Season 3 finale Part 2

Please note: The Season 3 premiere and last night's Season 3 finale were both two hours—or two episodes—long on PBS, but aired as individual episodes when they originally aired in the UK last fall. So last night's episode was known as Episode 6 on PBS but was episodes 7 and 8 in the UK when these recaps were originally written. Apologies for any confusion.

**********SPOILERS*********

Editor's note: If you are spoiled for events beyond this episode, please do NOT post those spoilers in the comments—this recap is the place to discuss what has happened through this episode and no further. Series 3 aired in the fall in the U.K. and is airing now as Season 3 in the U.S.

Need a refresher? Don't miss Naz Keynejad's recaps of the Series 3 premiere, episode 3.02, episode 3.03, episode 3.04, episode 3.05, episode 3.06, and last week's episode 3.07. And now, onto the recap for the Downton Abbey Series 3 finale, episode 8:

This was a fun episode, but I don’t feel that it packed enough of a punch for a finale.  I know there’s a Christmas special as well, so maybe they’re saving some of it for that episode.

[Maybe this one's just to tide us over?...]

Season 3 finale Part 1

Please note: The Season 3 premiere and last night's Season 3 finale were both two hours—or two episodes—long on PBS, but aired as individual episodes when they originally aired in the UK last fall. So last night's episode was known as Episode 6 on PBS but was episodes 7 and 8 in the UK when these recaps were originally written. Apologies for any confusion.

**********SPOILERS*********

Editor's note: If you are spoiled for events beyond this episode, please do NOT post those spoilers in the comments—this recap is the place to discuss what has happened through this episode and no further. Series 3 aired in the fall in the U.K. and is airing now as Season 3 in the U.S.

Need a refresher? Don't miss Naz Keynejad's recaps of the Series 3 premiere, episode 3.02, episode 3.03, episode 3.04, episode 3.05, and last week's episode 3.06. And now, onto the recap for Downton Abbey Season 3, episode 7:

This has to be the episode where we get some resolution to a bunch of outstanding plot lines.

[And? Is it?...]

Please note: Since the U.S. premiere of Season 3 was two hours—or two episodes—long on PBS, this episode is known as Episode 5 in the U.S. but Episode 6 in the U.K., where it first aired last fall.

**********SPOILERS*********

Editor's note: Do not read this recap unless you've seen the episode or are willing to be thoroughly spoiled. If you are spoiled for events beyond this episode, please do NOT post those spoilers in the comments—this recap is the place to discuss what has happened through this episode and no further. Series 3 aired in the U.K. last fall and is airing as Season 3 in the U.S. now.

Need a refresher? Don't miss Naz Keynejad's recaps of the Series 3 premiere, episode 3.02, episode 3.03, episode 3.04, and last week's episode 3.05.  And now, onto the recap for Downton Abbey Series 3, episode 6:

After last week’s unbelievably sad episode, I’m ready for something a little uplifting this week.

[We know what you mean...]

Please note: Since the U.S. premiere of Season 3 was two hours—or two episodes—long on PBS, this episode is known as Episode 4 in the U.S. but Episode 5 in the U.K., where it first aired last fall.

**********SPOILERS*********

Editor's note: Do not read this recap unless you've seen the episode or are willing to be thoroughly spoiled. If you are spoiled for events beyond this episode, please do NOT post those spoilers in the comments—this recap is the place to discuss what has happened through this episode and no further. Series 3 aired in fall 2012 in the U.K. and is airing as Season 3 in the U.S. now.

Need a refresher? Don't miss Naz Keynejad's recaps of the Season 3 premiere, episode 3.02, episode 3.03, and last week's episode 3.04. And now, onto the recap for Downton Abbey Series 3, episode 5:

Author’s note: This week’s recap is not as linear as it usually is, and some scenes are out of order. As you read, I hope you’ll understand why I chose to write it this way. I felt it was the only way to really delve into what is perhaps, one of the most intense episodes of Downton Abbey yet.

[In a good way or a bad way? Eeep!...]

**********SPOILERS*********

Editor's note: Do not read this recap unless you've seen the episode or are willing to be thoroughly spoiled. If you are spoiled for events beyond this episode, please do NOT post those spoilers in the comments—this recap is the place to discuss what has happened through this episode and no further.

Need a refresher? Don't miss Naz Keynejad's recaps of the Season 3 premiere, episode 3.02, and last week's episode 3.03. And now, onto the recap for Downton Abbey Series 3, episode 4:

This week’s episode starts on a pretty somber note:  Anna is sad because Bates isn’t writing to her, and Bates looks absolutely miserable because he has no letters from Anna. Not only that, but the prison isn’t allowing Bates to have any visitors, so our favorite couple haven’t seen each other in quite some time. Anna’s worried that Bates “is trying to be gallant,” and letting her “find a new life without him.” Oh, poor Anna!  Why can’t these two get a break?

[No, really, why can't they?!...]

Reader Beware: This post contains SPOILERS for all aired episodes of Fringe, and includes speculation on tonight's series finale.

I’m a geek. I’ve always loved sci-fi and fantasy stories, and will watch basically any show or movie that has the promise of a hint of either genre.  So I naturally gravitated towards Fringe—but waited until the end of season one before I began watching. Why? Because like a lot of people, I felt betrayed by Lost. Did I really want to immerse myself, and emotionally invest, in yet another mythology-laden show, which wasn’t really about what it said it was about, and would leave me with frustratingly unanswered questions in the end? But being the geek that I am, I gave in, and about four episodes into the first season, I was completely hooked.

[I have a feeling you're going to get us hooked pretty soon, too!]

**********SPOILERS*********

Editor's note: Do not read this recap unless you've seen the episode or are willing to be thoroughly spoiled. If you are spoiled for events beyond this episode, please do NOT post those spoilers in the comments—this recap is the place to discuss what has happened through this episode and no further. Series 3 is airing now in the U.K. and will air as Season 3 in the U.S. beginning in January.

Need a refresher? Don't miss Naz Keynejad's recap of the Series 3 premiere and last week's episode 3.02. And now, onto the recap for Downton Abbey Series 3, episode 3:

Oh how lovely! The episode starts with the house getting ready for Edith’s wedding. Finally, Edith is getting a happy ending. Even she is shocked, saying, “I still can’t believe it! Something happening in this house is actually about me.” Yeah, seriously! It’s about time.

And, look! Sybil and Branson are back! Yay!

[Fun with Sybil, Branson & co....]

We begin this episode with Mary and Matthew coming back from their lovely honeymoon in the South of France, where apparently, Matthew’s “eyes have been opened.” Giggle. We have the two “grannies” barely being civil to each other at dinner, with Martha harping on how old fashioned and backwards the rest of the family is, and poor Violet trying to figure out how to stop her from, you know, talking. It’s awesome to see these formidable old dames going at it like this.

(Need to catch up? Don't miss Naz's recap of the Downton Abbey Season 3 premiere!)

Oh hey! Look at this! Matthew’s calling Lord G. by his first name. Huh. I guess when you’re the newly minted son-in-law you can forego certain formalities! Any way, he tells “Robert” about the whole business with Reggie’s will and the oodles of money that might come to him. At first, Lord G. doesn’t understand Matthew’s hesitance to accept the money, but once he makes his case about how he broke Lavinia’s heart, Lord G. relents. May I just say, while this is very noble of Matthew and all, it’s really not very practical. I mean, yes, he’s being very honorable, but this isn’t a romance novel, Matthew! It’s real life! Okay...I’m fine now. Moving on with the rest of the story.

Meanwhile, Violet and Mary are trying to figure out how in the world all the money was lost, and see if they can find another “untapped” revenue source to rescue Downton.

[If anyone can find a way...]

They’re back! Are you ready for the intrigues and entanglements of the Crawley family, and their motley crew of devoted servants? Well, you won’t be disappointed with Downton Abbey Season 3's series premiere!

********SPOILERS********

We left the family at the end of season 2 with Matthew asking Mary to marry him, and we begin season 3 with them gathered in church for the wedding rehearsal. It seems that Sybil and Branson won’t be attending because they can’t afford it (grrr), and Lord Grantham refuses to help them, saying that it would basically cause an uproar in the community if the former chauffeur attended Lady Mary’s wedding. Of course, Mrs. Crawley objects to Matthew about this, and insists that Lord G. is creating “a problem where none exists,” saying that the county just has to get used to the idea that the Earl’s daughter ran off with the chauffeur.

[Because, well, that happens...]

Wow. That’s the best word I can come up with for this episode. Let me say it again: WOW. We have everything in this episode; celebration, heartbreak, humor, and oh, the romance! THIS is what a true finale should be.

(Need to catch up? Check out our recaps of the Season 2 premiere, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4, episode 5, episode 6, and episode 7.)

[Deck the halls of Downton Abbey...]

This week’s season finale (well, technically, there’s still the Christmas special) wrapped up quite a bit...but there are still some cliffhangers.

(Need to catch up? Check out our recaps of the Season 2 premiere, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4, episode 5, episode 6, and episode 7.)

Oh, and there are spoilers ahead. As well as a reminder right here that Downton Abbey Series 2/Season 2 will air in the United States beginning January 8, 2012.

[Season finale? How quickly time—and a British television series—flies!...]

Wow. That’s all I can say about this week’s episode: a big, whopping, WOW. The writers really pulled out all the stops on this one. You know I said last week’s show felt a bit flat to me? Well, this week more than made up for it!

(Need to catch up? Check out our recaps of the Season 2 premiere, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4, episode 5, and episode 6.)

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This week’s episode was nowhere near the emotional roller coaster of last week, but it definitely had some interesting moments for our beloved household.

(Need to catch up? Check out our recaps of the Season 2 premiere, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4, and episode 5.)

The episode starts a few weeks after we left off.

[Just another day at Downton Abbey...]

Fair warning! This week’s episode was really emotional. I was a bawling mess by the time it was over.

(Need to catch up? Check out our recaps of the Season 2 premiere, episode 2, episode 3, and episode 4.)

The episode started with a gruesome sequence at the front with Matthew and William getting ready to head out on an offensive with their squadron. The scene is especially poignant because the scene shows all the soldiers praying, reading letters or lovingly caressing pictures of loved ones.

**WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD.**

[This is war...]

This week’s episode had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, my stomach tied in knots and my heart thumping. Lots of intrigue and plotting, lots of innuendo and even a few, you know, actual declarations of love!

(Need to catch up? Check out our recaps of the Season 2 premiere, episode 2, and episode 3.)

*******SPOILERS BELOW*******

The Abbey is now almost completely taken over by the convalescing soldiers and the episodes starts with Mrs. Crawley showing up to start her managerial duties, only to be met by a very much in charge Cora. Seems like everything’s being handled with great efficiency by the lady of the house and Isobel is not too happy about her reduced authority. It appears that she’s not needed upstairs, so she storms downstairs, only to be told by a harried Mrs. Patmore that Lady G. has changed the luncheon schedule (and consequently the nurses’ shift schedules). The nerve! How dare Cora change Isobel’s arrangements! Of course, she confronts Cora and threatens to leave. I have to tell you, I thought Mrs. Crawley’s arguments with the Dowager were entertaining, but they’re nothing compared to the showdown with Cora!

[You could sell tickets to that dance...]

A review of Downton Abbey Season 2, episode 3, served with an extra dollop of SPOILERS. Need to catch up? Check out our Downton Abbey Season 2 premiere recap and episode 2 recap.

Well, things are certainly starting to get intense as we embark on the third episode of the season. And I’m not just talking about the war here! We have lots of drama with Anna and Bates, Sybil and Branson, Mary and Matthew, and … Ethel and Major Bryant???

[Major spoilers for Season 2, episode 3 below—this is a recap, after all...]

A review of Downton Abbey Season 2, episode 2, served with an extra dollop of SPOILERS. Need to catch up? Check out our recap of the Season 2 premiere of Downton Abbey.

This week’s episode was actually pretty dark.  We dealt more with the horrors of war, not so much on the front itself, but back home with the survivors.  While life at the Abbey goes on—more or less as usual—the world is clearly changing, and this episode focused on a lot of serious issues. 

[Click for all the gossip on this episode...]

And now it’s our turn! Finally, the second season of Downton Abbey is on the American side of the pond. We originally recapped the series when it aired in the United Kingdom, so we’re thrilled to be able to share it with our American H&H audience again.

In honor of Downton’s return, we’ll also be hosting a weekly giveaway in which you’ll have the chance to win TWO Downton Abbey books: The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes and Below Stairs by Margaret Powell. Click here to learn more and to enter the sweepstakes!

On to the recap:

We left Downton Abbey last season with pretty much everything hanging on a cliff: Lord and Lady Crawley had just lost Baby Crawley; Mary and Matthew (the maybe/maybe not heir apparent to the Abbey) broken up; Edith’s plans of a blissful (albeit probably pretty dull) marriage to Sir Boring, er...I mean Sir Strallon thwarted by Mary; Bates kinda sorta declaring that he has feeeeelings for Anna (not to her, of course. What would be the fun of that?); Thomas quitting (and good riddance) to volunteer for the Medical Corps; and Sybil and Branson (*swoon*) holding hands. The clincher of course is that they’re all hanging off the most horrific cliff of all … the start of World War I.

[This is a recap of the first episode of Downton Abbey Season 2, so you can bet your booty there are spoilers! SPOILERS! And stiff upper lips. AND SPOILERS!...]