Two thoughts crossed my mind as Tom Branson entered the schoolhouse. What was the point of his departure and does it matter? While I can’t answer the first question, the answer to the second is rather obvious. It’s good to see old Tom back.

Given that Branson’s return and not his departure was the true resolution to this multi-series long storyline, it essentially mirrors the closure of the Greene murder. It feels odd that they’re both being resolved at the beginning of a new series when they should have been dealt with at the end of last year.

I was critical of Hughes’ rationale last week and was happy to see a logical reason provided. Hughes doesn’t want Downton as a physical entity to encroach on her day. Considering how reverently Carson upholds the integrity of the house, I can’t say that I blame her one bit.

That said, the wedding was very underwhelming. The bride and groom showed very little in the way of actual love throughout the episode. Carson saying he was the happiest and luckiest of men considering he was usurped from that role a minute later by Lord Grantham when Mr. Branson and Sybbie walked in. Three cheers for Donk!

Do Carson and Hughes truly love each other? I’m not sure there’s ever been a point besides the last scene of the series 5 Christmas special where that’s actually been apparent. Their match is logical, but it isn’t as emotional as I would like.

Let’s talk about Carson’s ushers. Would it have really killed him to be nice to a single one of the male servants? His bride is being showered with affection and he names Andy as an usher before either Bates or Barrow.

Coatgate was a bit odd and put a damper tone on the episode. I’m not really sure what purpose it served other than to drive a further wedge between Hughes and Downton. When you look at how Barrow’s job search is going, I think there’s a good possibility that Charlie and Elsa’s Bed & Breakfast is going to be open for business sooner rather than later.

Barrow’s job interview fell flat once Barrow started sabotaging himself once again, this time going after the house rather than the occupation. Baxter and Bates hinted that he might have stronger feelings for the area than he’d ever care to let on, which could foreshadowing his rise to butler. I’m hesitant to say that definitively as the show wouldn’t want to lose Barrow this early anyway.

The dinner scene did look a tad ridiculous as there were as many servants as there were diners and Carson and his Lordship both discussed the Barrow situation. The pacing on this plotline is odd.

Speaking of odd, Andy. I’ve said before that I don’t care that he doesn’t get much screentime. While that’s still true, it does suck all the life out of the Barrow/Andy story. The audience just doesn’t know enough about him to really connect with his attitude toward Barrow.

What is Lord Merton doing in Downton? I forgot to bring this up last week and it’s been bugging me. Why should he get to go to the hospital meetings? I know his presence likely points to a renewed relationship with Isobel, but Fellowes could do a better job weaving the (eventual) romance.

Edith was enjoyable once again. I loved the magazine storyline and am happy that she found a match that isn’t a blatant disaster. Though I wouldn’t be disappointed if Sir Anthony reappeared.

I rarely mention Cora, usually because she does nothing of significance. She was oddly active in this episode, playing an active role in the majority of the plots. Her outburst at Mrs. Hughes and co. seemed forced, but I like where the Daisy farm plot is going.

The hospital continues to be fairly interesting. Violet delivered some first rate stingers this episode and Clarkson had some of his finest moments. It’s a plot we all knew the ending to already, but an entertaining one nonetheless.

We also saw a glimpse of a Molesley plotline. Personally, I hope he goes to help Mr. Mason and Daisy on the farm, but a Professor Molesley is fine by me. I do hope his future isn’t treated as a gag as it’s time Molesley got a win. The show missed a golden opportunity for a Molesley father/son heart to heart by having some stranger deliver the flowers. Hearing him say he’d missed out on everything brought a tear to my eye.

Very little of either Bates. That’s a good thing. I did enjoy Anna’s excitement over the wedding.

As much as I enjoy watching Spratt and Denker go at it, I don’t love the current power dynamic. We already saw corrupt Denker with Andy last series. Having Spratt as putty in her palm feels like familiar territory. I’m okay with him suffering considering what he did to Molesley back in series 4, but he’s at his best when he has some leg to stand on.

Overall this was a solid episode. It wasn’t as good as last week, but plots are all progressing quite well. I’m looking forward to seeing Gwen next week. I hope she brought her typewriter.