Episode 68: Downton Abbey Crossover – What Is a Wizarding Weekend?

As a big Downton Abbey fan, Absent Minded Raven thought I’d enjoy this episode. He was right (he usually is, but I always forgive him). We had Many Discussions, and he thought I should add a comment in my own hand, so here goes:

Of the household staff / house-elf character comparisons, I thought of Daisy (the scullery maid/kitchen hand/undercook/cook), and Dobby (chief of downtrodden brigade).

• Both start out pretty firmly under-the-thumb, getting constantly yelled at and given the most menial domestic chores. Daisy is constantly yelled at by Mrs Patmore (the cook), and given the most menial cleaning and household tasks (such as getting up at crack of dawn and lighting bedroom fires on fateful mornings and seeing Things She Ought Not To). Dobby is yelled at by at least Lucius and possibly the rest of the family, and given well, all the cleaning and household tasks.
• Both are fiercely loyal, see the people they love as beyond reproach, and will lay everything on the line for them. Daisy defends Thomas (footman) for his delinquent behaviour, argues for JUSTICE for Mr Mason, and likely more examples I just cannot think of right now. Dobby eavesdrops, steals mail, closes portals, steals gillyweed, steals witches wands, hides Winky when she gets too drunk… etc.
• Both are incredibly passionate, impulsive, prone to inappropriate (and AWKWARD) outbursts, and get very upset when their rash behaviour leads to negative outcomes. Many, many examples. All very awkward for everyone involved.
• Both strive to improve their lots in life, committing to do whatever it takes despite the systematic oppression of the societies they live in. Daisy starts to educate herself and learns about politics, economics, etc. Dobby is very aware of The World, and current events even during his enslavement with the Malfoys, and gladly accepts the challenges of seeking independent employment
• Both find ‘their people’ (chosen family?), who support their goals and love them despite (or because of) their faults.
• Both achieve their greatest goals in the end. For all of Daisy’s ambition, she does mature and develop realistic goals (thanks no doubt to Andy). Before I go having to put a spoiler alert in…see film 3 for more. Dobby’s ambition is to do everything he can to keep Harry from harm and, if at all possible, save his life. Getting to be with Harry in his final moments, knowing he’d saved him…ow shucks, where are those hankies.

A slightly less obvious correlation is Mr Bates and Kreature.

• Surly and bitter from past mistreatment
• Warm up and become friendly when treated with kindness
• Fiercely loyal, regardless of how that loyalty ends up hurting them
• Have secret knowledge and skills that are instrumental to things Going the Hero’s Way
• Their histories are a bit ‘soap-opera’-ish, and don’t directly revolve around the main protagonists arc etc, but sometimes people are allowed to be the protagonists in their own stories.