‘Downton Abbey’ season 3, episode 4 preview: Sybil’s big decision

If you love “Downton Abbey,” Sunday night’s new episode on PBS is one that you absolutely cannot miss. We’re not going to spoil anything for you here about what transpires, but it is fair to say that the events that unfold here serve as a catalyst for the rest of the episodes that follow.

As you can tell in the sneak peek clip below, Sybil is wrestling with a decision while going into labor that was incredibly difficult at that time: whether or not to have her child with Tom Branson christened as a Catholic. This is something that is important to her husband, but also something that the rest of her family (in particular her father is going to be none too pleased about). Much of this season’s familiar themes are going to resurface here, as Robert is going to struggle with the old way of doing things versus what Sybil thinks is best her and her family in an ever-changing society.

As for what else is going to be transpiring during the episode, here are three quick teasers:

1. Thomas is going to spend a little bit more time with Jimmy, though as always he will be doing so with an ulterior motive in mind.

2. After seeing some hope for Anna and Bates at the very end of last week’s episode, there will be more movement in the story this time courtesy of a surprise revelation.

3. As interesting as the two above stories are, there is only going to be one event that you will be talking about with all of your friends on Monday … and it’s a game-changer.

If for whatever reason you cannot wait for this episode (which would be slightly strange considering that you have made it this far without spoilers), you can read our review for the British airing of the show here.

Photo: ITV

Watch Downton Abbey, Season 3: A Scene from Episode 4 on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.