DOWNTON ABBEY: “Season Six, Episode Six” {Recap}

In the wake of the hospital needing money, the Abbey is being opened for an Open House. Lord Grantham is not sold on the idea, only in his convalescence, he can’t do much. The Dowager wants to help with the open house, but neither the Lord nor Lady seem inclined, especially since the Lady knows what is to come for the Dowager. The prospect of Lady Grantham having a job is anathema to the Lord Grantham. The opening house goes well, even if the family doesn’t know as much as they should about the house and its insides. Tom suggests that the family might want to open the house up later on because it does bring in a large sum of money for the hospital and could do the same for the family later on.

Bertie is also calling on Edith more, and Mary seems skeptical. He even comes to visit the house before the Open House. When Bertie at dinner, he does offer good help advise about how to make it all work.

Daisy is still looking in on Mr. Mason, while also worrying about him and Mrs. Patmore. But the interest between Mr. Mason and Mrs. Patmore has Daisy up in arms.

Lord Grantham is trying to change his habits, and not having some wine with his food from Mr. Carson. But is also gives them the chance to talk about the downsizing of the staff, small as it might be. The conversation about Barrow needing to leave doesn’t go well, however. It doesn’t help when Andrew is seen coming out of Barrow’s room late one night. Carson asks Barrow what the relationship between Barrow and Andrew is, to which Barrow doesn’t want to give an answer. Even after all these years, there is little trust between them.

Anna is feeling a bit unwell, even if she doesn’t want to bother Mary with another trip to London. Mr. Bates still wants to pay for the appointment, however the decision to see Dr Ryder was made.

Mr. Carson is being very particular about his new home, and how it should look, much to Mrs. Hughes’ dismay.

Lady Grantham is soon to be the new President of the village hospital, even if she’d be better than the Dowager. She doesn’t want to be the bearing of bad news, though. The Dowager finds out that she’s being replaced during the Open House, makes a scene and then leaves in a tissy. When she tells Lord Grantham that, he also gets a surprise visitor from a small boy who asks lots of questions.

Molesley, while talking tor. Dawes, gets himself a sort of test of his own that will test Molesley’s general knowledge and his role in helping Daisy with her testing.

In London, Mary’s arrival is a surprise to Mr. Talbot, and it seems as if Mary and Henry may have a few more dates together – including Brooklines. As they walk back to Lady Rosamund’s it starts to rain and they share a very romantic kiss in an alley to stay away from the wet weather. Henry also admits that he’s falling in love with Mary, however that suits her.

Downton Abbey
Part Six – Sunday, February 7, 2016 at 9pm ET on MASTERPIECE on PBS
The hospital war reaches a climax. Violet goes on the warpath. Daisy tries to foil a romance.Prospects are looking up for Mary and Edith. Thomas feels trapped.
Shown from left to right: Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Matthew Goode as Henry Talbot
(C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE
This image may be used only in the direct promotion of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only. USE ON THIRD PARTY SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND TWITTER IS NOT ALLOWED.

Why must Mary still be pushing for information about Marigold? It won’t end well.

Lord Merton pays Isobel a visit with Larry’s new fiancee, as a way to try and mending fences in the family. The new girl seems far too interested in trying to fix things to be a good idea, however.

Baxter has had a letter from Coyle asking him to visit him in prison.

Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast is up and ready to go.

Downton Abbey airs on Sundays at 9PM Eastern/8PM Central on PBS.