Episode 6.07 is the seventh episode in the sixth series of Downton Abbey. It aired on November 1st, 2015 in the UK, and on February 14th, 2016 in the US.
Synopsis[1]
July 9 - July 20,1925
The Crawley's watch Henry compete in a motor racing event at the Brooklands Race Track, an occasion that leaves Mary reeling. After being kicked from the hospital board after the takeover, Violet hatches a plan which surprises the family and delights Denker, and Violet also learns more about Amelia Cruikshank’s intentions for befriending Isobel.
Molesley and Daisy rise to the challenges of examination day, and Andy’s inability to read is brought to light. Thomas feels more and more isolated, and Mrs Patmore and Mrs Carson teach Mr Carson a lesson.
Plot
At the Dining Room table, Robert reads a letter from Henry Talbot, requesting that they all go and watch Henry in a car race in Brooklands alongside his good friend Charlie Rogers. Mary is sure she will regret coming, but accepts. Mary tells her father that Cora would not allow him to go since he was still convalescing. Robert says that he only wants to watch the race, not drive in it. In the Servants' Hall, Mrs Patmore has started the advertisement for her Bed & Breakfast cottage, and Mrs Hughes wants to come with her to see how it turns out. Daisy is expressing her readiness and concern of finally passing her exams. Mr Molesley then appears and informs that the date is the twentieth of July, which shocks her, as she needs all the help she can get.
Violet and Isobel are talking, and are bewildered at a surprise invitation to the wedding of Larry Grey and Amelia Cruikshank, and that Isobel is invited. Isobel is determined not go, as she feels like the wicked fairy at the Christening of the young Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. Knowing that Larry had no part in the matter, Violet concludes that it is the work of Amelia. Violet then reveals that she is going away to the south of France to get some "fresh air and blow off steam" so that she will return and get used to Cora taking over her own longtime position as President of the Hospital. She assures Isobel that she will call on Amelia Cruikshank before she leaves the country and finally get the truth out of her. Isobel is sure that Miss Cruikshank is a tough nut, and Violet says that she is quite a tough nutcracker; not easily dealt with.
Tom, Cora, Mary and Edith are discussing whether to go see the race at Brooklands of which Cora is hesitant to let her husband come, as it it unnecessary in his current state. Robert merely says that he is not "in a state," except one of boredom. Edith says that Bertie will be there, and that they will stay at Aunt Rosamund's house.
At the Dowager House, Spratt is sorting stamps when he is again interrupted by Miss Denker, who joyfully reveals that her Lady is about to set sail at the south of France while the family is in London for the racing. And as her trusted maid, Denker goes with her. She then goes upstairs to pack as there's so much to do.
In London, Edith is informed by her editor, that a news column is presented by a Miss Casandra Jones. Interested, Edith thinks they should interview this person and Laura agrees. Edith then offers Laura to come and see the race and meet her employer's family as well. Near the House, Mrs Hughes and Mrs Patmore leave the cottage, and Mrs Hughes says that Mr Carson wants to dine at the cottage again which worries her that he will again complain at how poorly the dinner will be made. This gives Mrs Patmore an idea.
Violet is at Lord Merton's estate and is greeted by Amelia, who tells her that Lord Merton has gone out. Violet simply says that it her she has come to see, startling Miss Cruikshank. Violet then gets to the point of her visit, expressing her unease and suspicions about Amelia's friendliness toward Isobel. Amelia admits that she is always friendly, to which Violet says that "no one is always friendly."
At Brooklands, everyone prepares for the race, where Laura is introduced to Lord and Lady Grantham. Tom is touched at how Laura broke certain barriers to achieve her goals. He reveals that he, too, has broken such barriers and that he had started out at Downton as the chauffeur in 1912. Henry expects Mary to cheer him on when he passes her around the track. Charlie comes to tell him that they have to get ready.
Back at the House, Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes come to tidy the dining room. Mrs Hughes wonders to sit on the comfy red couch, and Mr Carson is reluctant to do the same. Although relaxed, Mrs Hughes says that the Crawleys' live quite nicely. Mr Carson says that the family lives as they should, but are interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Thomas, leaving them slightly embarrassed.
The race goes on with the audience going crazy. Mary says that her stomach feels upside down and that they are all living the witch's curse. Suddenly they hear a crash and fire blazing from a black car. Mary is horrified and runs off to see who it is. Anna wants to follow, but John insists that she stay; due to her pregnancy and urges Miss Baxter to follow. Bertie, Tom, and Henry go into the heart of crash with Edith and Mary right behind them. Bertie informs the shocked crowd that the victim was Charlie Rogers.
Cast List
Expected cast:[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Series 6 - Episode 7 Cast List as provided by Radio Times