Did anyone find it wonderful (like I did) when Robert returned from his trip and was welcomed by everyone so warmly and then when Cora walked up to say hello, it was like the sun started shining again.
I love their relationship this season.
I remember last season when Robert told her she can be curiously cruel at times.

It's true.
Except that Cora can be so simpering and whimpering. Also annoying was how everyone applauded Cora for actually doing something. OTOH, that was/is the life of the idle rich. Lately, there was a scene in which Robert, at the breakfast table, all but gasped that it was 'half past 8 and he was late'.
It just seems to me to be a bizarre lifestyle. So wealthy that one does not even dress or undress one's self. That in itself is kind of interesting/fun to watch but you have to wonder what in the world they did all day. I mean, how much embroidery can one do?
But yes, the homecoming was very sweet.
But now, will we ever find out for sure that Bates killed the slime rapist? Obviously, Mary believes he did.
Thing is, if they identify him for sure, then they have to deal with that. They can't send him back to prison and they can't have the Crawley's and/or the house staff condone murder and, what would Anna say about murder?
Oh and, I was glad that Mrs Crawley was able pull Gram-ma-ma through her illness. Their relationship is just wonderful.
I didn't realize that Maggie Smith is not a "Dame". I think she should be. She's one of Britain's national treasures.