‘Downton Abbey’ season 3, episode 4 review: Ethel’s pain, Bates’ hope
There’s no way of beating around the bush here: Sunday night’s new episode of “Downton Abbey” may very well be among one of the most painful hours of television that we have watched in recent memory. This was a tough, taxing hour of TV for many of the characters we have come to love, in particular some who were already going through some tough times already.
For one example, just look at what happened with Tom and Sybil. Tom arrived at the Abbey out of the blue, and the impression was made that he had abandoned his wife in Ireland in order to protect himself from some legal woes. When Sybil did arrive to the Abbey herself, she did her best in order to convince them that he was not out just to cause trouble for everyone … but we’re not entirely sure that they were buying just what he was selling. Ultimately, and with the help of Grantham, there was a deal ultimately arranged so that Tom would be able to escape prison, but he may not be allowed to return to Ireland over his role in helping to destroy property in the country. (The only real positive story we saw from the Abbey was watching the arrival of new footman Jimmy, who is being forced to go by James.)
Meanwhile, Bates was starting to feel as though Anna was giving up on him, and she was really feeling the same way. This was all due to him not being given all of the letters that were being sent to him, and he was starting to feel like no more were going to come. This was a nice example of seeing a glimmer of hope come out of despair, and he and Anna may have a chance to make it yet.
As for the final painful scene during this episode, we saw a rather tragic sequence of events that led to Ethel giving up her son Charlie to her father-in-law, mostly in that this would guarantee that he would have a good life. She had received an offer of money for him, but it was just enough to survive … and not enough to be happy.
The final story of the episode really unfolded in an excellent final few minutes, as Matthew proclaimed that there are some changes that need to be made in Downton, and he needs to find a way to do them discreetly.
What do you think about this episode?
Ilze Choi
October 13, 2012 @ 8:18 am
Being in the US, I haven’t watched Season 3 but I would like to put in a word for Branson. Sybil is an aristocrat by birth but is not one at heart. It is easy to understand why Branson fell in love with her. The Irish struggle for independence was a major issue at that time. Julian Fellowes had to make it part of the story and Branson is a perfect representative for speaking out about it. To ignore “the Irish question” would be as great an omission as leaving out the civil rights question in a story set in the sixties.
Issen
October 10, 2012 @ 1:08 am
I actually thought this episode was kind of slow. I have been super annoyed with both Branson and Matthew this season. Branson is always going on about the Irish and their treatment yet he married someone from a class he despises. **** or get off the pot! Matthew had entirely too much conscience when it came to Reggie Swire’s money especially since he was dead and it could conveniently save the family. What was that weird moment in the day room where Mary recoiled at the idea of being preggo to Matthew? Does she have a secret baby we don’t know about? The Mrs. Hughes plot was rather anti-climatic. Oh all better now.. is there a roast for dinner? I am glad Edith is getting a bone even if it’s just the tip of one and I am so ready for Thomas to be chucked out of the house. Uggh.