The most predictable storyline for Gladys would be... Keeping her locked up and sheltered ensures that she stays naive and ignorant, she doesn't trust her family/mother's judgment, and she longs to break out of her prison. That combination makes her ripe for exploitation by a worldly fortune hunter, especially if her mother doesn't approve of him. So maybe she'll elope with Oscar, thinking it desperately romantic and liberating at the same time.
At the concert, when Marian told Bertha that Raikes has no money, the Fane husband and wife exchanged a look. What do you think that meant? Raikes is so dull I'd prefer if he fell under a carriage, but perhaps he's secretly shady or secretly wealthy. Anything to liven him up!
I agree with whoever said that they had thought Larry/Marian was the key romantic pairing because Larry and Marian got a meet-cute, and because one belongs to the principal new money family and one to the principal old money family. But it has gone nowhere. Larry's character has gone nowhere, let alone his relationships. He was barely in this episode.
Bertha is an interesting female character. She's a proud, cold, ambitious woman. Unfortunately those qualities would be more effective in someone who could make their own way in the world in this period ie. A man. Soft power is the only kind open to her, and I hate to say this shit but you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Imagine if Bertha was the most charming, sociable woman in the room, always laughing and with friends everywhere. People would *want* to be with her. Anyway, my main issue with the character is: has she had any victories of her own? Everything seems to be contrived by her husband. I know he's doing it because he loves her, but it makes her seem a bit useless. Even this week's dog rescue ploy failed! I would like her to be able to succeed in her own realm while he succeeds in his. But I guess he's trying to buy that for her.
I thought Marian assuming things about Peggy and surprising her family was a good story development. Totally rang true, showed Marian up painfully, and I didn't know Julian Fellowes had that in him.
Edited February 15, 2022 by KirstyncG1vNJzZmien6fCrr%2BNqamipZWptq6x0WeaqKVfqbyxtcJoaGtuZ2d%2Fbr%2BPapxpbF2Weq27zaBkpZmUmbKze8%2Banp5nY2Q%3D