‘Downton Abbey’ season 3, episode 5: Reflecting on Sybil’s [spoiler]; looking ahead

(Warning: If you have yet to watch Sunday night’s new episode of “Downton Abbey,” STOP READING NOW. Otherwise, prepare yourself to smash your computer against the wall, especially after you avoided spoilers from the UK so long.)

When the British period drama made the decision during season 3 production to kill of Sybil, it was not one that was taken likely. In the video below, you can see what Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, and Rob James-Collier all had to say respectively about the show’s big move, and how it is going to impact their characters and the series as a whole moving forward.

If you are a dedicated fan of “Downton Abbey,” meanwhile, then you are likely well aware already that there is much more to this story than initially meets the eye. Jessica Brown Findlay had requested an end to Sybil’s story so she could embark on a film career, and Julian Fellowes was quick to accommodate her request in a way in which people would not hate Sybil, and would allow for Allen Leech to remain on the show moving forward as Tom.

As for what else the death of Sybil is going to lead to, much of Downton will be in mourning for the rest of the season; and when it comes to relations between Robert and Cora, the tension will be palpable as Cora in particular feels that Robert did not do enough to keep this tragedy from happening. Eventually, the characters will move forward; but for Tom in particular, he will be facing an especially hard time given that he was only a part of this social circle thanks to Sybil, and now has no diea just where he belongs.

Check out this preview below, and we’ll have more from this episode later in the week.

Are you still reeling from Sybil’s death? If you want to read some more scoop on Tom’s plans beyond just “Downton Abbey” season 3, you can do so by visiting the story over at the link here.

Photo: ITV