u/diymama89

Spoiler alert! Do not read if you have not seen the final episode of season 2 or any of season 3.

I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate how good Laura Carmichael's acting was in the episode where Cora has Spanish flu and then the episode where Sybil gives birth. She does such an amazing job of conveying absolute horror in both situations. Edith is not one of my favorite characters, but I think Laura Carmichael is one of the most talented actresses on the show.

So I am on a second rewatch, and it struck me this time through how odd it is that everyone acts like Sybil is the only kind person in the Crawley family. I don't get it.

Robert:

Refuses to dismiss Carson when Carson confesses taking things to feed Charles Grigg

Refuses to fire Bates after his time served for theft was exposed

Pays for Mrs Patmore's eye surgery and pays for hers and Anna's trip to London that lasted at least a week

Defends Williams when those women try to humiliate him with the white feather during the concert

Has is own lawyer defend Bates and Anna

Pays for Archie's memorial when he is left off the town's memorial

There are more, but you get the idea.

Mary:

Gives William time off because she heard his mother was sick

Helps Anna find Bates after he left due to Vera blackmailing him

Destroys the ticket she thinks would incriminate Bates

Offers to let Carson celebrate his wedding at Downton

Arranges for Anna to see a specialist doctor in London

Again, there are more, but you get the idea.

Cora:

Always expressing gratitude to the staff

Sticks up for Anna and Bates when the snobby waiter tried to kick them out

Was very patient with Baxter when she was hesitant to open up about her past

Asked that Mr Mason be given Yew Tree Farm

Again, there are more examples.

I can't really think of many times Edith was kind without getting something out of it. But with all of these acts of kindness, why was only Sybil thought of as kind? Sybil did do some very kind things, but I feel like some of the instances I listed were just as kind and maybe even more impactful to others. Thoughts?

So I am on my third time through the series, and I saw the infamous Mr Pamuk episode yesterday. So here's my question:

When Mary and Anna realize they need a third person to help them carry Pamuk, Mary first suggests Bates. This makes sense since Bates is reserved and doesn't talk much to the other staff. Anna of course dismissed the idea because of his limp. Then they mention Thomas and William and immediately disregard either of them as possible help. Why didn't either of them mention Carson? Carson would never have said a word that could have disgraced Mary, and I am sure he would have given Mary the benefit of the doubt and insisted Pamuk had forced his way into Mary's room. Does anyone else think it would have made sense to ask Carson instead of Cora? I get why they asked Cora, but I would think Carson would have been stronger and therefore a quicker option.