The acclaimed historical series Downton Abbey aired for six captivating seasons from 2010 to 2015. Created by Julian Fellowes, the narrative centers around the aristocratic Crawley family and their staff residing in the grand estate of Downton Abbey.
The series enjoyed immense popularity with both critics and audiences, yet not every episode stands out equally. Below, we present our curated list of the most captivating Downton Abbey episodes.
10. Season 1, Episode 3 (2010)
As viewers acclimated to the tranquil life at Downton, episode 3 delivers its inaugural shock. The story kicks off with Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) attempting to play matchmaker for Mary (Michelle Dockery) when a visiting bachelor arrives for a hunting party. Alongside him is Kemal Pamuk (Theo James), an attaché from the Turkish Embassy, who becomes enamored with Mary. That very night, Kemal pays a servant to gain entry to Mary’s chamber, leading to an unexpected twist when he suffers a heart attack in her bed!
9. Season 1, Episode 1 (2010)
The inaugural episode holds a special place in our hearts as it introduces the ensemble of characters we come to love. Set in April 1912, the Crawley family learns about the tragic loss of the two heirs to their estate following the Titanic disaster. The family’s future hangs precariously; while it should rightfully pass to Earl Robert’s (Hugh Bonneville) eldest daughter, Lady Mary, Robert instead selects a distant cousin, Matthew (Dan Stevens), as the heir.
8. Season 2, Episode 8 (2011)
Set in 1919 during the ravaging Spanish flu outbreak, the episode sees Cora, Carson (Jim Carter), and Matthew’s fiancée, Lavinia (Zoe Boyle), falling severely ill. Lord Grantham is outraged at his youngest daughter Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay) for her intent to marry the commoner Branson (Allen Leech), while Mary and Matthew steal a secret moment together. Witnessing their kiss, Lavinia selflessly decides to step aside, allowing Mary and Matthew’s romance to flourish.
7. Season 3, Episode 9 (2012)
This poignant Christmas special served as the dramatic conclusion to the third season and left audiences in tears. While mourning the recent death of Sybil, the Crawleys make their annual visit to the Scottish Highlands to see the MacClare family. Among the political discussions, it is determined that cousin Rose (Lily James) will make a stay at Downton. However, the episode concludes with a shocking twist.
After Lady Mary gives birth to a son, the couple’s joy is palpable, believing “Downton is safe” with a new heir. However, in a tragic turn, Matthew, overwhelmed with happiness, rushes to his car, only to be involved in a fatal accident.
6. Season 4, Episode 9 (2013)
Fast-forward to the final episode of Season 4, titled The London Season. The Crawley family heads to their London residence for Rose’s coming-out party. This episode features Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson and Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson, delivering a delightful mix of opulence, gossip, and secrets. Additionally, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) grapples with concealing her love child, Marigold, among the Downton staff.
5. Season 6, Episode 3 (2015)
In a much-anticipated moment, fans witness the wedding of adored staff members Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) and Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). The episode bursts with excitement as Cora confronts the staff over a theft accusation, only to later apologize—marking a down-to-earth moment in the series.
Just when the episode seems to reach its peak of sweetness, Tom arrives with daughter Sybbie (Fifi Hart), expressing their intentions to settle down permanently.
4. Season 2, Episode 3 (2011)
This pivotal episode offers a fascinating insight into historical events. In 1917, Downton serves as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers returning from World War I. Branson’s anti-war sentiments lead him to frustration when he is discharged from service instead of being recognized as a conscientious objector. He concocts a plan to pour soup on a general but is thwarted by Carson before he can execute it.
3. Season 3, Episode 5 (2012)
This episode marks the heartbreaking farewell to one of the most spirited members of the Crawley family. The narrative focuses on Sybil, who endures excruciating labor while the household anxiously awaits her fate. Spoiler alert: it does not end well.
During the night, Sybil suffers from eclampsia-induced seizures and tragically passes away, leaving her family filled with guilt for heeding poor medical advice.
2. Season 6, Episode 8 (2015)
This episode is packed with drama, requiring a special extended runtime of 72 minutes. Bertie, Edith’s love interest, unexpectedly inherits a fortune, leading everyone at Downton to believe she must disclose her daughter Marigold’s existence before agreeing to marry him. Mary is particularly abrasive, upsetting Tom and Edith as tensions rise. When she reveals Edith’s secret, Bertie departs, leading to understandable outrage. The episode beautifully concludes with a surprise wedding amidst various twists and turns.
1. Season 2, Episode 9 (2011)
The season two finale is a festive Christmas special, brimming with added enchantment. Over three days, the family and their staff unite for the holiday celebrations while Mary navigates her romantic disputes, ultimately becoming engaged to Matthew. This episode also encompasses a murder trial and reveals a long-held scandal that jeopardizes Mary’s social standing.
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