marry the old geezer, because you know, he has nice gardens (I strongly believe in the former...but not 100%).
I think it's pretty clear that Violet is mainly trying to keep Lord Merton away from Isobel because if they were to marry, Isobel (note the way she tossed another likely marriage prospect into his path last episode) would suddenly be elevated to a social tier at least equivalent to her own, and that freaks her out. She can handle having Isobel as a friend, but only if she's got what she considers the social high ground.
posted by Naberius at 9:41 AM on January 13, 2015 [6 favorites]
Not to mention apparently being immortal. The show's covered 12 years of story time if I count correctly. Not completely beyond the lifespan of a dog, but she was an adult dog in season one and doesn't seem to be notably elderly now.
I eagerly await some fan canon about how Isis is not at all what she seems to be and is in fact the secret protagonist of the show or something.
So....is Maggie Smith trying to push Isobel and Dr. Clarkson together by forcing the question of their affections through promoting old what's his name? Or is she seriously pushing for Isobel to marry the old geezer, because you know, he has nice gardens (I strongly believe in the former...but not 100%).
I think it's pretty clear that Violet is mainly trying to keep Lord Merton away from Isobel because if they were to marry, Isobel (note the way she tossed another likely marriage prospect into his path last episode) would suddenly be elevated to a social tier at least equivalent to her own, and that freaks her out. She can handle having Isobel as a friend, but only if she's got what she considers the social high ground.
posted by Naberius at 9:41 AM on January 13, 2015 [6 favorites]
It's a subtle allusion to Downton actually being Highclere Castle, which has a museum to Egyptian artifacts (mostly replicas now) that the former Earl of Cavanaugh had collected prior to his death shortly after the discovery of King Tut's tomb. As will be explored in Season 6, Robert as a boy stumbled over an Egyptian sarcophagus collected by his father, which held the mummified heart of a dog. Upon opening, the spirit of the dog was released and immediately assumed the form of Robert's most preferred breed, the Labrador, and until the curse is broken, will remain forever at the Earl's side.
posted by Atreides at 9:46 AM on January 13, 2015 [14 favorites]
posted by Atreides at 9:46 AM on January 13, 2015 [14 favorites]
To be fair, Robert is pretty much stereotyped by this point as, "I hate everything new, but will give in by the end of the episode/season." The role of the radio was the point in this episode, but it's a recurring theme through the entire show. The Earl does not like change, but he eventually surrenders.
It's a recurring theme, but I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed it as much as "The King? Talking about the Empire?" I could not stop laughing at that.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 10:21 AM on January 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
It's a recurring theme, but I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed it as much as "The King? Talking about the Empire?" I could not stop laughing at that.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 10:21 AM on January 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
As an American who enjoys history and well aware of how little importance and power the monarch had at the time, outside of symbolic importance, I'm always kind of caught off guard by how dang sincere Mr. Carson or Grantham are concerning their respect to the crown.
posted by Atreides at 11:51 AM on January 13, 2015
posted by Atreides at 11:51 AM on January 13, 2015
Rose tries to bring a wireless—and Sarah Bunting—into the house.
Sars? Yeah, I guess I can see Lady Edith writing for Radio Without Pity.
posted by Rock Steady at 11:58 AM on January 13, 2015 [5 favorites]
Sars? Yeah, I guess I can see Lady Edith writing for Radio Without Pity.
posted by Rock Steady at 11:58 AM on January 13, 2015 [5 favorites]
Isis is that kid in the last episode of St. Elsewhere, right? This is all a dream in her doggy head, isn't it?
posted by jbickers at 12:33 PM on January 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jbickers at 12:33 PM on January 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
Mary is totally getting set up. This Tony guy comes off as sincere but remember the jilted fiancé? The other guy was trying to warn her.
posted by double bubble at 3:03 PM on January 13, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by double bubble at 3:03 PM on January 13, 2015 [4 favorites]
And everyone gets that Lord Grantham doesn't want Tom to leave because he's grown to love him, right?
posted by double bubble at 3:10 PM on January 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by double bubble at 3:10 PM on January 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
To be fair, Robert is pretty much stereotyped by this point as, "I hate everything new, but will give in by the end of the episode/season."
My SO and I tend to think of him as a thickheaded guy who comes up short in every way and is only treated as an authority on anything because of his status and title.
We have come to find it hilarious, honestly, how his valet is his better in every way except title.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:11 PM on January 13, 2015 [3 favorites]
My SO and I tend to think of him as a thickheaded guy who comes up short in every way and is only treated as an authority on anything because of his status and title.
We have come to find it hilarious, honestly, how his valet is his better in every way except title.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:11 PM on January 13, 2015 [3 favorites]
Mary is totally getting set up. This Tony guy comes off as sincere but remember the jilted fiancé? The other guy was trying to warn her.
I very much think you're right.
posted by dnash at 5:21 PM on January 13, 2015
I very much think you're right.
posted by dnash at 5:21 PM on January 13, 2015
To be fair, Robert is pretty much stereotyped by this point as, "I hate everything new, but will give in by the end of the episode/season."
It's either that or more stories about bad Robert investments (Please, more stories about bad Robert investments).
posted by drezdn at 6:20 PM on January 13, 2015
It's either that or more stories about bad Robert investments (Please, more stories about bad Robert investments).
posted by drezdn at 6:20 PM on January 13, 2015
Mary is totally getting set up. This Tony guy comes off as sincere but remember the jilted fiancé? The other guy was trying to warn her.
I think so too. It was very odd to me that Blake brought up sex vs love with Mary just before her weekend getaway with Lord Gillingham.
At least she was smart enough to bring condoms.
posted by donajo at 6:22 PM on January 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
I think so too. It was very odd to me that Blake brought up sex vs love with Mary just before her weekend getaway with Lord Gillingham.
At least she was smart enough to bring condoms.
posted by donajo at 6:22 PM on January 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
Mary is totally getting set up. This Tony guy comes off as sincere but remember the jilted fiancé? The other guy was trying to warn her
Does that make him an early 20th Century Lovelace? Is he going to trick Mary into marrying him by ruining her virtue?
Too much English lit at a vulnerable age
posted by fiercekitten at 7:49 PM on January 13, 2015
Does that make him an early 20th Century Lovelace? Is he going to trick Mary into marrying him by ruining her virtue?
Too much English lit at a vulnerable age
posted by fiercekitten at 7:49 PM on January 13, 2015
Does that make him an early 20th Century Lovelace? Is he going to trick Mary into marrying him by ruining her virtue?
Or leave her behind when a wealthier heiress comes along.
posted by double bubble at 8:16 PM on January 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
Or leave her behind when a wealthier heiress comes along.
posted by double bubble at 8:16 PM on January 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
To be fair, Isobel also flat out said she wasn't interested in Lord Merton like that. For all we know Violet is just trying to support her friend by derailing the guy Isobel doesn't like and encouraging a guy that theoretically would be more to her taste and interests. (Too bad she doesn't like him either.)
Both of Mary's dudes seem nice enough, I guess. I can somehow manage to tell them apart because Gillingham seems to be oddly naturally tan for English nobility and Blake's the sort who will pitch in with the pigs if necessary. But do I care which one she picks? NOT REALLY. I guess I slightly lean towards Blake for the pigs, but....whatever. I don't give a shit and it doesn't really seem like Mary gives too much of a shit either, nor does the show. I can't believe they've dragged out this love triangle* this long and I can only assume Gillingham's "winning"because he already has a title.
* especially difficult with the shortage of marriageable dudes after WWI, so come on
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:52 AM on January 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
Both of Mary's dudes seem nice enough, I guess. I can somehow manage to tell them apart because Gillingham seems to be oddly naturally tan for English nobility and Blake's the sort who will pitch in with the pigs if necessary. But do I care which one she picks? NOT REALLY. I guess I slightly lean towards Blake for the pigs, but....whatever. I don't give a shit and it doesn't really seem like Mary gives too much of a shit either, nor does the show. I can't believe they've dragged out this love triangle* this long and I can only assume Gillingham's "winning"because he already has a title.
* especially difficult with the shortage of marriageable dudes after WWI, so come on
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:52 AM on January 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
Anna buying a single condom for Lady Mary's trip was a real giggle.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:09 AM on January 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Thorzdad at 7:09 AM on January 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
Was it a single condom? For all the show's implied " lol early 20th century prudish morals," I note they didn't actually go into enough detail for us to figure out wtf they were actually discussing. I wondered enough to do some quick googling to find out what would have been available in the period and concluded it was probably a diaphragm. But who knows? Could have been a voodoo contraceptive candle for all the show gives us to work with.
posted by Naberius at 7:44 AM on January 14, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by Naberius at 7:44 AM on January 14, 2015 [5 favorites]
Yeah, the scenes involving it were completely ambiguous to what the contraceptive actually was. We only know that Anna bought one and refused to tarry any longer to receive instructions on it.
As they did reference the book (which I can't recall off the top of my head), I'd be willing to bet it's possible one can pull it up in Google Books or something and figure out what precisely was purchased.
Of course, it would have been even better if Anna had gone to Mr. Drewe, sheep farmer, and bought a sheep bladder or whatever it was that was used as an early condom, and then he could gossip that info to Edith, who would figure out what Mary was up to, and spoil that party big time. Well. At least old Edith would do it. Present Edith knows the pain suffered for not having a contraceptive handy.
posted by Atreides at 10:20 AM on January 14, 2015
As they did reference the book (which I can't recall off the top of my head), I'd be willing to bet it's possible one can pull it up in Google Books or something and figure out what precisely was purchased.
Of course, it would have been even better if Anna had gone to Mr. Drewe, sheep farmer, and bought a sheep bladder or whatever it was that was used as an early condom, and then he could gossip that info to Edith, who would figure out what Mary was up to, and spoil that party big time. Well. At least old Edith would do it. Present Edith knows the pain suffered for not having a contraceptive handy.
posted by Atreides at 10:20 AM on January 14, 2015
Time apparently talked all about it.
posted by Atreides at 10:22 AM on January 14, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by Atreides at 10:22 AM on January 14, 2015 [6 favorites]
...if Anna had gone to Mr. Drewe, sheep farmer, and bought a sheep bladder or whatever it was that was used as an early condom, and then he could gossip that info to Edith...
Sheep intestine, I believe. In any case, by the early 1920s, latex condoms were in regular use already.
~I wondered enough to do some quick googling to find out what would have been available in the period and concluded it was probably a diaphragm. But who knows?
I hadn't even thought about a diaphragm. Although, I seem to recall the lady behind the counter questioning if Anna only wanted one (of whatever it was she bought). I could be mistaken, of course.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:33 PM on January 14, 2015
Sheep intestine, I believe. In any case, by the early 1920s, latex condoms were in regular use already.
~I wondered enough to do some quick googling to find out what would have been available in the period and concluded it was probably a diaphragm. But who knows?
I hadn't even thought about a diaphragm. Although, I seem to recall the lady behind the counter questioning if Anna only wanted one (of whatever it was she bought). I could be mistaken, of course.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:33 PM on January 14, 2015
I assumed that it was one box of condoms, but a diaphragm makes sense too.
posted by donajo at 2:39 PM on January 14, 2015
posted by donajo at 2:39 PM on January 14, 2015
In the early days it was typical to *shudder* wash and reuse condoms.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:53 PM on January 14, 2015
posted by Rock Steady at 6:53 PM on January 14, 2015
Huh, I had assumed it was a diaphragm or like a sponge or something. I could see Anna becoming ok with buying something her boss needed, but I really really don't see her buying something for some dude to put on his junk. That whole sequence was very cute though.
posted by bleep at 7:39 PM on January 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by bleep at 7:39 PM on January 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
And while I'm at it, why in the world would anyone want to have sex with Mary?
Dude, I'm a het female and I want to have sex with Mary.
I did appreciate her comment, "I want to marry again, but I don't want to divorce!" It's a testament to her character that she doesn't see marriage as an institution with an entry way but not an exit.
Well, but it was prefaced by talk of her grandparents (I couldn't tell, was this "GrandmaMA?") basically living two separate lives and not speaking to each other when they disagreed and barely knowing one another. That was the alternative to divorce prior to the 20th century. In this sequence Mary isn't just saying "I won't divorce ever ever," she's saying "I won't live in a non-companionate marriage, and I won't pretend I have a real marriage when I don't, and if that all meant I had no choice but to divorce I would, but I really don't want it to come to that." I think the sequence made it clear that the worst of all three scenarios would be the loveless and distant sham marriage for public show, rather than divorce.
It was very odd to me that Blake brought up sex vs love with Mary just before her weekend getaway with Lord Gillingham.
Hmm, hadn't occured to me that Lord G might be loose-lipped. Concerned. #TeamMary
Was it a single condom?
I also thought that it was probably a diaphragm - especially because of the druggist's prattle about "instructions," which really, for a diaphragm is a different order of import and magnitude than with condoms. I mean yes, there's important finesse to condom use, but really pretty basic compared to diaphragms. I also confess to hitting pause and examining the screen when Anna showed the book to the druggist, and I perceived a diagram in the book that was more circular, less cylindrical [on preview, yes, a cervical cap fits the description].
posted by Miko at 8:21 PM on January 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Dude, I'm a het female and I want to have sex with Mary.
I did appreciate her comment, "I want to marry again, but I don't want to divorce!" It's a testament to her character that she doesn't see marriage as an institution with an entry way but not an exit.
Well, but it was prefaced by talk of her grandparents (I couldn't tell, was this "GrandmaMA?") basically living two separate lives and not speaking to each other when they disagreed and barely knowing one another. That was the alternative to divorce prior to the 20th century. In this sequence Mary isn't just saying "I won't divorce ever ever," she's saying "I won't live in a non-companionate marriage, and I won't pretend I have a real marriage when I don't, and if that all meant I had no choice but to divorce I would, but I really don't want it to come to that." I think the sequence made it clear that the worst of all three scenarios would be the loveless and distant sham marriage for public show, rather than divorce.
It was very odd to me that Blake brought up sex vs love with Mary just before her weekend getaway with Lord Gillingham.
Hmm, hadn't occured to me that Lord G might be loose-lipped. Concerned. #TeamMary
Was it a single condom?
I also thought that it was probably a diaphragm - especially because of the druggist's prattle about "instructions," which really, for a diaphragm is a different order of import and magnitude than with condoms. I mean yes, there's important finesse to condom use, but really pretty basic compared to diaphragms. I also confess to hitting pause and examining the screen when Anna showed the book to the druggist, and I perceived a diagram in the book that was more circular, less cylindrical [on preview, yes, a cervical cap fits the description].
posted by Miko at 8:21 PM on January 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
My only take away from this episode was: LUUUBE! BRING SOME LUBE!
posted by small_ruminant at 9:30 PM on January 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by small_ruminant at 9:30 PM on January 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
The deal with Cora and that Bricker guy: they were married once and it was adorable. The man smiles a a joyous sunbeam
(expiring soon on Netflix)
Also, I think people are being uncharitable toward the Dowager. Her motivations are never nakedly ambitious or self interested, at least not for several decades.
posted by provoliminal at 12:07 AM on January 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
(expiring soon on Netflix)
Also, I think people are being uncharitable toward the Dowager. Her motivations are never nakedly ambitious or self interested, at least not for several decades.
posted by provoliminal at 12:07 AM on January 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
Probably the most (unintentionally) hilarious moment in the show:
Pharmacist: Well, you know, there's always abstinence.
Anna: *blank stare*
Did people really suggest that MARRIED couples not have sex? Really?
posted by chainsofreedom at 3:04 PM on February 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Pharmacist: Well, you know, there's always abstinence.
Anna: *blank stare*
Did people really suggest that MARRIED couples not have sex? Really?
posted by chainsofreedom at 3:04 PM on February 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you really really don't want a baby, it's still the most effective method.
posted by bleep at 6:31 PM on February 1, 2015
posted by bleep at 6:31 PM on February 1, 2015
Completely. That's not a joke at all. They did not have many better ideas to offer, and men could always just go to prostitutes (and did). I just found a couple things for you which might make for interesting reads:
"Powerless to Prevent Him: Attitudes of Married Working-Class Women in the 1920s and the Rise of Sexual Power" - specific discussion of resort to abstinence on page 54.
Planned Parenthood's History of Birth Control Methods: Section on "continuous abstinence" on page 2.
posted by Miko at 6:38 PM on February 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
"Powerless to Prevent Him: Attitudes of Married Working-Class Women in the 1920s and the Rise of Sexual Power" - specific discussion of resort to abstinence on page 54.
Planned Parenthood's History of Birth Control Methods: Section on "continuous abstinence" on page 2.
posted by Miko at 6:38 PM on February 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
I have never been more grateful for feminism or birth control.
posted by chainsofreedom at 10:34 AM on February 2, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by chainsofreedom at 10:34 AM on February 2, 2015 [3 favorites]
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I have been inspired to this first Fanfare post by the plotline with poor Edith and her accomplice, Mr. Drewe...is it not blindingly obvious at least to Mr. Drewe that playing godmother to just the one child is just as suspicious as Edith dropping in all the time for no reason to play with just the one child? Wouldn't it be more logical to play it as, oh you good people taking in the foundling?how about I help you with all your children?
Oh, I know, because it wouldn't be so high drama that way...but I really think a better story could be come up wtih here to make the drama...
Anyway. I thought a reader here might be more interested in my rant than my poor husband who tries to care....
posted by Tandem Affinity at 7:32 PM on January 12, 2015 [3 favorites]