Games of Abbies

Louise and I watched Downton Abby season 3 episode 1 last night.  It was pretty good.  I realized there is this structure of teams or factions on the show.

Team Mary - Headed by Lady Mary Crawley, On the team is Carson the butler and Dowager Countess of Grantham Violet Crawley also Anna and Cora (Cora always seems on the verge of breaking out and forming her own faction but it never seems to happen.) News last night we thought Mathew would be joining team Mary but it is clear, Mathew isn't there yet.  Team Mary succeeded in recruiting Martha Levinson only to find out the Levinson money is out of reach.

Team Robert - Headed by Eral of Crantham, Robert Crawley, On the team is Carson, (but push comes to shove Carson will side with team Mary.) Cora (but push comes to shove Cora will side with team Mary.) and John Bates (But Bates is in Jail so is not very helpful to team Robert)  Oh and Isis is on team Robert.
Big new last night, Team Robert edged closer to a full alliance with the newly independent team Sybil-Tom, however The Dowager Countess may still bring Sybil-Tom into team Mary.  Of course full alliance with team Sybil-Tom would drive Carson full into Team Mary.  Team Robert took a huge hit what with him losing all of Cora's money!

Team O'Brien-Thomas headed by Sara O'Brien.  Huge shake up in team O'Brien it is clear that Thomas is out of team O'Brien.  But gained two new members Alfred and Martha Levinson's maid. And the possibility of membership of Mr Molesley.  Fledgeling team Thomas also alienated Daisy (When will she learn!) and as usual Team Robert.

Team Downstairs - Headed by Mrs Hughes. With members Mrs. Patmore, Daisy and any unattached downstairs staff.  Team Downstairs continued their uneasy alliance with team O'Brien.  Team Downstairs took a huge hit with the potential of Mrs Hughes cancer.  However, team Sybil-Tom maintained talks with team Downstairs.  Perhaps team Sybil-Tom could be used to form super team Robert-Downstairs and finally pull Mathew into full membership?  Doubtful.  It seems clear without Thomas team O'Brien is more likely to asymilate team Downstairs.

Team Isobel - Head by Isobel Crawly with no members at all.  Appeared to be courting Ethel which could bring Team Isobel into alliance with Team Downstairs since Ethel may still be part of Team Downstairs.

Team Mathew - Head by Mathew.  As heir to the Earl of Grantham Mathew is the prized member.  Who ever has Mathew would seem to be the winner.  Last night it seemed team Mary had finally landed Mathew.  But no! However Mathew didn't head back into team Robert!  He seems to have moved closer to team Sybil-Tom, if anything.

Team Edith - Big news Lady Edith may actually form a legitimate team!  If she marries Sir Anthony Strallan he may have the money to save the Downton Estate.  Or Lady Edith could screw up this bid for power yet again.

I have been a big fan of Lady Edith, but she has disappointed me time and time again.

I am really interested to see where Team Isobel stands on the money Mathew is due to inherit.  I think team Mary needs to think about approaching Team Isobel.  But boy will the sparks fly there.  I am sure Team Isobel could suck the money up for "Fallen" women in the wink of an eye.