These DA posts have not ever been proper recaps - look elsewhere for those (I suggest the Fug Girls' recaps). These are thoughts and observations on each episode and a place for you to respond with your own.
That said...I don't have a lot to say about the first episode, not least because I cannot figure out if the Episode 1 I watched a few months ago lines up exactly with the Episode 1 y'all watched last night. So I'm removing something from this post and I'll put it back in when I find out for sure, so as to avoid any chance of an accidental spoiler.
So, Episode 1! I loved all the throwbacks to that first precious season - ah, 2011! – a hunt on horseback and ironed newspapers! Very on-point.
How much do I love Carson? So much. Someone needs to make a GIF of his facial reaction when he realized what Mrs. Patmore was talking about during their awkward conversation re: marital expectations.
How about Mary? Do we love Mary? I confess that I do, snide looks and eye-rolls aside. I know there is a lot of Mary-hate out there, but I just can't muster up the energy to join in. I'm on her team, I have been since season 1, and that's the end of it.
I think it was the Fug Girls who pointed out the Boot Room of Despair. Never have a conversation in there! It is bound to be a sad one. And it usually involves Bates and Anna. At least the plot line of A Bates is in Prison for Murder, Again has been resolved. UGH it never should have existed.
How happy are you to be back with the Downtoners? I don't even really care that the show isn't terribly good anymore. It's a comfortable place to be and I'm enjoying it.