BBC original drama Downton Abbey concluded November 8, 2015.
#DowntonAbbey is available on Amazon Prime Video.
rottentomatoes: 91%
metacritic: 80
imdb: 8.7
emmys: 15 wins
golden globes: 3 wins
SAG awards: 4 wins
Robert Crawley
Primogeniture dictates the Earl of Grantham cannot pass down land and title to his three daughters outside of 1912 rural Yorkshire, England.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Best Actor – Television Motion Picture
1 nomination: 2012
“Good morning, Carson. Is it trye what they say? I’m afraid we’ll know some people on it. I don’t suppose there are any lists of survivors just yet. You mean the ladies in first class? God help the poor devils below decks. On their way to a better life. What a tragedy.” — Robert Crawley
“Your mother knows the Astors… at least she knows him. We dined with Lady Rothes last month. There are bound to be others. Every mountain is unclimbable until somebody climbs it. And so every ship is unsinkable until it sinks. What’s that?” — Robert Crawley
“Is Her Ladyship awake? Thank you. I’ve had a telegram from George Murray. One of his partners is in New York. It seems James and Patrick were on board. Then they changed their plans. They’re definitely on the passenger list. Doesn’t look like it.” — Robert Crawley
“My first cousin and his son are almost certainly dead. We will all be in mourning. If you’re saying you do not wish to mourn Patrick as a fiancé, that is up to you. I repeat, it is up to you.” — Robert Crawley
“She was certainly reluctant to go into mourning. Can’t we at least wait until we know they’re dead before we discuss it? My dear, I don’t make the law. What is it? I’ll come now. Has he? Thank you, Carson. What is it? Tell her about James and Patrick. She won’t have heard.” — Robert Crawley
“Bates! My dear fellow! I do apologize. I should have realized you’d all be at luncheon. Please sit. Sit, everyone. I just want to say a quick hello to my old comrade-in-arms. Bates, my dear man. Welcome to Downton. I’m so sorry to have disturbed you all. Please forgive me.” — Robert Crawley
“Well, we’ve given them a memorial in London and a memorial here. We could hardly have held a funeral without the bodies. So, Murray, what have you to tell me about the lucky Mr. Crawley? Nothing too terrible, I hope. Manchester? I know. It does seem odd that my third cousin should be a doctor. Indeed.” — Robert Crawley
“Yes. It has been our sole topic of conversation since the ship went down. Is there really no way to detach her money from the estate? Even to me, it seems absurd. I see.” — Robert Crawley
“For the time being, yes. Thank you, Murray, you’ve given me a good deal to think about.” — Robert Crawley
“How are you settling in? No complaints? You’re probably right. And the house hasn’t worn you out, with the endless stairs and everything? What happened? And you’d let me know if you felt it was all too much for you?” — Robert Crawley
“Thank you. I’ll do that. I’m sure. Bates, we have to be sensible. I won’t be doing you a favor in the long run if it’s too much for you. No matter what we’ve been through, it’s got to work. Do you miss the army, Bates? You do indeed. Yes, we have. Of course we have.” — Robert Crawley
“You look very nice. Yes, I’m afraid he did. She’s always making trouble. I don’t know why you listen to her. Please, don’t use that word. Don’t exaggerate. I knew he’d been wounded. You know I don’t care about all that. Oh, you understand that, do you? Really? Even with a servant? But? I just want to give him a chance.”– Robert Crawley
“Mama, I’m sorry. No one told me you were here. We’re used to it. I do wish you’d let me install it in the Dower House. It’s very convenient. The man who manages the generator could look after yours as well. Even Cora won’t have it in the bedrooms. She did wonder about the kitchens, but I couldn’t see the point. News travels fast. Yes, I saw him, and he’s not optimistic that there’s anything we can do. Be that as it may, it’s a fact. Really, Mama. You know as well as I do that Cora’s fortune is not Cora’s fortune anymore. Thanks to Papa, it is now part of the estate, and the estate is entailed to my heir. That is it. That is all of it.” — Robert Crawley
“If I were to tell you she’d made me very happy, would that stretch belief? If you must know, when I think of my motives for pursuing Cora, I am ashamed. There is no need to remind me of them. What do you think? I have given my life to Downton. I was born here and I hope to die here. I claim no career beyond the nurture of this house and the estate. It is my third parent and my fourth child. Do I care about it? Yes, I do care! Your grandmother merely wishes to do the right thing. And so do I.” — Robert Crawley
“Welcome to Downton. Oh, well, that won’t be a problem, will it, Carson? Bates? Are you all right?” — Robert Crawley
“Cora, don’t let Mary make a fool of herself. By the way, I’ll be going up to London next week. No, no– I’ll just take Bates and stay at the club. I won’t be more than a day or two. What ‘things?’ It’s just a regimental dinner. He didn’t spoil anything. He fell over. I don’t care what Carson thinks. Oh, Carson, I hope you weren’t embarrassed this afternoon. I can assure you the Duke very much appreciated his welcome. Is Bates all right? Don’t stir.” — Robert Crawley
“Cheer up, Carson. There are worse things happening in the world. So you’re quite determined? Don’t worry, Carson. I know all about hard decisions when it comes to the honor of Downton. Don’t I, boy?” — Robert Crawley
“Yes… that is, not exactly. Have you recovered from your fall this afternoon? The thing is, Bates, I said I would give you a trial and I have. If it were only up to me… it’s this question of a valet’s extra duties. That, and carrying things. And… you do see that Carson can’t be expected to compromise the efficiency of his staff? Absolutely not. I couldn’t possibly allow that. I know you are. And I was eager that this should work. But surely in a smaller house, where less is expected of you? I mean to help until you find something. There’s no need to rush out into the night. Take the London train tomorrow. It leaves at nine. You’ll have a month’s wages, too. That I insist on. It’s a bloody business, Bates, but I can’t see any way round it.” — Robert Crawley
“The attics? Whatever for?” — Robert Crawley
“We must go and let the servants get in here. You said. Did you know them? Indeed, it was terrible. Have they? I will not be coy and pretend I do not understand your meaning, though you seem very informed on this family’s private affairs. But you ought perhaps to know that I do not intend to fight the entail. Not any part of it. It pains me to say it, but I am. I hope he proves to be perfect, but I rather doubt it. No odder than this conversation. So there you have it. But Mary will still have her settlement, which you won’t find ungenerous. I only meant that her portion when she marries will be more than respectable. You’ll be pleased, I promise you. You know very well the impression you’ve given. Don’t ‘my dear Lord Grantham’ me! You knew what you were doing when you came here. You encouraged Mary, all of us, to think… I see. And what was it you asked me to stay behind to hear?” — Robert Crawley
“But I didn’t know it was my decision, my final decision, until tonight. But I find I cannot ruin the estate or hollow out the title for the sake of Mary, even with a better man than that. Why should you? Downton is in my blood and in my bones. It’s not in yours. And I can no more be the cause of its destruction than I could betray my country. Besides. how was I to know he wouldn’t take her without the money? Do you think she would have been happy with a fortune hunter? Have you been happy? Really? Have I made you happy? Not a year. Not as long as that. But it wouldn’t have happened for Mary. Because I am so much nicer than the Duke of Crowborough. I must do what my conscience tells me.” — Robert Crawley
“Perfectly acceptable. And if His Grace doesn’t like it, he can lump it. Has it? And I feared it had proved a disappointment. Good-bye, Bates. And good luck. Wait! Get out, Bates. Get back inside. And we’ll say no more about it. It wasn’t right, Carson. I just didn’t think it was right.” — Robert Crawley
Cora Crawley
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
1 nomination: 2011
Best Actress – Television Motion Picture
1 nomination: 2012
“Hello. Isn’t this terrible? When you think how excited Lucy Rothes was at the prospect. It’s too awful for any words. Did J.J. Astor get off? Of course that new wife of his is bound to have been rescued. Yes? What?! They can’t have been. They weren’t going over till may. Thank you, O’Brien. That’ll be all for the moment. But surely they were picked up? What?! Neither of them? You must tell Mary. She can’t hear about it from anyone else.”
“Well, she’ll have to. We all will. O’Brien’s sorting out my black now, and I’ve told Anna to see what the girls have that still fits. Of course this alters everything. You won’t try to deny it? You must challenge the entail now, surely. Don’t talk as if I’m not broken-hearted, because I am. Of course I’ve never understood why this estate must go to whomever inherits your title. I wonder what I’ve done wrong this time. I’d better go.”
“Robert didn’t want you to read about it in a newspaper and be upset. We were all so fond of him. Will you stay for some luncheon? I’ll let Carson know. Only that there is one. Of course, if your late husband hadn’t forced me to sign that absurd act of legal theft! Well, I didn’t. Now a complete unknown has the right to pocket my money along with the rest of the swag. And he knows this? Then there’s no answer. There’s nothing we can do about the title. Are we to be friends, then?”
“Mr. Murray, how lovely to see you; do come in. But you’ll stay for luncheon? But didn’t you want the afternoon to talk things through? Mary, try to get everyone into the dining room. Edith, make sure old Lord Minterne sits down.”
“Can’t they? How’s Bates working out?”
“Thank you, darling. Did Murray make matters clearer? By the way, O’Brien says Bates is causing a lot of awkwardness downstairs. You may have to do something about it. Is that fair, when she hasn’t mentioned it before now? It is quite eccentric, even for you, to have a crippled valet. Did he tell you he couldn’t walk when he made his application? Doesn’t it strike you as dishonest not to mention it? You never said. Of course I understand what it must be like to have fought alongside someone in a war. Certainly I do. You must form the most tremendous bonds, even with a servant. Oh, Robert, don’t catch me out. I’m simply saying I fully see why you want to help him. But is this the right way– to employ him for a job he can’t do? Is it any wonder if the others’ noses are put out?”
“I hope I don’t hear sounds of a disagreement.”
“We know why. I suppose so. Not yet. To him, the risk is we succeed in saving my money but not the estate. He feels he’d be betraying his duty if Downton were lost because of him. He won’t say anything different.”
“We should go down. They’ll be back from the station at any moment. Let’s not gild the lily, dear. And Mary, try to look surprised.”
“Not at all, Duke. We’re delighted you could spare the time. You know my daughter Mary, of course. Come on in. You must be worn out. Good. I hope you had a pleasant journey.”
“Mary’s settling him in. Do you want to open the house? I see. Are things progressing? Mmm. It was a pity Bates spoiled the arrival this afternoon. So undignified. Carson hates that kind of thing. It must be so difficult for you, all the same.”
“I’m afraid we’re rather a female party tonight, Duke. But you know what it’s like trying to balance numbers in the country. A single man outranks the Holy Grail.”
“Why was this, dear? I think we’ll go through.”
“If you knew that was your decision, why put Mary through it? I try to understand; I just can’t. Don’t pretend to be a child because it suits you. She might have been. I was. Yes. That is, since you fell in love with me. Which, if I remember correctly, was about a year after we were married. Why not? I’ll be the judge of that. Just don’t think I’m going to let it rest, Robert. I haven’t given up, by any means. So must I. And I don’t want you to think I’ll let it rest.”
“Good-bye, Duke. They’d have been down if they’d known you were leaving so soon. Obviously.”
Lady Violet Crawley
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Best Supporting Actress – Television
1 win: 2013
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
1 win: 2014
“Of course I’ve heard. Why else would I be here? He flatters me. I’m tougher than I look. I’m very sorry about poor Patrick, of course. He was a nice boy. But I never cared for James. He was too like his mother, and a nastier woman never drew breath. Thank you. I’ve already told him. Shall we sit down? Do you know the new heir? He’s Robert’s third cousin once removed. I have never, to my knowledge, set eyes on him. My dear, I didn’t come here to fight. Lord Grantham wanted to protect the estate. It never occurred to him that you wouldn’t have a son. No. You did not. But when Patrick had married Mary and your grandson been hailed as master, honor would have been satisfied. Unfortunately, now… the problem is, saving your dowry would break up the estate. It would be the ruin of everything Robert’s given his life to. Well, if he doesn’t, he will. Yes, there is, and it’s a simple one. The entail must be smashed in its entirety and Mary recognized as heiress of all. No, she can’t have the title. But she can have your money and the estate. I didn’t run Downton for 30 years to see it go, lock, stock and barrel, to a stranger from God knows where. We are allies, my dear, which can be a good deal more effective.”
“Oh, dear, such a glare. I feel as if I were on stage at the Gaiety. No. I couldn’t have electricity in the house. I wouldn’t sleep a wink. All those vapors seeping about. Well, before anyone joins us, I’m glad of this chance for a little talk. I gather Murray was here today. I refuse to believe it. But to lose Cora’s fortune, to… Robert, dear, I don’t mean to sound harsh… you may not mean to, but I bet you will. 24 years ago you married Cora, against my wishes, for her money. Give it away now, what was the point of your peculiar marriage in the first place?”
“It’s not why you chose her. Above all those other girls who could have filled my shoes so easily. Don’t you care about Downton?”
“Is that what they call discussion in New York?”
“So… the young Duke of Crowborough is asking himself to stay. You hope you know why. That is not at all the same. You realize the Duke thinks Mary’s prospects have altered. There’s no ‘suppose’ about it. Of course this is exactly the sort of opportunity that will come to Mary, if we can only get things settled in her favor. Is Robert coming round? Well, I’m going to write to Murray. Well, we have to start somewhere. Our duty is to Mary. Well, give him a date for when Mary’s out of mourning. No one wants to kiss a girl in black.”
“Are you a student of architecture? Then I do hope you’ll come and inspect my little cottage. It was designed by Wren for the first Earl’s sister. Don’t be such a chatterbox, Edith.”
Lady Mary Crawley
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
3 nominations: 2012, 2013, 2014
Best Television Actress – Drama Series
1 nomination: 2013
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
1 nomination: 2013
“Do we know anyone on board?”
“Does this mean I’ll have to go into full mourning? No, I mean with the other thing. After all, it wasn’t official. Well, no one knew about it outside the family. Well, that’s a relief.”
“Really, Edith, do you have to put on such an exhibition? I was supposed to be engaged to him, for heaven’s sake, not you, and I can control myself.”
“No, it was quite plain. O’Brien told her Bates can’t do the job properly. Why was he taken on? I know that, but even so. I don’t. How can a valet do his work if he’s lame? No. That’s it. Thank you. Oh, I hate black. He wasn’t really a fiancé. I was only going to marry him if nothing better turned up. Don’t worry. Edith would have taken him, wouldn’t you?”
“In a moment. You go. You’re a darling. But you see, I’m not as sad as I should be. And that’s what makes me sad.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re fighting. I’m glad somebody’s putting up a fight.”
“He will. Thank you, Sybil, darling. Lady Mary. And Edith. But I don’t believe you’ve met my youngest, Sybil.”
“What shall we do? What would you like to do? Certainly. Gardens or house? Very well. We can begin in the hall, which is one of the oldest… well, what, then? It seems a bit odd, but why not? I’ll just tell Mama. But there’s nothing wrong in it.”
“Do you realize this is the first time we’ve ever been alone? No, I haven’t. It’s not quite the same with 20 chaperones hiding behind every fern. Oh, dear, if I answer truthfully, you’ll think me rather forward. I don’t think we should pry. It feels rather… disrespectful. To the men’s quarters. With a lock on the women’s side. Only Mrs. Hughes is allowed to turn it. A footman, I imagine. Should you do that? Someone’s coming. We were just exploring. Of course not, Bates. I’m sorry to have bothered you. We were just going down. I always apologize when I’m in the wrong. It’s a habit of mine.”
“We were just looking around. Will you hold your tongue!”
“Aren’t you coming into the drawing room? I’m afraid I’ve worn you out. Tomorrow, we can just… Thomas. At least I’m not fishing with no bait.”
Lady Edith
“When Anna told me, I thought she must have dreamt it. I thought it was supposed to be unsinkable.”
“Then you should be ashamed.”
“But not a fiancé. No? I thought that was what you call a man you’re going to marry. Yes. I’d have taken him. If you’d given me the chance, I’d have taken him like a shot.”
“Oh, do stop admiring yourself. He’s not marrying you for your looks. That’s if he wants to marry you at all.”
“What were you and Mary doing in the attics this afternoon? Yes. Mary took the Duke up to the attics. Looking around? What is there to look at but servants’ rooms? What was the real reason? I still don’t understand…”
“So he slipped the hook.”
Lady Sybil
“Good morning, Papa. Just arrived. Telegram.”
“She’s not.”
“I think it’s romantic. It’s not for long. Mama says we an go into half mourning next month. And back to colors by September. It still seems a lot for a cousin. Mary, what a horrid thing to say!”
“I’m going down. Coming? I know you’re sad about Patrick, whatever you say. I know it.”
“You’re not really fighting Granny, are you, Papa?”
“I think you look beautiful.”
“How do you do.”
“I expect Mary was just showing the Duke the house. Weren’t you?”
Mr. Carson
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
4 nominations: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
“Ah, William, any papers yet? They certainly are. Get the board out, so you can do them as soon as they’re here.”
“The papers at last. William? Do the Timesfirst. He only reads that at breakfast. And the Sketch for Her Ladyship. You can manage the others later, if need be.”
“Good morning, m’lord. I believe so, m’lord. I understand most of the ladies were taken off in time.”
“All right, Mrs. Hughes. I’ll take over, thank you. Good morning, Mr. Bates. Welcome. I hope your journey was satisfactory? I am the butler at Downton. My name is Carson. This is Thomas, first footman. He’s been looking after His Lordship since Mr. Watson left. It’ll be a relief to get back to normal. Won’t it, Thomas? I assume that everything is ready for Mr. Bates’s arrival? Thomas, take Mr. Bates to his room and show him where he’ll be working. Thank you, everyone. Thank you, Miss O’Brien.”
“The Dowager Countess is in the drawing room. She asked for Lady Grantham. Oh and the new valet has arrived, m’lord. I am not entirely sure that he will prove equal to the task, but Your Lordship will be the judge of that.”
“Downton is a great house, Mr. Bates, and the Crawleys are a great family. We live by certain standards, and those standards can at first seem daunting. If you find yourself tongue-tied in the presence of His Lordship, I can only assure you that his manners and grace will soon help you to perform your duties to the best of your ability.”
“Not at all, m’lord.”
“Mm-hmm. They have, thank the Lord. He was the first away. Didn’t even stay for the luncheon. Can’t you leave it for the next guest? No, I don’t know if anything’s been settled. There’s a fellow in Manchester, with claims to the title, I gather. But it’s all a long way from settled. Oh, I do take it personally, Mrs. Hughes. I can’t stand by and watch our family threatened with the loss of all they hold dear. Well, they’re all the family I’ve got. I beg your pardon. Do you?”
“Is Thomas back? He asked if he could run down to the village. I didn’t see why not. Unless Your Lordship feels differently.”
“Do you mean Mr. Bates is lazy? And what do you want me to do? I would not. I hope so, m’lord. I hope you are sure.”
“Dinner is served, m’lady.”
“The ladies are out. We’ve given them coffee and His Lordship’s taken his port to the library. Anna, Gwen, go up and help clear away. Er, Daisy, tell Mrs. Patmore we’ll eat in 15 minutes.”
“Are you all ready? Very well. We shall go out to greet them. No, Daisy, not you. Can you manage, Mr. Bates? Or would you rather wait here? There is no obligation for the whole staff to be present. Well, it’s certainly a great day for Downton, to welcome a duke under our roof.”
“Certainly not. I shall look after His Grace myself. A message from the Dowager Countess, m’lady. She says she won’t come to tea but she’ll join you for dinner. I’m glad. I think so, m’lord.”
“The plain face is Mr. Bates, through no fault of his own, is not able to fulfill the extra duties expected of him. He can’t lift, he can’t serve at table, he’s dropping things all over the place. On a night like tonight, he should act as a third footman. As it is, m’lord, we may have to have a maid in the dining room. Not worse than a maid serving a duke. It’s a hard decision, Your Lordship, a very hard decision, but the honor of Downton is at stake.”
“Have you settled the ladies? Then it won’t be long once they go through. There is no reason why the eldest daughter and heiress of the Earl of Grantham should not wear a duchess’s coronet with honor. It will be, if there’s any justice in the world. No, take him whatever he might need. Mr. Bates is leaving without a stain on his character. I hope you all observe that in the manner of your parting. Not while you’re looking after the Duke, you won’t. I’ll see to His Lordship myself.”
“I think I’ll turn in. No nor likely to be. He’s off on the 9:00 train. She did nothing wrong. Not from the way His Lordship was talking. Good night, Mrs. Hughes.”
“My lord, would it be acceptable for Bates to ride in front with Taylor? Otherwise, it means getting the other car out. He and His Grace are catching the same train.”
Mrs. Hughes
“Is the library tidy? Good. I want the dining room given a proper going over today. You can do it when they’ve finished their breakfast. Oh, heavens, girl. You’re building a fire, not inventing it. How many have you done? Very well. Now get back down to the kitchens before anyone sees you.”
“No rest for the wicked.”
“I can’t make myself believe it.”
“But… how can you manage? I’ve put him in Mr. Watson’s old room, though he left it in quite a state, I can tell you.”
“Is this a public holiday no one’s told me of?”
“They’ve all gone? What about the lawyer? I wish they’d make their minds up. Gwen’s put clean sheets on the Blue Room bed. Now she’ll just have to strip it again. Well, only if you don’t tell. So, has it all been settled? You mustn’t take it personally. They’re not ‘our’ family. Do you ever wish… you’d gone another way? Worked in a shop or a factory? had a wife and children? I don’t know. Maybe. Sometimes.”
“She’ll be tired. Take a tray up to her bedroom.”
“William, you mustn’t let Thomas take advantage. He’s only a footman, same as you. What things have you got to take your mind off? If you’re feeling homesick, there’s no shame in it. It means you come from a happy home. There’s plenty of people here would envy that.”
“Heiress, Mr. Carson? Has it been decided? Well, we’ll know soon enough. I don’t mind. Not this once.”
“No big announcement, then? He never is! And when we’ve had a turkey killed for tomorrow’s dinner! I wonder what she did wrong. So His Grace turned out to be graceless? Good night, Mr. Carson.”
John Bates
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
1 nomination: 2012
“Hello? I’ve been waiting at the back door. I knocked but no one came. I’m John Bates, the new valet. That’s right.”
“Came on the milk train. Thought I’d use the day to get to know the place and start tonight. How do you do?”
“Don’t worry about that. I can manage. I can manage. It was fine. Thank you. How do you do, Mr. Carson. I keep telling you, I can manage.”
“Oh, yes. I shall be comfortable here.”
“What about studs and links? Do I choose them or does he? I’ll get the hang of it. Beautiful. Funny, our job, isn’t it? The way we live with all this. A pirate’s hoard within our reach. But none of it’s ours, is it?”
“Of course. I know. Thank you, sir. You never asked.”
“Very well, I think. If I had any, I should take them to Mr. Carson, m’lord, not you. I like the house, m’lord. I like it as a place to work. It’s only the old wound. After I left the army, I’d a spot of bother and just when I’d got through that, about a year ago, my knee started playing up. A bit of shrapnel got left in or something, and it moved. But it’s fine. It’s not a problem. I would. But it won’t be.”
“No. No, thank you, m’lord. I can do it. Of course it has, sir. I mean… m’lord. I miss a lot of things. But you have to keep moving, don’t you? I’ll show you, m’lord, I promise. I won’t let you down. We’ve managed so far, haven’t we?”
“Not worse, but… pretty bad. Blast!”
“I want to go, Mr. Carson. I’d like to be there. I’ll give you a hand.”
“Perfectly, m’lord. I apologize. Please, don’t feel sorry for me.”
“Can I help you, m’lady? Were you looking for Thomas, Your Grace? Would you care to explore my room, m’lady?”
“Will that be all, m’lord? I’m very sorry about that, m’lord. I don’t know what happened. You mean waiting at table when there’s a large party? I do, m’lord. Of course I do. Might I make a suggestion? That when an extra footman is required, the cost could come out of my wages. Because I am very eager to stay, m’lord. Very eager indeed. You see, it is unlikely that I should find another position. It’s not likely. I couldn’t take your money, m’lord. I can take wages for a job done, that’s all. Very good, m’lord. I’ll go at once. I quite understand, m’lord.”
“That’s very kind. I’ll be all right. Something will turn up. Well, we can’t have that.”
“Good luck to you, m’lord.”
Mrs. Patmore
“Is your fire still in? Ooh, my, my, will wonders never cease? Have you laid the servant’s hall breakfast? And finished blacking that stove? What about the bedroom fires? Right, well, take your things and get started on the fires on the ground floor.”
“Lady Mary. Are the tea trays ready?”
“What’s it to you? Me neither. William! Will you stop talking and take this kedgeree up. And mind the burners are still lit. Nothing in life is sure.”
“Because we’ve all got our own work to do. But what about all them stairs?”
“Thomas, take it up! Leave it, Daisy! He’s a grown man; I suppose he can lift a meat pie. Now, put that apple tart in the lower oven. Oh, and take that away. Mr. Lynch shouldn’t have left it there. Salt of sorrel. I asked him for some to clean the brass pots. So put it somewhere careful. It’s poison. Nothing makes you hungrier or more tired than grief. When my sister died, God rest her soul, I ate my way through two platefuls of sandwiches at one sitting and slept round the clock. Not much, but it passed the time. Oh, my Lord, what was this chopped egg supposed to be sprinkled on? It was. Take it upstairs now. I should think not! Find Thomas or William and tell them what to do. Get a move on, girl, before they get back from church.”
“Oh, and don’t tell me you’ve not sent the egg up yet.”
“You won’t be ‘waiting’ on her, whatever happens. What are you doing, Anna?”
Anna Bates
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
3 nominations: 2012, 2014, 2015
Best Supporting Actress – Television
1 win: 2015
“Just for once in my life, I’d like to sleep until I woke up natural.”
“Daisy? Whatever are you doing there, crouching in the dark? Quite right, too. Why didn’t you put the lights on? It’s electricity, not the devil’s handwork. You’ll have to get used to it sooner or later. At Skelton Park, they’ve even got it in the kitchens.”
“Yes, Mrs. Hughes. All ready, Mrs. Patmore. If the water’s boiled. Could you give us a hand to take the other two up?”
“Mr. Crawley and Mr. Patrick? It’s worse than a shame. It’s a dreadful thing.”
“I’m Anna, the head housemaid. Of course you can.”
“Perhaps she misunderstood. Oh, he was Lord Grantham’s batman. When he was fighting the Boers. He’s not very lame. There. Anything else before I go down?”
“Daisy, it’s time to let it go. I’m sure there are. I’ll do it.”
“What are you doing up here? Well, I’m going for my dinner. You two can stay here plotting.”
“Mr. Bates. That’s better.”
“I thought I’d take something up to Mr. Bates, him not being well enough to come down. You don’t mind, do you, Mrs. Hughes?”
“Mr. Bates! Are you there? I brought something up. In case you were hungry. I’m ever so sorry you’re going. I’ll be all right. There’s always a place for a man like you. Tell us when you’re fixed. Just… drop us a line. Else I’ll worry.”
Ms. O’Brien
“I’ve got Her Ladyship’s to carry.”
“To dry the ink, silly. We wouldn’t want His Lordship’s hands to be as blacks as yours.”
“Yes, m’lord. I’m just going to take in her breakfast.”
“Neither of them were picked up. That’s what he said. That’s what he said. Her Ladyship was the color of this cloth. It’s a complication. What do you think? Mrs. Crawley was His Lordship’s cousin and heir to the title. She’s a girl, stupid. Girls can’t inherit. But now Mr. Crawley’s dead, and Mr. Patrick was his only son. So what happens next? So you pushed in. The new valet?”
“You’re early. I’m Miss O’Brien, Her Ladyship’s maid. You better come along with us. Well, I can’t see that lasting long.”
“You should have spoken up when you had the chance. Don’t make the same mistake next time.”
“It’s iniquitous. They can’t expect you to sit by silent as your fortune is stolen away. His Lordship’d never let it happen. Well… I don’t like to say. Only it seems unkind to criticize a man for an affliction, m’lady. Even if it means he can’t do his job.”
“And where have you been? Ooh, pardon me for living. Well, Murray didn’t stay long. No. They talked it all through on the way back from the church. Bates won’t say a word. Then be sure to get your foot in the door when Bates is gone. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.”
“Oh, you sound like a penny dreadful.”
“Her Ladyship’s told him she thinks Mr. Bates ought to go. She said to me, ‘if only His Lordship had been content with Thomas.’ It’s a free country.”
Thomas Barrow
“Any sign of William? Where have you been? You’re late when I say you’re late.”
“And they’re off.”
“His Lordship’s dressed. Is it really true?”
“There’s some cedar-lined cupboards in the attic, for things that aren’t often worn. Mr. Watson used them to rotate the summer and winter stuff. I’ll show you later. Lay them out unless he asks for something in particular. These for a ball, these for an extraordinary dinner, these only in London. Yeah, you’ll have to. He collects them. What do you mean? No, none of it’s ours.”
“I can’t believe I’ve been passed over for Long John Silver. Who says there will be a next time?”
“The village? To send a telegram, if you must know. Does Her Ladyship know how they left it? If I was still his valet, I’d get it out of him. He will not. I’d bet you a tanner he’s a spy in the other direction. I wanted that job. We were all right together, His Lordship and me. We can’t get rid of him just because he talks behind our backs.”
“I just think you should know it’s not working, Mr. Carson. Not lazy, exactly. But he just can’t carry. He can hardly manage His Lordship’s cases. You saw hot it was when they went up to London for the memorial. He can’t help with the guests’ luggage neither, and as for waiting at table, we can forget that. It’s not for me to say. But is it fair on William to have all the extra work? I don’t believe you’d like to think the house was falling below the way things ought to be. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Those go back, but the dessert service and all the glasses stay in the upstairs pantry.”
“What is it? Did she really?”
“Remember to help me with the luggage. Don’t go running off. Oh, we couldn’t ask that, Mr. Bates. Not in your condition. How long do we have to put up with this, Mr. Carson? Just so I know.”
“I did, Your Grace. Thomas, Your Grace.”
“How long do you think they’ll be? I’m starving. Yes, Mr. Carson. It’s not up to you. I’ll take care of His Lordship, shall I, Mr. Carson?”
“I don’t believe that. How was I to know? When the lawyer turned up, I thought… so what now? What abut me? You said you’d find me a job if I wanted to leave. I want to be a valet. I’m sick of being a footman. I’ve done it. But I’m not sure Carson’s going to let me take over. I want to be with you. You came here to be with me. Aren’t you forgetting something? I would if I have to. I’ve got proof. How did you get them, you bastard?”
William Mason
“I’m not late, am I?”
“Breakfast is ready, Mr. Carson. They’re late. You’re late. But what?”
“Mr. Carson. I think you ought to see this. Yes, Mrs. Patmore. ‘Fraid so.”
“But isn’t there more to go up? Go on, then, give it here.”
“Daisy? Is that you? Is it the chicken in a sauce? Or the plain chicken with sliced oranges?”
“Put it on here.”
“It’s all right, Mrs. Hughes. I like to keep busy. Takes your mind off things. No. Yes, Mrs. Hughes.”
“I don’t see why he has to go. I don’t mind doing a bit of extra…”
Gwen Dawson
“Thank you, Daisy. Anna?”
“Well, it’s a terrible shame if it’s true. Well, what do you mean? I thought Lady Mary was the heir.”
“What on earth’s the matter? I can’t do that now. What?”
“William’s laid tea in the library, but Her Ladyship hasn’t come down. Not yet, Mr. Carson.”
“Not again. Give it a rest. I expect you saw worse things in South Africa. Eh, Mr. Bates? Mr. Bates, could you hand me that tray?”
“I keep forgetting. Does this go next door or back to the kitchen?”
Daisy Mason
“Six o’clock! Yes, Mrs. Patmore. Yes, Mrs. Patmore. Yes, Mrs. Patmore. All lit, Mrs. Patmore.”
“You weren’t here, and I didn’t like to touch the curtains with my dirty hands. I daredn’t. What for? This is me last till they come downstairs.”
“Why are their papers ironed?”
“What is it? It seems like a lot of food, when you think they’re all in mourning. Did it makes you feel better? Was it the chicken? I can’t go in the dining room.”
“Do me a favor. This is supposed to be sprinkled on the chicken. Oh, please. It won’t take a moment.”
“Oh, God, help me! Just run upstairs to the dining room and find William, I beg you. You’ve got to! I’ll be hanged if you don’t. Oh, thank you, Blessed and Merciful Lord. Thank you. It’s the chicken in the sauce. I’ll never do anything sinful again, I swear it. Not till I die.”
“Does anyone else keep dreaming about the Titanic? I can’t get it out of my mind. But all them people, freezing to death in the midnight, icy water. Did you enjoy the war? I don’t think anyone enjoys war. But there are some good memories, too.”
“And me, Mr. Carson?”
“Do you think he’ll speak out? Do you think we’ll have a duchess to wait on? Imagine that!”
Matthew Crawley
“Thank you, Mother. It’s from Lord Grantham. He wants to change our lives.”
Isobel Crawley
“Thank you, Ellen. One for you. Really? What on earth does he want?”
George Murray
“I prefer memorials to funerals. They’re less dispiriting. I gather they’re putting up a stone to mark those whose bodies were never found. In fact, I hear the Canadians are making quite a thing of the Titaniccemetery. I’m surprised at the number they found. You think the sea would have taken more of them. I’ve only made a few inquiries, but no, there’s not much to alarm you. Matthew Crawley is a solicitor, based in Manchester. His special field is company law. His mother is alive and he lives with her. His father, obviously, is not. He was a doctor. There are worse professions.”
“We ought to talk about the business of the entail. As you know, on your death the heir to the title inherits everything, except for the sums set aside for your daughters and your widow. Owing to the terms of her settlement, this will include the bulk of your wife’s fortune. Of course it must seem horribly unjust to Lady Grantham, but that is how the law stands. Your father tied the knots pretty tight. I’d say it’s unbreakable.”
“You’re very kind, Lady Grantham, but I must get back to London. Thank you, but no. I’ll eat on the train. In fact, if you’d be so good as to ask for the motor to be brought round? I think we’ve said everything we have to say, haven’t we, my lord?”
Telegraph
“Oh, my God! That’s impossible. I’ll take it up there now. Don’t be stupid. None of them will be up for hours, and what difference will it make? Jimmy’ll do it when he comes in.”
Downton Abbey
“Now hurry up. No.”
Paper Boy
“Yeah, I know, but… you’ll see.”
Taylor
“We ought to go, my lord, if His Grace is to catch the train.”
Ellen
“First post, ma’am.”
The Duke of Crowborough
“Lady Grantham, this is kind of you. Of course. Ah, Lady Sybil. Oh, Lady Grantham, I’ve a confession to make which I hope won’t cause too much bother. My man was taken ill just as I was leaving, so I… oh, no, I wouldn’t dream of being such a nuisance. Surely a footman. I remember this man. Didn’t you serve me when I dined with Lady Grantham in London? Ah, there we are. We shall do very well together, won’t we…? Thomas.”
“I think I’d rather like to go exploring. Oh, house, I think. Gardens are all the same to me. No. Not all those drawing rooms and libraries. I don’t know. The… the secret passages and the attics. No, don’t tell your Mama. No, indeed. I’m only worried the others will want to join us.”
“Then you’ve forgotten when I pulled you into the conservatory at the Northbrooks’. How sad. And are you pleased to be alone with me, m’lady? Nonsense. It’s your father’s house, isn’t it? You have a right to know what goes on in it. Where does this lead? Mrs. Hughes… and you. In here? Why not? I’m… I’m making a study on the genus ‘footman.’ I seek to know the creature’s ways. No. As Lady Mary said, we’ve just been exploring. Why did you apologize to that man? It’s not his business what we do.”
“No, I’m terribly flattered to be dining en famille. Absolutely.”
“I should be grateful if we could stay just a minute more. I have something to ask you. I was terribly sorry to hear about your cousins. Not well. I used to see Patrick Crawley at the odd thing. I imagine it will mean some adjustments for you all. To lose two heirs in one night is terrible. Awful. But then again, it’s an ill wind. At least Lady Mary’s prospects must have rather improved. Haven’t they? You can’t be serious. You’ll give up your entire estate, your wife’s money into the bargain, to a perfect stranger? You won’t even put up a fight? Very odd thing to joke about. I’m… I’m sorry? Oh, heavens. I hope I haven’t given the wrong impression. My dear Lord Grantham… forgive me, but I came to express my sympathies and my friendship. Nothing more. Lady Mary is a charming person. Whoever marries her will be a lucky man. He will not, however, be me. I forget.”
“I’m tired. I think I’ll just slip away. Please make my excuses. I’m leaving in the morning. Good night. Oh, you might tell that footman… Thomas– you might tell him I’ve gone up.”
“Well, believe what you like. He won’t break the entail. The unknown cousin gets everything and Mary’s inheritance will be the same as it always was. You weren’t to. You did the right thing to telegraph me. It’s just not going to come off. Well, you… you know how I’m fixed. I have to have an heiress, if it means going to New York to find one. You… you will wish me well. And do you? Thomas, I don’t need a valet. I thought you were getting rid of the new one here. I just can’t see it working, can you? We don’t seem to have the basis of a servant-master relationship, do we. Among other reasons. And one swallow doesn’t make a summer. What? Are you threatening me? Because of a youthful dalliance? A few… a few weeks of madness in a London season? You wouldn’t hold that against me, surely? And who’d believe a greedy footman over the words of a duke? If you’re not careful you’ll end up behind bars. Do you mean these? You know, my mother’s always telling me never put anything in writing, and now, thanks to you, I never will again. Don’t be a bad loser, Thomas. Go to bed. Unless you want to stay.”
“You’ve been so kind, Lady Grantham. Thank you. You’ll make my farewells to your delightful daughters? Alas, something’s come up which has taken me quite by surprise. Well, Grantham, this has been a highly enjoyable interlude. Not at all, not at all. A short stay in your lovely house has driven away my cares. I really mustn’t be late.”
