An Unsung Heroine of Downton Abbey: Isis
Editor's Note: In case you missed the spotlight on the particular pet of Downton Abbey, Isis, we thought we should provide the Masterpiece Theater feature that, we had not seen. We were glad to see that into the season, she reappeared as the flag-bearer and lead actor, so to speak, when the castle appeared ahead. Isis is considered one of the most important goddesses of ancient Egypt. Her name is the Greek form of an ancient Egyptian word for 'throne.'
Clever Isis: Her behind is the ahead, so to speak, welcoming viewers to Downton Abbey with her spirited, tail-wagging trot toward the great house. After three seasons of Downton Abbey, it's time to put the loyal and lovable lab in the spotlight, celebrating her aristocratic qualities and her very best moments.
Downton Abbie
In Season 1, the Crawley family dog was Pharaoh, played by a yellow Labrador retriever named Roly. When Roly died in the second season, Ellie joined the family as Isis, but has since been replaced by a wonderful lab, conveniently named … Abbie!
Crêpe Expectations
In Season 2, Isis was Mrs. Patmore's eager accomplice in putting housemaid Ethel in her place. When Mrs. Patmore slopped the leftover Crêpes Suzette to the floor rather than give them to the entitled housemaid, Isis gobbled them up with aristocratic brio.
Stockhound Syndrome
With Stockholm Syndrome, kidnapping victims develop positive feelings for their captors. But Isis – kidnapped by Thomas and locked in a shed until the temporary valet could return the dog to Robert, securing his favor — proved her case of Stockhound Syndrome, foiling Thomas by engineering her own escape and safe return to her master.
On Point
As part of the shooting party in in the Season 2 finale, Isis had the good breeding and restraint to attend to the pheasants rather than delivering a much-deserved punishing bite to the bullying Sir Richard Carlisle.
Belle of the Ballroom
No wallflower she, Isis occupies the seat of power — proximity to the fireplace – during the Jack Ross Orchestra's performance at Downton Abbey. As dancers and drama may twirl around her, she remains the true belle of the ballroom.
Lab of Leisure
From the garden party to the church bazaar, no sprawling estate lawn is complete without the requisite retriever. Isis fills the role with panache. Noble and nimble, loyal and playful, she loves the earl, but she heels at the feet of the Dowager.
Man's Best Friend
When a man is burdened by sorrows and insecurities, he is never truly alone in the world when he has a dog. Fans can only hope that Branson, as Isis' de facto pet sitter, can find enough company and comfort in her presence to avoid seeking it from unworthy alternatives!
Earl's Best Girl
Robert is surrounded by women, but the least complicated and demanding of them all is Isis. She won't disappoint, she won't have to marry, and she doesn't need to know about his financial foibles. She remains simply and unquestioningly loyal to her master.
Courtesy of Masterpiece Theater, PBS.org
http://video.pbs.org/widget/partnerplayer/2365187535/?w=680&h=383&chapterbar=true&autoplay=true#0
More Articles
- Jo Freeman Reviews Charlayne Hunter-Gault's My People: Five Decades of Writing About Black Lives
- Ferida's Wolff's Backyard: Yellow Bird and New Growth
- Rose Madeline Mula Writes: Look Who's Talking
- Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities
- Elaine Soloway's Hometown Rookie: Love It!; Doggie Daydream; The Cool Kids Table
- Zen and the Rescue Dog: Journeying with Your Dog on the Path to Enlightenment, an Excerpt from KJ Fallon's New Book
- The PBS Mystery of Mrs. Wilson: It Begs the Question What Do We Actually Know About Our Partners
- Another Powerful Woman and First to Lead Either Party In Charge of House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Nita Lowey
- The Making of Masterpiece Theater's The Miniaturist and Petronella Oortman’s Dolls' House in Amsterdam's Rijksmusum
- Joey: An 'Ominous' and Heartbreaking Diagnosis and a Last Walk Together