As rebellion reached Downton Abbey last week in episode 3, we were thrown into the drama of Tom and Lady Sybil’s flight from Ireland, Lady Edith’s venture into women’s suffrage and Cousin Matthew’s resistance of how the Downton estate has been managed over the years. Downstairs, new staff added the needed hands to bring the service back up to the pre-war standards that butler Mr. Carson and housekeeper Mrs. Hughes demand. While two new footman James and kitchen maid Ivy flutter a few hearts, the recently promoted lady’s maid Anna and her incarcerated husband Mr. Bates had a rocky separation before months of their correspondence was released by the prison and delivered to each of them.
Recap of episode 4 (major spoilers ahead)
Downstairs, Miss O’Brien is planting her seeds of destruction against valet Thomas, now rightfully called Mr. Barrow in honor due his position and not his personality. She advises footman James to seek his assistance when he can, hoping to throw them into each others path to fuel her plot to destroy Thomas’ pride and position. Daisy is in a tizzy over the attentions that the two footmen James and Alfred are lavishing on the comely new kitchen maid Ivy. She is doubly hard on her, barking commands and being all-around surly until Alfred sees an opportunity to save Ivy from embarrassment and steps in to fix the Hollandaise sauce at the last minute for her. Mrs. Patmore’s sharp eyes see all and humbles Daisy into acknowledging Ivy’s skill by making her thank her for her good work. Lady’s maid Ann finally visits her husband John Bates in jail and they discuss a new fact previously overlooked that might set him free. It all hinges on the word of a woman who hates him, so extra precautions must be taken with Vera’s neighbor Mrs. Bartlett so that she does not know that her word might overturn his conviction.
Upstairs, Lady Mary and her husband Matthew discuss Downton’s management (or mismanagement) as they tour the estate. His understanding of how Downton has been run in the past is from a business perspective which shows his middle-class upbringing, while Mary’s father sees things from an aristocratic view of caring for his tenants as individuals no matter what the financial outcome. Mrs. Crawley offers Ethel a job in her household which causes quite a stir. Her housekeeper Mrs. Bird refuses to work with a women with a past and gives Mrs. Crawley a her or me ultimatum, the outcome of which is not what she expected. Later, the staff at Downton are shocked to learn that Mrs. Bird has resigned because of Ethel. Outraged that a fallen women is working in service for a lady, Mr. Carson will not allow any of the maids or the footmen to go to Mrs. Crawley’s house lest everyone’s reputation be tainted by association. Lady Sybil’s baby is due and Lady Grantham seeks the advice of the local physician Dr. Clarkson while Lord Grantham sends for a famous doctor from London. The two doctors do not see eye to eye and the family is divided during a crisis while she is in labor. A baby girl arrives and everyone is relieved until Sybil’s health takes a turn with the worst possible outcome. Her death is a deep blow to everyone at Downton and the blame game begins between Lady Grantham and her husband.
Favorite Moments:
“There really is nothing wrong?” – Tom Branson
“Nothing at all.” – Dr. Clarkson
Tom Branson asks the family doctor about his wife’s health so close to her delivery. Of course he says nothing is wrong. This from the man who prescribed cinnamon and milk for the Spanish Flu!
“You better ask Mr. Barrow. He’s the clock expert. He used to wind them but it is of course quite wrong for a valet to do it.” – Miss O’Brien
“Mr. Barrow won’t mind?” – James Kent
“Oh no. I can see he likes you and that’s good since he’s got the ear of his Lordship.” – Miss O’Brien
Miss O’Brien the Dear Abbey of Downton Abbey – offering advice to the needy – yeah right! She knows whose clock Thomas wants to wind.
“I think he harks back to a time when money was abundant and there wasn’t much need to keep on top of it. I think he equates being businesslike with being mean or worse, middle class like me.” – Matthew Crawley
Ah. Another light bulb revelation. As Matthew and Mary discuss money matters of the Downton estate we are shown the difference between the classes. An interesting point, but why are Mary and Matthew always discussing money? Since he will inherit the estate and she wears the pants in the family, it is her point of view that must evolve here. This could be fun.
“Don’t bother Matthew. I’m always a failure in this family.” – Lady Edith Crawley
Edith is astounded to receive an offer of employment from the editor of The Sketch who wants her to write a weekly column. Someone values her opinion! How sad that her father Lord Grantham thinks that they only want her for her name and the title. Buck up Edith. If you storm out of rooms every time you get dinged by a member of your dysfunctional family you will be in constant motion. #TeamEdith
“Just one of the tricks of the trade.” – Ivy
“Well done Ivy you played a good one there. Thank her Daisy.” – Mrs. Patmore
Daisy is riding the new kitchen maid Ivy pretty hard while the two footmen James and Alfred vie for her attention. In this scene we get to see Alfred help save the Hollandaise sauce that has separated and make Ivy look like a star. *raised eyebrow*
“Oh don’t look at me. Cora is right. The decision lies with the chauffeur.” – Violet, Dowager Counter of Grantham
In a scene reminiscent of a tennis volley, the two doctors present differing opinions on Lady’s Sybil’s condition while in labor dividing the family: Lady Cora on the side of Dr. Clarkson and Lord Grantham on the side of Dr. Tapsell. Lady Violet, always the voice of reason in the family almost never agrees with her daughter-in-law’s decisions, but finally does, and we are left to applaud.
“She was the only person living who always thought you and I were such nice people.” – Lady Mary
“Oh, Mary. Do you think you and I might get along a little better in the future?”– Lady Edith
“I doubt it. But since this is the last time we all three shall be together in this life, let’s love each other as sisters should.” – Lady Mary
Black. Everything is black. Goodbye Lady Sybil.
My Review:
I am really quite numb after this episode. Sybil’s death was not expected and I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under us. It has overshadowed any of the other plot developments such as Edith’s good news about an invitation to write for a newspaper, or Ethel getting a job with Mrs. Crawley. Sybil was such a bright and energetic soul. Seeing all of her family in black morning and the servants with armbands was so devastating. When people die, one never knows what to say beyond offering condolences – and so, I am also speechless.
The staff story is heating up. #CrankyDaisy is back and miffed over the attention that the pretty new kitchen maid is receiving from the two footmen. It was interesting to see the footman Alfred to the rescue with the Hollandaise sauce. He obviously knows a thing or two about cooking. Miss O’Brien is weaving her evil web over Thomas and innocent James is being used for her selfish purpose. I don’t like where this is going, nor how Thomas is being portrayed like a lecherous stalker. Finally a ray of hope for Anna and Bates, but whenever that corrupt prison guard and Bate’s cellmate put their heads together I am left wondering why. What is their motive?
How did you like episode four? Are you all as stunned as I am with the outcome and new developments?
Downton Abbey Twitter Party
Join me as I co-moderate the live Downton Abbey Twitter parties every Sunday through February 17, 2013 at 9:00pm eastern and again during the Pacific coast time slot. Just use hashtag #DowntonPBS and add @pbs, @masterpiecepbs, @austenprose, @televisionary, @tomandlorenzo and @vulture to your favorite Twitter aggregator such as Tweetdeck, Tweetgrid, etc. It’s great fun, and totally free.
Join us for episode 5 of season 3 of Downton Abbey next Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 9:00pm ET & PT (check your local listings).
Further reading:
- Read my review of Downton Abbey S3E3
- Upstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
- Downstairs at Downton Abbey – A Cast Preview
- Visit Downton Abbey at Masterpiece Classic online
- Visit our Downton Abbey archives
Watch Downton Abbey: Sybil and Tom on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.
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Although, I knew that Lady Sibyl was going to die, I was not prepared for it. I assumed that she would die toward the end of Season 3.
I cried like a baby!
I felt the same way. I thought she’d be there longer. The previews of her holding the baby of course led us to believe she’d survived delivery. It was about as heart-wrenching as I’ve ever seen and skillfully accomplished. I was so angry at them all for their ignorance and wanted someone to take a swing at Lord Philip! (I guess that’s American TV….ha ha). There was that moment when Cora was trying to convince them and Tom looked at her THAT WAS THE MOMENT he should have known better and listened to his mother in law!
This episode just shot the conflicts up to record level. I want the next episode tomorrow, after I re watch this one today.
I want to go searching for background on Sybil’s exit but I KNOW BETTER, as there are more spoilers out there.
I. Almost. Died. I am one of the very few to avoid spoilers and I was totally freaking shocked when Sybil died. I cried. I pouted (she was my favorite sister, boohoo). I have no idea what a twitter party is…but I’m in! I’ll figure it out before next week. I played BINGO this week, and won thank you very much, but Twitter sounds like a blast.
Sybil’s death was such a sad turn in the story. I loved her character, and I thought she and Tom added such a interesting dynamic to the story, especially this season. The most moving moments for me were when Thomas was crying (because that was unexpected) and when Maggie Smith was very emotional after Sybil’s passing. As a random side note, I wonder if Matthew and Mary are capable of discussing anything besides money at this point. :)
Everything in episode # 4 paled against the tragic and totally unexpected death of Sybil. My wife and I both just sat there, totally stunned and overcome with emotion. She had such vital relationships with EVERYONE in the household: Wife, mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter and beloved friend to the entire Downton staff. Following Sybil’s death, when Mary caught Matthew discussing finances I honestly thought she was going to slap him right in the face and I wish she would have….what an insensitive idiot he was at that moment.
Stunned. Completely stunned. As in–didn’t see that coming. It certainly leaves room for some interesting future developments. But please, can we get Mr. Bates out of prison and move on? I support Matthew in his decision to speak with the lawyer. Perhaps not the best time, but as he said, who knows when the attorney would be back? And Matthew is ‘middle class’ enough to understand Downton needs to be run like a business! If only Mary could see that–but I’m afraid this may be a stumbling block for them.
I am shocked about Sybil! She was the only sister that really took the time to scratch my ears and rub my tummy. I only now get to look forward to long walks on the estate with Lord G and the occasional bone from Ms. Patmore. I really want to retrieve a downed duck or pheasant. Does Lord G ever go hunting anymore? What’s wrong with my master? I think I’ll turn on and bite Thomas for locking me in that shed in S2…
Fantastic!!
I had happened upon a spoiler of Sybil’s death on a site from England. I too knew it was coming and figured she would die in childbirth. Still the episode was so well done that it left me saddened and stunned. That’s a testimony to good writing and acting. I do think there’s more power in the reserved reactions to death and hardship.
This episode was rife with foreshadowing, so I knew from about 5 minutes in that there was going to be something terribly wrong before the end. That, however, did not prepare me for how devastatingly heavy this episode was, and I would be lying if I said that I didn’t get choked up by the time the credits rolled around.
There can only be bad things going down with that sketchy cellmate and the creeper-MacCreeperton guard. It sounds like they’re actually actively involved in making sure Bates’ case turns out poorly – didn’t it sound like they knew something particular?
I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I do feel really bad for Thomas right now. He’s still a dick x 1,000, but he seems to finally be settling into something like “his own” now that he’s working as a valet… and along comes Miss O’Brien to instigate what is quickly spiraling into a workplace sexual-harassment suit in the making.
I agree that Matthew could have picked a better time to talk with the lawyer, and I feel completely for Mary and would have supported her decision to slap him in the face. However, I am waiting with growing impatience for her to realize that he actually has a legitimate point and that, as he said, she “wants their children to grow up at Downton,” changes need to be made. I always thought Lady Mary was smart enough to figure this out, but she’s being waaaaaay too proud (should I be surprised though, really?).
I never thought I would say this, but I feel sorry for Thomas. I think Alfred can look after Alfred, and O’Brien should back off.
I didn’t anticipate Lady Sybil’s death until I saw her at the beginning of the episode–but she was so gray and out of it, that I had a bad feeling. Plus, I just watched a Call the Midwife episode Sat night in which a woman died of eclampsia, so I could see the script-writing on the wall when Dr. C. was dismissed as a quack.
I think I’m in the minority in terms of understanding Mrs. Byrd’s reservations and being annoyed with Isobel Crawley’s assumption that she knows what is right for everyone. I can’t imagine that anyone upstairs or downstairs would think that Mrs. Crawley’s method of helping Edith is sound. I think a better solution would be to place her in a situation where her past is not known and she is not already reviled. There is a selfishness and arrogance in Isobel that undercuts her generosity–I think she likes everyone to think how noble and fair-minded she is, and that trumps whether the solution is really in the best interests of the person she’s trying to help. I did not cheer when she sacked a faithful servant who shares the same reservations as virtually all the other characters.
Not a dry eye in this house for over an hour. Lady Sybil was so beautiful even lying in repose. So sad especially for her Mother, Tom, Lady Mary and Lady Edith each in their own way. I hope they help Tom, and not hurt him. All else overshadowed. I wish the prison scenes were over, but from the previews it does not look any time soon. R.I.P. Lady Sybil, you charmed so many of us with your daring ease.
Oh poor Lady Sybil! What a brutal scene. That will be hard to watch again. Edith and Cora need to stand in for Sybil and champion women’s rights. Mary won’t do it – she’s too busy being haughty and judgmental. I’m losing interest in her with her constant sighing and scolding. She never seems happy.
Wow what an episode! I like Tom and how much love he had for Sybil. I am ready to move off of bates. To be quite frankly I am getting bored with the whole free bates thing when I DVR it I fast forward it.
Wow o’brian is coming full force! I do feel bad for thomas
I am looking forward to the next episode I wish we had two episodes a weekk
I enjoyed your review and your adroit ‘hat-tip to P & P:
“Are the shades of Downton to be thus polluted!”;
and the timing could not be more perfect!
I’m tearing up again as I see those pictures and read those lines again..
I really thought it was a stupid decission to insert the guillotine in the middle of the season, and they couldn’t have waited with it. The last scene with Sybil.. It was too much, really.. I’ve never been so sad over a show ever before.
But, looking at that tiny bright side of all of it, I do hope Tom and his little baby get an interesting storyline- maybe she becomes a rebel, just like her mother. And I’m looking forward to that! :)
The saddest part of the episode was the shot of Tom holding the baby at the end – all alone. I really try not to “research” what will happen in future episodes – glad I didn’t know this ahead of time.
I also managed to avoid spoilers, so I didn’t know about Sybil’s death beforehand…it definitely brought tears to my eyes! I’m very curious about what will become of Tom and their child now that Sybil isn’t around to play peacemaker. Also, I loved the scene with Thomas crying — it was incredibly well-acted, and it’s good to be reminded that he does have a human side, apart from all the sinister scheming.
[...] and death weighed in deeply in last week’s episode 4 of Downton Abbey. The birth of Lady Sybil’s daughter and her shocking death overshadowed any of the other plot [...]