Catherine: Hi, Stephanie. Last night was the final episode of Season 5. After last week’s whirlwind happenings, I expected more major things to occur. This episode felt like Downton’s more usual placid pace with a bonus extra hour. This isn’t to say that major events didn’t occur. Last night was the Christmas Special with carols in the air and a huge sparkly pine tree overhead. Romance had to bloom and it did with the best couple on Downton, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes. Carson thought he was pretty sneaky in pushing Mrs. Hughes into buying a house together. When Mrs. Hughes revealed she had no saving due to providing for a disabled sister, she forced Carson to the point as always. “I thought you’d never ask,” she responded and I felt exactly the same.

Stephanie: Carson and Mrs. Hughes’ engagement was such a sweet moment! Definitely a long time coming. That, plus Tom’s farewell gave the solid impression the show is winding down. Even though we’re a few months past the holidays, I loved the big, decorated tree, the carols, and Mrs. Hughes wrapping little packages without the aid of tape (I paid attention to her wrapping strategy). The only intended sweet touch that rang off to me was the yet again Bates is Back! moment. That whole story line of the two of them as suspects, Anna arrested, then Bates turning himself in and disappearing, felt like a rehash of everything we went through with Bates in the early seasons. Where once he was one of my favorites, his whole story arc the past two seasons felt stiff and played out. Had he left for other reasons and then returned after more than half an episode, the homecoming would have held more meaning.

Catherine: The Bates’ story line still having no closure is driving me crazy. What is it with these two and jail? Even that crumb of Anna’s past history with abuse left me cold. It wasn’t what she endured (abuse is horrific in any shape or form), it’s this jail theme. And now here’s another incident that seeks to drag Anna down as Mr. Green’s murderer. She’s a strong character and she’ll make it but it’s all so wearying. These two are stuck in a loop that needs to come into an end. Their continued suffering is one of the worst parts of the show. Have them suffer in new ways if they must suffer. Anything! let’s get out of this rut. It was a sad moment when Isabel returned to her old life by refusing Lord Merton. His ghastly sons would stop anyone in their tracks but this isn’t the plucky Isobel we know. The romance never rang completely true to me and neither did Violet’s and the Prince’s. It was cruel of the Dowager to hunt down the Princess and unleashed her on Kuragin. Why not just say no, I cannot accept your offer. Instead, she releases a fury on his head. It was cruel and proper- Edwardian style.

Stephanie: I know you’ve been a fan of the Isobel and Lord Merton pairing, but I was pumped when the Dowager made the comment that at least one person would be happy with the failed engagement-Dr. Clarkson! Hopefully if Isobel is to match up with anyone by the end of the series, it’s the Doc. They can be together on her terms, where she isn’t trying to fix someone’s broken family. I’m glad we got a few more scenes with Isobel and Violet being chummy. I agree, Violet’s opportunity with the Russian prince was never going to result in anything more. I kind of loved the droll delivery from the princess. She was sassy and not taking anybody’s crap. The whole situation Violet orchestrated by bringing her back felt very awkward. I’m glad this chapter is closed. Moving on, the Shenanigans with a capital S instigated by Mary turned out to be a lot of fun. Thomas got to scheme the way he knows best and stick it to Sinderby’s rude butler. Even with the soapy turn of discovering Lord Sinderby has a Baby Mama, Downton needs all the drama it can get sometimes, especially when there’s a subplot about soup broth. No really, there was a subplot about soup broth. I like that Thomas’ plan backfired at Mary-her meddling caused distress to real people, and it was good to see her sweat it out for a minute. And way to go to Rose for her diplomatic and clever handling of the social mishap.

Catherine: Rose turned out to be the woman of the hour when she quickly diverted disaster by befriending Lord Sinderby’s mistress in one short moment. Rose isn’t Lady Cora’s blood relative but she’s the closest in behavior to her. Those two women will prevent the family from tearing each other’s throats out by using the weapons of politeness, tact, and cunning. Don’t mess with those two. They’ll get you in the end. Witness Lord Sinderby. Rose has him twisted around her little finger now. Even though the Baby Mama drama was overwrought, it was a nice picture into Rose’s new life. She’s got more power and confidence. Edith continues to be a mother totally fixated on her child. Thank God everyone has figured out Edith’s the mother- everyone except Mary. I thought for sure that Grantham would die when he announced his chest pain which was followed by his decision to confront Edith about the baby’s paternity, stating it was better done sooner than later. That was craftily done. It turns out he has an ulcer and not a heart issue so he’ll be sticking around awhile longer.

Stephanie: It’s kind of delicious how everyone knows the truth about Marigold except for Mary. I hope the reveal of that information is a good one, with full public embarrassment on Mary’s behalf-muwhaha! Have you noticed, both of us have slowly grown to resent Mary more and more? While I like how Mary’s character isn’t typically sweet and “Mary Sue,” sometimes her bitchery is overwrought. This week we saw yet another comment how Mary doesn’t want to be left with Edith when Tom and Rose move on. If she directed her scorn elsewhere from Edith, I’d probably champion her bluntness more. Let’s discuss Mary’s potential new love interest: Henry Talbot. (As a note to the readers, Catherine and I watched last week’s episode together, and when the preview came up with a glimpse of actor Matthew Goode, one of us may have squealed (hint: it was Catherine)). I can’t even pretend I wholly followed whatever social controversy Talbot caused by showing up to the crowded Sinderby hunt (seriously, how was it crowded-they were in a castle), but either way, he seems to be keeping Mary on her toes. He didn’t schmooze at her feet when he attempted a quick exit. Mary followed after him like a lovestruck girl half her age, which was kind of satisfying to see after having suitors clamor for her attention. Now she’s the one doing the chasing. I hope we see more of Talbot in season six.

Catherine: Mary’s outspokenness was a breath of fresh air in Season 1 but as the years have rolled on and her hatred of Edith has become an irrational habit, it’s old. The worst part is that she’s rarely defended by anyone. Mary says something dreadful about Edith and no one stands up for Edith, including Edith. Why do they all take it? Mary needs an opponent worthy of her steel. Thankfully there is Granny but I’d prefer to see someone bite Mary’s head off in a constant pedantic fashion. Like this: “you’re wrong, cut it out.” or “You’re being an ass, get over yourself.” But while I dream of such a time, there is Mary’s new love interest. I’m sorry but it cannot be Talbot. As long as Matthew Goode is playing the character, it cannot be him. I’d like to think my opposition is entirely rational (like Goode being a far better actor than Dockery. Hello) but I doubt that. And the character Talbot has a new interest none of the other boys have had- cars. Isn’t that so original, so hot, so daring, and totally alluring. Gag. It’s so clichéd that I had to squint last night during his-interest-revealed-scene. And wonders of wonders, Downton hired a new footman. Whom Daisy has a crush on immediately. Some things never change.

Stephanie: I wondered whether Talbot’s fondness for cars was a call back to Matthew’s accident, meaning Talbot will be a risk for Mary. Either that, or Mary will take up drag racing! (Now there’s some drama.) I thought it was a nice touch for Tom to want a moment to remember Sybil when he, Edith, and Mary were gathered in the nursery. I think Tom may have been pulling a crafty move with that and his impromptu suggestion that Edith and Mary perform together at the party to distract from Lord Grantham drinking too much. Tom knows the sisters need to make amends (ahem-Mary needs to make amends), and hopefully his goodwill will have a lasting effect. For a two-hour finale, this felt a bit more like odds and ends clearing up. I really hope the Green murder is done and overwith, and there’s a mostly clean slate to work with for season six.

Catherine: It would be easy to consider this the last season. Last night’s episode ended with everyone comfortable and hopeful on Christmas. Fellowes will have to work hard to pump up the drama for Season Six. But there’s always the Green murder case (grrr) and Thomas. Beyond that is anyone’s guess. I’ve had fun with our chats, Stephanie, and I look forward to next year.

Catherine Eaton is a contributor to The Stake. Catherine is a writer living in a western suburb of Chicago. She blogs over at sparrowpost.com and enjoys foraging around the neighborhood in her spare time.

Stephanie Scott is a Young Adult writer living in the western Chicago suburbs. Library superfan, award-winning TV-binger, and she just might be your cat’s new best friend. She tweets at @StephScottYA.

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