‘Downton Abbey’ season 3, episode 5 review: Sybil’s [spoiler]; greater sadness
We are not sure there is another show on television that mixes drama and joy in the same exact way that “Downton Abbey” does, and we saw plenty of both on Sunday night’s new episode. Once again, we saw the continuation of what has been a tradition for much of this season; rather than having Matthew and Mary in the forefront, we saw Tom and Sybil dominate much of the airtime.
Ultimately, it does make some sense once you consider the story that we saw play out this week: these two are not proud parents to a baby girl! For most of the episode, though, there were doubts as to whether or not Sybil was going to be able to welcome the child into this earth without the assistance of an operation, as she was going through all sorts of troubles while in labor.
For about the span of a few minutes here, we were genuinely celebrating what was one of the most joyous moments of the entire series’ run. Despite everything that tom and Sybil had gone through, it was looking more and more like they had somehow found a way to get through it. Then, Sybil’s body flared up in a post-birth seizure, and within a matter of minutes her body was cold as ice. This was by far one of the most shocking deaths we have seen this entire year, mostly because there was really no way to prepare for it. The tone never suggested that something like this would happen; it felt as though we were going to see something rise from the ashes, and not fall bad into them.
The other storyline of the week was slightly hopeful, mostly in that Anna may have finally discovered the right clue to break Bates out of his prison. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to be happy for her given that we are still busy wiping the tears from our face. The same goes for Matthew trying to figure out the future of the Abbey, which honestly made Mary offended that this subject was even coming up at this untimely hour.
What did you think about this episode as a whole, and do you find yourself as hooked here as you were for the show’s first two seasons?
Kathy
October 18, 2012 @ 7:14 pm
I live in the USA and was wondering how to etch season three online?
Miss london
October 18, 2012 @ 1:31 am
Oh I cried when Sybil died. She was my favourite Crawley sister. Once she had had the baby I thought she would be ok, though I initially suspected that she’d die. I started watching DA about 3 weeks ago and have been watching episode after episode to be up to date. I can’t wait for the remaining episodes to air. I love it!
Sharon
October 15, 2012 @ 5:17 pm
I wasn’t surprised when Lady Sybil died in childbirth. Jessica Brown Findlay has been going after Hollywood and Broadway roles in earnest here in the States, so if you put two and two together it all makes sense. She is only 22 years old and probably wants to be a “movie star”. Plus she was not written into last season’s Christmas special. Also remember that in the 1920s many women did die in childbirth, medicine was still very primitive.
Sandra
October 15, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
I started watching the show few weeks ago and could not stop until I was current. I hope Mary takes the baby as her own, seems like Mathew is going to have issues with conception.
Can’t wait will Bates is out, this jail thing is stressful.. really hope they don’t have him die in jail.. they are my favorite couple (well one of them that’s left :)
Love the show.. but please no more deaths… unless it the bad guy in jail thats after Bates
Rehana
October 15, 2012 @ 7:19 am
By far the most saddest event! just when you think you can predict something about the future episodes of DA, this happens! truly addictive and cant wait for next week
Kira
October 15, 2012 @ 2:34 am
I was so upset by Sybil’s death, she and Tom were my favourite couple. The entire time after her “death” I kept hoping she wasn’t really dead. But Mr. Fellowes doesn’t want me to be happy. My favourite relationship is gone. :(
Gina
October 14, 2012 @ 11:42 pm
I live in the USA and have been watching Season 3 (Series 3) online because I didn’t want to wait until January for it to be shown here. When Dr. Clarkson told the family he suspected something was wrong, I knew Sybil would not survive. Then I thought back to the description of this season – there would be a wedding, a birth and a death – I just didn’t think the birth and death would be together until tonight.
Mat
October 14, 2012 @ 5:24 pm
Once again what you think is going to happen doesnt and they keep you on the edge of your seat. Maggie Smith again played it so well. Only 3 more weeks left i just pray we get another christmas special.
Melissa Chapman
October 14, 2012 @ 5:19 pm
Absolutely devastating episode of Downton tonight! Never saw Sybils death coming until she asked her mother to help her take care of Tom whilst at Downton. :'( :'(