Downton Abbey

Matthew Crawley and his mother Isobel arrive at Downton, and have difficulty settling in. Carson is mortified when confronted by his past. Violet attempts to promote a match between Matthew and Mary. Isobel is elected to serve on the hospital board.

Mrs Hughes finds herself the focus of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position. Violet and Isobel clash over a medical ailment affecting Molesley. Carson is concerned there is a thief at work in the grounds.

Sybil puts herself in danger when a fight breaks out. Sybils sisters notice Matthews feelings for her. Mary is surprised by a marriage proposal. Bates clears his name over the missing wine but resigns rather than name the real culprit.

The Great War unsettles life at Downton and surprising news about Matthew rocks the family. New maid Ethel irritates OBrien - and Bates returns with devastating news for Anna.

After Downton is turned into a convalescent home for wounded officers, Matthew brings a general to visit, but Branson has a surprise in store. And is Lavinia hiding something?

Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisys relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Vera threatens to expose old secrets.

How long can Sybil and Branson keep their secret? Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, Bates is left reeling from the news about Vera, and Thomas embarks on a new scheme.

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The estates future is hanging in the balance and Mary is hoping to receive a bailout from grandmother Martha. Violet also attempts to help her make sure that Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes gets some news that worries her. OBriens attempts to boost Alfreds progress are met with disapproval from Thomas.

Bransons political views manage to get him into trouble while Sybils loyalty is tested to the limit. Ethel finds herself being torn between head and heart as she makes a decision about her sons future. Anna is upset by Batess silence and wonders what could be the cause. Carson looks for a new footman and a good-looking candidate called Jimmy creates interest below stairs.

Tempers are left on edge after a kind gesture by Isobel backfires. Mary attempts to fight Bransons corner after his decisions are put under scrutiny. Robert and Coras relationship feels the strain and Violet attempts to make them see things differently. Some extreme measures are taken by Bates.

Theres excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and the event brings out Roberts competitive side. Violets great-niece Rose shows up but a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye. Matthew and Mary look like they are keeping secrets from each other. Thomas finds out that his future lies in Carsons hands.

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New mother Mary is finding it hard to come to terms with Matthews shocking death. Robert and Violet fall out over how to handle the situation. Jimmy takes an interest in Ivy, while Carson receives an unwelcome reminder from his past.

An extravagant house party at the Abbey gives the Crawleys a chance to reconnect with old friends. But some guests prove more welcome than others, and along with the celebrations come skulduggery and heartache.

Change is in the air as an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy. Isobel appeals to Violets charitable nature, but it does not come without a fight, and Branson considers a new future for himself and baby Sybbie.

Coras playboy brother has got himself into a spot of bother and Robert has to make a trip to America to bail him out. Blake and Mary are forced to put aside their differences to deal with a new farming venture on the estate. When Violet is taken ill, help comes from an unlikely quarter. In spite of Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore and Carsons attempts to keep the peace, romantic tensions below stairs cause problems.

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With the house recovering from the night’s dramatic events, Robert is faced with a very difficult decision. As Daisy continues to struggle with her studies, Mrs Patmore has an idea which might solve everything. Thomas has it in for Baxter. As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel. When Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.

Sarah Bunting continues to cause waves above stairs, but this time she may have gone too far. On returning to Downton, Thomas suffers an inexplicable illness and Baxter suspects there’s more to it than he’s letting on. Violet reveals to Isobel the surprising truth of her past with Prince Kuragin. Mary comes to a decision concerning Lord Gillingham, but things don’t go quite as planned. When Rose’s father returns to Downton, he breaks news that will shock the whole family.

Relations between Robert and Cora continue to be strained. Blakes scheming starts to come to fruition when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news and decides to take drastic action. Following a mysterious tip off, Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Greens death. Thomas condition deteriorates, prompting him to finally reveal the truth to Baxter. Love is in the air for more than one member of the Crawley family.

Preparations are under way for Roses wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Ediths arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

It is now 1925, when secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs are faced with social changes.

Preparations for the wedding of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are under way. Edith meets up with an old acquaintance. Spratt has something to hide.

Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet’s plan to save the hospital, with distressing consequences for everyone. Andy finds an unexpected confidante while helping Mr Mason move into Yew Tree Farm, Mary is uncertain if she has met her match, Edith meets Bertie Pelham in London, and Spratt comes to Denker’s aid. Mrs Hughes struggles to keep Carson happy, while Mary thinks secrets are being kept from her.

The Crawleys watch Henry compete in a motor racing event, an occasion that leaves Mary reeling. Violet hatches a plan which surprises the family and delights Miss Denker, and learns more about Amelias intentions in befriending Isobel. Molesley and Daisy rise to the challenges of examination day, Andys secret is brought to light, Thomas feels isolated, and Mrs Patmore and Mrs Hughes teach Carson a lesson.

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