Need a Downton Abbey fan

[Timber Wolf]

I came late to the party and have a few questions. Save me from wearing out my fingers Googling, or actually watching several years worth of episodes. Please answer the following:

What is Barrow’s story? Was he “in service” at the house all along, or did he show up along the way? I believe I heard something said that he saved Edith from something, what was it? Why does he wear that thing on his hand/hands?
Concerning Lady Edith, how did they handle her pregnancy with Marigold? How did they then introduce Marigold to the story? I know she is Edith’s “Ward”. But what is the cover story about where Edith was and how she and Marigold came back after the pregnancy?
What is Birdie/Birdy an “Agent” off?
Carson’s wife, Mrs. Hughes I believe, what is her position/function on the house staff?
Tom Branson, seems like he was in service, a chauffeur or something. How did he improve his status?

[Bobbie Mayer]

Multiple spoilers alert for anyone who hasn't watched it:

Originally Posted by Timber Wolf

I came late to the party and have a few questions. Save me from wearing out my fingers Googling, or actually watching several years worth of episodes. Please answer the following:

What is Barrow’s story? Was he “in service” at the house all along, or did he show up along the way? I believe I heard something said that he saved Edith from something, what was it? Why does he wear that thing on his hand/hands?

He was in service there all along, as a footman originally. Left during the war, shot himself in the foot, came back and eventually got a job again. Don't know what is on his hand.

Concerning Lady Edith, how did they handle her pregnancy with Marigold? How did they then introduce Marigold to the story? I know she is Edith’s “Ward”. But what is the cover story about where Edith was and how she and Marigold came back after the pregnancy?

She went to Europe with her aunt. Then pretended Marigold was a war orphan that the pigman adopted, that Edith took an interest in and finally took on when the pigman couldn't keep her.

What is Birdie/Birdy an “Agent” off?
Carson’s wife, Mrs. Hughes I believe, what is her position/function on the house staff?
Tom Branson, seems like he was in service, a chauffeur or something. How did he improve his status?

Birdy, no idea who that is.
Mrs. Hughes- head housekeeper
Tom Branson married the deceased daughter Sybyl (before she died) and is Sybbie's dad.

[Mary F]

I think Barrow was shot in the hand, when he intentionally stuck it up above the foxhole - so he would be able to get out of combat duty.

I don't know who Birdie is, either.

It's worth watching the old episodes, for Maggie Smith's character's one liners, if nothing else...

[Timber Wolf]

Originally Posted by Bobbie Mayer

Birdy, no idea who that is.

Thanks, that answers a lot. Birdy (maybe Berty?) is the guy who marries Lady Edith in the final episode.

[Mary F]

Ah, I haven't watched the last season yet. Keep meaning to order it...

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Timber Wolf

Thanks, that answers a lot. Birdy (maybe Berty?) is the guy who marries Lady Edith in the final episode.

Its Bertie! Short for Herbert!

His full name was Herbert Pelham, 7th Marquess of Hexham. He owned Brancaster Castle in Northumberland. "He is second cousin once-removed to his predecessor, under whom he served as Brancaster's agent."

I agree with the suggestion you should really start from the beginning.... kind of spoils all the fun of having watched then all by jumping to the end!

[Bobbie Mayer]

Berty was the land agent- sort of a caretaker of an estate? Not sure that's what they are called but that's what I believe he was before he inherited.

[k corbin]

if you have an Amazon prime account the whole of the series is free to stream for prime members.

[slowpat]

Barrow woke up Lady Edith and got her out of the house when her room caught on fire. He also dognapped the yellow lab so he could then "rescue" it and become better liked by the Lord of the house. He's an evil guy most of the time.

[Mary F]

But the poor unfortunate dog was named Isis.

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Mary F

But the poor unfortunate dog was named Isis.

Hi: Mary F... But every episode begins with a close up shot of Isis' tail end!!! Think of the "Royalties".
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Alf S.]

Hi: Timber Wolf... Tom Branson married the bosses daughter. They eloped I think!!!
Just finished watching all 6 yrs crammed into one loooong pledge break. I get a much higher level of sleep watching Downton Abbey.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[slowpat]

Originally Posted by Mary F

But the poor unfortunate dog was named Isis.

And continues to be part of the family for several years until...

[Wayne Collins]

In case anyone is desperate to catch up on the whole series, I have all the DVDs.
Send me an e-mail and we can make a deal. Lwgcollins@aol.com