Ring for Tea: A Casual Downton Abbey Podcast

Now we're really digging into it, or as much as we can remember after watching the movie over a week ago.... Daisy and Andy are engaged and it's a liiiiittle problematic. But besides that there's Violet's attempts to interfere with someone else's inheritance, Tom and Thomas each get a chance at love, Mary becoming the lady detective, and many downstairs shenanigans. Plus, we are assessing whether Allen Leech could be Bond after Tom's heroic actions, because why not? We are brainstorming our next big podcast idea, so stay tuned!

The Downton Abbey movie has finally arrived and after so much discussion of our plans, we have finally seen it! We're back to bask in the glow of the movie-going experience and give our overall impressions of the movie! Stay tuned for more movie talk coming soon and let us know your movie thoughts on Twitter @ringforteapod!

We hash out the last bits of the series finale and our final thoughts on the show itself. From telegrams to telephones, John Bates in prison to Anna Bates in prison, and much, MUCH more, it's been a long road, but we've made it! Join us for this last episode of Downton before the movie!

It's the series finale and they are packing A LOT into this one. We are splitting our recap up into two parts, pre-Christmas and post-Christmas (because there always has to be an event at Christmas time...). Just when Edith settles into the idea of being a London spinster, Mary gets to scheming and sets up a dinner with Bertie that just may change everything. After an entire episode about Mary being uncomfortable with Henry's racing, he decides to give it up anyway. But that means he's now trying to find something to do to fill his time.... Isobel gets some news about Lord Merton's health and his son and daughter in law are up to no good as usual. Thomas finds a new job and is saying his goodbyes, Carson is losing his touch, and Downton tries to introduce a new romance in THE LAST EPISODE. One more to go until movie time!

Allison's voice is a little husky but we're back and chatting the SECOND TO LAST episode of Downton! Edith is still debating whether or not to tell Bertie about Marigold, but loses her opportunity when Mary decides everyone needs to be miserable with her. Everyone finds Mrs. Patmore's B&B misfortunes hilarious, so the Crawleys try to give her some positive publicity. Molesley is trying his hand at molding young minds.  We're cooking up ideas for interim pods until the movie, send us your suggestions! Tweet at us @ringforteapod!

The Crawleys are off to the races!  However, the outing ends in disaster, challenging Mary and Henry’s relationship.  An exciting opportunity presents itself to Molesley, while Thomas continues to struggle to find his place at the Abbey.  Tom and a new four legged addition to Downton both manage to pad this episode with joy.  We only have two more episodes left until the (long) countdown to the movie!

We're still making plans for the movie while an open house at Downton reveals that no one actually knows anything about it. Downsizing efforts mean Thomas is out of a job, and Violet is replaced by Cora as president of the hospital (it doesn't go over well). Daisy is back to acting like a child. Carson has some particular standards for domestic life, and it feels like a Mrs. Hughes scolding is coming. Mary and Henry continue their romance dance, but at least HE can admit he likes her (and maybe a little bit more)! Only a few more episodes to go!

You all know what we're talking about right? After it is brought up every single episode for as long as we can remember, Robert's stomach ulcer gets A LOT worse in VERY dramatic fashion. It interrupts the ongoing hospital nonsense which, like our involvement with Denker and Spratt, seems to still not be over. We finally learn something about Andy after he has been around for so long, with Thomas finally finding a way to befriend him. Carson has certain expectations for Mrs. Hughes' role in their home life... it's not off to a great start. All of Baxter's anxiety about testifying turns out to be fore nothing except it does provide us with some Molesley comedy. Plus, we continue the Downton Rom Com!

A lighter, more joyful Branson is back at Downton, and back for good it seems! Thomas is acting butler while the Carsons are away on honeymoon - yikes! Former housemaid Gwen returns to the house in a fancier capacity. Baby Bates is saved by an emergency trip to London; and bear with us, guys, we are STILL talking about the hospital....

Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson are getting married and it’s just as sweet as you imagined!  Mary gets steamrolled by Cora in her attempts to dictate the wedding, and we didn’t mind one bit.  Meanwhile, Edith has an independent romantic comedy in the course of the episode - WE. ARE. IN. LOVE.  We’re rejoicing that Edith has a plot line that doesn’t involve Marigold for a hot second.  Thomas continues to job hunt and we’re getting to know that it’s a sad world outside of Downton’s walls.  Plus, a surprise return to the Crawley family!

Not a lot going on in this one, folks, so forgive us our tangents.... We're talking about pigs, child acting, a sudden personality change in Mrs. Drewe, and Anna's infertility. The hospital stuff slogs on and Thomas is looking for a new job without much luck. Sadly, the most interesting thing to happen in this episode is the debate over the location for the wedding reception - Mary just won't butt out! Find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

It’s the final season - let movie prep begin!  Mary’s weekend in sin comes back to haunt her in the form of a REAL pushy lady.  Edith considers a move to London, and we’re all for her new adventures (and spinoff!).  The Mr. Green case is finally closed which calls for a case of Veuve Clicquot.   And finally, in tech updates, refrigeration and carbonated water come to the Abbey - huzzah! Find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

We have reached another Downton Christmas special, which means we needed some extra time to unpack everything that was going on. Prepare yourself for a lot of speculation about the upcoming movie (lots of ghosts are involved)! We're still dealing with the ongoing Mr. Green murder saga, and Moseley is the new detective in town (with sidekick Baxter). The Princess Kuragin is... unpleasant at best, while the Prince cleans up pretty nicely. Branson is saying his goodbyes to Downton, try not to cry about it. Edith is basically letting everyone know that Marigold is her daughter. Both of the Crawley girls get some new love interests while Allison has a Matthew Goode-induced meltdown. Stowell shows no respect for the Crawleys, who suddenly have a motto of "Crawleys Stick Together." Carson and Mrs. Hughes play House Hunters and not only end up with a house, but an engagement! Find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

The gang goes to London for Rose and Atticus' nuptials! Lady Flintshire spends the whole episode being a "Pouty Patty" and a terrible mother. Daisy is enlightened when she visits a museum with Moseley and Baxter, and Edith continues to have NO CHILL about Marigold. And we can't. even. talk. about the Bates' complicated relationship with the legal system. Plus, we chat 1920s camera technology and Plato's cave! Have any Tiny Letters? Tweet at us @ringforteapod!

Allison can't talk about Isis' diagnosis because we get too attached to the fictional stories of animals. Mary is being a real B and Violet shows some vulnerability. We were hoping to see the scene between Cora and Mrs. Drewe, but have to settle for Cora yelling at her in-laws. And in the end, Edith is able to arrange for Marigold to grow up at Downton after all, as if that wasn't predictable! Lord Merton's sons are THE WORST and we can't wait to see them go. Rose is secretly engaged (again!) after Atticus and his family have dinner at Downton. And to be clear: The Bates' lives ARE overly complicated. Join us for another week of Downton ridiculousness!

Please excuse Christina's audio quality this week - yet another reminder that we are amateurs. Spoiler alert: We loved this episode. Mary gets a haircut and it's a BIG DEAL. Cora ain't putting up with any of Robert's nonsense. We see a different side of Violet and Edith and well... Edith takes a big step for herself. While we're excited and happy for her independent life, we are also terrified about how she's going to handle diapers and tantrums. Join us this week as we talk about one of our favorite episodes from the season!

Gonna try to avoid some run on sentences with this one (it'll make sense when you hear the synopsis we chose): Violet is trying to scheme with Dr. Clarkson to interfere with Isobel's love life, but her plan doesn't really work out. Rosamund shows up to try to knock some sense into Edith, who is not hearing it. Mary is continuing to do her "boys like me" thing with Blake, and Rose meets a new boy! Ugh, then Bricker takes his affection for Cora too far. We are finally rid of Sarah Bunting, but not the Mr. Green storyline. Plus, we actually kept up with a rating system? Let's see how long this lasts....

Welcome to a tumultuous episode at the Abbey.  Edith can’t stay away from Marigold, and we sense a restraining order on the way.  A dinner party quickly gives way to Robert v. Ms Bunting and some good ol’ Robert yelling.  Tony Gillingham is DONE - thank u, next - and we introduce a rating system for the episodes (57:42) - never too late, right?

Cora is looking for something to do outside of Downton, and is maybe finding it with Mr. Bricker? Baxter finally reveals the motivation behind her thievery and we're still digging her relationship with Moseley (duh). Mary and Tony are being all sorts of dumb thinking they would get away with their "secret" vacation, but turns out they didn't! Then it seems like she's not all that interested in marrying him after all. There's some really underwhelming evidence in the case of the Mysterious Death of Green, and Bates might be suspected for murder once again (ugh). Edith is straight up going to steal her baby from the family she forced to adopt her, yet doesn't think she is being SUPER obvious. Plus, Daisy is going to be a mathlete! Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

In this edition of The Crawley Girls Make Up Bad Plans for Their Personal Lives: there is yet another plan for Edith to legitimize spending time with her daughter, and Mary pretends to go on a sketching trip with a female friend who never existed until now. Moseley has a hard time coping with the knowledge of Baxter's past, Daisy has a controversial new tutor, and Rose is determined to get a radio for Downton. Rate and subscribe now, and follow/tweet at us @ringforteapod!

We have successfully recovered from surprise Giamatti and are back to talk about the changes afoot at Downton! Edith's plan to keep Marigold around predictably is not going well, Sarah Bunting is the new Drunk Branson, and Jimmy's former employer shows up to create some trouble.  Moseley's hair looks a bit different and Baxter comes clean to Cora about her past. Oh yeah and Edith starts a fire in the house! Plus, Allison has a BIG problem with Thomas. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

It's Downton in London this week! Rose is presented into high society, the Levinsons come to stay, and the Crawleys audition for Ocean's Eleven. Oh yeah, and Edith has a not-so-sneaky plan for the baby she had during the eight-month time jump. Join us as we say an actual final goodbye to Alfred. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Oh hey, it's another annual event hosted at Downton that we have never seen! As the family prepares for the bazaar, Edith comes up with a poorly planned solution to adopt out her baby to an unwitting family. Baxter and Moseley began a lovely friendship, and Alfred comes back to stir things up downstairs... again. Mary continues to be courted by similar-looking men, but we're trying to write Blake's backstory and figure out baby George's age. Bates goes on a day trip and then Green turns up dead, which no one believes is a coincidence. Plus, Rose's relationship with Jack Ross goes to the next level, then abruptly doesn't. Find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Robert is asked to come to his brother-in-law’s defense in America but who will cross the waters to be his valet?  Not-so- spoiler-alert, it gets sorted out in the first three minutes and it’s Thomas, the end.  Back at home in Downton, Charles Blake and Mary have a Hallmark moment, Alfred returns (so soon!) to stir the love rhombus pot and Edith takes a very awful trip to London. Oh Edith! Join us for this very brief chat about episode 7, and as always, find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

We finally agree that things actually happen in this episode! But first things first, the importance of cheese. Alfred is leaving to be a fancy chef, but not before making the upstairs folks real uncomfortable with a little speech. Anna and Bates are trying to find normalcy, but not before Bates sparks some new merch ideas. Edith is preggo and suddenly Robert and Cora's favorite child, and Gregson is missing! Rose brings Jack Ross and his jazz band to Downton as a birthday surprise for Robert, leading to some... awkwardness. This is our last episode for 2018, we'll be back in the new year for more Downton shenanigans! Send us Tiny Letters if you please!

Bates and Anna reconcile, but Bates is going to be a scary dude when it comes to Mr. Green. Baxter is the new lady's maid in town, and we're not quite sure what to think - is she in Thomas' pocket, or is she just mending pockets? Isobel tries to help young Pegg, and we're thankful since it led to a never-ending Maggie Smith chuckle. Our episode gets wrapped up with an Allison rant about Christmas movies - it's contagious! As may be our new tradition, check the time stamps! Rate and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod! 00:00 - 37:13 Actual Downton stuff (with a little Maisel) 37:14 - 58:44 Allison Loves Lifetime Christmas Movies 58:45 - 70:45 Tiny Letter Time with Christina

Some things happen at Downton in this episode, but mainly we’re talking about Christina’s trip to Disney World and the must-see (or don’t see) Christmas movies of the year. Thomas says a few choice words to Edna that we’ve been saying for weeks.  Tony Gillingham lays out ALL his cards (guys, can we put an end to premature proposals?). And Isobel gracefully tries to cope with life after Matthew.  If you're here just for Downton stuff (as in, what this pod is supposed to be about), check the time stamps below! As always, please send us Tiny Letters on Twitter @ringforteapod or email ringforteapod@gmail.com! We'll actually check them this time! 00:00 - 07:45 Disney World Talk (abridged) 07:46 - 12:05 Christmas Movie Talk Part 1 12:06 - 47:49 Actual Downton Talk 47:50 - 64:32 Christmas Movie Talk Part 2

Downton is throwing a weekend party, where fancy folks come to wear tiaras, eat dinner, drink tea, listen to a famous opera singer, flirt with the Crawley girls, cheat at poker, and bring along sleazy servants. Branson has a difficult time socializing with the fancy folk while Mary gets some business advice (and romantic interest?) from some dude named Gillingham. Edna continues to be an entitled and annoying human, Moseley takes a demotion to temporarily return to the house, and our beloved Anna gets assaulted by Mr. Green.  MOST IMPORTANTLY it is Netflix and Hallmark Christmas movie time, everybody, get ready for some wandering conversations for the next few weeks (not your style? We'll post time stamps). Next up: The Holiday Calendar. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

A box arrives from Matthew’s office with a final word for Mary and Robert is all like but-let’s-not-bother-her-with-it.  Bates puts his prison skills to use to change Moseley’s fate and reward us with some classic Moseley mugging.  Rose is (no surprise) bored at Downton and drags Anna to a village dance.  Daisy is starting to be someone we actually like and Gregson is coming to dinner next week! As always, you can find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

In case you didn’t catch it, it’s been 6 months since Matthew’s death (thank you Moseley’s dad’s exposition).  Isobel and Mary are grief stricken and poor little George gets left in the lurch.  Turns out he can’t even rely on his nanny.…  Robert continues to give no credit to the female gender.  Whatever-her-name is back as a lady’s maid (sigh).  Despite all this sadness, we get a beautiful Galentine’s moment between Mrs. Padmore and Daisy!

Well, this season ends... unexpectedly. We are bidding goodbye to Matthew, but not before Allison threatens to cancel the podcast.  The Crawleys are vacationing in Scotland - while they enjoy bagpipes, hunting, and dancing, Tom is left behind at Downton to be manipulated by a new maid named Edna. Other things happen, but do any of them really matter after that ending?! Ring for Tea will be back in a couple weeks for Season 4, in the meantime find us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

With Bates back, Thomas’ future is up in the air - we can’t decide... do we love or hate him?? Edith is making a life for herself and, despite some bumps in the road, we’re rooting for her!  Mary and Matthew are very uptight and British about their fertility. Robert is literally trying to invest in THE Ponzi scheme. And last but not least, Mosley is terrible at cricket. Join us for a very special Downton: Sports Edition!

Bates is back at Downton and ready to put Thomas out of a job. Speaking of Thomas, he gets conned by O'Brien, then all of a sudden he's a real creep? The silly downstairs love pentagon continues, and Violet is making sure Ethel can't tarnish the family reputation. Robert continues to act like a small spoiled child when Edith takes a job as a journalist, Matthew tries to make plans for the future of Downton, and Baby Sybil's christening approaches. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

The family continues to mourn Sybil's death, but apparently Downton can't exist without a living Sybil.... DRAMA ensues around the baby's name and religion, plus the Crawley women dared to have a meal prepared by a former lady of the night. We have the obligatory Bates update and Daisy considers life outside of the kitchen. Most importantly, Christina and Allison debate whether or not they have use of their limbs to be able to make a salmon mousse. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Sybil has fat ankles and a raging headache, doctors are fighting, then all of a sudden *six year old SPOILER ALERT* a beloved character is gone. Does anything else important happen in this episode? Not really. Here's hoping next week's soap opera is a little more... light-hearted?  Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Good news! There's lots of Robert yelling in this episode! He's upset about Branson, he's upset about Edith, and we suspect he'll be upset about Matthew as he tries to sort out the estate. Edith is a real trooper this episode, and we're starting to love her. Ethel finally gets important dialogue, and the downstairs is swooning over some new additions to the Downton staff. Join us as we talk Downton, the Emmys, and why you need a new ice cream scoop....  Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

There's going to be another wedding at Downton! Oh wait, not so fast *runs away to cry*. Start placing your bets for the O'Brien v. Thomas cage match because their feud is escalating! Matthew is STILL being melodramatic about the Swire money, and we get another edition of "Anna, Detective!" Plus, a new segment in which Christina tries to sell things on Craigslist. Not interested in Craigslist/Raw Chicken Time? See the episode breakdown below. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod! 0:00-7:52 Intro/synopsis 7:52-11:05 Christina Sells Things on Craigslist/Allison Makes Sure Christina isn't Murdered 11:05-14:10 Raw Chicken Time 14:10-end Actual Downton Stuff

Whoa, it turns out the wedding actually DID happen! Mary and Matthew return from their honeymoon, and suddenly Matthew has purchased a car? Edith is reeeeeal aggressive about her relationship with Sir Antony, despite her family's wishes. Mary and Violet hatch a scheme to continue to fund Downton by showing the value of excessive decorations. Oh and not to sound like a broken record, but Thomas is up to no good. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod! Send Tiny Letters to ringforteapod@gmail.com!

It's Season 3 and Matthew and Mary are trying to make it down the aisle... but money, y'all. Sybil and Branson - err, Tom - come back to Downton and stir things up. We finally meet Cora's mom, who proves to be a good match for Violet. Oh, and we're unapologetically calling new guy Alfred "Albert." Whoops. Rate and subscribe now! Send us tiny letters on Twitter @ringforteapod or email ringforteapod@gmail.com!

Super-sized episode of Downton --> extra-long episode of R4T! It's Christmas time at Downton! And then very suddenly it's not. Mary and Matthew continue their dithering, Mr. Bates is on trial for murder, and the servants are messing around with a Ouija board.    Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Anyone know a good cure for the Spanish Flu? Because cinnamon and milk mixed with a broken heart are NOT HELPING for Lavinia. The Spanish Flu has hit Downton just as the house is preparing for Matthew and Lavinia's nuptials. Sybil and Branson have wedding plans of their own, but in the end, it's only Anna and Bates that end up actually tying the knot. Robert seems to be looking for romance as well, and Thomas finds himself back in service. Join us for the return of the soapiness in a classic poorly-researched episode of Ring for Tea! Rate and subscribe, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

It's the miracle we've all been waiting for (and kind of predicting) - Matthew can use his legs (but like really Matthew not just Dan Stevens fidgeting around)! Jane joins the #metoo movement while Robert is acting like a total weirdo. Sybil and Edith need jobs, we finally learn Branson's first name, and Anna does NOT want to be a spy - ya heard? Join us for a brand new age - Post-War Downton! Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

We're wading out of our tears from last week's depressing episode, and a lot is going on this week! If you only read the Amazon description, you would think the episode is only about a random Canadian dude, but you would be wrong. A guy shows up to Downton with some kind of accent amnesia and a weird bandage, immediately targeting Edith as someone who needs attention. Matthew is wallowing and somehow moving his legs despite being paralyzed. We're trying to figure out the British draft rules and why Richard has to be such a disgusting character. Cora and Violet get rid of Isobel by trying to find her a new job, and Bates still can't seem to get rid of his ex-wife (or can he.....). Allison is making a lot of predictions in this one, stick around to see if they come true! Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Things got quite bleak this week, and we did not have adequate amounts of alcohol to help drown our sorrows.... Matthew and William are wounded on the front, and yet no one can do anything to treat their injuries except provide horrible euphemisms. Luckily they made some time for mischief music, but Vera Bates returns to cause trouble for no discernible reason. Don't worry, Sybil and Branson are still a thing and make their first physical contact (SCANDALOUS). Here's hoping next week's dramatic turn is a little less deadly. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

In true soap opera fashion, Downton adopts voice overs and somebody is preggers.  Isobel and Cora have it out - you know, in a very subtle British way.  Matthew and William are MIA after going on a patrol of no particular goal and Mr. Bates is working at a pub (gasp!).  Featuring special performance by The Crawley Sisters (*work*)! Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Downton is transitioning to a convalescent home, and some members of the Crawley family are taking it better than others. There’s scheming around Matthew’s fiance, Branson has big plans to shame the English Army, and Bates’ actions just make NO SENSE. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

What do Sherlock Holmes, Sex and the City, Saturday Night Live, The Room, and Grey's Anatomy have in common with Downton Abbey? Listen to this episode of Ring for Tea to find out! Spoiler alert: the connections are tangential at best. Christina and Allison are chatting Thomas being Moriarty, Carson's not heart attack, Edith attempting to find purpose in life, and, most importantly, that Allison knows everything about TV. Rate and subscribe now, follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

We're back with Season Two! 1916 brings us to the middle of WWI. There is change afoot at Downton as people are called to help with the war effort. Matthew is engaged to ANOTHER WOMAN, Bates' wife stirs up trouble, and Sybil is the first of the Crawley girls to leave the nest. Thankfully, we can ground ourselves in the consistency of O'Brien's bangs and Edith being the worst.... Send us Tiny Letters on Twitter @ringforteapod, or email us at ringforteapod@gmail.com!

Rounding out the first season, we're making plans for a "more Sybil please" petition, chatting Anna the English Lady Detective, and Allison is making season two predictions! Please rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

WE’RE BACK! Sybil takes up a “gloomy” cause and Robert is NOT HAPPY.  Mary and Matthew fall in love over casual sandwiches and it’s basically a gas station proposal (Jim & Pam 4 ever). Oh and O’Brien still has miserable curl bangs and Edith is there. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!

Who is sneaky in the face you might ask? Chances are you can guess.... This week, Christina and Allison are lamenting how Daisy is a dope, deciding who they are shipping, and talking once again about how Edith is just..... ugh. Rate and subscribe now, and follow us on Twitter @ringforteapod!