Downton Abbey Highlights, Season 2, Episode 3

Sunday’s episode of Downton Abbey was the best of the season so far. There was movement in romantic relationships (finally!), tension from the war, and household changes, all leading to much excitement.

Here are my Highlights:

The Household

The tension between Cora and Isobel comes to a head, ending with Isobel moving to work with the Red Cross in France. Where is Matthew to play diplomat when you need him?

After Isobel leaves, her servants feel as if there’s nothing to do. When an injured soldier comes to the kitchen to ask for food, they initially rebuff him but then give him something to eat. Before they know it, they become a soup kitchen for injured and down on their luck soldiers, once a week. Mrs. Patmore and Daisy come across this when they take a trip into town and soon Mrs. Patmore begins to bring food from Downton. Mrs. O’Brien sees this and goes to Cora, attempting to accuse Mrs. Patmore of stealing food. Cora decides to investigate, and she ends up approving and even helps serve the food! O’Brien is made to help as well. Oh, the irony.

 

Grantham soon hears of Bates return to the area and goes to apologize to him. Grantham is such a good man. He offers Bates his old job back as valet, which Bates gladly agrees too. Most of the people are glad for Bates return, except for O’Brien and Thomas. They still hold a grudge. And Mosley, who was hoping to become Grantham’s valet. Anna’s glad to see him to of course. They’re still waiting. Still.  These two poor people.

The War

Grantham was successful in getting William to be Matthew’s servant. They end up going missing for days and everyone worries the worst has happened. Through this, everyone really realizes how much Matthew has become part of the family. It’s touching and sweet, yet also heart wrenching, wondering if he and William have died.

The Romance

Sybil and Branson are talking (again!). Branson bravely declares he’ll stay at Downton until Sybil is ready to run away with him. Then Mary walks up and arranges to use the car. She’s immediately suspicious and later asks Sybil what’s going on. As the episode progresses, Sybil confesses to Mary that she and Branson have been talking. Mary, acting very much like a strict older sister, orders Sybil to put a stop to it. She threatens to tell Grantham. Sybil acqieses. Later that night, she tells Branson what she’s done, yet instead of being mad, he’s glad! He says it’s the first time he’s ever heard Sybil speak of “us.” Yet Sybil finally gets around to saying what she’s afraid of, leaving the only home and family she’s ever known. I’ve been waiting all season for her to admit to her fears.

 

Matthew and William walk in completely unexpectedly near the end of the episode, leaving everyone shocked and overjoyed they’re alive. The look on Mary’s face is priceless. I wanted her to run and jump into his arms. Of course, that didn’t happen. That long, piercing stare they had was almost as good.

Shock Value

Ethel has been flirting with the officers ever since they appeared. But Ms. Hughes finds she and an officer in a rather, err, compromising position, she sends Ethel away immediately. At the very end of the episode, though, Ethel reappears. She’s pregnant.

I was so, so pleased with this week’s episode. It moved so quickly, I was surprised a full hour had gone by.

Sarah’s off at ALA this week. I can’t wait to chat with her about next week’s episode, which will be right here on Melanie’s Musings.